1.Protective effect of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide on Leptospiral infection in golden hamster
Lingling GONG ; Tianbao LYU ; Hua TIAN ; Hongkai HE ; Yue DING ; Jiuxi LIU ; Xufeng XIE ; Wenlong ZHANG ; Yongguo CAO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(5):1060-1066
To explore the protective effect of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide(ASP)on leptospiro-sis induced by pathogenic Leptospira infection,the golden hamster model of leptospirosis was se-lected for the experiment.The Leptospira and Leptospira+ASP groups were intraperitoneally injected with Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai strain 56601(1 × 10 6 per hamster).After infec-tion,the Leptospira+ASP group was injected intraperitoneally with ASP(50 mg/kg)for three consecutive days,while the Leptospira group was injected intraperitoneally with normal saline for three days.The experiment employed methods such as daily observation of the clinical symptoms of golden hamsters,statistics of the survival status of each group of golden hamsters,pathological damage of liver,kidney,and lung,bacterial load in organs,and the expression of inflammatory cy-tokines(IL-1β and TNF-α).The results indicated that ASP could effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of the infected hamsters,enhance the survival rate,ameliorate the pathological damage of the body,reduce the bacterial load in various organs,and mitigate tissue inflammation.This study demonstrated for the first time that ASP has a protective effect on leptospirosis,providing medication guidance for the clinical treatment of leptospirosis.
2.Mechanistic study on the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides-Sanchi flower herb pair for improving glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus model mice
Ning WANG ; Congyi LIU ; Ying DING ; Xinyu ZHONG ; Zimeng HUANG ; Na ZHENG ; Qiu'e ZHANG ; Ruifeng YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(10):1390-1403
Objective Based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of"simultaneous regulation of the liver and kidney,"this study integrated network pharmacology prediction,molecular docking,and animal experimental validation to analyze the multi-target regulatory network of Duzhong Xionghua(the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides)-Sanqi Hua(Sanchi flower)herb pair(hereinafter called"herb pair")in modulating glucolipid metabolic disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),thereby elucidating its underlying molecular mechanism.Methods Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals,and Wanfang Data were used to obtain the active ingredients of the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides and Sanchi flower.PubChem Compound,SwissTargetPrediction,and SuperPred were used to screen and predict the targets of the drugs;The Human Gene Database,The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man,and Therapeutic Target Database were used to screen the key gene targets of T2DM.A"component-target-pathway"network diagram was constructed using Cytoscape software,and Gene Ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were employed to identify the functions of the relevant target genes and pathways.Molecular docking was used to verify the binding activities of the core components and the key targets.For animal experiments,spontaneous T2DM model mice were used,in which the normal group consisted of six mice(wild type)from the same litter,and the 24 successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model,metformin(0.26 g/kg),high-dose herb pair(2.6 g/kg),and low-dose herb pair groups(1.3 g/kg)according to the blood glucose levels and body weights,with six mice per group.The drugs were administered by gavage daily for six consecutive weeks.The body weight and fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels were measured weekly,and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in the fifth week.At the end of drug administration,body weight,naso-anal length,liver and bilateral epididymal adipose mass were measured;pathological changes in the liver were observed using HE staining;serum levels of aspartate transaminase(AST),alanine amino-transferase(ALT),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected using colorimetric assay;and liver tissue phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β)signaling pathway protein expressions were determined using Western blotting.Results Network pharmacology screening identified 38 active components and 669 potential targets of the herb pair.Intersection analysis with 1,275 T2DM-related targets yielded 185 common targets.Protein-protein interaction network analysis and pathway enrichment revealed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as a key mechanism.Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinity of the core components to key targets such as AKT1,suggesting that the herb pair may activate the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibit GSK-3β activity via beta-sitosterol etc.Animal experiments demonstrated that,compared with the model group,the metformin group exhibited reduced FBG,AST,and ALT levels(P<0.01),but failed to improve body weight,Lee's index,or epididymal fat coefficient.Both herb pair doses significantly lowered Lee's index,hepatic index,and the epididymal fat coefficient(P<0.01),with the low-dose herb pair group showing attenuated body weight gain in mice.In contrast,the high-dose herb pair group exhibited decreased FBG,improved glucose tolerance,reduced TC,TG,and LDL-C levels,and increased HDL-C level(all P<0.01).HE staining revealed that all metformin and the herb pair markedly restored hepatic structure and alleviated steatosis in model mice,with more pronounced effects in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group.Western blotting result indicated that in the low-dose herb pair group,phospho-PI3K(p-PI3K),AKT,and phospho-GSK-3β(p-GSK-3β)protein expressions significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),whereas GSK-3β decreased(P<0.05).The high-dose group exhibited enhanced PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT,phospho-AKT,and p-GSK-3β protein expressions(all P<0.01),accompanied by reduced GSK-3β expression(P<0.01).Conclusion The male flower of Eucommia ulmoides-Sanchi flower herb pair may ameliorate T2DM-related glucolipid metabolic disorders by modulating the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway.
3.Research Progress on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Based on NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Congyi LIU ; Na ZHENG ; Jingjing XU ; Ning WANG ; Zimeng HUANG ; Ying DING ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(9):2553-2568
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is a progressive liver disease caused by factors other than alcohol caused by heterotopic fat accumulation in the liver.In recent years,the incidence rate has been increasing,and there is no specific clinical drug.Studies have found that nuclear transcription factor κB(NF-κB)can activate inflammation and oxidative stress,which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.Traditional Chinese medicine is convenient to obtain and cheap.It can treat NAFLD through multiple channels with good clinical efficacy,and no obvious side effects have been found till now.Many studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine can inhibit the occurrence and development of NAFLD by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.This article summarizes the research results of traditional Chinese medicine in treating NAFLD based on the NF-κB signaling pathway since 2021,for several traditional Chinese medicine extracts(flavonoids,terpenoids,polysaccharides,glycosides,alkaloids and phenolic compounds)and traditional Chinese medicine compound(Shugan Jianpi Fang,Erhuang Quzhi Granules,Fuzi Lizhong Decoction,Huangqin Decoction,Qinlian Hongqu Decoction,Jiangzhi Granules),which can inhibit the further development of NAFLD by improving liver inflammatory response,oxidative stress response,fibrosis,apoptosis,autophagy and pyroptosis through the NF-κB signaling pathway,in order to provide new ideas for future new drug development and clinical medication.
4.Effect of acupuncture on postoperative delirium in diabetic patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia
Jiaxi LIU ; Qi WANG ; Lingling DING ; Jiaqi NING ; Hai KE ; Zhuoya CHEN ; Bo YU ; Weiming SUN ; Peng CHEN ; Xiang LI ; Shishun KOU ; Reiling ZHOU ; Yudong ZHOU ; Yan GUO ; Mengjie CHEN ; Ruyu YAN ; Jiansheng LUO
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(10):1313-1316
Objective:To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on postoperative delirium (POD) in diabetic patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 92 diabetic patients of either sex, aged 30-80 yr, with a body mass index of 18-28 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅱ or Ⅲ, scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups ( n=46 each) using a table of random numbers: control group (group C) and acupuncture group (group A). Group A received acupuncture at the Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV24) and Sishencong (EX-HN1) acupoints before anesthesia. The needles were retained for 30 min, with manual stimulation applied every 10 min for 10 s each time. After 4 stimulations, routine anesthesia was carried out. Group C received routine anesthesia only. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation was recorded on admission to the operating room (T 0), after anesthesia induction (T 1), at the start of surgery (T 2), at the end of surgery (T 3), and immediately after tracheal extubation (T 4). The POD developed within 3 days after surgery was assessed. The occurrence of needle-related adverse effects such as fainting, subcutaneous bleeding, and local paresthesia was recorded. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence of POD was significantly reduced, and the regional cerebral oxygen saturation was increased at T 1, 4 in group A ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Acupuncture can decrease the development of POD in diabetic patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, which is related to an increase in regional cerebral oxygen saturation.
5.Mechanistic study on the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides-Sanchi flower herb pair for improving glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus model mice
Ning WANG ; Congyi LIU ; Ying DING ; Xinyu ZHONG ; Zimeng HUANG ; Na ZHENG ; Qiu'e ZHANG ; Ruifeng YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(10):1390-1403
Objective Based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of"simultaneous regulation of the liver and kidney,"this study integrated network pharmacology prediction,molecular docking,and animal experimental validation to analyze the multi-target regulatory network of Duzhong Xionghua(the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides)-Sanqi Hua(Sanchi flower)herb pair(hereinafter called"herb pair")in modulating glucolipid metabolic disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),thereby elucidating its underlying molecular mechanism.Methods Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals,and Wanfang Data were used to obtain the active ingredients of the male flower of Eucommia ulmoides and Sanchi flower.PubChem Compound,SwissTargetPrediction,and SuperPred were used to screen and predict the targets of the drugs;The Human Gene Database,The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man,and Therapeutic Target Database were used to screen the key gene targets of T2DM.A"component-target-pathway"network diagram was constructed using Cytoscape software,and Gene Ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were employed to identify the functions of the relevant target genes and pathways.Molecular docking was used to verify the binding activities of the core components and the key targets.For animal experiments,spontaneous T2DM model mice were used,in which the normal group consisted of six mice(wild type)from the same litter,and the 24 successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model,metformin(0.26 g/kg),high-dose herb pair(2.6 g/kg),and low-dose herb pair groups(1.3 g/kg)according to the blood glucose levels and body weights,with six mice per group.The drugs were administered by gavage daily for six consecutive weeks.The body weight and fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels were measured weekly,and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed in the fifth week.At the end of drug administration,body weight,naso-anal length,liver and bilateral epididymal adipose mass were measured;pathological changes in the liver were observed using HE staining;serum levels of aspartate transaminase(AST),alanine amino-transferase(ALT),total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)were detected using colorimetric assay;and liver tissue phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β)signaling pathway protein expressions were determined using Western blotting.Results Network pharmacology screening identified 38 active components and 669 potential targets of the herb pair.Intersection analysis with 1,275 T2DM-related targets yielded 185 common targets.Protein-protein interaction network analysis and pathway enrichment revealed the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as a key mechanism.Molecular docking confirmed the strong binding affinity of the core components to key targets such as AKT1,suggesting that the herb pair may activate the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibit GSK-3β activity via beta-sitosterol etc.Animal experiments demonstrated that,compared with the model group,the metformin group exhibited reduced FBG,AST,and ALT levels(P<0.01),but failed to improve body weight,Lee's index,or epididymal fat coefficient.Both herb pair doses significantly lowered Lee's index,hepatic index,and the epididymal fat coefficient(P<0.01),with the low-dose herb pair group showing attenuated body weight gain in mice.In contrast,the high-dose herb pair group exhibited decreased FBG,improved glucose tolerance,reduced TC,TG,and LDL-C levels,and increased HDL-C level(all P<0.01).HE staining revealed that all metformin and the herb pair markedly restored hepatic structure and alleviated steatosis in model mice,with more pronounced effects in the high-dose group than in the low-dose group.Western blotting result indicated that in the low-dose herb pair group,phospho-PI3K(p-PI3K),AKT,and phospho-GSK-3β(p-GSK-3β)protein expressions significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),whereas GSK-3β decreased(P<0.05).The high-dose group exhibited enhanced PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT,phospho-AKT,and p-GSK-3β protein expressions(all P<0.01),accompanied by reduced GSK-3β expression(P<0.01).Conclusion The male flower of Eucommia ulmoides-Sanchi flower herb pair may ameliorate T2DM-related glucolipid metabolic disorders by modulating the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway.
6.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
7.Effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Alcohol Extract on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in db/db Mice Based on Transcriptomics and Gut Microbiota
Yifei ZHU ; Lei DING ; Wei LIU ; Yahui SUN ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum alcohol extract in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice through transcriptomics and gut microbiota analysis. MethodsEighteen db/db mice were randomly assigned to the model(DM) group, metformin(MET) group, and G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract(GP) group, with six mice in each group, based on stratification of fasting blood glucose and body weight. An additional six db/m mice were selected as the normal control(NC) group. Mice in the NC and DM groups were administered deionized water (10 mL·kg-1) daily. The MET group received metformin (0.195 g·kg-1) by gavage. The GP group was treated with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (3.9 g·kg-1) by gavage for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose was measured every two weeks. After six weeks of intervention, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure insulin (FINS), adiponectin (ADP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver histomorphology, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was employed to assess hepatic glycogen synthesis, and Oil Red O staining was used to detect hepatic lipid deposition. Liver transcriptomic data were used to identify differentially expressed genes in the liver and conduct enrichment analysis. Real-time PCR was employed to verify the expression levels of adiponectin gene (Adipoq), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), glucokinase (GCK), forkhead box (Fox)O1, FoxO3, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC). Metagenomic sequencing was conducted to analyze changes in gut microbiota composition. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the DM group exhibited significantly elevated fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), serum AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C (P<0.01). FINS, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ADP was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Histological analysis confirmed severe hepatic steatosis and excessive lipid accumulation in the DM group, along with markedly reduced glycogen synthesis. Compared with the DM group, the GP group showed significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), reduced serum TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels (P<0.05), significantly decreased serum TG and AST levels (P<0.01), significantly reduced FINS, HOMA-IR, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01), and significantly increased ADP (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition were significantly alleviated, while glycogen synthesis was markedly enhanced. Transcriptomic differential and enrichment analyses suggested that the mechanisms by which G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice may involve regulation of the AMPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Real-time PCR results confirmed that expression of PGC-1α, PEPCK, G6PC, FoxO1, and FoxO3 was significantly downregulated following treatment with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas mRNA expression of Adipoq, PPARα, GCK, and AMPK was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metagenomic analysis showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia species was higher in the GP group than in the DM group. ConclusionG. pentaphyllum alcohol extract may improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice by regulating the hepatic AMPK/PPARα pathway to suppress lipid deposition and alleviate hepatic steatosis, by inhibiting gluconeogenesis through the AMPK/PGC-1α and FoxO pathways to lower fasting blood glucose, and by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia to restore gut microbiota balance.
8.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
9.Effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Alcohol Extract on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in db/db Mice Based on Transcriptomics and Gut Microbiota
Yifei ZHU ; Lei DING ; Wei LIU ; Yahui SUN ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum alcohol extract in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice through transcriptomics and gut microbiota analysis. MethodsEighteen db/db mice were randomly assigned to the model(DM) group, metformin(MET) group, and G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract(GP) group, with six mice in each group, based on stratification of fasting blood glucose and body weight. An additional six db/m mice were selected as the normal control(NC) group. Mice in the NC and DM groups were administered deionized water (10 mL·kg-1) daily. The MET group received metformin (0.195 g·kg-1) by gavage. The GP group was treated with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (3.9 g·kg-1) by gavage for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose was measured every two weeks. After six weeks of intervention, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure insulin (FINS), adiponectin (ADP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver histomorphology, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was employed to assess hepatic glycogen synthesis, and Oil Red O staining was used to detect hepatic lipid deposition. Liver transcriptomic data were used to identify differentially expressed genes in the liver and conduct enrichment analysis. Real-time PCR was employed to verify the expression levels of adiponectin gene (Adipoq), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), glucokinase (GCK), forkhead box (Fox)O1, FoxO3, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC). Metagenomic sequencing was conducted to analyze changes in gut microbiota composition. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the DM group exhibited significantly elevated fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), serum AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C (P<0.01). FINS, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ADP was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Histological analysis confirmed severe hepatic steatosis and excessive lipid accumulation in the DM group, along with markedly reduced glycogen synthesis. Compared with the DM group, the GP group showed significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), reduced serum TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels (P<0.05), significantly decreased serum TG and AST levels (P<0.01), significantly reduced FINS, HOMA-IR, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01), and significantly increased ADP (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition were significantly alleviated, while glycogen synthesis was markedly enhanced. Transcriptomic differential and enrichment analyses suggested that the mechanisms by which G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice may involve regulation of the AMPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Real-time PCR results confirmed that expression of PGC-1α, PEPCK, G6PC, FoxO1, and FoxO3 was significantly downregulated following treatment with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas mRNA expression of Adipoq, PPARα, GCK, and AMPK was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metagenomic analysis showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia species was higher in the GP group than in the DM group. ConclusionG. pentaphyllum alcohol extract may improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice by regulating the hepatic AMPK/PPARα pathway to suppress lipid deposition and alleviate hepatic steatosis, by inhibiting gluconeogenesis through the AMPK/PGC-1α and FoxO pathways to lower fasting blood glucose, and by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia to restore gut microbiota balance.
10.Epidemiological characteristics of pancreatic cancer in China and worldwide
Jun WANG ; Lulu DING ; Yongfeng YAN ; Yongsheng CHEN ; Yuanyou XU ; Lingling LU ; Haijian GONG ; Jian ZHU
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(6):477-484
Objective:To analyze pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality data in China and worldwide and to provide data for pancreatic cancer prevention and control efforts.Methods:Data of pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates, along with historical and predictive data, were obtained from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database. Epidemiological characteristics of pancreatic cancer was analyzed by region, sex, age and Human Development Index (HDI). Spearman's correlation coefficient test was used to assess the relationship between HDI and age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR).Results:In 2022, the global number of new cases and deaths of pancreatic cancer will be 511 thousand and 467 thousand, respectively, with an ASIR and ASMR of 4.7/10 5 and 4.2/10 5, respectively. North America and Europe had the highest pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates of 8.5/10 5 and 7.3/10 5, respectively. Global ASIR and ASMR in men were both 1.4 times higher than those in women. HDI levels were positively correlated with ASIR ( r=0.79, P<0.001) and ASMR ( r=0.78, P<0.001) of pancreatic cancer in all regions. The number of pancreatic cancer cases and deaths in China were 119 thousand and 106 thousand, respectively, while the ASIR and ASMR of pancreatic cancer were 4.4/10 5 and 3.9/10 5, respectively. Both ASIR and ASMR in men were both 1.5 times higher than those in women in China. The number of pancreatic cancer incidence and death cases in China in 2050 is predicted to be 216 thousand and 204 thousand cases, with an increase of 81.5% and 92.5% compared with 2022, respectively. Conclusions:The disease burden of pancreatic cancer varies significantly among different regions, genders and ages. Pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality are positively correlated with HDI. The incidence and mortality rates of pancreatic cancer in China are close to the global average, but the number of new cases and deaths is high. Prevention and control should be strengthened to improve the survival of pancreatic cancer patients.

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