1.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.
2.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.
3.Obesity-driven oleoylcarnitine accumulation in tumor microenvironment promotes breast cancer metastasis-like phenotype.
Chao CHEN ; Hongxia ZHANG ; Lingling QI ; Haoqi LEI ; Xuefei FENG ; Yingjie CHEN ; Yuanyuan CHENG ; Defeng PANG ; Jufeng WAN ; Haiying XU ; Shifeng CAO ; Baofeng YANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Xin ZHAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):1974-1990
Obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer and is associated with breast cancer metastasis. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which alterations in systemic metabolism affect tumor microenvironment (TME) and consequently influence tumor metastasis remains inadequately understood. Herein, we found that perturbations in circulating metabolites induced by obesity promote metastasis-like phenotypes in breast cancer. Oleoylcarnitine (OLCarn) concentrations were elevated in the serum of obese mice and humans. Administration of exogenous OLCarn induces metastasis-like characteristics in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, OLCarn directly interacts with the Arg176 site of adenylate cyclase 10 (ADCY10), leading to the activation of ADCY10 and enhancement of cAMP production. Mutations at Arg176 prevent OLCarn from binding to ADCY10, disrupting the ADCY10-mediated activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. This activation promotes transcription factor 4 (TCF4)-dependent kinesin family member C1 (KIFC1) transcription, thereby driving breast cancer metastasis. Conversely, the neutralization of both ADCY10 and KIFC1 through knockdown or pharmacological inhibition abrogates the oncogenic effects mediated by OLCarn. Hence, obesity-induced systemic environmental changes lead to the aberrant accumulation of OLCarn within the TME, making it a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for breast cancer.
4.Emd-D inhibited ovarian cancer progression via PFKFB4-dependent glycolysis and apoptosis.
Xin ZHAO ; Chao CHEN ; Xuefei FENG ; Haoqi LEI ; Lingling QI ; Hongxia ZHANG ; Haiying XU ; Jufeng WAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Baofeng YANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):431-442
Ovarian cancer poses a significant threat to women's health, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies. Emd-D, an emodin derivative, demonstrates enhanced pharmaceutical properties and bioavailability. In this study, Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assays and Ki-67 staining revealed dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation by Emd-D. Migration and invasion experiments confirmed its inhibitory effects on OVHM cells, while flow cytometry analysis demonstrated Emd-D-induced apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations elucidated that Emd-D functions as an inhibitor by directly binding to the glycolysis-related enzyme PFKFB4. This was corroborated by alterations in intracellular lactate and pyruvate levels, as well as glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and hexokinase 2 (HK2) expression. PFKFB4 overexpression experiments further supported the dependence of Emd-D on PFKFB4-mediated glycolysis and SRC3/mTORC1 pathway-associated apoptosis. In vivo experiments exhibited reduced xenograft tumor sizes upon Emd-D treatment, accompanied by suppressed glycolysis and increased expression of Bax/Bcl-2 apoptotic proteins within the tumors. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate Emd-D's potential as an anti-ovarian cancer agent through inhibition of the PFKFB4-dependent glycolysis pathway and induction of apoptosis. These results provide a foundation for further exploration of Emd-D as a promising drug candidate for ovarian cancer treatment.
Female
;
Humans
;
Ovarian Neoplasms/physiopathology*
;
Phosphofructokinase-2/genetics*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Glycolysis/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Mice
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Emodin/administration & dosage*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Hexokinase/metabolism*
;
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
5.The value of standardized patient simulation combined with OSCE model in clinical undergraduate teaching
Qi WANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Lingling ZHENG ; Kui LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(2):256-260
Objective:To study the value of standardized patient simulation combined with objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in clinical undergraduate teaching.Methods:A total of 114 medical undergraduates who were interned in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected as the research objects. All the students were randomly divided into observation group ( n=57) and control group ( n=57). Other undergraduate students were recruited as standardized patients and trained; students in the observation group were given standardized patient simulation teaching, while patients in the control group were given traditional teaching methods; experienced teachers prepared test questions and developed unified scoring standards, and OSCE model was adopted to assess the two groups. The scores of theory, medical history, humanistic communication, rehabilitation thinking, practical skills and total scores of the two groups were recorded. The evaluation of standardized patient simulation by 57 undergraduates and the evaluation of OSCE model by 114 undergraduates in the observation group were recorded. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for t test. Results:After teaching, the scores of medical history, humanistic communication, rehabilitation thinking and practical skills in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in theoretical scores between the two groups ( P>0.05). Before teaching, there was no significant difference in the total scores between the two groups ( P>0.05); after teaching, the total scores of the two groups were both improved, with significant differences ( P<0.05); compared with the control group, the total score of the observation group was improved higher, with significant differences ( P<0.05). All the undergraduates in the observation group thought that the standardized patient simulation teaching improved themselves, and 89.47% of the undergraduates thought that the standardized patient simulation was worth promoting in the teaching of rehabilitation and therapy. Most of the undergraduates believed that OSCE model could reflect the students' comprehensive ability better than the traditional written examination, and could improve their communication ability and practical operation ability, cultivate their high-quality rehabilitation thinking, and change their tendency to lay stress on theoretical study. And 91.23% of the undergraduates thought that OSCE model was worth promoting in the courses of rehabilitation therapy. Conclusions:Standardized patient simulation combined with OSCE model is conducive to improving the comprehensive performance of undergraduates, improving their communication ability and practical operation ability, and cultivating their high-quality rehabilitation thinking, which can be promoted in clinical undergraduate teaching.
6.Advances in the Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection
Qi JIANG ; Zhenzhen JIA ; Lingling WANG ; Xiangjun LIU ; Hongying LIU
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(4):581-587
With the continuous development of medical science and the widespread use of antibiotics,the problem of bacterial resistance is increasing,especially the increasing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae(CRE)infection,and the high mortality rate,which brings great challenges to clinical treatment.In this paper,the mechanism of drug resistance,existing antibac-terial drugs,and exploratory treatment options for CRE are reviewed,and the research progress in treating CRE infection is dis-cussed to provide more reliable evidence and a theoretical basis for clinical practice.
7.Value of combination of first-trimester and mid-trimester ultrasound in screening fetal pentalogy of Cantrell
Naimin SUN ; Chenhan ZHENG ; Chunya JI ; Jun ZHANG ; Qi PAN ; Lingling SUN ; Zhong YANG ; Chen LING ; Linliang YIN ; Xuedong DENG
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2024;33(2):151-157
Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of first-trimester and mid-trimester ultrasound in screening fetal pentalogy of Cantrell, and to analyze missed and misdiagnosed cases.Methods:The fetal ultrasound image characteristics of pentalogy of Cantrell diagnosed in the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from March 2018 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The necessary sections and key features of ultrasound images for diagnosing the disease in first-trimester and mid-trimester were summarized. The diagnostic value of ultrasound screenings in first-trimester and mid-trimester was analyzed, and the progression of the disease during pregnancy was understood, the missed diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate were calculated, and the reasons for missing diagnosis were analyzed. All fetuses were followed up to birth or induction of labor.Pentalogy of Cantrell was divided into types Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ according to Toyama′s research.Results:Among the 120 190 fetuses, 13 cases of pentalogy of Cantrell were diagnosed by ultrasound in first-trimester and mid-trimester. Ultrasound predominantly showed the fetal heart being malpositioned outside the chest and the fetal abdominal contents bulging outside the abdominal cavity, and the sternumal echo was partially or completely missed in some cases. All 13 cases were confirmed by follow-up, including 1 case of type Ⅱ, and 12 cases of type Ⅲ. In addition, 1 missed case of type Ⅱ pentalogy of Cantrell was followed up after birth. The correct diagnostic rates of fetal pentalogy of Cantrell using standard ultrasound sections during the first-trimester and mid-trimester were 99.9% and 100%, the sensitivity were 88.9% and 100%, the specificity were both 100%, the positive predictive values were both 100%, and the negative predictive values were 99.9% and 100%, respectively.Conclusions:First-trimester and mid-trimester ultrasound screenings have high diagnostic accuracy for pentalogy of Cantrell, and early detection and early diagnosis are of great clinical significance for the guidance of pregnancy outcomes.
8.Effect of Yifei Sanjie Pills (益肺散结丸) Combined with Cisplatin on Plasma Exosomal miRNAs in Lewis Lung Cancer Tumor-derived Mice
Lingling SUN ; Xiangjun QI ; Yanlong LI ; Leihao HU ; Lizhu LIN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(19):2032-2040
ObjectiveTo investigate the tumor inhibition effect and mechanism of Yifei Sanjie Pills (益肺散结丸, YSP) on lung cancer. MethodsLewis lung cancer tumor-derived mice were established and divided into four groups including model control group, cisplatin group, cisplatin + YSP low-dose group and cisplatin + YSP high-dose group, with 12 mice in each group. The corresponding interventions were given for 14 days. The tumor volume was measured on the 0th, 3rd, 7th, 10th and 14th days of administration to evaluate the tumor growth. The plasma and tumor tissue were collected on the 15th day. Plasma from the model group, the cisplatin group and the cisplatin+YSP high-dose group were selected, and plasma exosomes were extracted; the differences in miRNA expression among the groups were detected and analyzed by second-generation sequencing technology, and the potential mechanism of action of YSP was investigated by principal component analysis, biofunctional enrichment analysis and miRNA-target gene regulatory network analysis. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miRNA-615-3p in tumor tissues, and the relationship between miRNA-615-3p and overall survival of lung cancer were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier plotter (kmplot.com) database. ResultsCompared to that of the model control group, the tumor volume of the cisplatin group on day 10, and the cisplatin + YSP low- and high-dose groups on day 7, 10, and 14 were significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to that of the cisplatin group, the tumor volume of the cisplatin + YSP low- and high-dose groups on day 10 and 14 was significantly reduced (P<0.05). The principal component analysis of miRNA expression profiles showed significant differences in miRNA expression between different intervention groups. There were 21 differentially expressed miRNAs between the model control group and the cisplatin group, 50 differentially expressed miRNAs between the model control group and the cisplatin+ YSP high-dose group, and 6 differentially expressed miRNAs between the cisplatin group and the cisplatin+ YSP high-dose group. Biological function enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were mainly involved in the regulation of signaling pathways related to cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, autophagy and other biological activities. The miRNA-target gene regulatory network showed the top 20 genes that were targeted, among which there were proven miRNAs and genes related to lung cancer, and miRNAs that needed further investigation. The expression of miRNA-615-3p in tumor tissues decreased significantly in the cisplatin group and cisplatin+YSP high-dose group compared to that of the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The miRNA-615-3p was negatively correlated with the survival prognosis of lung cancer(P<0.05). ConclusionCisplatin combined with YSP can effectively inhibit the proliferation of Lewis lung cancer tumors, and the tumor-suppressive effect is related to the regulation of multiple miRNAs, especially the downregulation of miRNA-615-3p expression.
9.Study on molecular marker screening and evaluation of Rubi Fructus and its analogues
Mengdi ZHENG ; Lingling ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Long GUO ; Xingjun WANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(6):792-796
Objective:To standardize the origin of Rubi Fructus by using ITS2 and matK molecular markers to identify Rubi Fructus and its analogues. Methods:The ITS and matK sequences of Rubus chingii Hu, Rubus corchorifolius L.f., Rubus hirsutus Thunb., Rubus parvifolius L., Rubus buergeri Miq. and Rubus lambertianus Ser. were amplified and sequenced. The hidden Markov model was used to remove 5.8S and 28S from ITS sequences. A total of 25 ITS2 sequences were obtained. And a total of 22 matK sequences were obtained by proofreading by Glustal software. MEGA software was used for matK and ITS2 sequences analysis, intraspecific and interspecific genetic distances caculation, and neighbor joining (NJ) phylogenetic tree construction. ITS2 secondary structure was predicted by ITS2 database and aligned by 4Sale software. Profile neighbor-joining (PNJ) phylogenetic tree was constructed based on combined ITS2 sequence and its secondary structure by ProfDistS software. Results:An obvious barcoding gap between Rubi Fructus and its analogues was showed. The topological relationship between NJ tree and PNJ tree was consistent, and each taxon exhibits monophyly. The ITS2 secondary structure of Rubi Fructus was significant different from its analogues.Conclusions:It is recommended that both ITS2 and matK markers can serve as DNA barcodes for identifying Rubi Fructus and its analogues. The addition of ITS2 secondary structure information can enrich the identification results and provide theoretical support for resource research and variety selection of Rubi Fructus.
10.Increased exercise is associated with reduced insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with newly diagnosed diabetes
Mengya QI ; Yuxiu LI ; Jie YU ; Huabing ZHANG ; Lingling XU ; Wei LI ; Fan PING
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(7):984-988
Objective To identify the relationship between physical activity,insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in individuals with different glucose tolerance status and to provide evidence for exercise intervention in people with different glucose tolerance status.Methods A total of 691 patients with different glucose metabolism status were recruited as subjects of the research.Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationship between exercise frequency and insulin resistance,insulin sensitivity,neck circumference(NC)and neck circumference height ratio(NHtR)in the subjects with different glucose metabolism status,the relationship between NC and insu-lin resistance and insulin sensitivity in different glucose metabolism groups.Results 171(62.9%)Subjects with diabetes were intervened by exercised every day.Spearman correlation analysis showed the correlation between exer-cise frequency and tri-glyceride triglyceride-glucose index(TyG index)(r=-0.120,P<0.05)and NC(r=-0.168,P<0.05)were negatively correlated.In subjects with diabetes,NC was positively correlated with triglyc-erides(TG)(r=-0.100,P<0.05),homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-R)(r=-0.163,P<0.05),total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein(TC/HDL-C)(r=-0.214,P<0.05)and TyG index(r=-0.156,P<0.05).Conclusions Increased frequency of exercise is associated with reduced NC,improved insulin resistance,and cardiovascular risk factors in subjects of our team with newly diagnosed diabetes.Exercise has no significant effect on insulin resistance of subjects with normal glucose tolerance and pre-diabetes.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail