1.The Role of MAPK in Depressive Disorder and Research on Related Drugs
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):388-403
Depressive disorder is a prevalent mental illness characterized by pronounced and enduring symptoms of depression and cognitive impairment. The escalating pressures of modern society have led to a corresponding rise in the number of depressive disorder patients, particularly those exposed to adverse social, economic, political, and environmental factors which exacerbate the risk of this disorder. The pathogenesis of depressive disorder is multifaceted, encompassing oxidative stress, neuroplasticity alterations, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter system imbalances, and intestinal microecological disruptions, among others. Clinically, conventional antidepressants are primarily predicated on the monoamine neurotransmitter hypothesis. This theory posits that depressive disorder can be ameliorated by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters within the body through a singular mechanism. However, the complex and multifaceted pathogenesis of depressive disorder results in limited selectivity for these drugs. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a crucial role in various cellular physiological and pathological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, stress adaptation, and inflammatory response. It is instrumental in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating cellular responses. Numerous studies indicate that MAPK is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of depressive disorder through various pathogenesis. However, what deserves attention is that the interaction between the pathogenesis and dynamics of regulatory process remains unclear. Modulating MAPK has been shown to influence the onset and progression of depressive disorder, though the precise mechanism remains elusive. Within the MAPK family, aberrant activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) can damage hippocampal neurons and overactivate microglia, precipitating depressive disorder. Excessive activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) results in heightened neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and suppresses the expression of neurotrophic factors. p38, a key regulator in inflammatory reactions, can induce neuroinflammation when overactive, leading to depressive disorder. ERK, JNK, and p38 sub-pathways do not function in isolation but rather interact synergistically and/or antagonistically through shared activators and common target molecules. Consequently, these sub-pathways form a complementary and coordinated regulatory network. In addition, MAPK family members can jointly influence the process of depressive disorder by sharing upstream factors and regulating common downstream targets, and there is a lack of identification of their markers and screening for subgroups. The collective abnormal activities of these MAPK family members illuminate the underlying mechanisms of depressive disorder, suggesting that MAPK could serve as a potential therapeutic target for this disorder. As for the study of ERK, different models of depressive disorder have contradictory effects on its activity. The primary cause of these differences can be attributed to the distinct pathological environments utilized in the creation of depressive disorder models. In the future, it is suggested that we use the inducement of depressive disorder as a modeling standard to accurately simulate the onset of depressive disorder to carry out accurate treatment according to the causes of depressive disorder. Research shows that classic clinical drugs, novel MAPK inhibitors and certain traditional Chinese medicines can prevent and treat depressive disorder by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Research on MAPK remains limited, particularly concerning the permeability and cellular specificity across the blood-brain barrier and the identification of objective predictive markers. Although inhibitors face challenges, they also possess significant advantages and developmental potential. This paper systematically summarizes the current status of MAPK in the treatment of depressive disorder, in order to provide insights for researching the pathogenesis of depressive disorder and developing new antidepressant drugs.
2.The Role of MAPK in Depressive Disorder and Research on Related Drugs
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):388-403
Depressive disorder is a prevalent mental illness characterized by pronounced and enduring symptoms of depression and cognitive impairment. The escalating pressures of modern society have led to a corresponding rise in the number of depressive disorder patients, particularly those exposed to adverse social, economic, political, and environmental factors which exacerbate the risk of this disorder. The pathogenesis of depressive disorder is multifaceted, encompassing oxidative stress, neuroplasticity alterations, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter system imbalances, and intestinal microecological disruptions, among others. Clinically, conventional antidepressants are primarily predicated on the monoamine neurotransmitter hypothesis. This theory posits that depressive disorder can be ameliorated by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters within the body through a singular mechanism. However, the complex and multifaceted pathogenesis of depressive disorder results in limited selectivity for these drugs. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a crucial role in various cellular physiological and pathological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, stress adaptation, and inflammatory response. It is instrumental in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating cellular responses. Numerous studies indicate that MAPK is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of depressive disorder through various pathogenesis. However, what deserves attention is that the interaction between the pathogenesis and dynamics of regulatory process remains unclear. Modulating MAPK has been shown to influence the onset and progression of depressive disorder, though the precise mechanism remains elusive. Within the MAPK family, aberrant activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) can damage hippocampal neurons and overactivate microglia, precipitating depressive disorder. Excessive activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) results in heightened neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and suppresses the expression of neurotrophic factors. p38, a key regulator in inflammatory reactions, can induce neuroinflammation when overactive, leading to depressive disorder. ERK, JNK, and p38 sub-pathways do not function in isolation but rather interact synergistically and/or antagonistically through shared activators and common target molecules. Consequently, these sub-pathways form a complementary and coordinated regulatory network. In addition, MAPK family members can jointly influence the process of depressive disorder by sharing upstream factors and regulating common downstream targets, and there is a lack of identification of their markers and screening for subgroups. The collective abnormal activities of these MAPK family members illuminate the underlying mechanisms of depressive disorder, suggesting that MAPK could serve as a potential therapeutic target for this disorder. As for the study of ERK, different models of depressive disorder have contradictory effects on its activity. The primary cause of these differences can be attributed to the distinct pathological environments utilized in the creation of depressive disorder models. In the future, it is suggested that we use the inducement of depressive disorder as a modeling standard to accurately simulate the onset of depressive disorder to carry out accurate treatment according to the causes of depressive disorder. Research shows that classic clinical drugs, novel MAPK inhibitors and certain traditional Chinese medicines can prevent and treat depressive disorder by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Research on MAPK remains limited, particularly concerning the permeability and cellular specificity across the blood-brain barrier and the identification of objective predictive markers. Although inhibitors face challenges, they also possess significant advantages and developmental potential. This paper systematically summarizes the current status of MAPK in the treatment of depressive disorder, in order to provide insights for researching the pathogenesis of depressive disorder and developing new antidepressant drugs.
3.Mechanism of Shenmai Injection to Improve Cisplatin Resistance in NSCLC Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Through PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway
Shengnan GUO ; Hao CAO ; Dan WANG ; Wenjun LIU ; Jianguang WANG ; Jialu LYU ; Chun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):70-78
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shenmai injection in improving cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on the endoplasmic reticulum stress through protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsBALB/c nude mice bearing cisplatin-resistant human lung cancer cell line (A549/cisplatin) were randomly divided into four groups: Blank control group (0.9% sodium chloride), cisplatin group (5 µg·g-1cisplatin), Shenmai injection group (5.2 mg·g-1 Shenmai injection), and combination therapy group (5.2 mg·g-1 Shenmai injection +5 µg·g-1cisplatin). The drug intervention lasted for 4 weeks, and the changes in body weight and tumor volume were monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe tumor tissue pathology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to assess the morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum. Immunohistochemical assay was conducted to measure the positive expressions of PERK, ATF4, and CHOP in tumor tissues. Western blot quantified the protein expression of immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BIP), PERK, phosphorylated PERK (p-PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), phosphorylated eIF2α (p-eIF2α), ATF4, CHOP, B-cell lymphoma -2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 Associated X protein (Bax). A549/cis cells were divided into blank group: Blank control group (normal culture medium), cisplatin group (23.3 µmol·L-1 cisplatin), Shenmai Injection group (20 g·L-1 Shenmai injection), and combination therapy group (20 g·L-1 Shenmai injection+23.3 µmol·L-1 cisplatin). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect cell viability, TEM was used to observe the morphology of endoplasmic reticulum, and Western blot was used to detect endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the cisplatin group, the combination therapy group showed increased body weight (P<0.05), decreased tumor volume (P<0.05), and expanded endoplasmic reticulum in tumor cells. The positive expressions of PERK, ATF4, and CHOP increased (P<0.05). Western blot revealed elevated protein expression levels of BIP, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax (P<0.05), while Bcl-2 expression decreased (P<0.05). As shown in the in vitro experiment, compared with the cisplatin group, the combination therapy group exhibited a reduced cell survival rate (P<0.05). TEM revealed increased endoplasmic reticulum dilation and vesicular degeneration. Western blotting showed increased protein levels of BIP, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP and Bax (P<0.05), with decreased Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). ConclusionShenmai injection combined with cisplatin has a synergistic antitumor effect in NSCLC, which may be attributed to the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response mediated by the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Longan Arillus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):300-309
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the name, origin, harvesting and others of Longan Arillus by referring to the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a foundation for developing famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it indicated that Longan Arillus was first recorded under the name of longan in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Longan Arillus gradually replaced longan as the standard name recorded in the materia medica, with additional aliases including Yizhi, Lizhinu and Yuanyan. The source of Longan Arillus used in the past dynasties was the arillus of the Sapindaceae plant Dimocarpus longan. The production regions recorded in the past dynasties were mainly Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and others. Since the Qing dynasty, Longan Arillus produced in Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi have been regarded as the finest and authentic varieties, with Fujian, Guangxi, and Guangdong remaining the primary authentic production areas today. In ancient times, the fruits were primarily harvested in August of the lunar calendar. However, modern longan cultivation typically involves harvesting ripe fruits during summer and autumn. Post-harvest processing involves removing moisture through sun-drying or baking before drying for medicinal use. Throughout history, processing methods have primarily focused on raw product, though techniques such as wine soaking and powdering have also been employed. Since modern times, it has been concluded that its quality is the best one with thick flesh, sweet taste, brownish-yellow color and tender texture. Longan Arillus possesses a sweet and warm nature, entering the heart and spleen meridians. Its primary functions are tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing the blood and calming the spirit, which is consistent in ancient and modern times. Based on the textual research, it is suggested to use the arillus of D. longan when developing the famous classical formulas containing Longan Arillus. Processing methods should be selected according to the formula requirements, where no specific processing is indicated, the raw products is recommended for medicinal use.
5.Optimization of Quality Standards for Polygalae Radix Based on Characteristic Chromatograms and QAMS for Xanthones
Humin XIE ; Xiaoqing CUI ; Weihong FENG ; Yu LU ; Xiaoqian LIU ; Xiaoli SUN ; Yanrong LI ; Zhimin WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):196-204
ObjectiveTo address the limitations of the current quality standard for Polygalae Radix(PR), which relies on a single component for quality assessment and struggles to holistically control its intrinsic quality, by constructing a comprehensive quality evaluation system integrating "macro-characterization of chemical profile, synchronous quantification of multiple index components, and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for key component groups". This study aims to facilitate the scientific revision of the quality standard for PR. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) characteristic chromatograms were established for 11 batches of PR medicinal materials(YZ), 10 batches of PR decoction pieces(YP), and 10 batches of licorice-processed PR decoction pieces(ZYZ), followed by similarity evaluation and identification of common peaks. HPLC-QAMS was developed for xanthones(sibiricaxanthone B, polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ) in the characteristic chromatograms. Simultaneously, the external standard method(ESM) was used to determine the contents of the corresponding xanthones and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose in YZ, YP, and ZYZ, followed by multivariate statistical analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. ResultsThe similarity between the characteristic chromatograms of 31 batches of PR samples and the reference chromatogram was>0.9. A total of 13 common peaks were identified, and 10 of these peaks were characterized through reference standard comparison. The successfully constructed QAMS method showed that the relative correction factors(RCFs) of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ to polygalaxanthone Ⅲ were 0.76 and 0.88, and their relative retention times(RRTs) were 0.85 and 0.97, respectively. The results calculated by the QAMS method showed no significant difference from those obtained by the ESM. According to the limit standard for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia), the pass rate of 31 batches of samples was only 19.35%. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated certain compositional differences between different batches of YZ and YP, as well as between YP and ZYZ, with 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose identified as the main differentiating component. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that the content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ was positively correlated with the contents of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, but showed no association with the content of 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose. ConclusionIt is recommended that the content limit for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in YZ,YP and ZYZ be revised to not less than 0.07%, or the total content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ be not less than 0.18%. The newly established triple quality control model of "holistic control via characteristic chromatograms, precise quantification of oligosaccharide esters, and efficient detection of xanthones by QAMS" provides a systematic and precise solution for quality evaluation of PR and similar Chinese herbal medicines.
6.Mechanisms of Shenmai Injection in Improving Cisplatin Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Hanyu DONG ; Chun WANG ; Chunying LIU ; Wenjun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):131-142
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Shenmai injection (SMI) improves cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by modulating lipid metabolism and inducing ferroptosis. MethodsHuman lung adenocarcinoma cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cells were divided into the following groups: Blank group, cisplatin group (23.3 μmol·L-1 cisplatin), SMI group (20 g·L-1 SMI), cisplatin combined with SMI group (23.3 μmol·L-1 cisplatin + 20 g·L-1 SMI), cisplatin combined with ferroptosis inhibitor/inducer Ferrostatin-1/Erastin group (23.3 μmol·L-1 cisplatin + 10 μmol·L-1 Ferrostatin-1/5 μmol·L-1 Erastin), and cisplatin combined with SMI and Ferrostatin-1/Erastin group (23.3 μmol·L-1 cisplatin + 20 g·L-1 SMI + 10 μmol·L-1 Ferrostatin-1/5 μmol·L-1 Erastin). Network pharmacology, transcriptomics and metabolomics, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), colorimetric assays, and Western blot analysis were employed to evaluate the effects of these treatments on A549/DDP cell viability, lipid droplet formation, lipid metabolite levels, mitochondrial function, lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) content, total and ferrous iron content, and effects on ferroptiosis and autophagy related protein expression levels. ResultsSMI improved cisplatin resistance in NSCLC mainly by targeting lipid metabolism-related pathways in A549/DDP cells, affecting tumor cell lipid metabolism via autophagy, ferroptosis, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. Compared with the cisplatin group, the cisplatin combined with SMI group showed significantly decreased cell viability (P<0.01), increased lipid droplet accumulation (P<0.01), and reduced mitochondrial maximal respiration, basal respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, GSH content, total iron, and ferrous iron (all P<0.01). Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was significantly elevated(P<0.01), and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased. Protein expression analysis showed significant downregulation of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and p62 (P<0.05,P<0.01) and upregulation of ferritin heavy chain (FTH) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ (LC3Ⅱ) (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the cisplatin combined with SMI group, addition of Ferrostatin-1 significantly increased cell viability (P<0.05), decreased mitochondrial ROS levels (P<0.05), alleviated mitochondrial shrinkage, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Conversely, addition of Erastin further decreased cell viability (P<0.01). ConclusionSMI improves cisplatin resistance in NSCLC by inducing oxidative stress, which may trigger ferroptosis through upregulation of lipophagy.
7.Thromboelastographic features of patients with primary liver cancer and their value in assessing coagulation function
Chunjuan YE ; Chun ZHANG ; Jialu LI ; Sinan LIU ; Zheng WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):111-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical application value of thromboelastographic parameters in assessing coagulation function by analyzing the thromboelastographic features of patients with primary liver cancer (PLC), and to provide a basis for coagulation management and prognostic evaluation in liver cancer patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 1 253 PLC patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from May 2015 to December 2022. According to the presence or absence of cirrhosis, the patients were divided into non-cirrhosis group with 262 patients and cirrhosis group with 991 patients, and according to the presence or absence of HBV infection, they were divided into HBV infection group with 1 055 patients and non-HBV infection group with 198 patients. The patients were stratified based on the severity of liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class and MELD score) and liver reserve function (indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes [ICGR15]), and thromboelastography was used to measure thromboelastographic parameters (reaction time [R], coagulation formation time [K], α-angle, maximum thrombosis amplitude [MA], and coagulation composite index [CI]) and conventional coagulation markers. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Bonferroni correction method was used for further comparison between two groups. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between grouips, and the Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. ResultsAmong the 991 patients in the cirrhosis group, 826 had Child-Pugh class A (5 — 6 points), and 165 had Child-Pugh class B (7 — 9 points); 812 had an MELD score of <10, and 179 had an MELD score of ≥10; 679 had an ICGR15 of <10%, and 294 had an ICGR15 of ≥10%. Compared with the patients with Child-Pugh class A, the patients with Child-Pugh class B had a significantly longer K time and significant reductions in α-angle, MA, and CI (all P <0.001); compared with the MELD score <10 group, the MELD score ≥10 group had a significantly longer K time and significant reductions in α-angle, MA, and CI (all P<0.001); compared with the ICGR15 <10% group, the ICGR15 ≥10% group had a significantly longer K time and a significant reduction in MA (both P <0.001). Among the 1 253 patients, MA was strongly positively correlated with fibrinogen and platelet count (r=0.675 and 0.667, both P<0.001); The MA had a weak correlation with Child-Pugh score, MELD score, and ICGR15 (r=-0.112, -0.250, and -0.117, all P<0.001), while the K time,α-angle and CI were weakly correlated with the MELD score (r=0.222, -0.184, and -0.183, all P<0.001),R time was negatively correlated with ICGR15 (r=-0.080, P=0.005). The HBV infection group had significantly higher MA and CI than the non-HBV infection group (P<0.05). ConclusionThromboelastography can sensitively identify the hypocoagulable state associated with the progression of liver cirrhosis and the hypercoagulable tendency in HBV-related liver cancer, which provides an important reference for individualized anticoagulant therapy in clinical practice.
8.Effect of warm acupuncture on PINK1/Parkin pathway in the skeletal muscle of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome
Huayuan LI ; Chun LI ; Junwei LIU ; Ting WANG ; Long LI ; Yongli WU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1618-1625
BACKGROUND:It has been found that mitochondrial function is abnormal in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome,and the administration of coenzymes can improve the symptoms.Warm acupuncture is one of the most important treatments for this disease,but its mechanism of action is unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of warm acupuncture on the phosphatase and tensin inducible kinase 1(PINK1)/Parkin pathway in the skeletal muscle of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome. METHODS:After 3 days of adaptive feeding,32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control,model,warm acupuncture,and coenzyme Q groups with 8 rats in each group.The chronic fatigue syndrome model was established by multiple factors,including swimming exhaustion,chronic immobilization and fasting.After successful modeling,the normal group and the model group were treated with the same fixation and gavage procedures,and the warm acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at Guanyuan,Zhongwan and Zusanli(bilateral)points,once a day.After the needling was inserted,the moxa pillar was put on the needle handle and ignited,three sessions once.The coenzyme Q group was given 1 mL/kg coenzyme by gavage,once a day for 14 days.The body mass,exhaustive swimming time and food utilization rate during the treatment were recorded.After the treatment,the bilateral gastrocnemius muscles of rats in each group were collected.The pathological morphology of the gastrocnemius muscle was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,the mitochondrial morphology and autophagosome of the gastrocnemius muscle were observed by transmission electron microscope.The expression level of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)Ⅱ protein in the skeletal muscle was detected by immunohistochemistry.Western blot was used to detect the expression of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅰ,and LC3 Ⅱ in the skeletal muscle. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal group,the gastrocnemius muscle nuclei of the model group were pyknotic,condensed,the number of cells was increased,the cells were arranged disorderly,and the fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle were tightly arranged in the model group.Compared with the model group,the intercellular space became smaller,the nuclei were reduced,and the cell arrangement was orderly in the warm acupuncture group and coenzyme Q group.Compared with the normal group,the skeletal muscle mitochondria in the model group were swollen,fused,and vacuolated seriously,the membrane was partially broken,the matrix was more dissolved,the cristae was broken and disappeared,and autophagy appeared.Compared with the model group,the number of mitochondria increased,the arrangement was relatively neat,mitochondrial vacuolization and rupture of cristae in the gastrocnemius muscle were improved,the membrane structure was relatively intact,and autophagy occurred.Compared with the normal group,the expression of PINK1 protein in the skeletal muscle of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.05),while the expression of Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ protein was slightly upregulated(P>0.05).Compared with the model group,the protein expressions of PINK1,Parkin,LC3 Ⅱ and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly upregulated in the warm acupuncture and coenzyme Q groups(P<0.05),and the up-regulation was more significant in the warm acupuncture group.To conclude,warm acupuncture can play a role in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome by activating the PINK1/Parkin pathway,upregulating LC3 Ⅱ expression,forming mitochondrial autophagosomes,promoting the degradation of damaged mitochondria,and improving mitochondrial quality.
9.Effect of Qishen Yixin Granules on microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction induced by Ang Ⅱ and high-fat diet in mice and its mechanism
Wen-fang JIN ; Zhen-ni ZHANG ; Tian-tian ZHU ; Hu-gang JIANG ; Xin-qiang WANG ; Chun-zhen REN ; Xi-ping XING ; Kai LIU ; Ying-dong LI ; Xin-ke ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1982-1990
Aim To clarify the mechanism by which Qishen Yixin Granules improved microcirculation vas-cular endothelial dysfunction(VED)in mice,through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate oxidative stress.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into six groups:blank group,model group,pos-itive drug group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Qishen Yixin Granules.The VED model was established by long-term infusion of Ang Ⅱ combined with a high-fat diet.Each treatment group received the corresponding drug intervention.After four weeks of drug intervention,cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Carstairs staining was used to ob-serve the formation of microthrombi in myocardial tis-sue.The micro vascular ischemia was evaluated by Hei-denhain staining.The ultrastructure of endothelial cells was observed by electron microscopy.The levels of EMPs,ROS,NO,ET-1,TF,TM,VWF,and TXA2 in serum were measured by ELISA.The expression levels of MDA,SOD,and GSH-Px in mouse heart tissue were determined by chemical methods.Cardiac microvascu-lar density and the expression of Nrf2,Keap1,and HO-1 proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stai-ning.The protein expressions of Keap1,cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Qishen Yixin Granules could effectively improve the cardiac function of mice,alleviate the damage of endothelial cells and endothelial function.They could up-regulate serum NO levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,while down-regulating the expression of ROS and vascular inflammatory injury factors such as ET-1,VWF,TXA2,TF,TM,and EMPs.Qishen Yixin Granules also increased the positive counts of CD34,Nrf2,and HO-1,as well as microvessel density.Fur-thermore,they inhibited the expression of MDA,Keap1,and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein in myocardial tis-sue,while increasing the expression of nuclear proteins HO-1 and Nrf2.Conclusions Qishen Yixin Granules may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby improving vascular endothelial damage and cardiac function in VED mice.
10.The effects and mechanisms of chlorogenic acid on neutrophil function and neutrophil extracellular traps formation
Yun YANG ; Ya LIU ; Cui WANG ; Chun-hong PENG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):101-107
Aim To investigating the effects and mech-anisms of chlorogenic acid(CGA)on neutrophil(NEU)function and the formation of neutrophil extra-cellular traps(NETs).Methods NEU was isolated and purified from mouse bone marrow by using density gradient centrifugation method;NEU were cultivated with CGA,and the suitable concentration of CGA with NEU were explored through CCK-8 method;To observ-ing the impact of CGA on the function of NEU,we measured the migration ability of NEU,and the levels of myeloperoxidase(MPO),neutrophil elastase(NE),and matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9);The histone H3 of NETs and the DNA skeleton of NEU were stained with immunofluorescence,and the cell-free DNA(cf-DNA)released by NEU was detected to ob-serve the structure of NETs;In addition,the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)were also examined to determine whether CGA affects the production of ROS during the release of NETs from NEU.Results There was a significant inhibitory effect on the activity of NEU at a concentration of 100,200,400 μmol·L-1 of CGA(P<0.01);When compared with the blank group,the effects of CGA(100,200,400 μmol·L-1)on the migration ability of NEU and the ability to se-crete MPO,NE,and MMP-9 were increased(P<0.05),the release of histone H3,DNA backbone and cf-DNA was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the ROS produced by the cells was also significantly in-creased(P<0.01).And the above effects are concen-tration-dependent within a certain range.Conclusion CGA can enhance the function of NEU and promote the formation of NETs,which may be related to the in-crease of intracellular ROS levels.

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