1.Banxia Xiexin Tang Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Rat Model of Vascular Dementia via AGE/RAGE Pathway
Shuzhi LIANG ; Zhongmin ZHAO ; Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):10-21
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Banxia Xiexin Tang (BXT) regulates the advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammatory responses and ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of vascular dementia (VD). MethodsThe components of BXT were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole -orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS), and the core components and key action pathways were screened out by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly allocated into the sham and modeling groups by the random number table method. The VD model was replicated by the modified bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2-VO) method. The successfully modeled rats were randomly allocated into the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.748 5, 7.497, 14.994 g·kg-1) BXT (BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H), and nimodipine (NMP, 0.002 7 g·kg-1) groups according to the random number table method. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage, and the sham and model groups received the same amount of normal saline for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze, Y-maze, and new object recognition experiments were conducted to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the hippocampal tissue in rats. The mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in the hippocampal tissue of rats were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The expression of related proteins in the AGE/RAGE pathway in the hippocampal tissue of rats was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The levels of neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators in the rat serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe chemical components of BXT were detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified the AGE/RAGE pathway as the key pathway. The results of the water maze, Y maze, and novel object recognition tests showed that compared with the sham group, the model group demonstrated prolonged successful latency and decreases in number of platform crossings, alternation rate, number of entries into the new arm, preference index, and discrimination index (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showed shortened successful latency (P0.01) and increases in number of platform crossings (P0.05), alternation rate (P0.01), number of entries into the new arm (P0.05), preference index (P0.01), and discrimination index (P0.01). HE results showed that compared with the sham group, the cells of model rats were loosely and disorderly arranged, and the nuclei were condensed. Compared with the model group, the pathological changes of the hippocampus in the BXT group were mitigated. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 in the hippocampus (P0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 (P0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P0.05), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H group presented down-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and TNF-α (P0.05). IHC results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group had increased expression of RAGE (P0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups had reduced expression of RAGE (P0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of TNF-α and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and declined levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) in the serum (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H groups showed lowered levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum (P0.05) and elevated levels of ACh and DA (P0.05). ConclusionBXT may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of VD by down-regulating the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, reducing neuroinflammatory responses, and regulating neurotransmitter levels.
2.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
3.Differentiation and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Based on Theory of "Harmony When Conforming to Qi and Illness When Going Against Qi"
Zongyi LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Hongyu CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):239-250
Chronic heart failure (CHF) represents the terminal stage of numerous cardiovascular diseases. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the pathogenesis of CHF is characterized by deficiency of the root and excess of the branch. The deficiency of the root mainly stems from insufficiency of heart Qi, while the excess of the branch arises from pathological accumulation of phlegm, blood stasis, and fluid retention. During the occurrence and development of CHF, the disobedience of heart Qi consistently serves as the key to the onset of the disease. As elucidated in Da Lun Chapter of WU Yun Xing in The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic: Plain Questions, "harmony when conforming to qi and illness when going against Qi". This principle describes the relationship between human physiology and nature Qi dynamics. Harmony leads to health, while disobedience leads to illness. The same principle can be applied within the human body, that is, harmony between the zang-fu organs and their Qi leads to health, while disobedience leads to illness. The occurrence of CHF and the relationship between the heart and heart Qi also follow this principle. This study started from this theory, analyzed the relationship between "following or going against Qi" and the occurrence of diseases in the human body, further analyzing the "following" and "going against" between the heart and heart Qi, the pathogenesis of CHF, the corresponding relationship between the heart Qi and modern physiology in the state of "following Qi", the corresponding situation between the heart Qi and modern pathology in the state of "going against Qi", and the relationship between "going against Qi" and different stages of CHF. Moreover, it proposed to treat CHF from the perspective of "illness when going against Qi". One is to replenish the insufficiency of heart Qi (tonifying heart Qi and also invigorating the spleen), and the other is to unblock the channels of heart Qi (resolving phlegm and removing turbidity to unblock the channels, removing blood stasis and dredging collaterals to promote blood circulation, and transforming fluid retention and expelling water to facilitate blood flow). Meanwhile, the effects of single-herb Chinese medicines and Chinese-medicine compound prescriptions on the myocardium and micro-indexes of the human body under the "tonifying" and "unblocking" methods were analyzed. Through the above-mentioned treatment methods, the nature of heart Qi can finally be restored to "abundant" and "unobstructed", so that the heart Qi can be harmonized and CHF can be improved. These findings may provide a new way of thinking for the future treatment of CHF.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Insomnia by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Xiangye GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):284-293
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, sleep maintenance disorder and impaired daytime function. Its pathological mechanism involves multiple factors such as nerve excitability, circadian rhythm, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress injury. As a classical tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) triggers Akt phosphorylation cascade, inducing inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative damage, nerve excitability, and circadian rhythm imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can improve sleep by targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway. Based on this, this paper systematically reviews the research progress on the regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway by traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for insomnia at home and abroad. These drugs can regulate neuronal excitability by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway, affect the circadian rhythm, alleviate inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress, and thus regulate sleep-wake. Furthermore, literature review indicates that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may represent a specific pathway underlying phlegm-turbidity disturbing the upper Jiao-type insomnia.
5.Banxia Xiexin Tang Ameliorates Cognitive Dysfunction in Rat Model of Vascular Dementia via AGE/RAGE Pathway
Shuzhi LIANG ; Zhongmin ZHAO ; Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):10-21
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Banxia Xiexin Tang (BXT) regulates the advanced glycation end products (AGE)/receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammatory responses and ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of vascular dementia (VD). MethodsThe components of BXT were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole -orbitrap-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS), and the core components and key action pathways were screened out by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Sixty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly allocated into the sham and modeling groups by the random number table method. The VD model was replicated by the modified bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries (2-VO) method. The successfully modeled rats were randomly allocated into the model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.748 5, 7.497, 14.994 g·kg-1) BXT (BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H), and nimodipine (NMP, 0.002 7 g·kg-1) groups according to the random number table method. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage, and the sham and model groups received the same amount of normal saline for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze, Y-maze, and new object recognition experiments were conducted to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the histopathological changes of the hippocampal tissue in rats. The mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65) in the hippocampal tissue of rats were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The expression of related proteins in the AGE/RAGE pathway in the hippocampal tissue of rats was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The levels of neurotransmitters and inflammatory mediators in the rat serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsThe chemical components of BXT were detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified the AGE/RAGE pathway as the key pathway. The results of the water maze, Y maze, and novel object recognition tests showed that compared with the sham group, the model group demonstrated prolonged successful latency and decreases in number of platform crossings, alternation rate, number of entries into the new arm, preference index, and discrimination index (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showed shortened successful latency (P<0.01) and increases in number of platform crossings (P<0.05), alternation rate (P<0.01), number of entries into the new arm (P<0.05), preference index (P<0.01), and discrimination index (P<0.01). HE results showed that compared with the sham group, the cells of model rats were loosely and disorderly arranged, and the nuclei were condensed. Compared with the model group, the pathological changes of the hippocampus in the BXT group were mitigated. Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 in the hippocampus (P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups showcased down-regulated mRNA levels of AGE, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group presented up-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H group presented down-regulated expression of AGE, RAGE, p-NF-κB p65, and TNF-α (P<0.05). IHC results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group had increased expression of RAGE (P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the BXT-H and BXT-M groups had reduced expression of RAGE (P<0.01). ELISA results showed that compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited elevated levels of TNF-α and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and declined levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine (DA) in the serum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the BXT-L, BXT-M, and BXT-H groups showed lowered levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum (P<0.05) and elevated levels of ACh and DA (P<0.05). ConclusionBXT may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in the rat model of VD by down-regulating the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, reducing neuroinflammatory responses, and regulating neurotransmitter levels.
6.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
7.Differentiation and Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure Based on Theory of "Harmony When Conforming to Qi and Illness When Going Against Qi"
Zongyi LIU ; Yan ZHANG ; Hongyu CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):239-250
Chronic heart failure (CHF) represents the terminal stage of numerous cardiovascular diseases. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the pathogenesis of CHF is characterized by deficiency of the root and excess of the branch. The deficiency of the root mainly stems from insufficiency of heart Qi, while the excess of the branch arises from pathological accumulation of phlegm, blood stasis, and fluid retention. During the occurrence and development of CHF, the disobedience of heart Qi consistently serves as the key to the onset of the disease. As elucidated in Da Lun Chapter of WU Yun Xing in The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic: Plain Questions, "harmony when conforming to qi and illness when going against Qi". This principle describes the relationship between human physiology and nature Qi dynamics. Harmony leads to health, while disobedience leads to illness. The same principle can be applied within the human body, that is, harmony between the zang-fu organs and their Qi leads to health, while disobedience leads to illness. The occurrence of CHF and the relationship between the heart and heart Qi also follow this principle. This study started from this theory, analyzed the relationship between "following or going against Qi" and the occurrence of diseases in the human body, further analyzing the "following" and "going against" between the heart and heart Qi, the pathogenesis of CHF, the corresponding relationship between the heart Qi and modern physiology in the state of "following Qi", the corresponding situation between the heart Qi and modern pathology in the state of "going against Qi", and the relationship between "going against Qi" and different stages of CHF. Moreover, it proposed to treat CHF from the perspective of "illness when going against Qi". One is to replenish the insufficiency of heart Qi (tonifying heart Qi and also invigorating the spleen), and the other is to unblock the channels of heart Qi (resolving phlegm and removing turbidity to unblock the channels, removing blood stasis and dredging collaterals to promote blood circulation, and transforming fluid retention and expelling water to facilitate blood flow). Meanwhile, the effects of single-herb Chinese medicines and Chinese-medicine compound prescriptions on the myocardium and micro-indexes of the human body under the "tonifying" and "unblocking" methods were analyzed. Through the above-mentioned treatment methods, the nature of heart Qi can finally be restored to "abundant" and "unobstructed", so that the heart Qi can be harmonized and CHF can be improved. These findings may provide a new way of thinking for the future treatment of CHF.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Insomnia by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Suyu HOU ; Dandan LUO ; Xiangye GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Xijian LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):284-293
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, sleep maintenance disorder and impaired daytime function. Its pathological mechanism involves multiple factors such as nerve excitability, circadian rhythm, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress injury. As a classical tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) triggers Akt phosphorylation cascade, inducing inflammatory response, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative damage, nerve excitability, and circadian rhythm imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) can improve sleep by targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway. Based on this, this paper systematically reviews the research progress on the regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway by traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for insomnia at home and abroad. These drugs can regulate neuronal excitability by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway, affect the circadian rhythm, alleviate inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy and oxidative stress, and thus regulate sleep-wake. Furthermore, literature review indicates that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway may represent a specific pathway underlying phlegm-turbidity disturbing the upper Jiao-type insomnia.
9.Disease burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to high BMI in China and trend prediction in 1992-2021
Hong LIU ; Guimao YANG ; Yan SUI ; Xia ZHANG ; Xuebing CHENG ; Yaxing WU ; Xu GUO ; Yanfeng REN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):27-31
Objective To analyze the disease burden of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) attributed to high body mass index (BMI) in China from 1992 to 2021 and predict the disease burden for the next decade, and to provide evidence for the prevention and treatment of CKD. Methods Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database and the Joinpoint model, the average annual percentage rate change (AAPC) of the mortality rate and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rate was calculated to describe and analyze the CKD disease burden attributed to high BMI in China from 1992 to 2021. The ARIMA model was employed to predict and analyze the change trend of the CKD disease burden. Results From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate attributed to high BMI-induced chronic kidney disease showed an upward trend. Compared to 1992, the attributed number of deaths increased by 324.38%, and DALYs increased by 268.56%; the mortality rate increased by 64.00%, and the DALY rate grew by 51.62%. From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate for males were lower than those for females, but the growth rate for males exceeded that of females. From 1992 to 2021, the mortality rate and DALY rate of chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China increased with age. The average annual change rate of chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China from 1992 to 2021 (mortality rate: 1.40 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.04–1.76), DALY rate: 1.43 per 100 000 (95% CI: 1.17–1.70)) was higher than thHuaiyin Normal University, Huai'anher social demographic index (SDI) regions. The ARIMA model predicted that the age-standardized mortality rate increased from 2.91 per 100 000 in 2022 to 3.05 per 100 000 in 2026, and the age-standardized DALY rate increased from 69.65 per 100 000 in 2022 to 73.58 per 100 000 in 2026. Conclusion Chronic kidney disease attributed to high BMI in China is on the rise, and it will continue to grow in the future. The focus of CKD prevention and control should be on males and the elderly, while active measures should be taken to reduce the occurrence and progression of chronic kidney disease.
10.Mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyutang in Intervening in Ferroptosis in Rats with Coronary Heart Disease with Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on ACSL4 Signalling Pathway
Yi LIU ; Yang YANG ; Chang SU ; Peng TIAN ; Mingyun WANG ; Ruqian ZHONG ; Xuejiao XIE ; Qing YAN ; Qinghua PENG ; Qiuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):27-38
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of ferroptosis mediated by long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (ACSL4) signalling pathway in rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome and the intervention effect of Xuefu Zhuyutang. MethodsSPF male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, sham-operation group, model group, trimetazidine group (5.4 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose group (3.51, 7.02,14.04 g·kg-1) of Xuefu Zhuyutang. The coronary artery left anterior descending ligation method was used to prepare a model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome, and continuous treatment for 7 d was conducted, while the sham-operation group was only threaded and not ligated. The general macroscopic symptoms of the rats were observed, and indicators such as electrocardiogram, echocardiography, and blood rheology were detected. The pathological morphology of myocardial tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the changes in mitochondria in myocardial tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The level of iron deposition in myocardial tissue was observed by Prussian blue staining. The levels of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 15-HETE were detected in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A biochemical colourimetric assay was used to detect the levels of Fe2+, lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione (GSH), and T-GSH/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) in myocardial tissue. DCFH-DA fluorescence quantitative assay was employed to detect the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was adopted to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), ACSL4, and ly-sophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase3 (LPCAT3) in myocardial tissue. ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the rats in the model group were poor in general macroscopic symptoms. The electrocardiogram showed widened QRS wave amplitude and increased voltage, bow-back elevation of the ST segments, elevated T waves, J-point elevation, and accelerated heart rate. Echocardiography showed a significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01). Blood rheology showed that the viscosity of the whole blood (low, medium, and high rate of shear) was significantly increased (P<0.01). HE staining showed an abnormal structure of myocardial tissue. There was a large area of myocardial necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration and a large number of connective tissue between myocardial fibers. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria were severely atrophy or swelling. The cristae were reduced or even broken, and the matrix was flocculent or even vacuolated. Prussian blue staining showed that there were a large number of iron-containing particles, and the iron deposition was obvious. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in the serum was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS in myocardial tissue was significantly increased (P<0.01). The content of GSH was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and T-GSH/GSSG was decreased (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 in myocardial tissue were both significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the general macroscopic symptoms and electrocardiogram results of rats in low-, medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang were alleviated, and the differences in LVEF/LVFS ratios were all significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The differences in whole-blood viscosity (low, medium, and high rate of shear) were all significantly decreased (P<0.01). The results of HE staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that the morphology, structure, and mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were improved. The content of 12-HETE and 15-HETE in serum was reduced to different degrees in low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). The content of Fe2+, LPO, and ROS was significantly reduced in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of GSH and T-GSH/GSSG was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4 and FTH1 were significantly increased to varying degrees in the medium- and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01), and ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were decreased to different degrees in the low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Xuefu Zhuyutang (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXuefu Zhuyutang can regulate iron metabolism and anti-lipid oxidation reaction to mediate ferroptosis through the ACSL4 signalling pathway, thus exerting a protective effect on rats with coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome.


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