1.The Effects of the Combination of Curcumin,Berberine,and Puerarin on Lipid Levels in Hyperlipidemic Mice
Zhi-yuan FAN ; Yi-zhou XU ; Si-wei XU ; Xiong-hua XING ; Mao-lin LIU ; Xia YI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2100-2109,2099
Objective:To investigate the effects of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin combination therapy on lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice.Methods:A total of 40 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into eight groups:normal control group(A),high-fat control group(B),curcumin group(C),berberine group(D),puerarin group(E),low-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(F),high-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(G),and positive control group(H),with 5 mice in each group.The normal control group was fed a standard diet,while the other groups were given a high-fat diet.After establishing the hyperlipidemic model,the mice were administered with physiological saline,curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),puerarin(300 mg/kg),low-dose combination of curcumin(50 mg/kg),berberine(50 mg/kg),and puerarin(100 mg/kg),high-dose combination of curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),and puerarin(300 mg/kg),or simvastatin(6 mg/kg)via gavage for three weeks.After treatment,serum was collected from the mice for biochemical analysis of lipid levels and liver function.Liver tissues were subjected to HE staining,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR.Results:Curcumin,berberine,and puerarin,whether administered individually or in combination,can reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemic mice(P<0.01).Treatment with curcumin,berberine,and puerarin individually significantly reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice(P<0.05)and alleviated liver damage caused by hyperlipidemia(P<0.05).Furthermore,the high-dose combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin exhibited a more pronounced effect on improving lipid levels(P<0.01)and provided greater protective effects on the liver compared to the positive control group(P<0.05).Additionally,curcumin,berberine,and puerarin administered individually can each promote the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90%,85%,and 98%,respectively)and reduce the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 42%,45%,and 43%,respectively).The combination of all three compounds enhances the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90%with low-dose combination and 169%with high-dose combination)and reduces the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 38%with low-dose combination and 42%with high-dose combination).Conclusion:The combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin significantly improves lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice and mitigates liver damage associated with hyperlipidemia.
2.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
3.The Effects of the Combination of Curcumin,Berberine,and Puerarin on Lipid Levels in Hyperlipidemic Mice
Zhi-yuan FAN ; Yi-zhou XU ; Si-wei XU ; Xiong-hua XING ; Mao-lin LIU ; Xia YI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(13):2100-2109,2099
Objective:To investigate the effects of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin combination therapy on lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice.Methods:A total of 40 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into eight groups:normal control group(A),high-fat control group(B),curcumin group(C),berberine group(D),puerarin group(E),low-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(F),high-dose combination group of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin(G),and positive control group(H),with 5 mice in each group.The normal control group was fed a standard diet,while the other groups were given a high-fat diet.After establishing the hyperlipidemic model,the mice were administered with physiological saline,curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),puerarin(300 mg/kg),low-dose combination of curcumin(50 mg/kg),berberine(50 mg/kg),and puerarin(100 mg/kg),high-dose combination of curcumin(200 mg/kg),berberine(200 mg/kg),and puerarin(300 mg/kg),or simvastatin(6 mg/kg)via gavage for three weeks.After treatment,serum was collected from the mice for biochemical analysis of lipid levels and liver function.Liver tissues were subjected to HE staining,Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR.Results:Curcumin,berberine,and puerarin,whether administered individually or in combination,can reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemic mice(P<0.01).Treatment with curcumin,berberine,and puerarin individually significantly reduced lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice(P<0.05)and alleviated liver damage caused by hyperlipidemia(P<0.05).Furthermore,the high-dose combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin exhibited a more pronounced effect on improving lipid levels(P<0.01)and provided greater protective effects on the liver compared to the positive control group(P<0.05).Additionally,curcumin,berberine,and puerarin administered individually can each promote the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90%,85%,and 98%,respectively)and reduce the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 42%,45%,and 43%,respectively).The combination of all three compounds enhances the expression of the LDLR gene in high-fat diet mice(increased by 90%with low-dose combination and 169%with high-dose combination)and reduces the expression of the ACC gene(decreased by 38%with low-dose combination and 42%with high-dose combination).Conclusion:The combination of curcumin,berberine,and puerarin significantly improves lipid levels in hyperlipidemic mice and mitigates liver damage associated with hyperlipidemia.
4.Tonifying kidney and activating blood therapy for the treatment of diabetic erectile dysfunction:A systematic review and meta-analysis
Mao-ke CHEN ; Ke-cheng LI ; Jun-long FENG ; Xiang-fa LIN ; Wen-xuan DONG ; Zi-xiang GAO ; Hua-nan ZHANG ; Hui CHEN ; Ji-sheng WANG ; Bin WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(9):832-840
Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tonifying kidney and activating blood thera-py for the treatment of diabetic mellitus erectile dysfunction.Methods:China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data,VIP,Chinese Biomedical Database(CBM),PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase and Web of Science were searched from incep-tion until October 20th of 2024,for randomized controlled trials of Tonifying kidney and activating blood therapy for the treatment of dia-betic erectile dysfunction.Literature screening,quality evaluation,and data extraction were carried out in accordance with relevant standards.The software of RevMan5.4 was used for the analysis of publication bias.And meta-analysis was conducted to assess the im-pact of this therapy on IIEF-5,total effective rate,adverse reactions.The evidence levels according to the analysis results were evalua-ted.Results:Totally 19 RCTs were included,involving 1 612 patients.The result of meta-analysis indicated that Tonifying kidney and activating blood therapy had advantages on the improvement of IIEF-5 scores(MD=3.59,95%CI[2.14,5.03],P<0.01),total effective rate(OR=4.30,95%CI[3.29,5.32],P<0.000 01).However,there was no statistically significant difference in the inci-dence of adverse reactions(OR=0.98,95%CI[0.48,2.01],P=0.96)between the two groups.Conclusions:Tonifying kidney and activating blood therapy can improve the clinical efficacy and IIEF-5 score for the patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction.But considering the limited quantity of included studies,more high-quality studies still be needed to validate the therapeutic effect.
5.Study on a clinical model of predicting severe asthma centered on peripheral blood neutrophils and oxidative stress molecules
Zhen-Hua ZHU ; Ruo-Lin MAO ; Zhi-Hong CHEN
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(2):172-180
Objective To compare the clinical characteristics,peripheral blood inflammatory cells and levels of oxidative stress indicators between severe asthma and non-severe asthma patients,analyze the effects of neutrophils and oxidative stress molecules on the severity of asthma,and build a biological model for early prediction of severe asthma.Methods From Aug 2018 to Jul 2019,67 adult patients with stable asthma in our hospital were enrolled in this study.The clinical characteristics,peripheral blood inflammatory cells and levels of oxidative stress indicators of severe asthma group and non-severe asthma group were compared.Single factor Logistic regression analysis was conducted on severe asthma to screen out the most important five variables.Multifactor Logistic regression analysis was further conducted to establish a prediction model for severe asthma.Results There were 25 severe asthma patients in this cohort,who had a longer course of disease,more frequent acute attacks,poorer asthma control,higher peripheral neutrophils,more severe obstructive ventilation dysfunction,lower myeloperoxidase(MPO)level and higher superoxide dismutase(SOD)than non-severe asthma patients.The patients with higher peripheral blood neutrophil count or proportion were more likely to show severe asthma,more frequent acute attacks,and more obvious reduction of pulmonary ventilation function.A panel of biomarkers,centered on peripheral blood neutrophil count and oxidative stress indicators SOD,human 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α(8-iso-PGF2α),could build a model to predict severe asthma.Conclusion There are significant differences in clinical characteristics,peripheral blood inflammatory cells,and oxidative stress index levels between severe asthma patients and non-severe asthma patients.In stable asthma patients,levels of neutrophils and oxidative stress indicators such as SOD had an impact on the severity of asthma.The prediction model of severe asthma established on this basis provides a new idea for early recognition of severe asthma.
6.A multicenter study of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China
Li-Xiu SHI ; Jin-Xing FENG ; Yan-Fang WEI ; Xin-Ru LU ; Yu-Xi ZHANG ; Lin-Ying YANG ; Sheng-Nan HE ; Pei-Juan CHEN ; Jing HAN ; Cheng CHEN ; Hui-Ying TU ; Zhang-Bin YU ; Jin-Jie HUANG ; Shu-Juan ZENG ; Wan-Ling CHEN ; Ying LIU ; Yan-Ping GUO ; Jiao-Yu MAO ; Xiao-Dong LI ; Qian-Shen ZHANG ; Zhi-Li XIE ; Mei-Ying HUANG ; Kun-Shan YAN ; Er-Ya YING ; Jun CHEN ; Yan-Rong WANG ; Ya-Ping LIU ; Bo SONG ; Hua-Yan LIU ; Xiao-Dong XIAO ; Hong TANG ; Yu-Na WANG ; Yin-Sha CAI ; Qi LONG ; Han-Qiang XU ; Hui-Zhan WANG ; Qian SUN ; Fang HAN ; Rui-Biao ZHANG ; Chuan-Zhong YANG ; Lei DOU ; Hui-Ju SHI ; Rui WANG ; Ping JIANG ; Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(5):450-455
Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75%(27/36);boys accounted for 64%(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86%)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53%)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61%)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36%)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75%)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72%)and seizures in 10 neonates(34%).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33%,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44%(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.
7.Characteristics of intestinal microbiota in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease in infants and children
Hong-Mao WANG ; Ming-Ming ZHANG ; Yao LIN ; Yang LIU ; Guan-Hua XUE ; Lin SHI ; Jing YUAN ; Xiao-Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(10):1101-1107
Objective To study the composition,abundance,and functional profiles of the intestinal microbiota in infants and young children with Kawasaki disease(KD)during the acute phase,and to explore the potential role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of KD.Methods Six children aged 0-3 years with acute KD admitted to the Department of Cardiology,Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from July to October 2021 were prospectively included as the KD group.Six age-and sex-matched healthy children who underwent physical examinations at the hospital during the same period were selected as the healthy control group.Metagenomics sequencing was used to detect and compare the differences in the microflora structure and functional profiles of fecal samples between the two groups.Results There were significant differences in the structural composition and diversity of intestinal microbiota between the two groups(P<0.05).Compared with the healthy control group,the abundance of Listeria_monocytogenes(family Listeriaceae and genus Listeria),Bifidobacterium_rousetti,Enterococcus_avium,and Enterococcus_hirae was significantly higher in the intestinal microbiota in the KD group(|LDA|>2.0,P<0.05).The steroid degradation and apoptosis pathways were significantly upregulated in the KD group compared with the healthy control group,while the Bacterial_secretion_system,Sulfur_metabolism,Butanoate_metabolism,Benzoate_degradation,β-alanine metabolism,and α-linolenic acid pathways were significantly downregulated(|LDA|>2,P<0.05).Conclusions There are significant differences in the structure and diversity of intestinal microbiota between children aged 0-3 years with acute KD and healthy children,suggesting that disturbances in intestinal microbiota occur during the acute phase of KD.In particular,Listeria_monocytogenes,Enterococcus_avium,and Enterococcus_hirae may be involved in the pathogenesis of KD through steroid degradation and apoptosis pathways.
8.Predictive value of serum TRIB3 and STOX1 levels for prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI
Lin ZHANG ; Qing-song CHEN ; Guang-hong FENG ; Zhong-hua ZHU ; Mao-hai ZHANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2024;33(6):683-687
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of serum levels of tribbles pseudokinase 3(TRIB3)and storkhead box 1(STOX1)for prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods:A total of 116 CHD patients undergoing PCI in Daye People's Hospital between May 2019 and August 2022 were enrolled as CHD group,another 95 healthy volunteers undergoing physical examination in our hospital simultaneously were selected as control group.According to presence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)within 3 months after PCI,CHD group was divided into MACE group(n=21)and no MACE group(n=95).Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure serum TRIB3 and STOX1 levels;multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze influencing factors of poor prognosis in CHD patients after PCI;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze predictive value of serum TRIB3 and STOX1 for poor prognosis in CHD patients after PCI.Results:Compared with participants in control group,those in CHD group had significant higher serum TRIB3 and STOX1 levels(P<0.001 all).Compared with participants in no MACE group,those in MACE group had significant higher serum levels of TRIB3[(9.65±1.27)ng/ml vs.(12.04±1.64)ng/ml]and STOX1[(16.06±1.54)ng/ml vs.(18.21±1.78)ng/ml](P<0.001 all).Multivariate Lo-gistic regression showed that serum TRIB3 and STOX1 levels were independent risk factors for MACE in CHD pa-tients after PCI(OR=3.859,2.159,P<0.001 both).ROC analysis indicated that combined detection of serum TRIB3 and STOX1(area under the curve(AUC)=0.916)had higher predictive value for poor prognosis in CHD patients after PCI compared to those of single detection(AUC=0.837,0.776).Conclusion:Serum levels of TRIB3 and STOX1 significantly increase in CHD patients after PCI suffering from MACE,and the combination of both can better predict the prognosis of these patients.
9.Analysis of adverse events of polatuzumab vedotin and fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki based on OpenFDA database
Mao LIN ; Guan-Min ZHANG ; Gui-Sen YIN ; Cai-Se LING ; Hong-Tao XIAO ; Yan-Hua ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):904-908
Objective To mine and analyze the adverse event data of polatuzumab vedotin(Pola)and fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki(T-Dxd),so as to provide reference for clinical medication safety.Methods The adverse events reported from January 1,2004 to June 7,2023 were extracted based on openFDA database.The suspicious risk signals were screened by the Open Vigil 2.1 data platform and ranked by signal strength and frequency of occurrence;then ADEs were classified by reference to the MedDRA 26.0.Results A total of 7 164 and 22 870 ADE reports related to Pola and T-Dxd were obtained,and 104 and 95 suspicious ADE signals were detected,respectively.According to the signal intensity,cytomegalovirus enterocolitis(ROR=416.94)for Pola and interstitial lung disease[reporting odds ratio(ROR)=82.55]for T-Dxd ranked first,both of which were recorded in the drug instructions.According to the frequency of occurrence,the two drugs were most frequently associated with death(n=111)and nausea(n=285),respectively.The risk of Pola was associated with 12 systems/organs,of which 26 risk signals were not documented in the drug instruction,and the risk of T-Dxd was associated with 13 systems/organs,of which 18 risk signals were not documented in the drug instruction.Conclusion By tapping the ADE after real-world administration of Pola and T-Dxd,physicians are prompted to pay attention to the risk of adverse reactions in clinical use and actively take preventive and therapeutic measures to ensure the safety of patients'medication.
10.Mesenchymal stem cells inhibit hypoxic damage to rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells by regulating oxidative stress
Zhuang MAO ; Xue LI ; Changyao WANG ; Lin LYU ; Hu CAO ; Zhichao HE ; Zuyin YU ; Hua WANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2024;38(7):504-510
OBJECTIVE To explore the role and mechanism of dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)in repairing hypoxic injury to rats pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells(PMVECs).METHODS ①PMVECs were treated with cobalt chloride at 0,10,25,50 and 100 μmol·L-1 for 72 h.CCK-8 was used to detect the cell viability,and the protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α),zona occludens small-band protein 1(ZO-1),and occludin(OCLN)were detected by Western blotting.②There was a cell control group,model group,and model+DPSCs group,and the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)was detected by immunofluorescence staining after at 24 and 48 h of action.The levels of ZO-1 and OCLN proteins were detected by Western blotting.③ A cell control group,model group,model+DPSC group and model+DPSC cell knockdown superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1)group were set up.The mRNA level of SOD1 was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR 24 and 48 h later,while the protein levels of ZO-1 and OCLN were detected by Western blotting.RESULTS ① Com-pared with the cell control group,72 h of cobalt chloride 100 μmol·L-1 treatment of PMVECs resulted in a cell survival rate above 80%,a significant increase in the level of HIF-1α protein(P<0.05),a signifi-cant decrease in the levels of ZO-1 and OCLN proteins(P<0.01),and establishment of a model of hypoxic injury in PMVECs.② Compared with the cell control group,the ROS level was significantly higher in the model group(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the ROS level was significantly lower in the model+DPSCs group(P<0.01),while the levels of ZO-1 and OCLN proteins were signifi-cantly higher in the model+DPSCs group(P<0.05).③ Compared with the DPSC group,ZO-1 and OCLN expressions were significantly decreased after knockdown of SOD1 in DPSCs(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS DPSCs can repair hypoxic injury to PMVECs,and the anti-oxidative stress capacity of DPSCs plays an important role in hypoxic injury repair of PMVECs.

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