1.Construction and practice of the theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis” and related prevention and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy in traditional Chinese medicine/Zhuang medicine
Zhipeng WU ; Yuqin ZHANG ; Chun YAO ; Minggang WANG ; Na WANG ; Mengru PENG ; Ningfang MO ; Yaqing ZHENG ; Rongzhen ZHANG ; Dewen MAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):370-374
Hepatic encephalopathy is a difficult and critical disease with rapid progression and limited treatment methods in the field of liver disease, and it is urgently needed to make breakthroughs in its pathogenesis. Selection of appropriate prevention and treatment strategies is of great importance in delaying disease progression and reducing the incidence and mortality rates. This article reviews the theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis” and related prevention and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy in traditional Chinese medicine/Zhuang medicine, proposes a new theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis”, analyzes the scientific connotations of “turbid”, “toxin”, and the theory of “turbid toxin pathogenesis”, and constructs the “four-step” prevention and treatment strategies for hepatic encephalopathy, thereby establishing the new clinical prevention and treatment regimen for hepatic encephalopathy represented by “four prescriptions and two techniques” and clarifying the effect mechanism and biological basis of core prescriptions and techniques in the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, in order to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
2.Luteolin improves myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury
Wenwen ZHANG ; Mengru XU ; Yuan TIAN ; Lifei ZHANG ; Shu SHI ; Ning WANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Li WANG ; Haihu HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):38-43
BACKGROUND:Cardiac dysfunction due to spinal cord injury is an important factor of death in patients with spinal cord injury;however,the specific mechanism is still not clear.Therefore,revealing the mechanism of cardiac dysfunction in spinal cord injury patients is of great significance to improve their quality of life and survival rate. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of luteolin in improving serum-induced myocardial cell death in spinal cord injury rats. METHODS:Allen's impact instrument was used to damage the spine T9-T11 of male SD rats to establish a spinal cord injury model meanwhile a sham operation group was set as the control group.The serum of rats of each group was collected.H9c2 cells were divided into a blank control group,a sham operated rat serum group,a spinal cord injury rat serum group and a luteolin pretreatment group.The cells in blank control group were only cultured with ordinary culture medium.The cells in the sham operated rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from sham operated rat.The cells in the spinal cord injury rat serum group were treated with medium containing 10%serum from spinal cord injury rat.The cells in the luteolin pretreatment group were precultured with a final concentration of 20 μmol/L luteolin for 4 hours and then changed to a medium containing 10%rat serum from spinal cord injury rat.After 24 hours of culture,the survival rate of each group of H9c2 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of autophagy related protein LC3 and p62 in H9c2 cells in each group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank control group,there was no significant change in cell survival rate in the sham operated rat serum group(P>0.05).Compared with the sham operated rat serum group,the cell survival rate(P<0.01)and the expression of LC3 protein(P<0.05)in spinal cord injury rat serum group was significantly reduced,and the expression of p62 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the spinal cord injury rat serum group,the survival rate of cells in the luteolin pretreatment group significantly increased(P<0.000 1);the expression of LC3 protein significantly increased(P<0.05),and the expression of p62 protein significantly decreased(P<0.05).The results indicate that luteolin may improve myocardial cell death induced by serum from rats with spinal cord injury by promoting autophagy.
3.Exploration on the relation between tumors and anaphylactic reaction from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine constitution
Yuhan ZONG ; Huaiyu WANG ; Mengru ZHOU ; Haoyue JIANG ; Luyao JIN ; Xihuan ZHU ; Ji WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):240-245
The etiology of tumors is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including the host and environmental conditions. Allergy is primarily driven by the immune response of helper T cell 2 (Th2). Research has shown that the Th2 immune response is closely related to tumors, which is specifically manifested through Th2 antibodies, allergy-related effector cells and mediators within the tumors, as well as tumor immune-related functions. This internal interaction mechanism will increase the complexity and challenges associated with the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors and allergy. The formation of allergic constitution is shaped by both congenital and acquired factors, and its physical state is closely linked to the occurrence and progression of allergic diseases. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the relationship between tumors and allergic reactions from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution theory. Based on the four basic principles of the TCM constitution, including endowment inheritance theory, environment constraint theory, body-spirit composition theory, and life process theory, this exploration will focus on four aspects: genetic factors and internal disease causes, inflammatory environments and functional regulation, psychological disorders and emotional pathogenesis, as well as age structure and disease risk. Furthermore, from the perspective of constitution-disease relation of chronic disease prevention, this paper will discuss the significant importance of adjusting allergic constitution to improve both subjective symptoms and objective indicators of allergic reactions in tumor patients.
4.Hyssopus cuspidatus extract inhibited OVA-sensitized allergic asthma through PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation.
Yali ZHANG ; Huiming PENG ; Jingjing LI ; Pan LV ; Mengru ZHANG ; Xu WANG ; Siyu WANG ; Siying ZHU ; Jiankang LU ; Xuepeng FAN ; Jinbo FANG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):539-547
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effect and mechanism of Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss. extract (HCE) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma.
METHODS:
Components identification of HCE was conducted using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. Mice were sensitized with OVA to establish asthmatic model, and dexamethasone was used as positive control. Respiratory reactivity, white cells counting in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and peripheral blood, cytokine level measurement in serum and lung tissue, and histologic examination were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HCE on asthma. Network pharmacology approach was used for mechanism prediction. Western blotting and untargeted lipidomics method were applied for mechanism validation.
RESULTS:
Fifty-two compounds were identified in HCE, predominantly terpenoids and flavonoids. HCE markedly reduced airway resistance, the eosinophil infiltration in lung tissues, and the levels of immunoglobulin E, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interleukin-13. Network pharmacology analysis suggested phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 Mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) may be key proteins of HCE in the treatment of allergic asthma. Western blot results indicated that the levels of phosphorylated PI3K, JNK, and P38 were downregulated in HCE-treated group. Moreover, HCE significantly upregulated the levels of ceramide and sphingomyelin and downregulated the level of phosphatidylcholine.
CONCLUSION
HCE inhibited allergic asthma via PI3K/JNK/P38 signaling pathway and lipid homeostasis regulation.
5.Identifying purgative targets of sennoside A via in situ biotransformation of prodrug-based probes.
Zhen LIU ; Xinyue GENG ; Xinyue LIU ; Mengru LI ; Xiang LI ; Zhixin ZHANG ; Gan LUO ; Ying WANG ; Xiaoyan GAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(4):101078-101078
•A strategy for in situ metabolically synthesized active drug-based probes was proposed.•The potential purgative targets of SA were successfully hooked and identified.•The work provided a new insight for studying the direct targets of unstable active drugs.
6.The Mechanism of Action of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Inducing Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(6):1555-1562
7.Hypoxic transcriptional phenotype and cellular ultrastructural changes of tumor-associated macrophages in gliomas
Haizhen FAN ; Lixia WANG ; Yue CHENG ; Lujing WANG ; Qianying RUAN ; Jiale JI ; Mengru WANG ; Zhen QIN ; Yi ZHANG ; Zhicheng HE ; Yifang PING ; Yu SHI
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(9):904-911
Objective To investigate the effects of hypoxia on the transcriptional phenotype and ultrastructure of tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs)in glioma.Methods CD14+monocytes were isolated from healthy human peripheral blood samples collected from the Blood Bank of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University,and the cells were induced to differentiate into TAMs through co-culture with glioma cell-conditioned medium.Hypoxic TAM models were established using varying concentrations of cobalt chloride hexahydrate(CoCl2,50~400 μmol/L)or hypoxic conditions(1%,5%,10%O2)for 48 h,while normoxic TAM models(21%O2)served as controls.RT-qPCR and transcriptome sequencing were employed to analyze transcriptional changes in TAMs under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was applied to compare the differences in angiogenesis,glycolysis and other hypoxia-responsive pathways between the 2 conditions.Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)or immunofluorescence staining was conducted to assess the ultrastructural alterations in cytoskeleton,endoplasmic reticulum(ER),and mitochondria in normoxic and hypoxic TAMs(1%O2).Results Hypoxic TAMs exhibited up-regulated transcription of hypoxia-responsive markers(oxygen transport,glycolysis,pro-angiogenesis),with the effects correlating with hypoxia severity(P<0.05).GSEA revealed significant up-regulation of hypoxia,angiogenesis regulation,glycolysis and gluconeogenesis,and starvation stress pathways,alongside down-regulation of innate immunity,macrophage activation,cytoskeleton,and protein maturation pathways in hypoxic TAMs(P<0.05).TEM and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated obvious ultrastructure changes,including disrupted cytoskeletal organization,shortened rough ER with reduced ribosomes,mitochondrial swelling with cristae damage,and diminished ER-mitochondria contacts in hypoxic TAMs.Conclusion CoCl2 and hypoxia induce a hypoxic transcriptional phenotype in TAMs,which may potentially associated with ultrastructural remodeling of the cytoskeleton,ER,and mitochondria.
8.Exploration of Acupoint Selection Patterns in the Treatment of Diabetic Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy Using Data Mining Techniques
Mengru YAN ; Xiaoxue YANG ; Xueqi HU ; Hongli WANG ; Sicong LIN ; Haomin HUANG ; Shufang CHU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1719-1725
Objective To investigate the acupoint selection patterns for treating diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy(DCAN)using data mining techniques,providing evidence for clinical practice.Methods Literature on acupuncture treatment for DCAN was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,and PubMed.The publication dates of the included literature ranged from the inception of each database to April 2024.Descriptive analysis,association rule analysis,and cluster analysis were performed on acupoint prescriptions,with the selection patterns of meridians and acupoints were summarized.Results A total of 27 articles were included,involving 18 acupoints.The top 10 high-frequency acupoints were Neiguan(PC6),Xinshu(BL15),Pishu(BL20),Zusanli(ST36),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Shenmen(HT7),Taixi(KI3),Lingtai(GV10),Shendao(GV11),and Shenshu(BL23).The primary meridians selected were the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang and the pericardium meridian of hand-jueyin.Specific acupoint categories predominantly included back-shu points and five transport points.Association rule and cluster analyses identified core acupoint combinations centered on Xinshu,Neiguan,Pishu,and Zusanli.Conclusion The core acupoint combination for treating DCAN with acupuncture comprises Xinshu,Neiguan,Pishu,and Zusanli.
9.Data Mining in the Medication Rules of Li Huilin in Treating Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Complicated with Hypothyroidism
Xiaoxue YANG ; Chenyang WANG ; Mengru YAN ; Hongli WANG ; Xueqi HU ; Shufang CHU ; Huilin LI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1779-1785
Objective To explore the medication rules of Professor Li Huilin in treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis(HT)complicated with hypothyroidism using data mining techniques based on the R language.Methods Prescription data of the patients with HT complicated with hypothyroidism treated by Professor Li Huilin in outpatient clinics from March 2023 to March 2024 were collected.A database was established using Microsoft Excel 2021,and R language was employed to analyze the frequency,efficacy,properties and flavors,and meridian tropism of the medicinals from Chinese herbal prescriptions.Additionally,correlation analysis,association rule analysis,and cluster analysis were performed on the medicines from Chinese herbal prescriptions.Results A total of 57 Chinese herbal prescriptions involving 125 medicinals with 782 medication frequencies were included.The top 10 frequently-used medicinals were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle(Zhigancao),Angelicae Sinensis Radix(Danggui),Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(Baizhu),Astragali Radix(Huangqi),Bupleuri Radix(Chaihu),Cinnamomi Ramulus(Guizhi),Leonuri Herba(Yimucao),Paeoniae Radix Alba(Baishao),Poria(Fuling),and Fici Simplicissimae Radix(Wuzhimaotao).Most of the medicinals had therapeutic action of tonifying deficiency.The analysis of properties and flavors showed that the majority of medicinals were mild or warm in nature,and sweet in flavor.The top three meridians having the tropism of medicinals were the liver,lung,and spleen meridians.Correlation analysis identified five strongly-correlated herbal combinations.Association rule mining revealed a core herbal combination consisting of seven medicinals of Zhigancao,Huangqi,Danggui,Chaihu,Codonopsis Radix(Dangshen),Baizhu,and Cyperi Rhizoma(Xiangfu).Cluster analysis of medicinals with a frequency of≥5 yielded five groups of herbal combination.Conclusion For the treatment of HT complicated with hypothyroidism,Professor Li Huilin follows the principle of addressing the root cause of the disease,and focuses on strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi.Moreover,attention is given to soothing the liver and regulating qi,harmonizing qi and blood simultaneously,and treating symptoms and root cause simultaneously.
10.Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Rehmanniae Radix and Its Decoction Pieces Based on Sugar Spectrum
Mengru DAI ; Chun LI ; Raorao LI ; Limei LIN ; Chunxiu SHEN ; Yongxin ZHANG ; Weihong FENG ; Zhimin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(18):157-163
ObjectiveTaking the oligosaccharides in Rehmanniae Radix(RR) as the research object, the content determination method based on high performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detection(HPLC-ELSD) and thin layer chromatography(TLC) identification method were established to explore the content and distribution of oligosaccharides in different RR herbs and decoction pieces. MethodA total of 10 batches of fresh and raw RR, 12 batches of RR decoction pieces and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata(RRP) were collected. A TLC identification method for fructose, sucrose, manninotriose, raffinose and stachyose in RR was established by using silica gel G thin-layer plates with ethyl acetate-water-anhydrous formic acid-glacial acetic acid(12∶6∶5∶4) as the developing agent and 10% sulfuric acid-ethanol solution as chromogenic agent. A HPLC-ELSD was used to determine the contents of fructose, glucose, sucrose, melibiose, raffinose, manninotriose and stachyose in different RR herbs and decoction pieces. Then principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were used to analyze the contents of 7 kinds of saccharides in RR herbs and decoction pieces, and the differential components were screened with the value of variable importance in the projection(VIP)>1. ResultThe results of TLC identification showed that fresh RR, raw RR and its decoction pieces showed spots of the same color on the corresponding positions with the control products of stachyose, raffinose and sucrose, while the TLC of RRP showed spots of the same color at corresponding positions to manninotriose and fructose controls. The results of methodological investigations of 7 analytes met the requirements of determination. Only glucose, sucrose, raffinose and stachyose were detected in 10 batches of fresh RR and 10 batches of raw RR herbs, the average contents of which were 0.84%, 4.62%, 2.42% and 57.90% in fresh samples, while those were 3.16%, 9.36%, 7.05% and 38.10% in raw samples, respectively. In 12 batches of RR decoction pieces, the contents of the above seven sugars(fructose, glucose, sucrose, melibiose, raffinose, manninotriose and stachyose) were 1.68%, 4.27%, 9.96%, 0.53%, 6.85%, 3.05% and 37.52%, respectively. In 12 batches of RRP, the contents of the above seven sugars were 10.62%, 11.01%, 1.25%, 3.35%, 1.12%, 28.16% and 6.39%, respectively. The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed that fresh RR, raw RR and RRP could be distinguished from each other by the contents of the 7 sugars, and the main differential components were stachyose, sucrose, raffinose and manninotriose. ConclusionIn terms of oligosaccharides, the contents and types of saccharides in different herbs and decoction pieces of RR are quite different, and the TLC identification method based on this can be used to distinguish raw RR from RRP, which can lay a foundation for improving the quality standard of RR and developing and applying oligosaccharides in different processed products of RR.


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