1.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis
Jian LIU ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Hongsheng CUI ; Xia CUI ; Shunan ZHANG ; Daowen YANG ; Cuiling FENG ; Yubo GUO ; Zengtao SUN ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Guangxi LI ; Qing MIAO ; Sumei WANG ; Liqing SHI ; Hongjun YANG ; Ting LIU ; Fangbo ZHANG ; Sheng CHEN ; Wei CHEN ; Hai WANG ; Lin LIN ; Nini QU ; Lei WU ; Dengshan WU ; Yafeng LIU ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Yueying ZHANG ; Yongfen FAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):182-188
The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis (GS/CACM 337-2023) was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13th, 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology, pharmacy, and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM) and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine (pulmonary diseases) and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung, acute bronchitis, and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations, efficacy evaluation, usage, dosage, drug combination, and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions, give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid, and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.
2.Differences and Mechanisms of Combined Use of "Raw and Fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen" in Anmeidan and Its Disassembled Prescriptions in Improving Anxiety and Cognitive Impairment in Insomnia Rat Model Based on Serum Metabolomics
Kang SUN ; Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Miao ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):36-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in efficacy and endogenous metabolic mechanisms of Anmeidan with combined use of raw and fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen and its disassembled prescriptions in treating anxiety and cognitive impairment in insomnia rats. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=10 per group): blank group, model group, suvorexant group (30 mg·kg-1), Anmeidan group (9.09 g·kg-1), Anmeidan with absence of raw Ziziphi Spinosae Semen group (7.38 g·kg-1), and Anmeidan with absence of fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen group (7.38 g·kg-1). An insomnia model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), followed by gavage administration of Anmeidan or its disassembled prescriptions. Anxiety levels were assessed using the open field test, while cognitive ability was evaluated via the novel object recognition test. The pathological morphology of hippocampal neurons was examined using electron microscopy. Serum samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for principal component analysis, metabolic profiling, identification of differential metabolites, and metabolic pathway analysis. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly increased exercise mileage, exercise time, and the ratio of the number of entries into the peripheral zone to the total number of entries into both the peripheral and central zones exhibited a marked increase (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the novel object recognition index significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Anmeidan and suvorexant groups showed significantly reduced exercise mileage and exercise time (P<0.01). The ratio of the number of entries into the peripheral zone to the total number of entries into both the peripheral and central zones decreased (P<0.05), and a significant increase in the novel object recognition index (P<0.01). However, the disassembled prescription groups showed no significant improvement in open field test and novel object recognition test indices. Electron microscopy revealed that the Anmeidan group improved the pathological morphology of hippocampal neurons in insomnia rats. Metabolomics analysis identified 10 potential differential metabolites associated with Anmeidan's therapeutic effects, involving metabolic pathways related to phenylalanine and tryptophan biosynthesis and metabolism, as well as the serotonergic pathway. ConclusionThe combined use of raw and fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in Anmeidan is more effective than its disassembled prescriptions in alleviating anxiety and cognitive impairment in PCPA-induced insomnia rats. The underlying mechanism may be associated with metabolic pathways related to phenylalanine, tryptophan, and serotonin.
3.Theoretical Exploration of Same "Etiology-Mechanism-Syndrome-Treatment-Prevention" in Insomnia and Skin Aging
Bo XU ; Miao ZHU ; Kang SUN ; Yuan PENG ; Ping WANG ; Li YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):72-78
Sleep, skin, and health are closely interconnected. Clinically, insomnia has a high incidence and is often accompanied by or secondary to skin aging. The two conditions exhibit "different diseases with the same syndrome", significantly affecting the physical and mental health of the Chinese population. Preventing and treating skin aging by improving insomnia is an important strategy, with the principle of "treating different diseases with the same approach" serving as a crucial therapeutic guideline. However, effective clinical prevention and treatment methods for both conditions remain lacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a profound theoretical foundation and notable efficacy in the concurrent treatment of insomnia and skin aging, yet there are few reports on the etiology, pathogenesis, therapeutic principles, and treatment methods of their shared treatment, warranting further exploration. Based on holistic view and syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, this study systematically investigates the theoretical origins of the shared manifestations of insomnia and skin aging from multiple dimensions, including etiology, pathological location, pathogenesis, disease nature, and prevention and treatment strategies. As early as Huangdi's Internal Classic (Huangdi Neijing), it was recognized that mental clarity during the day, sound sleep at night, and firm, healthy skin are key indicators of external health, whereas daytime lethargy, poor sleep quality, and dry, withered skin are prominent signs of aging. Maintaining mental clarity during the day and restful sleep at night is essential for skin integrity and healthy aging. Later medical scholars proposed that the common etiology of insomnia and skin aging lies in "internal-external interactions", with the pathological location involving "the five organ systems". The primary pathogenesis includes "deficiency, fire, stagnation, phlegm, and blood stasis", while the disease nature is often characterized by "a combination of deficiency and excess". Treatment should be guided by syndrome differentiation, following the principle of balancing Yin and Yang. This theoretical exploration enriches and advances TCM understanding of disease onset and prevention, providing theoretical guidance for the clinical prevention and treatment of insomnia-associated skin aging and contributing to the realization of the "Healthy China" initiative.
4.Protective effects and mechanisms of sodium pyruvate on storage lesions in human red blood cells
Haoning CHEN ; Qi MIAO ; Qiang GAO ; Xin SUN ; Shunyu MEI ; Li WANG ; Yun LIAN ; Honglin LUO ; Chenjie ZHOU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(6):833-838
Objective: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of sodium pyruvate (SP) on RBC storage lesions using an oxidative damage model. Methods: Six units of leukocyte-depleted suspended RBCs (discarded for non-infectious reasons within three days post-collection) were randomly assigned to four groups: negative control (NS), positive control (PS), experimental group 1 (SP1), and experimental group 2 (SP2). Oxidative stress was induced in the PS group by the addition of hydrogen peroxide (H
O
), while SP1 and SP2 received SP supplementation at different concentrations (25 mM and 50 mM, respectively) in the presence of H
O
. After 1 hour of incubation, RBC morphology was assessed microscopically, and biochemical indicators including glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), methemoglobin (MetHb), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and Na
/K
-ATPase activity were measured. Results: RBCs in the PS group exhibited pronounced morphological damage, including cell shrinkage and echinocyte formation, whereas both SP-treated groups showed significantly reduced structural injury. SP treatment led to elevated GSH levels and decreased concentrations of MDA and MetHb, suggesting attenuation of oxidative stress. Additionally, SP enhanced intracellular ATP levels and Na
/K
-ATPase activity, thereby contributing to membrane stability. Notably, the SP2 group (50 mM) demonstrated superior protective effects compared to SP1 (25 mM). Conclusion: Sodium pyruvate effectively attenuates oxidative storage lesions in RBCs, primarily through its antioxidant properties, energy metabolism supporting ability, and celluar membrane stabilizing function. These findings suggest SP as a promising additive for enhancing the quality and safety of stored RBCs.
5.Determination method of clopidogrel and its metabolites in rat plasma and its pharmacokinetic study
Huan YI ; Lan MIAO ; Changying REN ; Li LIN ; Mingqian SUN ; Qing PENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jianxun LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1599-1603
OBJECTIVE To establish a method for determining the contents of clopidogrel (CLP), clopidogrel carboxylate (CLP-C), clopidogrel acyl-β-D-glucuronide (CLP-G) and contents of clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) in rat plasma, and to investigate their in vivo pharmacokinetic characteristics. METHODS The Shisedo CAPCELL ADME column was used with a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile (both containing 0.1% formic acid) in a gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.4 mL/min, and the column temperature was maintained at 20 ℃. The injection volume was 2 μL. The analysis was performed in positive ion mode using electrospray ionization with multiple reaction monitoring. The ion pairs for quantitative analysis were m/z 322.1→211.9 (for CLP), m/z 308.1→197.9 (for CLP-C), m/z 322.1→154.8 (for CLP-G), m/z 504.1→154.9 [for racemic CAM derivative (CAMD)]. Six rats were administered a single intragastric dose of CLP (10 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected before medication and at 0.08, 0.33, 0.66, 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 23 and 35 hours after medication. The established method was used to detect the serum contents of various components in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were then calculated using WinNonlin 6.1 software. RESULTS The linear ranges for CLP, CLP-C and CAMD were 0.08-20.00, 205.00-8 000.00, and 0.04-25.00 ng/mL, respectively (r≥0.990). The relative standard deviations for both intra-day and inter-day precision tests were all less than 15%, and the relative errors for accuracy ranged from -11.68% to 14.40%. The coefficients of variation for the matrix factors were all less than 15%, meeting the requirements for bioanalytical method validation. The results of the pharmacokinetic study revealed that, following a single intagastric administration of CLP in rats, the exposure to the parent CLP in plasma was extremely low. Both the area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC0-35 h) and the peak concentration of the parent CLP were lower than those of its metabolites. The AUC0-35 h of the active metabolite CAM was approximately 43 times that of CLP, though it had a shorter half-life (2.53 h). The inactive metabolite CLP-C exhibited the highest exposure level, but it reached its peak concentration the latest and was eliminated slowly. The AUC0-35 h of CLP-G was about four times that of CAM, and its half-life was similar to that of CLP-C. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully established an liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of CLP and its three metabolites, and revealed their pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats. Specifically, the parent drug CLP was rapidly eliminated, while the inactive metabolites CLP-C and CLP-G exhibited long half-lives, and active metabolite CAM displayed a transient exposure pattern.
6.Research advances in neutron shielding materials
Caixia MIAO ; Xiaohui DU ; Meng LIU ; Yuxin DOU ; Qi SUN ; Hailei LYU ; Hongchen HAN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(4):607-613
With the extensive application of nuclear technology in industry, agriculture, and medicine, the safety issues associated with neutron radiation have become increasingly prominent. Due to their high penetrability and strong ionization effect, neutrons can cause serious health risks by directly damaging DNA or inducing secondary γ radiation. Therefore, the neutron radiation protection has become a core challenge in radiation protection, especially the research and development of neutron shielding materials. To ensure the safe development of nuclear technology, neutron shielding materials are indispensable and constitute a fundamental core technology for radiation protection. This paper reviews the theory of neutron radiation protection and the research progress of neutron shielding materials, with a focus on the current application status and existing problems of neutron shielding materials. This article also discusses the future development trends. This review aims to provide theoretical support and technical references for the safe application and development of nuclear technology.
7.Analysis of The Application and Prospects of CRISPR-based RNA Detection Technology in Forensic Science
Yun FANG ; Xian-Miao WANG ; Wei XIE ; Qi-Fan SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2602-2613
The emergence of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) system represents a revolutionary paradigm shift in molecular diagnostics, offering transformative potential for RNA analysis within the rigorous demands of forensic science. Conventional forensic RNA detection methodologies, such as reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or microarray analysis, are significantly hampered by inherent limitations including complex, multi-step protocols requiring sophisticated laboratory infrastructure, pronounced susceptibility to inhibitors prevalent in complex forensic matrices (e.g., humic acids, heme, indigo dyes), and often inadequate sensitivity for trace or degraded samples typical of crime scenes, thereby failing to meet the critical operational imperatives of forensic practice: rapidity, high specificity, sensitivity, portability, and robustness against interference. This review posits that CRISPR-Cas-based RNA detection technology provides a groundbreaking solution by leveraging the programmable, sequence-specific recognition conferred by the synergistic interaction between a designed guide RNA (gRNA) and Cas effector proteins (e.g., Cas12a, Cas13a, Cas14). Upon target RNA binding, specific Cas enzymes undergo conformational activation, exhibiting collateral cleavage activity―a unique catalytic amplification mechanism where the enzyme non-specifically cleaves surrounding reporter molecules, enabling ultra-high sensitivity. To further enhance detection limits, CRISPR-Cas systems are strategically integrated with isothermal pre-amplification techniques like recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) or loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), which efficiently amplify target RNA at constant temperatures, eliminating the need for thermal cyclers. This powerful cascade―isothermal pre-amplification followed by CRISPR-mediated sequence-specific recognition and collateral signal amplification―achieves exceptional sensitivity, often down to the single-molecule (attomolar) level, while drastically reducing analysis time to potentially 30-60 min. Crucially, the compatibility of CRISPR-Cas detection with simple, equipment-free readout systems, such as lateral flow strips (LFS) for visual colorimetric results or portable fluorescence/electrochemical sensors, facilitates true point-of-need (PON) forensic analysis directly at crime scenes, morgues, or field labs. This enables rapid applications like specific body fluid identification (e.g., distinguishing menstrual blood via miRNA, identifying saliva via mRNA), post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation through RNA degradation/expression patterns, donor age inference via age-related RNA markers, tissue identification, and microbial forensics, thereby accelerating investigative leads, minimizing sample degradation risks, and optimizing resource allocation. However, significant challenges impede widespread adoption, including persistent environmental interference inhibiting enzymes, fluctuations in Cas/amplification enzyme activity affecting reproducibility, a critical lack of standardized protocols and validated quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) frameworks essential for forensic reliability and court admissibility, and current limitations in multiplex detection capability. Consequently, future research must prioritize overcoming multiplexing bottlenecks for comprehensive analysis, enhancing system robustness through Cas protein engineering and optimized reagents, developing fully integrated, sample-to-answer microfluidic or lateral flow devices for user-friendly field deployment, and collaboratively establishing universally accepted validation guidelines, performance standards, and stringent QA/QC procedures. Furthermore, the urgent development of clear ethical guidelines governing the use of this highly sensitive technology, particularly concerning RNA data privacy and potential misuse, is imperative. This review systematically outlines the principles, forensic applications, current limitations, and future trajectories of CRISPR-RNA detection, with the authors’ conviction that focused efforts addressing these challenges will translate this technology into a cornerstone of next-generation forensic practice, driving unprecedented efficiency and innovation in field investigations and laboratory analysis to enhance justice delivery.
8.Regulation of natural killer cell subtypes and functions by programmed cell death protein 1 and its receptor at the maternal-fetal interface in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii during the second trimester
Jiayue SUN ; Qiuhua BAI ; Xiaodan CHEN ; Jiayin LÜ ; Shanshan HE ; Lili TANG ; Dejun LIAO ; Dengyu LIU ; Xiaoyin FU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):465-474
Objective To investigate the regulatory role of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling on the subtypes and functions of natural killer (NK) cells at the maternal-fetal interface during the second trimester in mice following Toxoplasma gondii infection during the first trimester. Methods Twelve 6- to 8-week-old female mice of the C57BL/6J strain were divided into a control group and an infection group, of 6 mice in each group. On the 6.5th day of pregnancy (Gd6.5), each pregnant mouse in the infection group was intraperitoneally injected with 150 tachyzoites of the Toxoplasma gondii PRU strain, while mice in the control group were injected with an equal volume of physiological saline. On the 12.5th day of pregnancy (Gd12.5), uterus and placenta tissues were sampled from pregnant mice for pathological observations, and the mRNA expression levels of PD-1, PD-L1, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were quantified in uterus and placenta tissues. The PD-1 and DX5 expression was measured on NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface using flow cytometry. In addition, the in vitro JEG-3 trophoblast cells and NK-92MI cells co-culture system was established as the control group, and the addition of T. gondii tachyzoites in the co-culture system served as the infection group. The PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was quantified in cells using real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, and the TNF-α concentration was measured in the cell culture supernatant using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results On Gd12.5, clear and intact cellular structures of placental decidual tissues were seen in pregnant mice in the control group, with no remarkable abnormal changes found in the uterine columnar epithelial cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration and blood stasis at varying degrees were found in uterine and placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.004 ± 0.004), (1.001 ± 0.001), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group and (2.480 ± 0.720), (3.355 ± 0.920), and (2.391 ± 0.073) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was (1.007 ± 0.010), (1.006 ± 0.006), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the uterine tissues in the control group and (6.948 ± 1.918), (3.225 ± 1.034), and (1.536 ± 0.150) in the infection group, respectively. The relative PD-1, PD-L1, and TNF-α mRNA expression was higher in both the uterine (t = 3.55, 4.43 and 33.02, all P values < 0.05) and placental tissues (t = 5.36, 3.72 and 6.18, all P values < 0.05) in the infection group than in the control group. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of PD-1+ NK cells, PD-1+ DX5+ NK cells, and DX5+ NK cells were (12.200 ± 1.082)%, (9.373 ± 7.728)%, and (44.000 ± 4.095)% in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the control group, and (21.733 ± 1.630)%, (18.767 ± 1.242)%, and (73.367 ± 0.611)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1+ NK cells, PD-1+ DX5+ NK cells, and DX5+ NK cells were (1.100 ± 0.510)%, (2.277 ± 1.337)%, and (96.167 ± 2.831)% in placental tissues from mice in the control group, and (26.867 ± 9.722)%, (23.433 ± 6.983)%, and (82.467 ± 2.248)% in the infection group, respectively. The proportions of PD-1+ NK cells (t = 8.45, P < 0.05) and DX5+ NK cells (t = 12.29, P < 0.05) were higher in uterine tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, and no significant difference was seen in the proportion of PD-1+ DX5+ NK cells (Z = -1.09, P > 0.05). The proportions of PD-1+ NK cells (t = 4.58, P < 0.05) and PD-1+ DX5+ NK cells (t = 5.15, P < 0.05) were higher in placental tissues from pregnant mice in the infection group than in the control group, while the proportion of DX5+ NK cells was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.56, P < 0.05). RT-qPCR assay revealed that the relative PD-1, PD-L1, and DX5 mRNA expression was (1.010 ± 0.005), (1.002 ± 0.003), and (1.001 ± 0.001) in the JEG-3 cells and NK92MI cells co-culture system and (3.638 ± 1.258), (0.397 ± 0.158), and (4.267 ± 1.750) in the control group, and ELISA measured that the TNF-α concentration was higher in the cell culture supernatant in the infection group [(22.056 ± 3.205) pg/mL] than in the control group [(12.441 ± 0.001) pg/mL] (t = 5.20, P < 0.05). The PD-1(t = 3.62, P < 0.05) and DX5 mRNA expression (t = 3.23, P < 0.05) was higher in the infection group than in the control group, and the PD-L1 mRNA expression was lower in the infection group than in the control group (t = -6.63, P < 0.05). Conclusions Following T. gondii infection, both PD-L1 expression and PD-1 expression on DX5+ NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface are upregulated in mice during the second trimester; however, the proportion of DX5+ NK cells decreases. These findings suggest that PD-1/PD-L1 signaling may suppress NK cell functions by modulating DX5+ NK cell subsets.
9.Modified Tongqiao Huoxuetang Down-regulates PI3K/Akt Pathway to Treat Basilar Artery Dolichoectasia
Feixiang LIU ; Daopei ZHANG ; Zhaoxin WU ; Huailiang ZHANG ; Yunke ZHANG ; Jinxin MIAO ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Ruiqin SUN ; Lixiang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):87-94
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of basilar artery dolichoectasia (BAD) and explore the mechanism of modified Tongqiao Huoxuetang (JTQHX) in regulating BAD via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. MethodSixty C57/BL6 female mice were randomized into sham operation (injected with 10 U·mL-1 inactivate elastase), model, atorvastatin calcium tablets (2.6 mg·kg·d-1), and low- and high-dose (crude drug 3.4, 17 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively) JTQHX groups. The mouse model of BAD was established by injection with 10 U·mL-1 elastase. After 14 days of modeling, the sham operation group and model group were administrated with equal volumes of pure water by gavage, and other groups with corresponding drugs for 2 months. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and calpain (LpA) in the serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Verhoeff 's Van Gieson (EVG) staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of blood vessels. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to examine the apoptosis rate of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Image Pro Plus was used to observe and calculate the curvature index, elongation length, percentage increase in vessel diameter, and curvature angle of the basilar artery vessels in mice. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of PI3K and Akt in the vascular tissue. ResultCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed lowered IL-6 level (P<0.01), no significant change in LpA level, increased apoptosis of VSMCs (P<0.01), and increased curvature index, elongation length, percentage increase in vessel diameter, and curvature angle (P<0.01). Furthermore, the modeling up-regulated the protein levels of PI3K and Akt in blood vessels (P<0.01) and aggravated the destruction of the inner elastic layer, atrophy of the muscular layer, and hyaline changes in the connective tissue of the medial membrane of the basilar artery wall. Compared with the model group, 2 months of treatment with JTQHX elevated the IL-6 level (P<0.01), reduced the apoptosis of VSMCs (P<0.01), decreased the curvature index, elongation length, percentage increase in vessel diameter, and curvature angle (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the protein levels of PI3K and Akt in blood vessels (P<0.01). In addition, the treatment alleviated the destruction of the inner elastic layer, atrophy of the muscular layer, and hyaline changes in the connective tissue of the medial membrane of the basilar artery wall. ConclusionJTQHX inhibits the elongation, expansion, and curvature of basilar artery vessels and alleviates the pathological changes by reducing the apoptosis of VSMCs and down-regulating the expression of PI3K/Akt pathway.
10.Protective Effect and Mechanism of Total Saponins of Codonopsis Radix on Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging Mice
Chongyang ZHANG ; Miao YU ; Rongchang CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Xiaobo SUN ; Zunpeng SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):70-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect and mechanism of total saponins of Codonopsis Radix (TSC) on learning and memory impairment induced by D-galactose in aging mice. MethodTwenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into four groups (n=6): normal group, model group (200 mg·kg-1 D-galactose), TSC group (200 mg·kg-1), and donepezil group (3 mg·kg-1). After one week of pre-treatment, the mice in the model, TSC, and donepezil groups were administrated with corresponding agents for 8 weeks. In the ninth week, the Morris water maze test was performed to assess the learning and memory abilities. Histopathological changes in the brain were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain tissue. The serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, on the basis of which the effects of TSC on neuroinflammation and memory impairment in D-galactose-induced aging mice were assessed. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited decreased cognitive function, decreased activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px in the serum (P<0.01), and upregulated levels of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.01). In addition, partial neuronal damage and degeneration were observed in the hippocampus and cortex of the model group, accompanied by downregulated BDNF expression (P<0.05) and upregulated NF-κB and TNF-α expression (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, TSC alleviated D-galactose-induced cognitive dysfunction, enhanced the activities of CAT, SOD, and GSH-Px (P<0.01), lowered MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels (P<0.01), and ameliorated the pathological changes in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Additionally, TSC upregulated BDNF expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) and downregulated NF-κB and TNF-α expression (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. ConclusionTSC exerts a protective effect on cognitive dysfunction induced by D-galactose in aging mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation.

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