1.Effect of Icariin on Steroid-induced Ferroptosis in Rat Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Jiancheng TANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Ruichen JIANG ; Zhengrong YUE ; Ming LI ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Zetao YIN ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):131-140
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on steroid-induced ferroptosis in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). MethodsRat BMECs were selected and treated with 500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone for 1.5 h to establish a ferroptosis model of BMECs. The experimental cells were divided into a blank group, hormone group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone), ICA group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone + 34 mg·L-1 ICA), and ferroptosis agonist group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone + 34 mg·L-1 ICA + 2.7 mg·L-1 erastin). Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The levels of ferrous ion, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by related kit species. The ferroptosis-related proteins, such as glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), ferritin light chain (FTL), and transferrin receptor protein1 (sTfR) were detected by Western blot, as well as autophagy-related proteins including microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), Beclin1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Caspase-3. Results500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone intervention for 1.5 h could effectively induce ferroptosis in BMECs, and ferroptosis levels could reach a peak as the intervention continued. In terms of cellular antioxidant capacity, compared with those in the blank group, the cell vitality, GSH in the hormone group decreased significantly, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the hormone group, the cell viability, GSH were significantly increased, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions were decreased in the ICA group (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the cell vitality, GSH in the ferroptosis agonist group decreased significantly, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions increased significantly (P<0.01). In terms of the relationship between ferroptosis and autophagy, compared with the blank group, the hormone group had significantly increased expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, Beclin1, and FTL and significantly decreased expression levels of GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with the hormone group, The ICA group had significantly decreased expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, and FTL and significantly increased expression levels of Beclin 1 and GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, and FTL increased in the rapamycin group, and those of Beclin 1 and GPX4 decreased (P<0.01). In terms of cell ferroptosis and apoptosis,compared with the blank group, the hormone group had significantly increased expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 and significantly decreased expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the hormone group, the ICA group had significantly decreased expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 and significantly increased expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 in the ferroptosis agonist group were increased, and the expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 were decreased (P<0.01). In terms of cell function,compared with that in the blank group, the ability of cell migration and tube formation was significantly decreased in the hormone group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the hormone group, the cell migration and tube formation ability in the ICA group were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionFerroptosis is involved in steroid-induced damage in BMECs. ICA can inhibit steroid-induced ferroptosis in BMECs, and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of ferroptosis by regulating autophagy.
2.Pharmacokinetic study of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland
Yu ZHANG ; Jiaming LI ; Dan PENG ; Ruoqiu FU ; Yue MING ; Zhengbi LIU ; Jingjing WANG ; Shiqi CHENG ; Hongjun XIE ; Yao LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):680-685
OBJECTIVE To explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG). METHODS Female SD rats were divided into control group and HMG group according to body weight, with 6 rats in each group. The HMG group was given estrogen+progesterone to construct HMG model. After modeling, two groups were given 1.485 g/kg of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid (calculated by crude drug) intragastrically, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected before the first administration (0 h), and at 5, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours after the last administration, respectively. Using chlorzoxazone as the internal standard, the plasma concentrations of ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in rats were detected by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters [area under the drug time curve (AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞), mean residence time (MRT0-∞), half-life (t1/2), peak time (tmax), peak concentration (cmax)] were calculated by the non-atrioventricular model using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞ and cmax of ferulic acid in the HMG group were significantly increased (P<0.05); the AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞ , MRT0-∞ , t1/2 and cmax of paeoniflorin increased, but there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05); the AUC0-24 h and MRT0-∞ of rosmarinic acid were significantly increased or prolonged (P<0.05). C ONCLUSIONS In HMG model rats, the exposure of ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid all increase, and the retention time of rosmarinic acid is significantly prolonged.
3.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
4.WANG Jianmin's Experience in Treating Cathartic Colon from the Perspective of "Keeping Sweet to Return Liquid"
Siyuan ZHANG ; Ming LI ; Kun TANG ; Ran TANG ; Yueyue ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1104-1108
To summarize Professor WANG Jianmin's experience in cathartic colon from "keeping sweet to return liquid". It is believed that the key to the pathogenesis of cathartic colon is fluid consumption and intestinal dryness, including yin depletion of spleen earth, and lack of sources for body fluids production; discordance of water and fire in kidneys, and irregular distribution of body fluids; and closure of the lungs and liver leads to inability of the flow of fluids. The treatment is based on the principle of "keeping sweet to return liquid", using sweet medicinals mainly, assistant with sour, bland and acrid medicinals, and self-prescribed Lipi Shengjin Decoction (理脾生津汤), Wenshen Runchang Decoction (温肾润肠汤), Kaifei Shunchang Decoction (开肺顺肠汤), Rougan Tongbian Decoction (柔肝通便汤) could be used to regulate spleen yin by the sweet and bland, and establish qi and promote fluid production; the sweet and warm medicinals can replenish water and fire, transform into qi, and distribute body fluids; the acrid and sweet can open lung depression, descend qi, and flow the body fluids; the sour and sweet can emolliate liver, move qi, and transform fluids.
5.The Role of Golgi Apparatus Homeostasis in Regulating Cell Death and Major Diseases
Xin-Yue CHENG ; Feng-Hua YAO ; Hui ZHANG ; Yong-Ming YAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2051-2067
The Golgi apparatus (GA) is a key membranous organelle in eukaryotic cells, acting as a central component of the endomembrane system. It plays an irreplaceable role in the processing, sorting, trafficking, and modification of proteins and lipids. Under normal conditions, the GA cooperates with other organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), lysosomes, mitochondria, and others, to achieve the precise processing and targeted transport of nearly one-third of intracellular proteins, thereby ensuring normal cellular physiological functions and adaptability to environmental changes. This function relies on Golgi protein quality control (PQC) mechanisms, which recognize and handle misfolded or aberrantly modified proteins by retrograde transport to the ER, proteasomal degradation, or lysosomal clearance, thus preventing the accumulation of toxic proteins. In addition, Golgi-specific autophagy (Golgiphagy), as a selective autophagy mechanism, is also crucial for removing damaged or excess Golgi components and maintaining its structural and functional homeostasis. Under pathological conditions such as oxidative stress and infection, the Golgi apparatus suffers damage and stress, and its homeostatic regulatory network may be disrupted, leading to the accumulation of misfolded proteins, membrane disorganization, and trafficking dysfunction. When the capacity and function of the Golgi fail to meet cellular demands, cells activate a series of adaptive signaling pathways to alleviate Golgi stress and enhance Golgi function. This process reflects the dynamic regulation of Golgi capacity to meet physiological needs. To date, 7 signaling pathways related to the Golgi stress response have been identified in mammalian cells. Although these pathways have different mechanisms, they all help restore Golgi homeostasis and function and are vital for maintaining overall cellular homeostasis. It is noteworthy that the regulation of Golgi homeostasis is closely related to multiple programmed cell death pathways, including apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. Once Golgi function is disrupted, these signaling pathways may induce cell death, ultimately participating in the occurrence and progression of diseases. Studies have shown that Golgi homeostatic imbalance plays an important pathological role in various major diseases. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), Golgi fragmentation and dysfunction aggravate the abnormal processing of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and Tau protein, promoting neuronal loss and advancing neurodegenerative processes. In cancer, Golgi homeostatic imbalance is closely associated with increased genomic instability, enhanced tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and increased resistance to cell death, which are important factors in tumor initiation and progression. In infectious diseases, pathogens such as viruses and bacteria hijack the Golgi trafficking system to promote their replication while inducing host defensive cell death responses. This process is also a key mechanism in host-pathogen interactions. This review focuses on the role of the Golgi apparatus in cell death and major diseases, systematically summarizing the Golgi stress response, regulatory mechanisms, and the role of Golgi-specific autophagy in maintaining homeostasis. It emphasizes the signaling regulatory role of the Golgi apparatus in apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. By integrating the latest research progress, it further clarifies the pathological significance of Golgi homeostatic disruption in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases, and reveals its potential mechanisms in cellular signal regulation.
6.Preparation and evaluation of long-acting light-protective nanogel based on fullerenol-cerium oxide composite system
Tianlong ZHANG ; Jia LIU ; Qing ZHAO ; Yue ZHOU ; Ming YANG ; Qianyu LUO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2106-2112
OBJECTIVE To develop a long-acting light-protective nanogel with both physical barrier and chemical clearance functions, and evaluate its performance. METHODS The photoprotective nanogel composed of mussel mucin and sodium hyaluronate was constructed based on a fullerenol-cerium oxide composite nano system, namely fullerenol-cerium oxide nanogel (FCN), and was characterized. The antioxidant capacity of FCN was evaluated using in vitro free radical scavenging experiments; its UV shielding ability was assessed by using an SPF value detector; its biosafety was assessed according to the requirements of the Guidelines for Drug Safety Evaluation; skin adhesion was assessed using small animal 3D live imaging technology; its sun protection ability was assessed through skin sunscreen detection and histopathological observation. RESULTS The average particle sizes of cerium oxide and fullerenol nanoparticles in FCN were about 20 and 10 nm, respectively, and FCN exhibited good UV absorption and free radical scavenging abilities. SPF value of FCN was 58.95±0.82, and the ultraviolet A protection level value was 6.21±0.15. No pathogenic colonies such as Staphylococcus aureus, were detected in the nanogel, and the contents of lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium all met the standards for pharmaceutical excipients; FCN group did not show any irritating reactions such as erythema, edema, or desquamation; blood biochemical indicators of the FCN group were within the normal reference range. The material clearance rate of mice in the artificial sweat flushing group was less than 30%, while the material clearance rate of mice in the dry cleaning group reached about 92%. The mice in the protective group did not show obvious erythema or ulcer formation throughout the experiment. Histopathology showed that the fibers were arranged in an orderly manner, and the number of collagen fibers was close to that of the control group. CONCLUSIONS The FCN formulation constructed in this study meets the relevant requirements of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, has good safety and skin compatibility, and achieves dual synergistic protection of UV shielding and free radical scavenging.
7.Mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics in ischemic stroke and therapeutic strategies.
Xin-Yue ZHENG ; Ming ZHANG ; Kai-Qi SU ; Zhi-Min DING
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(3):523-533
As a common neurological disease in China, stroke has an extremely high rate of death and disability, of which 80% is ischemic stroke (IS), causing a serious burden to individuals and society. Neuronal death is an important factor in the pathogenesis of stroke. Studies have shown that mitochondrial dynamics, as a key mechanism regulating intracellular energy metabolism and cell death, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IS. In recent years, targeting mitochondrial dynamics has become an emerging therapeutic tool to improve neurological impairment after stroke. This paper reviews the research advance in recent years in IS mitochondrial dynamics, summarizing and discussing the overview of mitochondrial dynamics, the role of mitochondrial dynamics in IS, and the studies on mitochondrial dynamics-based treatment of IS. This paper helps to explore the mechanism of the role of mitochondrial dynamics in IS and effective interventions, and provides a theoretical strategy for targeting mitochondrial dynamics to treat IS in the clinic.
Humans
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Mitochondrial Dynamics/physiology*
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Ischemic Stroke/metabolism*
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Mitochondria/physiology*
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Animals
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Brain Ischemia/physiopathology*
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Energy Metabolism
8."Component-effect" correlations in traditional Chinese medicine from holistic view: taking discovery of gintonin from ginseng as an example.
Xin-Ming YU ; Chen-Yu YU ; Hua-Ying WANG ; Wei-Sheng YUE ; Zhu-Bin ZHANG ; Wei WU ; Xiao-Bin JIA ; Bing YANG ; Liang FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):2001-2012
The holistic view is the key in the study of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The component structure theory is based on the holistic view to investigate the correlation between material basis and efficiency, which enriches the holistic "component-effect" research of TCM. Gintonin is a newly isolated non-saponin component of ginseng. Compared to ginsenosides, gintonin has many different pharmacological activities, and it provides new knowledge for the holistic research of ginseng. Thus, taking the discovery of gintonin from ginseng as an example, this paper explored the linkage between ginsenosides and gintonin from the perspective of "component-effect" correlations and systematically sorted out the similarities and differences between them in terms of structural characteristics, modes of action, and pharmacological activities. Starting from the collaborative interaction of TCM compounds, the study discussed the application and value of the holistic view in TCM "component-effect" research in the light of the component structure theory to provide new thoughts for the development of modern TCM research.
Panax/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Humans
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Ginsenosides/pharmacology*
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Animals
9.Expert consensus on evaluation index system construction for new traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from TCM clinical practice in medical institutions.
Li LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei-An YUAN ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Jun-Hua ZHANG ; Bao-He WANG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Zu-Guang YE ; Ling HAN ; Yue-Hua ZHOU ; Zi-Feng YANG ; Rui GAO ; Ming YANG ; Ting WANG ; Jie-Lai XIA ; Shi-Shan YU ; Xiao-Hui FAN ; Hua HUA ; Jia HE ; Yin LU ; Zhong WANG ; Jin-Hui DOU ; Geng LI ; Yu DONG ; Hao YU ; Li-Ping QU ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3474-3482
Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Consensus
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Surveys and Questionnaires
10.Research progress in machine learning in processing and quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces.
Han-Wen ZHANG ; Yue-E LI ; Jia-Wei YU ; Qiang GUO ; Ming-Xuan LI ; Yu LI ; Xi MEI ; Lin LI ; Lian-Lin SU ; Chun-Qin MAO ; De JI ; Tu-Lin LU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3605-3614
Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are a core carrier for the inheritance and innovation of TCM, and their quality and safety are critical to public health and the sustainable development of the industry. Conventional quality control models, while having established a well-developed system through long-term practice, still face challenges such as relatively long inspection cycles, insufficient objectivity in characterizing complex traits, and urgent needs for improving the efficiency of integrating multidimensional quality information when confronted with the dual demands of large-scale production and precision quality control. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, machine learning can deeply analyze multidimensional data of the morphology, spectroscopy, and chemical fingerprints of decoction pieces by constructing high-dimensional feature space analysis models, significantly improving the standardization level and decision-making efficiency of quality evaluation. This article reviews the research progress in the application of machine learning in the processing, production, and rapid quality evaluation of TCM decoction pieces. It further analyzes current challenges in technological implementation and proposes potential solutions, offering theoretical and technical references to advance the digital and intelligent transformation of the industry.
Machine Learning
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards*
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Quality Control
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
;
Humans

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