1.Mechanism of Sangpi Zhike Prescription in Treating Cough After Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Based on "Lung-intestine Co-treatment" Theory
Chuang SUO ; Xiaohong BAI ; Zhitong YU ; Xue GONG ; Chan XIU ; Qihui LYU ; Zhihui LIU ; Kelin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):126-137
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Sangpi Zhike prescription in treating cough after respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection through the "lung-intestine co-treatment" approach using network pharmacology and animal experimental validation. MethodsActive ingredients and targets of Sangpi Zhike prescription were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Disease targets were obtained from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and drug-component-target networks were constructed using overlapping targets between drugs and diseases to identify core targets. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the overlapping targets. Sixty mouse models were established: 10 as the normal group, and the remaining mice were infected with RSV via slow nasal drip of RSV suspension, with cough induced using capsaicin solution. After modeling, mice were divided into a model group, a Montelukast Sodium group (1 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Sangpi Zhike prescription (4.875,9.75,and 19.5 g·kg-1·d-1), with 10 mice per group. From day 14 after RSV infection, the normal and model groups received saline via gavage, while other groups received corresponding drug treatments once daily for 5 d. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in lung and intestinal tissue. The protein content of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated (p)-ERK1/2 in the lung and colon tissue of mice was detected by Western blot. Real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detected ERK1/2 mRNA expression in lung and intestinal tissue. Immunohistochemistry assessed p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos protein levels, and inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-4 and (TNF)-α in lung and colon tissue. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified 184 active ingredients and 684 targets in Sangpi Zhike prescription, with 1 344 RSV-related disease targets and 209 overlapping targets. Core targets included TNF, Fos, and Jun. KEGG enrichment revealed 179 pathways, primarily mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), cancer, TNF, and IL-17 signaling pathways. Animal experiments showed that, compared to those of the normal group, the lung tissue sections of the model group showed typical inflammatory damage, infiltration of inflammatory cells, rupture of alveolar septa, extensive alveolar fusion, and disruption of tight junctions between single-layer columnar epithelial cells in the intestinal tissue. The values of p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2 in lung and intestinal tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression level of ERK1/2 mRNA was significantly elevated (P<0.01). The levels of ERK1/2, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos, IL-4, and TNF-α along the ERK pathway were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared to the model group, Sangpi Zhike prescription groups showed reduced lung and intestinal inflammation, decreased p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratios (P<0.05,P<0.01), lower ERK1/2 mRNA levels, and downregulated ERK pathway proteins (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionSangpi Zhike prescription alleviates cough and intestinal symptoms after RSV infection via the "lung-intestine co-treatment" mechanism by suppressing expression levels of ERK1/2, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Fos, IL-4, and TNF-α on ERK pathway components, thereby mitigating lung and intestinal pathological damage.
2.Research progress on the application of functional magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of brain structure and function in diabetes mellitus
Qihui LIU ; Xinjun JIANG ; Shuping XING ; Bin LI
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(9):711-713
Cognitive dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes mellitus(DM)with a complex pathogenesis that may be closely related to neuropathic changes.Functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)can investigate brain function by measuring changes in brain tissue structure and hemodynamics following enhanced neural activity,potentially facilitating early detection of the brain pathophysiological changes underlying cognitive dysfunction in DM.This paper reviews the application of fMRI technology in the assessment of brain structure and function in diabetic patients,aiming to provide a basis for the early detection,intervention,and research on cognitive impairment in DM.
3.Degradation of diagnosis and treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma should be treated with caution
Xu DAI ; Wen TIAN ; Qihui LI ; Chaojie ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(4):613-616
Through reviewing literature on thyroid cancer management strategies, this article discusses the problems of active monitoring strategies, the real implementation status, and the hidden dangers of thermal ablation as a downgrade treatment. It points out that further research is needed to accurately identify low-risk PTMCs and implement active monitoring methods. The improvement in the 5-year survival rate of thyroid cancer is due to standardized diagnosis and treatment. At present, it is still too early to downgrade the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer in China. The World Health Organization recommends the three early principles of early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment for the treatment of malignant tumors as the fundamental principles of thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment.
4.Analysis of cerebral hemodynamics in uremic patients complicated with depressive symptoms using transcranial color-coded Doppler
Yuhang LI ; Meng ZHANG ; Qihui YANG ; Na ZHANG
Journal of Shenyang Medical College 2025;27(2):174-179,224
Objective:To analyze the cerebral hemodynamic characteristics of uremic patients complicated with depressive symptoms by transcranial color-coded Doppler(TCCD),and explore the correlation between cerebral hemodynamic indicators and uremia complicated with depressive symptoms.Methods:A total of 70 uremic patients received hemodialysis in our hospital from Dec 2022 to Dec 2023 were enrolled,in which 37 patients complicated with depressive symptoms were selected as the research group,and 40 patients without depressive symptoms were selected as the control group.Peak systolic velocity(PSV),end diastolic velocity(EDV),mean velocity(MV),and pulsatility index(PI)of bilateral middle cerebral artery(MCA)were compared.Binary logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for uremia complicated with depressive symptoms,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were generated for key parameters.Results:There was no significant difference in PSV between the two groups(P>0.05),while EDV and MV of bilateral MCA in the research group were lower but PI was higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Age was positively correlated with the depressive symptoms in uremic patients,while EDV,MV of bilateral MCA and left PSV were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms of uremic patients(P<0.05).The elevated level of HCO3-in blood increased the risk of uremia complicated with depressive symptoms(OR=1.245,95%CI:1.024-1.513).When the left EDV was 41.25 cm/s,the predicted occurrence rate of depressive symptoms in uremic patients was 74.6%,with a specificity of 62%and a sensitivity of 85%.Conclusions:EDV and MV of bilateral MCA in patients with uremia complicated with depressive symptoms were lower than those in patients with uremia without depressive symptoms.Age,EDV and MV of bilateral MCA and PSV of left MCA were associated with depressive symptoms.Left EDV<41.25 cm/s may serve as a hemodynamic marker for early clinical detection of depressive symptoms in uremia.TCCD can provide a reference for early clinical detection of uremic patients complicated with depressive symptoms.
5.Exploration on the Protective Effects and Mechanism of Xinkang Granules-Containing Serum in H9C2 Cardiomyocyte Injury Based on cGAS-STING Axis
Siqin TANG ; Liang LI ; Bing GUO ; Qihui XIE ; Qingqi YIN ; Qinliang WU ; Xi YIN ; Yilin MAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):99-105
Objective To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Xinkang Granules-containing serum in adriamycin-induced injury of cardiomyocytes H9C2 based on cGAS-STING signaling axis.Methods Adriamycin was used to induce the H9C2 cells injury model.The cells were divided into normal group,model group,Xinkang Granules group and inhibitor group.After 24 hours of intervention,the CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival rate,the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the content of cell reactive oxygen species(ROS),cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry,ELISA was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in cell supernatant,colorimetry was used to detect lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in cells,RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM),cyclic guanosine-adenylate synthetase(cGAS),stimulator of interferon genes(STING)and TNF-α mRNA,Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expressions of cGAS and STING.Results Compared with the normal group,cell survival rate in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),the ROS content was significantly increased(P<0.01),the apoptosis rate significantly increased(P<0.01),the content of TNF-α in the supernatant significantly increased(P<0.01),the activity of LDH significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of TFAM mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expressions of TNF-α,cGAS,STING mRNA and the protein expression of cGAS and STING significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,cell survival rate in Xinkang Granules group and inhibitor group significantly increased(P<0.01),the ROS content significantly decreased(P<0.01),the apoptosis rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the content of TNF-α in supernatant significantly decreased(P<0.01),the activity of LDH significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of TFAM mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expressions of TNF-α,cGAS,STING mRNA and the protein expressions of cGAS and STING significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Xinkang Granules have a protective effect on adriamycin-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes,which may be related to the inhibition of cGAS/STING axis activation and the secretion of inflammatory factors.
6.Research progress on the application of functional magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of brain structure and function in diabetes mellitus
Qihui LIU ; Xinjun JIANG ; Shuping XING ; Bin LI
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(9):711-713
Cognitive dysfunction is a common complication of diabetes mellitus(DM)with a complex pathogenesis that may be closely related to neuropathic changes.Functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)can investigate brain function by measuring changes in brain tissue structure and hemodynamics following enhanced neural activity,potentially facilitating early detection of the brain pathophysiological changes underlying cognitive dysfunction in DM.This paper reviews the application of fMRI technology in the assessment of brain structure and function in diabetic patients,aiming to provide a basis for the early detection,intervention,and research on cognitive impairment in DM.
7.Intrinsic specific TGF-β signaling in myofibers attenuates mouse acute skeletal myositis via LRP1
Qihui CAI ; Haiqiang LAN ; Bojun XIAN ; Nan WANG ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Xiaolu NIU ; Xinyu HU ; Chen LI ; Junyi XIE ; Zhaohong LIAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(7):1365-1374
AIM:To investigate the effect of intrinsic specific transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)signaling on regeneration and repair of myofibers in acute skeletal myositismice model induced by cardiotoxin(CTX).METHODS:One hundred and eighty-six wild C57BL/6 mice and one hundred and thirty-eight mice with conditional knockout of TGF-β receptor 2(TGF-βr2)in myofibers(SM TGF-βr2-/-mice)were selected.CTX injection to anterior tibial muscle(TA)in-duced acute myoinjury in mice.Some SM TGF-βr2-/-mice were given Smad signaling agonist SRI-011381(SRI)intramus-cular injection.All mice were mainly divided into the following groups:control group,SM TGF-βr2-/-group and SM TGF-βr2-/-+SRI group.Twenty-four mice were selected in each group.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the relative mRNA level,protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1),respectively,while the relative protein expression of myosin heavy chain 3(MHY3)and embryonic myosine heavy chain(eMHC)in damaged muscle was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.In vi-tro,after being extracted from neonatal mice,myogenic precursor cells(MPCs)were cultured in an pro-inflammatory mi-lieu and treated with SRI,recombinant mouse extracellular matrix protein 1(rmECM1)alone or in combination.Hereby,they were divided into the following seven groups:control-MPCs group,control-MPCs+LPS group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+SRI group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+rmECM1 group,and TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+SRI+rmECM1 group.Six mice were selected in each group.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the relative mRNA level,protein expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules(MHC-I/H-2Kb),major histocompatibility complex class II molecules(MHC-II/H2-Eα),Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3),and LRP1.And the relative protein expression of MoyD and myogenin in myotubes was detected by immunofluorescence staining.RE-SULTS:In vivo,compared with control group,SM TGF-βr2-/-group showed the significant upregulation of pro-inflamma-tory cytokines(P<0.05),and the opposite trend of anti-inflammatory cytokines,LRP1,MHY3,eMHC in the injured muscle(P<0.05),with delayed regeneration and repair of myofibers.In vitro,compared with control-MPCs+LPS group,LRP1,MoyD and myogenin significantly downregulated in TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,but the downregulation trend was corrected after giving SRI treatment(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,the combi-nation of rmECM1 and SRI significantly upregulated the protein expression of MyoD and myogenin(P<0.05).CONCLU-SION:In a mouse model of acute skeletal myositis,intrinsic TGF-β signaling specifically in myofibers regulates local im-mune behavior.It promotes the expression of LRP1 in damaged muscle via Smad2/3 signaling,and LRP1 can then fully bind to ECM1,thereby facilitating muscle regeneration and repair,and improving the prognosis of acute skeletal myositis.
8.Exploration on the Protective Effects and Mechanism of Xinkang Granules-Containing Serum in H9C2 Cardiomyocyte Injury Based on cGAS-STING Axis
Siqin TANG ; Liang LI ; Bing GUO ; Qihui XIE ; Qingqi YIN ; Qinliang WU ; Xi YIN ; Yilin MAO
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):99-105
Objective To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Xinkang Granules-containing serum in adriamycin-induced injury of cardiomyocytes H9C2 based on cGAS-STING signaling axis.Methods Adriamycin was used to induce the H9C2 cells injury model.The cells were divided into normal group,model group,Xinkang Granules group and inhibitor group.After 24 hours of intervention,the CCK-8 method was used to detect cell survival rate,the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe was used to detect the content of cell reactive oxygen species(ROS),cell apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry,ELISA was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in cell supernatant,colorimetry was used to detect lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)in cells,RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A(TFAM),cyclic guanosine-adenylate synthetase(cGAS),stimulator of interferon genes(STING)and TNF-α mRNA,Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expressions of cGAS and STING.Results Compared with the normal group,cell survival rate in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),the ROS content was significantly increased(P<0.01),the apoptosis rate significantly increased(P<0.01),the content of TNF-α in the supernatant significantly increased(P<0.01),the activity of LDH significantly increased(P<0.01),the expression of TFAM mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the expressions of TNF-α,cGAS,STING mRNA and the protein expression of cGAS and STING significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,cell survival rate in Xinkang Granules group and inhibitor group significantly increased(P<0.01),the ROS content significantly decreased(P<0.01),the apoptosis rate significantly decreased(P<0.01),the content of TNF-α in supernatant significantly decreased(P<0.01),the activity of LDH significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expression of TFAM mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expressions of TNF-α,cGAS,STING mRNA and the protein expressions of cGAS and STING significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Xinkang Granules have a protective effect on adriamycin-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes,which may be related to the inhibition of cGAS/STING axis activation and the secretion of inflammatory factors.
9.NAT10 inhibition alleviates astrocyte autophagy by impeding ac4C acetylation of Timp1 mRNA in ischemic stroke.
Li YANG ; Xiaotong LI ; Yaxuan ZHAO ; Hao CHEN ; Can WANG ; Angrong WU ; Xintong GUO ; Yue HUANG ; Qihui WANG ; Lingyun HAO ; Xiaowen LI ; Ying JI ; Jin BAN ; Guangtian WANG ; Junli CAO ; Zhiqiang PAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2575-2592
Although a single nucleotide polymorphism for N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified in patients with early-onset stroke, the role of NAT10 in ischemic injury and the related underlying mechanisms remains elusive. Here, we provide evidence that NAT10, the only known RNA N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification "writer", is increased in the damaged cortex of patients with acute ischemic stroke and the peri-infarct cortex of mice subjected to photothrombotic (PT) stroke. Pharmacological inhibition of NAT10 with remodelin on Days 3-7 post-stroke or astrocytic depletion of NAT10 via targeted virus attenuates ischemia-induced infarction and improves functional recovery in PT mice. Mechanistically, NAT10 enhances ac4C acetylation of the inflammatory cytokine tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (Timp1) mRNA transcript, which increases TIMP1 expression and results in the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and progression of astrocyte autophagy. These findings demonstrate that NAT10 regulates astrocyte autophagy by targeting Timp1 ac4C after stroke. This study highlights the critical role of ac4C in the regulation of astrocyte autophagy and proposes a promising strategy to improve post-stroke outcomes via NAT10 inhibition.
10.Intrinsic specific TGF-β signaling in myofibers attenuates mouse acute skeletal myositis via LRP1
Qihui CAI ; Haiqiang LAN ; Bojun XIAN ; Nan WANG ; Xiaolei HUANG ; Xiaolu NIU ; Xinyu HU ; Chen LI ; Junyi XIE ; Zhaohong LIAO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(7):1365-1374
AIM:To investigate the effect of intrinsic specific transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)signaling on regeneration and repair of myofibers in acute skeletal myositismice model induced by cardiotoxin(CTX).METHODS:One hundred and eighty-six wild C57BL/6 mice and one hundred and thirty-eight mice with conditional knockout of TGF-β receptor 2(TGF-βr2)in myofibers(SM TGF-βr2-/-mice)were selected.CTX injection to anterior tibial muscle(TA)in-duced acute myoinjury in mice.Some SM TGF-βr2-/-mice were given Smad signaling agonist SRI-011381(SRI)intramus-cular injection.All mice were mainly divided into the following groups:control group,SM TGF-βr2-/-group and SM TGF-βr2-/-+SRI group.Twenty-four mice were selected in each group.RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the relative mRNA level,protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1(LRP1),respectively,while the relative protein expression of myosin heavy chain 3(MHY3)and embryonic myosine heavy chain(eMHC)in damaged muscle was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining.In vi-tro,after being extracted from neonatal mice,myogenic precursor cells(MPCs)were cultured in an pro-inflammatory mi-lieu and treated with SRI,recombinant mouse extracellular matrix protein 1(rmECM1)alone or in combination.Hereby,they were divided into the following seven groups:control-MPCs group,control-MPCs+LPS group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+SRI group,TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+rmECM1 group,and TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS+SRI+rmECM1 group.Six mice were selected in each group.RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the relative mRNA level,protein expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules(MHC-I/H-2Kb),major histocompatibility complex class II molecules(MHC-II/H2-Eα),Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3),and LRP1.And the relative protein expression of MoyD and myogenin in myotubes was detected by immunofluorescence staining.RE-SULTS:In vivo,compared with control group,SM TGF-βr2-/-group showed the significant upregulation of pro-inflamma-tory cytokines(P<0.05),and the opposite trend of anti-inflammatory cytokines,LRP1,MHY3,eMHC in the injured muscle(P<0.05),with delayed regeneration and repair of myofibers.In vitro,compared with control-MPCs+LPS group,LRP1,MoyD and myogenin significantly downregulated in TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,but the downregulation trend was corrected after giving SRI treatment(P<0.05).In addition,compared with the TGF-βr2-/--MPCs+LPS group,the combi-nation of rmECM1 and SRI significantly upregulated the protein expression of MyoD and myogenin(P<0.05).CONCLU-SION:In a mouse model of acute skeletal myositis,intrinsic TGF-β signaling specifically in myofibers regulates local im-mune behavior.It promotes the expression of LRP1 in damaged muscle via Smad2/3 signaling,and LRP1 can then fully bind to ECM1,thereby facilitating muscle regeneration and repair,and improving the prognosis of acute skeletal myositis.

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