1.Exploring the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Citron and Bergamot Based on Network Pharmacology and BDNF/TrkB/CREB Signaling Pathways
Meiqing SONG ; Qian YANG ; Qiming ZHONG ; Yanyan NIU ; Liguo TONG ; Jianyue XING ; Mali FENG ; Lili JIA
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1136-1149
Objective Using network pharmacology research methods and animal pharmacology experiments,explore the mechanism of antidepressant effects of traditional Chinese medicine Citron and Bergamot.Methods Using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),ETCM,Symmap,Swiss Target Prediction,and Uniprot data platforms,screen the active ingredients and corresponding gene targets of Citron and Bergamot.Obtain depression gene targets using OMIM,TTD,and Cenecards data platforms.Using Venny 2.1 online software,draw Venn diagrams of the intersection of active ingredients and gene targets.Draw network diagrams between drugs,active ingredients,targets,and diseases using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.Construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network diagram using the STRING data platform for intersecting genes.Using the Metascape data platform,perform gene ontology(GO)function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genesand and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis.A rat depression model was established using chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)combined with solitary care,and animal experiments were conducted to verify the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway obtained from network pharmacology research.Results The research results of network pharmacology methods show that there are 57 antidepressant active ingredients in Citron,65 antidepressant active ingredients in Bergamot,and important active ingredients include Acetic acid,3,4,7-trimethoxycoumarin and Citric acid,etc.Through the data platform,2717 depression targets and 430 intersection targets were identified.Through PPI network analysis,key gene targets for antidepressant effects in Citron and Bergamot were identified,including TP53,Protein kinase B1,CREB-binding protein,Brain derived neurotrophic factor,etc.Through KEGG analysis,it was found that important signaling pathways include pathways in cancer,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Neurotrophin signaling pathway,etc.By observing the neurotrophic factor BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in depressed rats,the results showed that the medium dose groups of Citron and Bergamot could significantly increase serum BDNF content(P<0.05),and each treatment group could improve the damage of hippocampal neurons in rats.The high and medium dose groups of Citron and Bergamot significantly increased the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampal CA1 region(P<0.05,P<0.01).Except for the low-dose group,which showed no difference in TrkB mRNA gene expression,all other treatment groups significantly increased the mRNA gene expression levels of hippocampal BDNF,TrkB and CREB(P<0.01).The medium dose group of Citron and Bergamot increased the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampus(P<0.01),while the medium and low dose groups significantly increased the relative expression of TrkB protein in the hippocampus(P<0.05).The medium dose group showed an increasing trend in the relative expression of CREB protein.Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine Citron and Bergamot have therapeutic effects on depression models in rats,and the mechanism of action may be related to the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.
2.Research progress of pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with localized intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer
Zhiqiang CHEN ; Zhuoran LI ; Jin LUO ; Qiwei LIU ; Yuqi JIA ; Jinqiao LI ; Qiming YANG ; Yujie DONG ; Shaoxi NIU ; Baojun WANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):397-400
The strategy of pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with localized intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer(PCa)has been one of the research hotspots in recent years. This review synthesizes recent progress in clinical,diagnostic imaging and immunological aspects of pelvic lymph node dissection.It is found that the detection rate of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with localized intermediate-risk PCa is relatively low,and the survival benefit after dissection is not significant. PSMA PET/CT examination can be used instead of lymph node dissection for staging. Extended lymph node dissection in patients with localized high-risk PCa can achieve a higher detection rate of metastatic lymph nodes and possible survival benefits. However,excessive lymph node dissection can weaken the response ability to immunotherapy. The strategy for pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with localized intermediate-high-risk PCa needs further study.
3.Current status and influencing factors of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients
Xiaohui SHANG ; Yifei DU ; Baoli WEN ; Qiming JIA ; Yan ZHENG ; Yu'na HU ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(14):1925-1930
Objective:To understand the current status of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to select elderly diabetic patients hospitalized at Henan Cancer Hospital and Henan Provincial People's Hospital from October 2023 to May 2024. The general information questionnaire, Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) , Short Form of Health Literacy Dental Scale (HeLD-14) , Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) , and the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) were used to collect data. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influencing factors of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients.Results:A total of 235 questionnaires were distributed, and 220 valid questionnaires were returned, with an effective response rate of 93.62% (220/235) . The incidence of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients was 46.82% (103/220) . The binary Logistic regression analysis showed that glycated hemoglobin, dry mouth, remaining teeth, nutritional risk, oral health literacy, and diabetes distress were significant influencing factors for the occurrence of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The current status of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients is concerning. Healthcare providers should pay attention to the oral health status of elderly diabetic patients and provide targeted nursing interventions and recommendations based on the influencing factors of oral frailty, in order to reduce its occurrence.
4.Exploring the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Citron and Bergamot Based on Network Pharmacology and BDNF/TrkB/CREB Signaling Pathways
Meiqing SONG ; Qian YANG ; Qiming ZHONG ; Yanyan NIU ; Liguo TONG ; Jianyue XING ; Mali FENG ; Lili JIA
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(4):1136-1149
Objective Using network pharmacology research methods and animal pharmacology experiments,explore the mechanism of antidepressant effects of traditional Chinese medicine Citron and Bergamot.Methods Using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP),ETCM,Symmap,Swiss Target Prediction,and Uniprot data platforms,screen the active ingredients and corresponding gene targets of Citron and Bergamot.Obtain depression gene targets using OMIM,TTD,and Cenecards data platforms.Using Venny 2.1 online software,draw Venn diagrams of the intersection of active ingredients and gene targets.Draw network diagrams between drugs,active ingredients,targets,and diseases using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software.Construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network diagram using the STRING data platform for intersecting genes.Using the Metascape data platform,perform gene ontology(GO)function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genesand and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis.A rat depression model was established using chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)combined with solitary care,and animal experiments were conducted to verify the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway obtained from network pharmacology research.Results The research results of network pharmacology methods show that there are 57 antidepressant active ingredients in Citron,65 antidepressant active ingredients in Bergamot,and important active ingredients include Acetic acid,3,4,7-trimethoxycoumarin and Citric acid,etc.Through the data platform,2717 depression targets and 430 intersection targets were identified.Through PPI network analysis,key gene targets for antidepressant effects in Citron and Bergamot were identified,including TP53,Protein kinase B1,CREB-binding protein,Brain derived neurotrophic factor,etc.Through KEGG analysis,it was found that important signaling pathways include pathways in cancer,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Neurotrophin signaling pathway,etc.By observing the neurotrophic factor BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway in depressed rats,the results showed that the medium dose groups of Citron and Bergamot could significantly increase serum BDNF content(P<0.05),and each treatment group could improve the damage of hippocampal neurons in rats.The high and medium dose groups of Citron and Bergamot significantly increased the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampal CA1 region(P<0.05,P<0.01).Except for the low-dose group,which showed no difference in TrkB mRNA gene expression,all other treatment groups significantly increased the mRNA gene expression levels of hippocampal BDNF,TrkB and CREB(P<0.01).The medium dose group of Citron and Bergamot increased the expression of BDNF protein in the hippocampus(P<0.01),while the medium and low dose groups significantly increased the relative expression of TrkB protein in the hippocampus(P<0.05).The medium dose group showed an increasing trend in the relative expression of CREB protein.Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine Citron and Bergamot have therapeutic effects on depression models in rats,and the mechanism of action may be related to the BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.
5.Current status and influencing factors of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients
Xiaohui SHANG ; Yifei DU ; Baoli WEN ; Qiming JIA ; Yan ZHENG ; Yu'na HU ; Liming LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(14):1925-1930
Objective:To understand the current status of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:A convenience sampling method was used to select elderly diabetic patients hospitalized at Henan Cancer Hospital and Henan Provincial People's Hospital from October 2023 to May 2024. The general information questionnaire, Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) , Short Form of Health Literacy Dental Scale (HeLD-14) , Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) , and the Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) were used to collect data. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the influencing factors of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients.Results:A total of 235 questionnaires were distributed, and 220 valid questionnaires were returned, with an effective response rate of 93.62% (220/235) . The incidence of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients was 46.82% (103/220) . The binary Logistic regression analysis showed that glycated hemoglobin, dry mouth, remaining teeth, nutritional risk, oral health literacy, and diabetes distress were significant influencing factors for the occurrence of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The current status of oral frailty in elderly diabetic patients is concerning. Healthcare providers should pay attention to the oral health status of elderly diabetic patients and provide targeted nursing interventions and recommendations based on the influencing factors of oral frailty, in order to reduce its occurrence.
6.Research progress of pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with localized intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer
Zhiqiang CHEN ; Zhuoran LI ; Jin LUO ; Qiwei LIU ; Yuqi JIA ; Jinqiao LI ; Qiming YANG ; Yujie DONG ; Shaoxi NIU ; Baojun WANG
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(5):397-400
The strategy of pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with localized intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer(PCa)has been one of the research hotspots in recent years. This review synthesizes recent progress in clinical,diagnostic imaging and immunological aspects of pelvic lymph node dissection.It is found that the detection rate of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with localized intermediate-risk PCa is relatively low,and the survival benefit after dissection is not significant. PSMA PET/CT examination can be used instead of lymph node dissection for staging. Extended lymph node dissection in patients with localized high-risk PCa can achieve a higher detection rate of metastatic lymph nodes and possible survival benefits. However,excessive lymph node dissection can weaken the response ability to immunotherapy. The strategy for pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with localized intermediate-high-risk PCa needs further study.
7.Establishment and Metabolomics Analysis of Rat Model of High-normal Blood Pressure with Excessive Phlegm-dampness Syndrome
Qiang JIA ; Qiming YIN ; Yunlun LI ; Dongmei QI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(24):171-178
ObjectiveTo construct the rat model of high-normal blood pressure with excessive phlegm-dampness syndrome and analyze the serum metabolites and explain the metabolic characteristics of the model rats. MethodThe model rats of high-normal blood pressure with excessive phlegm-dampness syndrome were fed with high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injected with 7.625 mg·kg-1 of Nω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), while rats in the normal group were fed chow diet and injected with the same amount of normal saline. The model was evaluated from the aspects of the general state, body weight, blood pressure and serum biochemical indexes, such as triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the changes of metabolites in rats serum. The conditions were as follows:mobile phase of 0.05% formic acid aqueous solution (A)-0.05% formic acid acetonitrile solution (B) for gradient elution (0-3 min, 2%B; 3-9 min, 2%-40%B; 9-18 min, 40%-98%B), electrospray ionization (ESI), positive and negative ion detection modes, acquisition range of m/z 80-1 000. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were used to screen the differential metabolites between groups which were used to metabolic pathways enrichment analysis. ResultCompared with the normal group, the rats in the model group had the characteristics of darker fur, lazy movement and loose stools, the body weight, blood glucose and contents of TG, TC, LDL-C, MDA increased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01) and GSH-Px level decreased significantly (P<0.01), the blood pressure remained stable at about 160/88 mmHg (1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa). A total of 115 differential metabolites were screened in the positive and negative ion modes, of which 45 were up-regulated and 70 were down-regulated [variable importance in the projection (VIP) value>1, P<0.05 and fold change (FC)≥2], including indoleacetaldehyde, 5-hydroxytryptamine, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine, xanthine and so on, which regulated blood pressure mainly through glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolic pathways. ConclusionFeeding with high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of L-NNA can successfully construct the rat model of high-normal blood pressure with excessive phlegm-dampness syndrome, and indoleacetaldehyde, 5-hydroxytryptamine, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylcholine and xanthine can be used as characteristic serum differential metabolites of the rat model.
8.Improvement Effects of Isopimpinelline on PCPA-induced Pineal Gland Injury Model Rats and Its Effects on Expression of Biological Clock Gene
Danni WANG ; Qian YANG ; Qiming ZHONG ; Meiqing SONG ; Liguo TONG ; Lili JIA ; Yanyan NIU ; Mali FENG
China Pharmacy 2020;31(17):2081-2086
OBJECTIVE:To study the improvement effects of isopimpinelline on p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced pineal injury model rats and its effect on expression of biological clock gene. METHODS :Totally 60 rats were divided into blank control group(2% polysorbate solution),model control group (2% polysorbate solution),positive control group (melatonin,10 mg/kg) and isopimpinelline high-dose ,medium-dose and low-dose groups (3,1.5,0.75 mg/kg). Except for blank control group ,rats in other groups were given PCPA intraperitoneally (450 mg/kg)to establish pineal injury model. After modeling finished ,they were given relevant medicine intragastrically ,once a day ,for consecutive 7 d. On the 6th day of administration ,the sleep latency and sleep duration of rats in each group were investigated by pentobarbital sodium coordination sleep test ;after last administration , ELISA assay was used to determine the serum level of melatonin in rats. Fluorescence microscope and electron microscope were used to observe the pathological tissue and cell ultrastructure changes of the pineal gland. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of biological clock gene Clock,Bmal1,Per1,Per2,Per3,Cry1,Cry2 in pineal gland of rats. RESULTS :Compared with blank control group ,model control group had significantly longer sleep latency (P<0.05);serum melatonin ,mRNA expressions of Bmal1 and Per1 in pineal gland were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01)while mRNA expression of Per3 was increased significantly (P<0.05). The pineal gland cell arrangement disorder ,nuclear pyknosis ,vacuolar degeneration increased and cell number decreased significantly ;mitochondria swollen ,cristae broken and pyknosis were observed. Compared with model control group ,the sleep latency of isopimpinelline high-dose group was shortened significantly (P<0.05),sleep duration time was prolonged significantly (P<0.05);the levels of melatonin in serum ,mRNA expressions of Clock,Bmal1, Per1,Cry1 and Cry2 in pineal gland of rats were increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In isopimpinelline medium-dose group,the sleep latency was shortened significantly (P<0.05);the levels of melatonin in serum and mRNA expressions of Clock, Bmal1,Per1,Cry1,Cry2 in pineal gland were increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01),while mRNA expression of Per3 was decreased significantly (P<0.05). In isopimpinelline low-dose group ,the levels of mRNA expressions of Clock,Bmal1,Per2 and Cry2 were increased significantly (P<0.05),while mRNA expression of Per3 was decreased significantly (P<0.05). Cell arrangement disorder was improved and nuclear pyknosis vacuole degeneration was decreased to some extent in isopimpinelline groups;mitochondria swelled ,cristae fractured ,and pyknosis decreased to some extent. CONCLUSIONS :Isopimpinelline can improve PCPA-induced pineal gland injury in rats ;it can up-regulate the expressions of positive regulators Clock,Bmal1 and negative regulators Per1,Per2,Cry1,Cry2,while down-regulate the expression of negative regulator Per3.
9.Immune activity enhancement of T lymphocyte by ultrasound microbubble mediated Itch gene silencing
Qiming JIA ; Lei WEI ; Chang LIU ; Xiaojie CHEN ; Xiaomin FU ; Tao ZHANG ; Dongmin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Ultrasonography 2020;29(10):901-905
Objective:To inhibit the Itch gene expression of T-lymphocytes and investigate the immune activity of T lymphocytes using ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD).Methods:T lymphocytes were separated by magnetic bead, and to establish an Itch gene targeted short hairpin RNA (shRNA) plasmid. There were three groups in this study: ①experimental group, Itch-shRNA plasmid-SonoVue microbubbles combined with ultrasound irradiation; ②control group, negative control shRNA plasmid-SonoVue microbubbles combined with ultrasound irradiation; ③blank group, untreated. Forty-eight hours after UTMD transfection, transfection efficiency was detected and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, the expression of Itch protein was measured with Western blotting.Seventy-two hours after UTMD transfection, the secretion of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in the cell supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences between groups, and LSD- t test was used to compare the differences between groups. Results:The UTMD mediated shRNA transfection rate was 52.3%, and the relative expression levels of Itch protein in the experimental group, control group and blank group were 0.301±0.080, 0.773±0.101 and 0.719±0.090, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant( F=24.441, P<0.01). The Itch gene expression can be effectively suppressed in the experimental group. Seventy-two hours after transfection, the concentrations of IL-2 in the experimental group, control group and blank group were (417.3±37.1)ng/L, (158.7±17.3)ng/L and (147.0±10.2)ng/L, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant( F=118.701, P<0.001) and the concentrations of IFN-γ were (168.3±12.1)ng/L, (74.3±3.7)ng/L and (74.6±7.1)ng/L, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( F=126.833, P<0.001). The expression levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group and the blank group. Conclusions:UTMD mediated shRNA transfection can significantly decrease the expression of Itch and promote immune activity of T lymphocyte.
10.Role of cell adhesion molecule L1 like in the inhibition of the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Hong TANG ; Yufeng WU ; Yongxu JIA ; Yanru QIN ; Qiming WANG ; Xianzeng WANG ; Xinyuan GUAN
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2018;38(3):158-164
Objective To investigate the role of cell adhesion molecule L1 like (CALL) in the genesis and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).Methods From July 2007 to December 2010,a total of 100 patients with ESCC who received radical resection of esophageal cancer were enrolled.The ESCC tissues and corresponding tumor-adjacent normal tissues were obtained.The expression of CALl was determined by tissue microarray technology and immunohistochemical staining.The CALL over-expressed esophageal cancer cell line was established.The effects of CALL on cell migration and invasion were detected by wound-healing assay and Transwell assay,respectively.The effects of CALL on actin microfilament was analyzed by filamentous actin (F-actin) staining.Chi square test,Fisher's exact test,multivariate analysis and t test were performed for statistical analysis.Results The positive expression rate of CALL in ESCC tissues was 56 % (56/100),which was lower than that of tumor-adjacent normal tissues (95%,95/100),and the difference was statistically significant (x2=41.114,P<0.01).There were statistically significant differences in CALL expression at protein level among patients with ESCC of different differentiation degree,different pathological T stage,lymph node metastasis and different TNM stage (x2=13.702,5.317,21.453,Fisher's exact test;all P< 0.05).The five year disease related survival rate of ESCC patients with down-regulated expression of CALL was 0(0/49),which was lower than those with normal CALL expression (25.5%,13/51),and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =43.338,P<0.01).The median survival time of CALL expression down-regulated group was 17 months,and that of normal expressed group was 38 months.CALL expression was an independent risk factor of disease special survival rate (hazard ratio (HR) 0.353,95% confidence interval (CI) 0.188 to 0.666,P=0.001).The results of wound-healing assay showed that the migration ability of CALL overexpressed CALL-k30 cells was lower than that of Vec-k30 cells in control group on 24 hours after wound.The results of Transwell invasion test showed the number of migrating cells penetrating CALL k30 cells attached to the inferior surface of the membrane was 44.000±13.748,which was less than that of the Vec k30 cells (154.333±25.007),and the difference was statistically significant (t=5.136,P=0.036).The results of F-actin staining demonstrated that actin filaments of CALL-k30 cells was 234.667 ± 65.118,which was lower than that of Vec-k30 cells (597.000± 119.929),and the difference was statistically significant (t=4.707,P=0.042).Conclusions CALL lowers the migration and invasion abilities of esophageal cancer cells by inhibiting F-actin microfilaments.Its abnormal expression may play an important role in the genesis,development and prognosis of ESCC.

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