1.Determining the mechanism of Shuxuening injection against liver cirrhosis through network pharmacology and animal experiments
Qiyao Liu ; Tingyu Zhang ; Yongan Ye ; Xin Sun ; Huan Xia ; Xu Cao ; Xiaoke Li ; Wenying Qi ; Yue Chen ; Xiaobin Zao
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):112-124
Objective:
To screen and identify the key active molecules, signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets of Shuxuening (SXN) injection for treating liver cirrhosis (LC) and to evaluate its therapeutic potential using a mouse model.
Methods:
Target genes of SXN and LC were retrieved from public databases, and enrichment analysis was performed. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), and hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE). LC was induced in rats and mice via intraperitoneal injections of diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 12 weeks. Starting at week 7, SXN was administered intraperitoneally to the mice in the treatment group. Serum and liver tissues of the mice were collected for the detection of indicators, pathological staining, and expression analysis of hub targets using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results:
We identified 368 overlapping genes (OLGs) between SXN and LC targets. These OLGs were subsequently used to build a PPI network and to screen for hub genes. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes were associated with cancer-related pathways, including phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and various cellular processes, such as responses to chemicals and metabolic regulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that SXN treatment significantly improved liver function and pathology in CCl4-induced LC mice by reducing inflammation and collagen deposition. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated that SXN regulated the expression of MAPK8, AR and CASP3 in the livers of LC mice.
Conclusion
This study highlighted the therapeutic effects of SXN in alleviating LC using both bioinformatics and experimental methods. The observed effect was associated with modulation of hub gene expression, particularly MAPK8, and CASP3.
2.Discovery of novel butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors for treating Alzheimer's disease.
Zhipei SANG ; Shuheng HUANG ; Wanying TAN ; Yujuan BAN ; Keren WANG ; Yufan FAN ; Hongsong CHEN ; Qiyao ZHANG ; Chanchan LIANG ; Jing MI ; Yunqi GAO ; Ya ZHANG ; Wenmin LIU ; Jianta WANG ; Wu DONG ; Zhenghuai TAN ; Lei TANG ; Haibin LUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(4):2134-2155
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, and BuChE has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we reported the development of compound 8e, a selective reversible BuChE inhibitor (eqBuChE IC50 = 0.049 μmol/L, huBuChE IC50 = 0.066 μmol/L), identified through extensive virtual screening and lead optimization. Compound 8e demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, good drug-likeness property and pronounced neuroprotective efficacy. Additionally, 8e exhibited significant therapeutic effects in zebrafish AD models and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Further, 8e significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that 8e markedly elevated the expression levels of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), offering valuable insights into its potential modulation of the Reelin-mediated signaling pathway. Thus, compound 8e emerges as a novel and potent BuChE inhibitor for the treatment of AD, with significant implications for further exploration into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.
3.Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Liu Junzitang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UPLC
Qiyao JIANG ; Chenchen LIU ; Huiling CHEN ; Zhifeng HUANG ; Wei ZHAO ; Ying LIANG ; Huafeng PAN ; Yue ZHUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):169-178
ObjectiveTo establish a qualitative and quantitative analysis method for chemical constituents in Liu Junzitang(LJZT), and to clarify its material basis. MethodThe chemical constituents in LJZT were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), and the resulting compounds were identified by using databases, such as MassBank, PubChem, ChemSpider, Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analytical Platform(TCMSP), and by combining with relevant literature. UPLC was used to establish a quantitative method for analysis of 9 compounds in LJZT, including liquiritin, hesperidin, lobetyolin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, nobiletin, tangeretin, atractylenolide Ⅱ and Ⅰ. ResultBy combining the relevant literature, database and MS information, a total of 79 compounds were identified from LJZT, including 31 flavonoids, 15 terpenoids, 14 nitrogen-containing compounds, 6 phenylpropanoids, 6 organic acids and 7 other compounds. The established quantitative analytical method for the nine representative components showed good linearity within their respective linear ranges, and the precision, stability, reproducibility and recovery were in accordance with the requirements. The quantitative results showed that the contents of liquiritin, hesperidin, lobetyolin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid, nobiletin, tangeretin, atractylenolide Ⅱ and Ⅰ in LJZT were 0.376 5, 2.602 1, 0.082 6, 0.128 1, 1.778 6, 0.015 7, 0.006 7, 0.030 4, 0.003 2 mg·g-1, respectively. ConclusionThe established method can quickly, sensitively and accurately analyze the chemical constituents in LJZT, clarify that the material basis of LJZT is mainly flavonoids, terpenoids and nitrogen-containing compounds, and simultaneously determine the contents of the 9 components, which can lay a foundation for the research on quality control, mechanism and clinical application of LJZT.
4.Invasive renal angiomyolipoma combined with pseudoaneurysm formation:A case report and literature review
Mingli WU ; Qing ZHU ; Yue HU ; Qiyao LIU ; Lianjing ZHANG ; Dongyan YANG
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2024;50(1):254-259
Objective:To discuss the distinctive sonographic feature and the biological behavior of renal angiomyolipoma(RAML),and to provide the reference for the clinicians to make the accurate diagnosis of RAML.Methods:The clinical data of one patient with invasive classical RAML combined with pseudaneurysm formation were collected.The sonographic appearances were analyzed in conjunction with the pathological characteristics to clarify the biological behavior of RAML,and the relevant literatures were reviewed.Results:The patient,a 60-year-old female,visited the local hospital due to discomfort in the lumbar area,and received CT examination,and the CT examination results revealed a left renal mass,so the patient came to our hospital.The specialist clinical examinations and laboratory investigations were unremarkable.The ultrasound results indicated an enlarged left kidney with a cystic and solid mass at the upper pole,which featured pseudaneurysm formation(originating from the interlobar arteries);the enhanced CT image results suggested a high probability of upper pole renal carcinoma combined with aneurysmal formation within the tumor,alongside invasion into the left adrenal gland.The patient underwent laparoscopic radical left nephrectomy,and the postoperative pathology confirmed the diagnosis of invasive classical RAML.Conclusion:The classical RAML can exhibit the invasive biological behavior.The pseudaneurysm formation is a special sonographic manifestation of RAML,which can be challenging to differentiate from the other renal tumors.
5.Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on improving hepatic insulin resistance induced by arsenic exposure based on network pharmacology
Zhida HU ; Shiqing XU ; Ruru MENG ; Yanfeng JIA ; Qiyao ZHANG ; Bohao BIAN ; Shurui WANG ; Yang LIU ; Li WANG ; Yanrong GAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2024;41(7):751-759
Background Arsenic exposure is a common and important environmental and occupational hazardous factor in China, and arsenic-induced insulin resistance (IR) has attracted widespread attention as a negative health outcome to the population. Objective To explore part of the mechanism of hepatic IR induced by arsenic exposure based on the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ (PPARγ)/ glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) pathway, and to investigate potential effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) on hepatic IR induced by arsenic exposure and associated mechanism of action. Methods The target of drug action was predicted by network pharmacology and verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. In vivo experiments: 48 SPF C57BL/6J male mice were divided into 4 groups, including control group, 50 mg·L−1 NaAsO2 model group (NaAsO2), 50 mg·L−1 NaAsO2+10 mg·kg−1 GBE intervene group (NaAsO2+GBE), and 10 mg·kg−1 GBE group (GBE), 12 mice in each group. The animals were given free access to purified water containing 50 mg·L−1 NaAsO2, or given intraperitoneal injection of normal saline containing 10 mg·kg−1 GBE once per week. After 6 months of exposure, blood glucose detection, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed. Serum and liver tissues were collected after the mice were neutralized, liver histopathological sections were obtained, serum insulin levels, liver tissue glycogen content, glucose content were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the expression of PPARγ and GLUT4 proteins was detected by Western blot (WB). In vitro experiments: HepG2 cells were divided into 4 groups, including control group, 8 μmol·L−1 NaAsO2 group (NaAsO2), 8 μmol·L−1 NaAsO2 + 200 mg·L−1 GBE intervene group (NaAsO2+GBE), and 200 mg·L−1 GBE group (GBE). The levels of glycogen and glucose were detected by ELISA, and the expression of PPARγ and GLUT4 proteins was detected by WB. Results A strong binding effect between GBE and PPARγ was revealed by network pharmacology. In in vivo experiments, the NaAsO2 group exhibited an elevated blood glucose compared to the control group, and the NaAsO2+GBE group showed a decreased blood glucose compared to the NaAsO2 group (P<0.01). The histopathological sections indicated severe liver structural damage in the arsenic exposure groups (NaAsO2 group and NaAsO2+GBE group), with varying staining intensity, partial liver cell necrosis, and diffuse red blood cell appearance. Both results of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed a decrease in glycogen synthesis and glucose uptake in the NaAsO2 groups compared to the control groups, which was alleviated in the NaAsO2+GBE group (P<0.01). The results of WB revealed inhibited PPARγ expression and reduced GLUT4 levels on the cell membrane, and all these changes were alleviated in the NaAsO2+GBE group (P<0.01). Conclusion This study findings suggest that GBE antagonizes arsenic exposure-induced hepatic IR by regulating the PPARγ/GLUT4 pathway, indicating that GBE has a protective effect on arsenic exposure-induced hepatic IR, and PPARγ may be a potential therapeutic target for arsenic exposure-induced hepatic IR.
6.One case of pancreatic head metastasis from colon cancer
Qiyao LIU ; Lianjing ZHANG ; Congmin WANG ; Yali XUE ; Zhiyu XIAO ; Yue HU ; Dongyan YANG
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2024;18(3):463-464
Pancreatic metastases originating in colon cancer are very rare clinically, and there are few reports on their imaging manifestations. In this paper, it improves the diagnosis of the disease by reporting a case of pancreatic head metastases and focusing on the appearance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound.
7.Study on Huangqin Decoction Regulating NEK7-NLRP3/IL-1β to Protect Vascular Endothelial Function in Obese Hyperten-sive Rats Based on Peritubular Fat Inflammatory Microenvironment
Xuan LIU ; Fusen ZHAO ; Qiyao XU ; Meng ZHANG ; Can GUO ; Zhaoyang CHEN ; Jianping SHEN ; Xin-Dong WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(9):896-905
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Huangqin decoction on improving peritubular fat inflammatory microenvironment and protecting vascular endothelial function in obese hypertensive rats by regulating the NEK7-NLRP3/IL-1β inflammatory axis.METHODS Fifty 4-week-old male Wistar rats were selected,10 of which were randomly selected as the control group,and the oth-er 40 were fed a high-salt and high-fat diet to establish an obese hypertension model.The rats with successful modeling(20 rats)were randomly divided into the model group,normal-dose Huangqin decoction group,high-dose Huangqin decoction group,and IL-1β in-hibitor group,with 5 rats in each group.From the 12th week,the normal-dose group was gavaged with Huangqin decoction 2.835 g·kg-1,the high-dose group was gavaged with Huangqin decoction 5.67 g·kg-1,and the IL-1β inhibitor group was intraper-itoneally injected with 1.5 mg·kg-1 AS101,3 times a week,for 8 weeks.The rats were weighed and blood was collected 12 h after the last administration,and the thoracic aorta and perivascular fat tissue were isolated.Serum inflammatory factors were detected,patho-logical changes were observed,eNOS expression was detected by immunofluorescence,and NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC,and IL-1β expression levels were detected by Western blot and qPCR.RESULTS The rats in the model group had a significant increase in body weight,an increase in the area of peritubular fat lipid droplets,and severe endothelial injury;systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α were significantly elevated in the model group,and the expression of eNOS was sig-nificantly reduced,and the expression levels of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC,and IL-1β proteins and mRNAs were significantly elevated.Compared with the model group,rats in the Huangqin decoction and IL-1β inhibitor groups had lower body weights,reduced endothelial damage,lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures,lower serum IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α,and higher eNOS expression.NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,ASC and IL-1β protein expression was significantly reduced in the high dose group of Huan-gqin decoction and the IL-1β inhibitor group.In addition,Huangqin decoction protected the endothelial function of obese hypertensive vessels in a dose-dependent manner,with the effect being more pronounced in the high-dose group.CONCLUSION Huangqin de-coction can improve the inflammatory microenvironment of perivascular fat and protect the vascular endothelial function in obese hyper-tension by regulating the NEK7-NLRP3/IL-1β inflammatory axis.
8.Signals mining and analysis of adverse drug events of exenatide based on FAERS database
Qiyao ZHAO ; Yan LIU ; Tianyi YANG ; Jiaoyue LI ; Yunpeng LUO ; Ping LI ; Jinlin DAI ; Zifan HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Xiaohui YANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(12):1355-1364
Objective To analyze adverse drug event(ADE)signals associated with exenatide based on data from the U.S.Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS),and to provide insights for rational medication use in clinical settings.Methods ADE reports of exenatide as the primary suspected drug were obtained by collecting the data of FAERS database from the first quarter 2014 to the second quarter 2024.ADE signals were analyzed by joint reporting odds ratio(ROR)method,proportional reporting odds ratio(PRR)method,Bayesian confidence interval progressive neural network(BCPNN)method and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker(MGPS)method.Results After data cleaning,118 745 reports of exenatide-related ADEs were collected.These ADEs spanned 14 system-organ classes and involved 185 preferred terms.Commonly reported ADEs included reactions at the injection site,hypoglycemia,reduced appetite,and cholelithiasis.Severe ADEs were primarily cases of acute pancreatitis,in consistent with the drug's labeling.Moreover,the instructions did not record ADE signals of pancreatic cancer,thyroiditis,and reduced frustration tolerance.Conclusion Prescription of the exenatide should be vigilant about the signals not listed on the product labeling,such as pancreatic cancer,thyroid cancer,and decreased frustration tolerance,to improve the safety of medication use in patients.
9.Signals mining and analysis of adverse drug events of pioglitazone based on FAERS database
Ping LI ; Yan LIU ; Tianyi YANG ; Qiyao ZHAO ; Jiaoyue LI ; Yunpeng LUO ; Jinlin DAI ; Zifan HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Xiaohui YANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(12):1365-1374
Objective To mine adverse drug event(ADE)signals of pioglitazone,and to provide references for the safe clinical use of the medication.Methods The reporting odds ratio(ROR)method and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network(BCPNN)method were utilized to analyze pioglitazone ADE reports from the U.S.Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS)database,spanning from the first quarter of 2013 to the second quarter of 2024.Results After data cleaning,a total of 16 904 pioglitazone ADE reports were retrieved.The ADE reports primarily involved individuals over the age of 45,with a male predominance,and were mainly reported from the United States.After screening,180 ADE signals were identified,affecting 27 system-organ classes(SOC).Out of these,34 ADE signals were classified as medium to high risk,with 9 ADE signals not mentioned in the product labeling,including ureteral cancer,urethral cancer,gallbladder tumors,malignant tumors of the renal pelvis,pericardial tamponade,left ventricular dysfunction,pulmonary edema,cystitis,and somniloquy.Conclusion In addition to closely monitoring weight gain,systemic edema,and heart failure,clinical attention should be given to left ventricular dysfunction,pulmonary edema,cystitis,and pericardial tamponade ADEs that are not mentioned in the instructions,to ensure the safety of pioglitazone use in clinical practice.
10.Signals mining and analysis of adverse drug events of lixisenatide based on FAERS database
Jinlin DAI ; Yan LIU ; Tianyi YANG ; Jiaoyue LI ; Zifan HUANG ; Yunpeng LUO ; Ping LI ; Qiyao ZHAO ; Li ZHANG ; Xiaohui YANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(12):1325-1335
Objective To investigate post-marketing adverse drug event(ADE)signals associated with lixisenatide,and to provide guidance for safe clinical use.Methods The ADE reporting data of lixisenatide ADE were mined and the signals were detected from the U.S.Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System(FAERS)database from the first quarter 2013 to the second quarter 2024 using the reporting odds ratio(ROR)method and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network(BCPNN)method.Results After data cleaning,a total of 5 162 ADE reports with lixisenatide as the primary suspected drug were collected.The 85 ADE signals identified by the two statistical analysis methods,affected 14 system-organ classes(SOC).They were primarily concentrated in injuries,poisonings,and procedural complications(25.88%),various examinations(14.12%),systemic diseases and reactions at administration sites(14.12%),gastrointestinal diseases(9.41%),and various neurological diseases(5.88%).There were 28 ADE signals such as pancreatitis,visual impairment,and color blindness,that were not included in the drug instructions.Conclusion In addition to monitoring for common ADE associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists such as hypoglycemia,gastrointestinal,and neurological effects,clinicians should also be vigilant for underlying ADE like pancreatic-related diseases,eye toxicity reaction when using lixisenatide to ensure safe and rational medication use.


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