1.Mechanism of miR-21 targeting inhibition of the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway in ameliorating chronic renal fibrosis in mice
Jiao QI ; Shanshan XU ; Qige QI ; Yan MENG ; Jianrong ZHAO ; Liying ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):217-224
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism through which miR‑21 improves chronic renal fibrosis in mice via targeted modulation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. MethodsThirty‑two chronic kidney disease model mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 each group): model group, miR‑21 overexpression group, miR‑21 inhibition group, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group. Eight healthy mice were included as the control group. The miR‑21 overexpression, miR‑21 inhibition, and miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 groups received tail‑vein injections of lentivirus (50 μL, 1×10⁸ TU per mouse) once weekly for three weeks. The control and model groups were injected with an equal volume of empty vector (LV‑NC). The miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group additionally received gavage of the AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor MK‑2206 (480 mg/kg) once weekly for three weeks. The expressions of miR‑21, 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal tissue levels of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA), and PTEN protein, as well as p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios, were compared among groups. HE staining was used to observe pathological changes in renal tissue, and Masson staining was used to observe the degree of renal fibrosis. A dual‑luciferase assay was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR‑21 and PTEN. ResultsCompared with the model group, miR‑21 expression in renal tissue increased in the miR‑21 overexpression group (P<0.05) and decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed increased 24 h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05), while these indicators decreased in the miR‑21 inhibition group (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group exhibited lower 24‑h urinary protein, Scr, BUN, and renal tissue expression of Collagen Ⅰ, Collagen Ⅲ, and α‑SMA (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the miR‑21 overexpression group showed decreased PTEN protein expression (P<0.05) and increased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), while the miR‑21 inhibition group showed increased PTEN expression (P<0.05) and decreased p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05). Compared with the miR‑21 inhibition group, the miR‑21 inhibition + MK‑2206 group had lower p‑AKT/AKT and p‑mTOR/mTOR ratios (P<0.05), with no significant difference in PTEN protein expression. HE and Masson staining showed normal kidney structure and almost no fibrosis in the control group. The model group exhibited glomerular enlargement, capillary loop adhesion, and focal fibrosis. The miR-21 overexpression group showed severe destruction of glomerular structure, accompanied by extensive fibrosis and renal tubular atrophy. The pathological changes and degree of fibrosis were alleviated in the miR-21 inhibition group. The miR-21 inhibition + MK-2206 group showed only mild pathological changes and mild fibrosis, with the interstitium being largely normal. Compared with PTEN-WT + NC mimics 1, the relative luciferase activity in the PTEN-WT + miR-21 mimics group decreased (P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in relative luciferase activity between PTEN-WT + NC mimics group and PTEN-MUT + miR-21 mimics group. ConclusionmiR‑21 may improve renal function indicators and alleviate renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease mice via targeted modulation of PTEN and subsequently inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway.
2.Quality Evaluation of Black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix Based on Neuroprotective Spectrum-effect Relationship
Yuting YANG ; Shuyun LIANG ; Shanshan LI ; Yulong YANG ; Ziqi YANG ; Guangzhi CAI ; Liru ZHAO ; Jiyu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):149-156
ObjectiveTo clarify the neuroprotective effect of black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(PQR) and explore its active ingredients, with the aim of establishing an activity-oriented quality evaluation method. MethodsTransgenic Tg(HuC∶EGFP) zebrafish was used to establish a neuronal injury model by aluminum chloride immersion. Different doses(10, 20 mg·L-1) of PQR and black PQR ethanol extracts were administered. The neuroprotective effects of PQR and black PQR were compared by analyzing the fluorescent area and intensity of zebrafish neurons. Based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), a fingerprint profile of black PQR was established, followed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). Differential components were screened using the criteria of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and P<0.05. The neuroprotective activity of 14 batches of black PQR was assessed, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify saponins related to neuroprotective activity, which were then validated. Based on the above results, active marker components were determined, and an UPLC method was established for their quantitation with clear content limits. ResultsPharmacological efficacy results showed that both PQR and black PQR at different doses could significantly improved neuronal damage in zebrafish. At a dose of 20 mg·L-1, black PQR demonstrated superior efficacy(P<0.05). The fingerprint similarities of 14 batches of black PQR were>0.94, with 26 common peaks identified. Through comparison with the reference standards, 8 components were confirmed, including peak 1(ginsenoside Rg1), peak 2(ginsenoside Re), peak 5(ginsenoside Rb1), peak 9(ginsenoside Rd), peak 16[ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3], peak 17[ginsenoside 20(R)-Rg3], peak 18(ginsenoside Rk1), and peak 19(ginsenoside Rg5). The results of PCA and OPLS-DA indicated that there were differences in saponins among black PQR samples from different origins, and 12 differential components were screened. All 14 batches of black PQR exhibited good protective effects on zebrafish neurons, with Shaanxi-produced black PQR showing superior protective effects compared to the other three production regions. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that a total of 11 components, including ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5, showed a significant positive correlation with the neuroprotective effect in zebrafish(P<0.05). The activity validation results indicated that ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 were the primary components responsible for the neuroprotective effects of black PQR. Quantitative analysis showed that the content of ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 in 14 batches of black PQR ranged from 0.17% to 0.52%, and the repair rate of neuronal damage ranged from 42.77% to 97.83%. ConclusionBased on the fingerprint and neuronal protective activity, the spectrum-effect related quality control model of black PQR was established, with ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 as the quality control index, and the neuronal damage repair rate≥60% as the evaluation standard, the minimum limit of ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 in black PQR should be≥0.20%.
3.Clinical and Mechanistic Study of Modified Sinisan in Treating Precancerous Lesions of Digestive System Based on "Inflammation-to-Cancer Transformation"
Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Xin PENG ; Shanshan LI ; Yihan ZHAO ; Fuke YAO ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):221-234
Tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis occur in the context of a persistent inflammatory microenvironment, and a variety of inflammatory factors can lead to the development of various tumors. Guided by the thought of "preventive treatment of disease" in TCM and the concept of tertiary prevention in modern medicine, it is of great significance to effectively intervene in the inflammatory stage of the disease, interrupt disease progression, prevent the occurrence of malignant tumors, and reverse the process of "inflammation-to-cancer transformation". Sinisan, a commonly used prescription in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, has been widely applied in the treatment of precancerous lesions of the digestive system, demonstrating considerable advantages. This article reviewed literature from the past 20 years, summarizing the application of Sinisan in precancerous lesions of the digestive system from three aspects: the exploration of its prescription-syndrome relationship, clinical application, and mechanistic study. It is found that basic syndrome indications of Sinisan include harmonizing the Earth element to promote spleen-stomach transportation and transformation, soothing the liver and nourishing the Wood element to restore the smooth flow of Qi, and regulating Yin and Yang to relieve stagnation within the system. In clinical application, Sinisan has shown significant efficacy in atrophic gastritis and precancerous conditions such as intestinal metaplasia, gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, esophagitis, and pancreatitis. Mechanistic studies have revealed that Sinisan can inhibit inflammatory factors and improve the inflammatory microenvironment, inhibit cell proliferation and regulate apoptosis, exhibit anti-angiogenic and antitumorigenic effects, modulate immune function, and exert antioxidant effects. These mechanisms can be achieved by regulating pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1), farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/Nrf2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5/cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (TGR5/cAMP/PKA), interleukin-4/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (IL-4/STAT6), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK), and transforming growth factor-β/Smad proteins (TGF-β/Smads), confirming Sinisan's role in reversing the inflammation-to-cancer transformation. The current research status of Sinisan in precancerous lesions of the digestive system was thoroughly examined through the above three aspects, along with the identification of limitations and areas for improvement in current research. The aim is to provide a basis and support for future in-depth research on Sinisan, promote the development of new integrated treatment models combining TCM and Western medicine for precancerous lesions, and aid in the research and development of drugs related to precancerous lesions.
4.Consistency Evaluation of Processing of Black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix Decoction Pieces Based on "Chromaticity-chemistry-activity"
Yulong YANG ; Shanshan LI ; Yuting YANG ; Ziqi YANG ; Guangzhi CAI ; Liru ZHAO ; Jiyu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):195-203
ObjectiveTo assess the quality consistency of black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(bPQR) decoction pieces prepared by atmospheric and pressurized steaming processes based on chromaticity-chemical composition-vasoactive inhibition. The ultimate goal was to screen the pressurized steaming process yielding quality equivalent to atmospheric steaming, and optimize the processing technology of bPQR. MethodsThe bPQR decoction pieces were prepared using both atmospheric and pressurized steaming processes, and the chromaticity values[lightness value(L*), red/green chromaticity value(a*), yellow/blue chromaticity value(b*), total chromaticity value(E*ab)] were measured. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was employed to establish fingerprint profiles for the decoction pieces, and cluster analysis was conducted on chromaticity values and the common peak areas in fingerprint profiles to elucidate the quality relationships between the decoction pieces processed by different methods. The optimal atmospheric steaming of bPQR decoction pieces was determined through zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition experiments. The contents of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, 20(S)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 in the decoction pieces were quantified, and Spearman correlation analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between saponin content, chromaticity, and angiogenesis inhibition activity during the steaming process. By integrating the consistency of chromaticity, saponin components and angiogenesis inhibition activity, pressurized steaming conditions with quality equivalent to the atmospheric pressure method were selected. ResultsCompared with the atmospheric steaming method, pressurized steaming resulted in faster color darkening and higher conversion rates of ginsenosides in bPQR decoction pieces. Moreover, the neovascularization inhibitory activity of bPQR decoction pieces continued to increase with the deepening of processing. Based on the effectiveness and safety, the optimal process for preparing bPQR decoction pieces with neovascularization inhibitory activity was determined to be atmospheric steaming for 21 h. All six ginsenosides tested exhibited strong to extremely strong correlations with both the chromaticity values of the decoction pieces and their neovascularization inhibitory activities. Among them, ginsenosides Rg1, Re and Rb1 exhibited positive correlations with chromaticity values and negative correlations with zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition activity. Conversely, ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 showed negative correlations with chromaticity values and positive correlations with zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition activity. By integrating chromaticity values, cluster analysis results, as well as the results of activity, it was determined that the quality of bPQR decoction pieces steamed under pressurized conditions of 110 ℃(0.045 MPa) for 5 h and 115 ℃(0.07 MPa) for 3 h was highly consistent with that obtained by atmospheric steaming for 21 h. ConclusionThe preparation of bPQR decoction pieces by pressurized steaming has the advantages of short preparation time, low energy consumption, and rapid saponin conversion rate, making it a viable alternative to atmospheric steaming for preparing bPQR decoction pieces. Meanwhile, the evaluation method based on chromaticity-chemical composition-activity can provide a more scientific and effective explanation of change rules in the quality during traditional Chinese medicine processing, and offer a new model for optimizing processing technology and enhancing quality control.
5.Compatibility Effect and Mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma on Antitumor: A Review
Hanyu KANG ; Shanshan LI ; Dandan WEI ; Yihan ZHAO ; Ruxin DU ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):276-286
Malignant tumor is a serious and difficult disease threatening human health, which has a high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in improving the therapeutic effect of malignant tumors and alleviating adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Qi deficiency and blood stasis are important pathogeneses in the development of malignant tumors, and the method of supplementing Qi and activating blood is an effective strategy for treating malignant tumors. Astragali Radix, sweet in taste and warm in nature, has effects of tonifying Qi and rising Yang, strengthening the exterior and reducing sweat, promoting fluid and nourishing blood. Curcumae Rhizoma, acrid and bitter in taste and warm in nature, has the effects of promoting Qi and breaking blood stasis, eliminating mass, and relieving pain. Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma, as the classic herb pair of invigorating Qi and activating blood, has a clear effect on inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Studies have shown that Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma contains astragalus polysaccharide, astragaloside, calycosin, formononetin, curcumin, β-elemene, curcumenol, curcumenone, curcumendione, gemacrone, and other anti-tumor active ingredients. It can significantly inhibit the occurrence and development of liver cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers and has the advantages of superposition effect, synergistic complementarity, and increased dissolution compared with single herb and monomer of Chinese traditional herbs and has been widely valued in the field of TCM anti-cancer. Its anti-tumor mechanism includes inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, promotion of tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy, anti-invasion and metastasis, regulation of immune function, and enhancement of anti-tumor drug sensitivity. By combining Chinese and foreign literature, the compatibility effect and anti-tumor mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma were summarized, and then scientific compatibility of these two herbs was expounded, in order to provide a useful reference for clinical application and future research of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma.
6.Therapeutic Effect of Cranial Painkiller Pills' Extract Powder in Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia Induced by Injection of Talci Pulvis into Infraorbital Foramen of Model Rats Based on OTULIN-regulated Neuroinflammation
Shuran LI ; Xinwei WANG ; Jing SUN ; Dan XIE ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Qiyue SUN ; Jingsheng ZHANG ; Yaxin WANG ; Xihe CUI ; Xinying LI ; Bing HAN ; Tianjiao LU ; Xiaolan CUI ; Liying LIU ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):21-28
ObjectiveThis paper aims to verify the therapeutic effect of Cranial Painkiller pills' extract powder prepared by the new process on the rat's trigeminal neuralgia model caused by infraorbital injection of Talci Pulvis, evaluate its potential clinical application value, and compare the therapeutic effect with that of Cranial Painkiller granules, so as to provide data support for the application of the Cranial Painkiller pills' extract powder and precise treatment. MethodsThe rat's trigeminal neuralgia model was constructed by infraorbital injection of Talci Pulvis, and the rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, carbamazepine group (60 mg·kg-1), Cranial Painkiller granules group (2.70 g·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dosage groups of Cranial Painkiller pills' extract powder (1.35, 2.70, 5.40 g·kg-1) according to the basal mechanical pain thresholds, and there were 10 rats in each group. The drug was administered by gavage to each group 2 h after modeling, and distilled water was given by gavage to the normal and model groups under the same conditions once a day for 10 d. Von Frey brushes were used to measure mechanical pain thresholds in rats. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect pathological changes in the trigeminal ganglion, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the inflammatory factors interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in rat serum, as well as neuropeptide substance P (SP) and β-endorphin (β-EP) levels in rat brain tissue. Western blot technique was used to detect the levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and OTULIN proteins in rat brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the pain threshold of rats in the model group showed a continuous significant decrease (P<0.01). The pathological damage of brain tissue was significant (P<0.01), and the inflammatory levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in serum were significantly elevated (P<0.01). The level of the SP in the brain tissue was significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the level of β-EP was significantly reduced (P<0.01), while the level of OTULIN was significantly reduced, and NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 protein levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01). After administration of the drug, compared with the model group, the pain threshold of each dose group of the Cranial Painkiller pills' extract powder and the Cranial Painkiller granules group significantly increased (P<0.01). The inflammatory levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α and SP levels significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the β-EP levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01), while the levels of OTULIN protein were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the levels of NLRP3, ASC proteins were decreased (P<0.01)in high dose Cranial Painkiller pills' extract powder. Meanwhile, compared with those in the model group, the trigeminal ganglion lesions of rats in the Cranial Painkiller pills' extract powder and Cranial Painkiller granules groups showed different degrees of improvement (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe Cranial Painkiller pills' extract powder has significant therapeutic effects on the rat model of trigeminal neuralgia induced by infraorbital injection of Talci Pulvis, and its mechanism is related to the improvement of OTULIN-regulated neuroinflammation.
7.Research on Regulatory Mechanism of Verbenalin on HCoV-229E-infected Macrophage Injury Based on Mitophagy
Qiyue SUN ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Shuran LI ; Xihe CUI ; Jingsheng ZHANG ; Xian LIU ; Rui XIE ; Xiaolan CUI ; Shanshan GUO ; Jing SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):29-37
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of verbenalin on mouse mononuclear macrophage leukemia cells (RAW264.7) damaged by human coronavirus (HCoV)-229E infection, thereby providing experimental evidence for its development and application. MethodsRAW264.7 macrophages were infected with different concentrations of HCoV-229E to establish a coronavirus-induced macrophage injury model using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay for assessing cell proliferation and viability. Cells were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, verbenalin group (125 μmol·L-1), model group (HCoV-229E), and HCoV-229E + verbenalin group (HCoV-229E + 125 μmol·L-1 verbenalin). Cell viability was measured using the CCK-8 assay, and the maximum non-toxic concentration (CC0), half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50), half-maximal effective concentration (EC50), and selectivity index (SI) of verbenalin were calculated. Calcein/PI double staining was used to assess cell viability and cytotoxicity, and JC-1 staining was applied to evaluate changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). mito-Keima adenovirus labeling was used to assess mitophagy levels in each group. ResultsA macrophage infection model was successfully established by infecting RAW264.7 cells with the original concentration of HCoV-229E for 36 h. The CC0 of verbenalin was 125 μmol·L-1. The CC50 was 448.25 μmol·L-1. The EC50 against HCoV-229E-infected cells was 46.28 μmol·L-1, and the SI was 9.68. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly reduced cell survival rate (P<0.01), increased cell death rate (P<0.01), decreased MMP (P<0.01), and suppressed mitophagy (P<0.01). In contrast, verbenalin treatment significantly improved cell survival rate (P<0.01), reduced cell death rate (P<0.01), alleviated MMP loss (P<0.01), and enhanced mitophagy levels (P<0.01) compared with the model group. ConclusionVerbenalin can enhance the survival rate of macrophages following HCoV-229E infection. The underlying mechanism may be associated with the activation of mitophagy, maintenance of MMP stability, and alleviation of mitochondrial damage.
8.Therapeutic Effect of Jidesheng Sheyao Tablets on VZV-induced Skin Vesicles in Guinea Pigs and Postherpetic Neuralgia in Rats
Rui XIE ; Shanshan GUO ; Zihan GENG ; Lei BAO ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Shuran LI ; Qiyue SUN ; Xinwei WANG ; Jingsheng ZHANG ; Xihe CUI ; Xiaolan CUI ; Jing SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):38-47
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of Jidesheng Sheyao tablets on varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and its associated postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) to provide experimental evidence for the clinical application and secondary development of Jidesheng Sheyao tablets. MethodsFifty-six guinea pigs were randomly divided into seven groups according to their body weight, namely the normal group, the model group, the positive control group, the high-dose group, medium-dose group, and low-dose group of Jidesheng Sheyao tablets (1.92, 0.96, 0.48 g·d-1), and the group treated with oral administration combined with topical application of Jidesheng Sheyao tablets (0.96 g·d-1 + 1.2 g·kg-1·d-1). The skin on the back of the guinea pigs in each group was depilated and then abraded with sandpaper. Except for the normal group, 200 μL of VZV solution was dropped on the damaged parts of the back of the guinea pigs in the other groups, and the infection lasted for 2 consecutive days. The drug administration started 2 hours after the infection on the first day and lasted for 7 days. The pathological changes of the back of the guinea pigs in each group were observed every day starting from the second day after the infection. On the 7th day, the guinea pigs were sacrificed by CO2 anesthesia. The locally infected skin was taken, and the viral DNA nucleic acid load was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). The pathological histology examination was carried out after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Seventy rats were randomly divided into seven groups according to their body weight, namely the normal group, the model group, the positive control group, the high-dose group, medium-dose group, and low-dose group of Jidesheng Sheyao tablets (1.08, 0.54, 0.27 g·d-1), and the group treated with oral administration combined with topical application of Jidesheng Sheyao tablets (0.54 g·d-1 + 1.2 g·kg-1·d-1). The rats in each group (except the normal group) were subcutaneously inoculated with 50 μL of VZV suspension between the web of the first and second fingers of the left forelimb. The skin on the back of the rats was depilated, and the drug administration started 2 hours after the infection and lasted for 10 days. The mechanical withdrawal threshold of the paws of the rats was detected by a Von Frey filament algometer before inoculation and on the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 8th, and 10th days after inoculation, and the thermal withdrawal reflex latency of the paws of the rats was detected by a hot and cold plate algometer. On the 10th day after the virus inoculation, the rats were anesthetized after the behavioral examination, and the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord and spinal cord segments were taken. The contents of substance P (SP), neurokinin (NK), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord and spinal cord were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with those in the normal group, the guinea pigs in the model group had obvious skin herpes lesions (P<0.01). The viral nucleic acid load was high (P<0.01), and there were disorganized subcutaneous cellular structures and obvious infiltration of inflammatory cells and cell necrosis (P<0.01). The mechanical withdrawal threshold of the paws and the thermal withdrawal reflex latency of the paws of the rats were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the contents of NK, SP, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord and spinal cord of the rats were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose and medium-dose groups of topical administration of Jidesheng Sheyao tablets and the group of oral administration combined with topical application could significantly improve the lesions such as skin redness and herpes of the guinea pigs caused by VZV infection (P<0.01), reduce the VZV viral nucleic acid load in the skin tissues of the guinea pigs (P<0.01), alleviate the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration and skin cell necrosis in the skin tissue (P<0.05), significantly increase the mechanical withdrawal threshold of the paws and the thermal withdrawal reflex latency of the paws of the rats (P<0.05), and decrease the contents of NK, SP, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord and spinal cord of the rats (P<0.01). ConclusionJidesheng Sheyao tablets demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on VZV-induced skin infections and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), providing a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of VZV infections.
9.Mechanism of Tibetan Medicine Sanwei Doukoutang to Improve Cognitive Dysfunction in 5×FAD Mice Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Shuran LI ; Yaxin WANG ; Jing SUN ; Lei BAO ; Zihan GENG ; Dan XIE ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Yanyan BAO ; Qiyue SUN ; Jingsheng ZHANG ; Xinwei WANG ; Xinying LI ; Xihe CUI ; Xiaowei YANG ; LIUXIAN ; Mengyao CUI ; Qingshan LIU ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):54-60
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of the Tibetan medicine Sanwei Doukoutang (SWDK) on cognitive dysfunction in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its related mechanism. MethodsFifty SPF 5 × FAD mice were randomly divided into model group, total ginsenoside group(0.04 g·kg-1), high-, medium-, and low-dose groups of SWDK (32.60, 16.30, 8.15 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group, and ten wild-type mice of the same age were used as the normal group, male and female in 1∶1. Gavage administration was performed once daily for 8 weeks. The Morris water maze test and contextual fear memory experiment were used to observe learning and memory function. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was utilized to observe the changes in the pathomorphology of brain tissue in mice. The levels of synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic dense substance 95 (PSD95) in mice serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The positive expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the dentate gyrus (DG) region of mouse brain tissue was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The protein levels of BDNF, Wnt family member 3A(Wnt3a), and β-catenin were detected in the hippocampus of mice by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group of mice, the model group of mice had significantly more complex swimming routes and lower swimming speed (P<0.01), significantly lower percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a significantly lower percentage of freezing time (P<0.05). The number of neurons in the hippocampal region of mice was obviously reduced and unevenly arranged. The levels of SYP and PSD95(P<0.01) in the serum of mice were reduced, and the positive expression of BDNF in the DG region of the brain tissue of mice was reduced. The levels of hippocampal BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice were obviously reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mice in the SWDK group and the total ginsenoside group had significantly shorter swimming routes, the high- and medium- dose SWDK groups significantly higher swimming speeds (P<0.01), significantly higher percentage of time spent in the target quadrant (P<0.01), obviously higher percentage of Freezing time (P<0.05), and obviously more neurons in the hippocampal region of the mice with tighter arrangement. The mice had elevated levels of serum SYP (P<0.05, P<0.01), PSD95 (P<0.01), increased BDNF-positive cells in the DG region of brain tissue, and obviously elevated levels of BDNF, Wnt3a, and β-catenin proteins in the hippocampus of mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSWDK can significantly improve the cognitive dysfunction of AD mice, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which promotes BDNF expression and thereby enhances synaptic plasticity, allowing neuronal signaling to be restored.
10.Establishment and Application of Animal Models for Disease-syndrome Combination in Viral Pneumonia: A Review
Dan XIE ; Shuran LI ; Zihan GENG ; Lei BAO ; Jing SUN ; Ronghua ZHAO ; Xian LIU ; Mengyao CUI ; Xiaowei YANG ; Xiaolan CUI ; Shanshan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):61-69
Currently, viral pneumonia (VP) presents a major challenge to global public health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prevention and treatment of VP is guided by the core concept of strengthening vital energy and eliminating pathogenic factors rather than targeting specific pathogens, alongside a holistic approach of syndrome differentiation and treatment. By summarizing the clinical syndromes of patients, the core pathogenesis was clarified to achieve individualized therapy. Animal models for disease-syndrome combination integrate the etiology and pathogenesis of VP and simulate the individualized manifestations of patients at different disease stages, providing an experimental platform for elucidating the theoretical basis of TCM in treating VP and promoting the development of effective TCM formulations. However, there are limitations in the application and promotion of disease-syndrome combination animal models due to the lack of standardization and normalization of model construction systems, which arise from diverse species selection, compound modeling methods, and multidimensional evaluation indicators. This paper systematically reviewed the recent research on animal models for disease-syndrome combination in VP from the perspective of species selection, modeling methods, evaluation indicators, and application status. Furthermore, it summarized the advantages and limitations of existing models, identifies future directions for improvement, and proposes optimization strategies. This review provides a reference for establishing standardized and normalized animal models for disease-syndrome combinations in VP, supporting the theoretical modernization of TCM in preventing and controlling emerging respiratory infectious diseases, and contributing to the development of new TCM drugs.

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