1.Application of Zebrafish in Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi LI ; Xiaolu CHEN ; Jiarui WU ; Xiaoyu TAO ; Qiqi FAN ; Shengyun DAI ; Chongjun ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):58-70
As a new type of model organism, zebrafish is gradually gaining prominence in the field of scientific research. The unique biological characteristics and advantages of zebrafish make them play an increasingly important role in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. Compared with other common experimental animals, zebrafish have a fast reproductive and growth speed and high embryo transparency, making them an ideal model for evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. This provides a new perspective and method for research on traditional Chinese medicine. With the growing global interest in traditional Chinese medicine, it has become crucial to find scientific and accurate methods to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine. The introduction of the zebrafish model has brought new breakthroughs in the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine. To further promote the application of zebrafish in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine, this article systematically searched and sorted out the previous studies related to the application of zebrafish for this purpose since 2023. The commonly used disease models and indicators of zebrafish in evaluating the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the mechanism of zebrafish in exploring the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, were primarily reviewed. The application of zebrafish in evaluating the safety of traditional Chinese medicine and the typical examples in ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicine were demonstrated. The limitations encountered by zebrafish models in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine were highlighted. The resolution of these problems will help further improve the accuracy and reliability of zebrafish in evaluating the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. The article discussed the evaluation of effectiveness, safety, and quality control of zebrafish applied in traditional Chinese medicine, so as to provide a reference for establishing standards for traditional Chinese medicine and promoting its modernization in the future.
2.Magnolol inhibits appetite and causes visceral fat loss through Growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) by activating transcription factor 4-CCAAT enhancer binding protein γ-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress responses.
Keru CHENG ; Yanyun ZHOU ; Yilong HAO ; Shengyun WU ; Nanping WANG ; Peng ZHANG ; Yinfang WANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(3):334-345
Magnolol, a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis, demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and anti-diabetic effects. Growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, is considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders. This study investigated the impact of magnolol on GDF-15 production and its underlying mechanism. The research examined the pharmacological effect of magnolol on GDF-15 expression in vitro and in vivo, and determined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling in this process. Luciferase reporter assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and in vitro DNA binding assays were employed to examine the regulation of GDF-15 by activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), CCAAT enhancer binding protein γ (CEBPG), and CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF). The study also investigated the effect of magnolol and ATF4 on the activity of a putative enhancer located in the intron of the GDF-15 gene, as well as the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity. Results demonstrated that magnolol triggers GDF-15 production in endothelial cells (ECs), hepatoma cell line G2 (HepG2) and hepatoma cell line 3B (Hep3B) cell lines, and primary mouse hepatocytes. The cooperative binding of ATF4 and CEBPG upstream of the GDF-15 gene or the E1944285 enhancer located in the intron led to full-power transcription of the GDF-15 gene. SNP alleles were found to impact the magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity of GDF-15. In high-fat diet ApoE-/- mice, administration of magnolol induced GDF-15 production and partially suppressed appetite through GDF-15. These findings suggest that magnolol regulates GDF-15 expression through priming of promoter and enhancer activity, indicating its potential as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Lignans/pharmacology*
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Growth Differentiation Factor 15/metabolism*
;
Animals
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Biphenyl Compounds/pharmacology*
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Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects*
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Activating Transcription Factor 4/genetics*
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Mice
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Humans
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Male
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Magnolia/chemistry*
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CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins/genetics*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
3.The interaction between polyphyllin I and SQLE protein induces hepatotoxicity through SREBP-2/HMGCR/SQLE/LSS pathway
Zhiqi LI ; Qiqi FAN ; Meilin CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Farong LI ; Mingshuang WANG ; Yulin GU ; Simin GUO ; Xianwen YE ; Jiarui WU ; Shengyun DAI ; Ruichao LIN ; Chongjun ZHAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2023;13(1):39-54
Polyphyllin Ⅰ(PPⅠ)and polyphyllin Ⅱ(PⅡ)are the main active substances in the Paris polyphylla.However,liver toxicity of these compounds has impeded their clinical application and the potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms remain to be elucidated.In this work,we found that PPⅠ and PⅡ exposure could induce significant hepatotoxicity in human liver cell line L-02 and zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner.The results of the proteomic analysis in L-02 cells and transcriptome in zebrafish indicated that the hepa-totoxicity of PPⅡ and PⅡwas associated with the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway disorders,which were alleviated by the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor lovastatin.Additionally,3-hydroxy-3-methy-lglutaryl CoA reductase(HMGCR)and squalene epoxidase(SQLE),the two rate-limiting enzymes in the choles-terol synthesis,selected as the potential targets,were confirmed by the molecular docking,the over-expression,and knockdown of HMGCR or SQLE with siRNA.Finally,the pull-down and surface plasmon resonance technology revealed that PPⅠ could directly bind with SQLE but not with HMGCR.Collectively,these data demonstrated that PPⅠ-induced hepatotoxicity resulted from the direct binding with SQLE protein and impaired the sterol-regulatory element binding protein 2/HMGCR/SQLE/lanosterol synthase pathways,thus disturbing the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.The findings of this research can contribute to a better understanding of the key role of SQLE as a potential target in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and provide a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of drug toxic effects with similar structures in the future.
4.Sex differences in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): an inception cohort of the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group (CSTAR) registry XVII.
Yinli GUI ; Wei BAI ; Jian XU ; Xinwang DUAN ; Feng ZHAN ; Chen ZHAO ; Zhenyu JIANG ; Zhijun LI ; Lijun WU ; Shengyun LIU ; Min YANG ; Wei WEI ; Ziqian WANG ; Jiuliang ZHAO ; Qian WANG ; Xiaomei LENG ; Xinping TIAN ; Mengtao LI ; Yan ZHAO ; Xiaofeng ZENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2022;135(18):2191-2199
BACKGROUND:
The onset and clinical presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are sex-related. Few studies have investigated the distinctions in clinical characteristics and treatment preferences in male and female SLE patients in the initial cohort. This study aimed to improve the understanding of Chinese SLE patients by characterizing the different sexes of SLE patients in the inception cohort.
METHODS:
Based on the initial patient cohort established by the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research Group, a total of 8713 patients (795 men and 7918 women) with newly diagnosed SLE were enrolled between April 2009 and March 2021. Of these, 2900 patients (347 men and 2553 women) were eligible for lupus nephritis (LN). A cross-sectional analysis of the baseline demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, organ damage, initial treatment regimens, and renal pathology classification was performed according to sex.
RESULTS:
In the SLE group, as compared to female patients, male patients had a later age of onset (male vs. female: 37.0 ± 15.8 years vs. 35.1 ± 13.7 years, P = 0.006) and a higher SLE International Collaborative Clinic/American College of Rheumatology damage index score (male vs. female: 0.47 ± 1.13 vs. 0.34 ± 0.81, P = 0.015), LN (male vs. female: 43.6% vs. 32.2%, P < 0.001), fever (male vs. female: 18.0% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.010), thrombocytopenia (male vs. female: 21.4% vs. 18.5%, P = 0.050), serositis (male vs. female: 14.7% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.013), renal damage (male vs. female: 11.1% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.001), and treatment with cyclophosphamide (CYC) (P < 0.001). The frequency of leukopenia (male vs. female: 20.5% vs. 25.4%, P = 0.002) and arthritis (male vs. female: 22.0% vs. 29.9%, P < 0.001) was less in male patients with SLE. In LN, no differences were observed in disease duration, SLE Disease Activity Index score, renal biopsy pathological typing, or 24-h urine protein quantification among the sexes. In comparisons with female patients with LN, male patients had later onset ages (P = 0.026), high serum creatinine (P < 0.001), higher end-stage renal failure rates (P = 0.002), musculoskeletal damage (P = 0.023), cardiovascular impairment (P = 0.009), and CYC use (P = 0.001); while leukopenia (P = 0.017), arthritis (P = 0.014), and mycophenolate usage (P = 0.013) rates were lower.
CONCLUSIONS
Male SLE patients had more severe organ damage and a higher LN incidence compared with female SLE patients; therefore, they may require more aggressive initial treatment compared to female patients.
Humans
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Female
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Male
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Cross-Sectional Studies
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Sex Characteristics
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East Asian People
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Severity of Illness Index
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis*
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Lupus Nephritis/pathology*
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Registries
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Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use*
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Thrombocytopenia
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Leukopenia/drug therapy*
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Arthritis
5.A case control study of 14 adult-onset Still's disease patients complicated with macrophage activation syndrome
Xiaopei YANG ; Tiange WU ; Wenlu HU ; Jinlei SUN ; Lei ZHANG ; Wenjuan GUAN ; Shengyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2019;23(7):459-464
Objective To summarize the clinical data of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) in adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) patients and provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of AOSD with MAS patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2012 to August 2018, and compared with patients with AOSD alone. Data were analyzed by t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, x2 test or Fisher exact test. Results A total of 14 AOSD with MAS patients were enrolled, accounting for 7.6%(14/185) of AOSD patients at the same period, including 2 males and 12 females. The median duration of AOSD in MAS was 1.3 (0.25, 4) months. Compared with the AOSD group, the age of onset was younger in the MAS group (t=-2.038, P=0.037), and the proportion of splenomegaly (t=9.020, P=0.003), pericardial effusion (t=8.663, P=0.003), pleural effusion (t=4.754, P=0.029) was higher. The white blood cell count (t=-4.171, P<0.01), hemoglobin level (t=-2.661, P=0.008), platelet count (t=-5.672, P<0.01), neutrophil count (t=-5.082, P<0.01), albumin (t=-3.426, P<0.01), fibrinogen (t=-5.986, P<0.01), ESR (t=-2.941, P=0.003), CRP (t=-2.014, P=0.044) was significantly decreased, ALT (t=-3.227, P<0.01), AST (t=-3.105, P=0.002), triglyceride (t=-5.612, P<0.01), ferritin>2000 μg/L (t=7.833, P=0.005) was significantly increased. Fourteen patients with AOSD complicated with MAS were treated with glucocorticosteroids, 5 with methylprednisolone, 8 with cyclosporine A, 8 with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), 2 with etoposide, and 1 with tocilizumab. After treatment, 11 cases recovered and 3 cases died. Conclusion Younger AOSD patients tend to complicated with MAS, especially at the early course of the disease, and splenomegaly occur more frequently clinically compared to patients without MAS. When blood cell count, fibrinogen and ESR decreases, triglyceride and ferritin levels increases in AOSD patients, the occurrence of MAS is indicated. Timely treatment can improve the prognosis of patients.
6.The analysis of risk factors and clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Tiange WU ; Lishuai HAN ; Xiaopei YANG ; Shengyun LIU
Chinese Journal of Rheumatology 2019;23(7):472-475
Objective To analyze the clinical characters and identify the risk factors in patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Methods We retrospectively analyze the clinical features, laboratorial test results and treatment strategy of 20 SLE patients with TTP diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2011 to 2018. Multiple logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors for TTP. Results Among 20 SLE with TTP patients, 16 were female and 4 were male. The median age at diagnosis was 47 (14-74) years old. Three cases of TTP were diagnosed during the treatment of SLE, 16 cases were diagnosed after the diagnosis of SLE, while 1 case was diagnosed before SLE. Logistic analysis showed that the independent risk factors for TTP included Systemiclupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI)>10, renal and CNS involvement (P<0.05). Conclusion Patients with SLE who have moderate or high disease activity, renal and Central nervous system (CNS) involvement significantly increases the risk of TTP.
7. Study on the relationship between screen time and prediabetes in adolescents
Yue WU ; Lili WEI ; Hong XIU ; Wenbin JIANG ; Yueshuai PAN ; Jingyuan WANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Kai CHEN ; Qiongqiong CHEN ; Shengyun WANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2019;35(11):819-823
Objective:
To explore the relationship between screen time and prediabetes in adolescents.
Methods:
A cross-section study. A total of 532 adolescents aged 12~18 years in Shandong Zibo Vocational Institute were selected by stratified sampling method. The screen time was investigated by questionnaire survey. Measuring fasting fingertip blood glucose, screening for who with potentially abnormal blood glucose, and measuring their fasting venous blood glucose, which is to determine whether it is prediabetes.
Results:
With the increase of screen time, the risk of prediabetes increased continuously. Compared with adolescents with those who spend 0~119 minute per day screen time, the risk of prediabetes of adolescents with an average daily screen time of 120~239, 240~317, ≥318 minute increased by 0.37%, 2.63%, and 3.57%, respectively. After multi-factor adjustment, the risk of prediabetes with who take 240~317, ≥318 minute per day screen time is still higher than who with the average daily screen time of 0~119 minute, the adjusted
8.Relationship between cognitive functions and medication compliance in patients with schizophrenia at stable phase
Shengyun CHEN ; Xiaowei XIA ; Chongbang ZHAO ; Xiaoli WU
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2019;18(7):668-673
Objective To elucidate the effect of cognitive functions on medication compliance of schizophrenia patients at stable phase, and provide clinical cognitive coping strategies to improve the medication compliance of schizophrenia patients. Methods Two hundred and thirty-eight schizophrenia patients at stable phase, admitted to psychiatry department of the 3rd affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2017 to October 2017, and all study subjects were divided into without medication compliance group (the scores of medication compliance scale≤4, n=32) and medication compliance group (the scores of medication compliance scale>4, n=206) by Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were used to evaluate the differences of cognitive performance and disease severity between groups. The factors influencing medication compliance of schizophrenia patients with stable phase were explored by multiple linear regression analysis. Results (1) The total scores of MCCB and it,s subscales scores (except for visual learning) of schizophrenia patients with medication compliance were higher than that of patients without medication compliance. The scores of symbol coding, spatial span and emotional intelligence ability in medication compliance group were significantly higher than those of patients without medication compliance (P<0.05). (2) Symbol coding (neurocognition ability), emotion management (social cognition ability), severity of illness, and antipsychotic drug dose were the independent influencing factors of medication compliance of schizophrenia patients with stable phase (P<0.05). Conclusion The medication compliance of schizophrenia patients with stable phase is not only affected by antipsychotics dose and severity of illness, but also affected by neurocognitive and social cognitive functions.
9.Inhibitory effect of low frequency electroacupuncture on the P2 X3 receptor in dorsal root ganglion of rats suffering from type II diabetic neuropathic pain
Shengyun SHOU ; Junjun WEI ; Xiaofen HE ; Yuanyuan WU ; Jianqiao FANG ; Yongliang JIANG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2017;25(1):54-59
Objective To investigate the effects of low frequency electroacupuncture on the P2X3 receptor expres-sion in dorsal root ganglion ( DRG) of rats with type II diabetic neuropathic pain. Methods Part 1:Fifty normal SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (8 rats) and model group (42 rats). The rat model of type II diabetic neuropathic pain was generated by high fat and high sugar diet with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin ( STZ, 35 mg/kg) . 2 Hz electroacupuncture was administered at ipsilateral acupoints Zusanli and Kunlun for consecutive 7 days. Insulin sensitivity index ( ISI) was measured at 0 w and 5 w, and fasting plasma glucose ( FPG) was measured at 0 w, 5 w, and 7 w. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was measured by mechanical pain threshold, and P2X3 receptor was determined by immunofluorescence. Part 2:Twelve rats with diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) were divided into EA + vehicle group (6 rats) and EA + αβ?meATP group (6 rats). Rats in the two groups received the same EA treatment as Part 1. Rats in the EA + αβ?meATP group were injected with P2X3 receptor agonistαβ?meATP (0. 6μmol/L, 100μL) into the ventral sur?face of each hind paw every time before EA treatment. Rats in the EA + vehicle group received the same dose of vehicle ( PBS buffer) as a control. Pain threshold of the rats were measured. Results ① Compared with the normal group, the ISI levels of the rats in DNP group was significantly decreased after 5 weeks of the high?fat high?sugar diet (P < 0. 01). Two weeks after STZ injection, the fasting plasma glucose levels in the rats receiving STZ were significantly elevated ( P <0. 01 ) . The type 2 diabetes model was established with a successful rate of 69. 04%. ②PWTs:The PWTs of rats in DNP group were reduced compared with rats in the normal group (P < 0. 01), indicating that the type 2 DNP model was suc?cessfully established. Compared with the PWTs of DNP?controlled rats, the 2 Hz electroacupuncture significantly increased bilateral PWT of rats subjected to DNP from day 3 after treatment (P < 0. 01). P2X3 receptor agonistαβ?meATP greatly reduced bilateral PWT of EA?treated DNP rats compared with that of the EA + vehicle group (P < 0. 01). ③The immu?nofluorescence essay showed that P2X3 receptor expression in bilateral L5 DRGs in the DNP group was significantly in?creased as compared with that in the normal group ( P < 0. 01 ) . The increases were inhibited by 2 Hz EA in L5 DRGs compared with the DNP group (P < 0. 01). Conclusions 2Hz electroacupuncture can effectively treat the type II diabet?ic neuropathic pain by decreasing the expression of L5 DRG P2X3 receptors in rats.
10.Observation of low-dose HA/HAA regimen as induction chemotherapy on elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Dijiong WU ; Baodong YE ; Jianping SHEN ; Yiping SHEN ; Shengyun LIN ; Zhiping HU ; Qinghong YU ; Zhiyin ZHENG ; Laijun PENG ; Shan LIU ; Conghua JI ; Yunfei LUO ; Xiaowen WEN ; Keding SHAO ; Yu ZHANG ; Yanting GAO ; Dan CHEN ; Yuhong ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2014;35(3):256-259

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