1.Dahuang Zhechong pill regulates stress fiber remodeling mediated by mechanistic signaling pathway to alleviate liver cirrhosis
Yi-heng ZHANG ; Su-zhou HUANG ; Xing-xing LU ; Hui-hua FANG ; Hong-lin CHEN ; Fan-sheng MENG ; Gao-hong LYU ; Zhi-peng CHEN ; Li WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1562-1568
Aim To explore the effect of the classical famous prescription Dahuang Zhechong pill(DHZCP)on relieving liver cirrhosis by regulating the stress fiber remodeling mediated by mechanistic signaling pathway and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,DHZCP low-dose group,DHZCP high-dose group,and Colchicine-positive control group.The liver cirrhosis mouse model was constructed by intrap-eritoneal injection of olive oil-solubilized CCl4.HE staining and serologic markers were used to reflect liver injury.Masson staining was used to evaluate collagen deposition in liver tissue.ELISA was applied to detect vasoactive molecules and cancer indicators.Atomic force microscopy was employed to detect liver tissue stiffness.Color Doppler diagnostic instrument was used to assess portal blood flow velocity.Western blot was utilized to detect ROCK2 expression and phosphoryla-tion of YAP,Cofilin,and MLC.Results The liver tis-sues in the model group had obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition,accompanied by significant elevation of serum transaminases and fibrosis indexes.Similarly,vasoactive molecules and cancer in-dicators were elevated,and the mechanoregulatory pro-tein ROCK2 expression and phosphorylation of Cofilin and MLC were elevated,with YAP being strongly de-phosphorylated.Both low and high doses of DHZCP re-versed the pathological changes,serological indices,and inhibited the activation of the stress fiber(SF)re-modeling mechanistic signaling pathway.Conclusion DHZCP effectively ameliorates liver tissue lesions in mice with liver cirrhosis,and its mechanism may be re-lated to the inhibition of SF remodeling mechanistic signaling pathway.
2.Beneficial Effects of Dendrobium officinale Extract on Insomnia Rats Induced by Strong Light and Noise via Regulating GABA and GABAA Receptors.
Heng-Pu ZHOU ; Jie SU ; Ke-Jian WEI ; Su-Xiang WU ; Jing-Jing YU ; Yi-Kang YU ; Zhuang-Wei NIU ; Xiao-Hu JIN ; Mei-Qiu YAN ; Su-Hong CHEN ; Gui-Yuan LYU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(6):490-498
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Dendrobium officinale (Tiepi Shihu) extract (DOE) on insomnia.
METHODS:
Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=7 per group): normal control, model control, melatonin (MT, 40 mg/kg), and 3-dose DOE (0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 g/kg) groups. Rats were raised in a strong-light (10,000 LUX) and -noise (>80 db) environment (12 h/d) for 16 weeks to induce insomnia, and from week 10 to week 16, MT and DOE were correspondingly administered to rats. The behavior tests including sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep experiment, sucrose preference test, and autonomous activity test were used to evaluate changes in sleep and emotions of rats. The metabolic-related indicators such as blood pressure, blood viscosity, blood glucose, and uric acid in rats were measured. The pathological changes in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) region of rat brain were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining and Nissl staining. Additionally, the sleep-related factors gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (GA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, we screened potential sleep-improving receptors of DOE using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array and validated the results with quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS:
DOE significantly improved rats' sleep and mood, increased the sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep time and sucrose preference index, and reduced autonomic activity times (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DOE also had a good effect on metabolic abnormalities, significantly reducing triglyceride, blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood viscosity indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). DOE significantly increased the GABA content in hippocampus and reduced the GA/GABA ratio and IL-6 level (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, DOE improved the pathological changes such as the disorder of cell arrangement in the hippocampus and the decrease of Nissel bodies. Seven differential genes were screened by PCR array, and the GABAA receptors (Gabra5, Gabra6, Gabrq) were selected for verification. The results showed that DOE could up-regulate their expressions (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
DOE demonstrated remarkable potential for improving insomnia, which may be through regulating GABAA receptors expressions and GA/GABA ratio.
Animals
;
Dendrobium/chemistry*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Male
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/blood*
;
Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*
;
Receptors, GABA-A/metabolism*
;
Noise/adverse effects*
;
Light/adverse effects*
;
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism*
;
Sleep/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Receptors, GABA/metabolism*
3.Dahuang Zhechong pill regulates stress fiber remodeling mediated by mechanistic signaling pathway to alleviate liver cirrhosis
Yi-heng ZHANG ; Su-zhou HUANG ; Xing-xing LU ; Hui-hua FANG ; Hong-lin CHEN ; Fan-sheng MENG ; Gao-hong LYU ; Zhi-peng CHEN ; Li WU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1562-1568
Aim To explore the effect of the classical famous prescription Dahuang Zhechong pill(DHZCP)on relieving liver cirrhosis by regulating the stress fiber remodeling mediated by mechanistic signaling pathway and to explore the underlying mechanism.Methods Mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,DHZCP low-dose group,DHZCP high-dose group,and Colchicine-positive control group.The liver cirrhosis mouse model was constructed by intrap-eritoneal injection of olive oil-solubilized CCl4.HE staining and serologic markers were used to reflect liver injury.Masson staining was used to evaluate collagen deposition in liver tissue.ELISA was applied to detect vasoactive molecules and cancer indicators.Atomic force microscopy was employed to detect liver tissue stiffness.Color Doppler diagnostic instrument was used to assess portal blood flow velocity.Western blot was utilized to detect ROCK2 expression and phosphoryla-tion of YAP,Cofilin,and MLC.Results The liver tis-sues in the model group had obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition,accompanied by significant elevation of serum transaminases and fibrosis indexes.Similarly,vasoactive molecules and cancer in-dicators were elevated,and the mechanoregulatory pro-tein ROCK2 expression and phosphorylation of Cofilin and MLC were elevated,with YAP being strongly de-phosphorylated.Both low and high doses of DHZCP re-versed the pathological changes,serological indices,and inhibited the activation of the stress fiber(SF)re-modeling mechanistic signaling pathway.Conclusion DHZCP effectively ameliorates liver tissue lesions in mice with liver cirrhosis,and its mechanism may be re-lated to the inhibition of SF remodeling mechanistic signaling pathway.
4.Historical Evolution and Key Information Research on Pediatric Famous Classical Formula Yigongsan
Jiangmin SU ; Jun ZHANG ; Cong GUO ; Anyi ZHAO ; Liang JIANG ; Heng ZHANG ; Jipeng DI ; Sha CHEN ; Li LIU ; Yan LIU ; An LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):205-214
Yigongsan is derived from Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue written by QIAN Yi in the Northern Song dynasty, which is the No. 3 formula in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas(The Second Batch of Pediatrics) released by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) in September 2022, and it can be developed as a class 3.1 new TCM drug. By referring to ancient medical books and modern literature, this study conducted herbal textual research on Yigongsan from five aspects, including historical evolution, origin and processing, dosage conversion, usage and preparation methods, and functional application, then formed the key information table of this formula, in order to provide reference for the development of reference samples and preparations of Yigongsan. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that Panax ginseng should be removed the basal part of stem(rhizoma), Poria cocos should be removed the peel, Citrus reticulata should be cut into shreds and Glycyrrhiza uralensis should be used. According to 4.13 g/Qian(钱), 1 g/slice for ginger, 3 g for each jujube and 300 mL/Zhan(盏), the doses of Ginseng Radix, Poria, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Jujubae Fructus were 1.652, 1.652, 1.652, 1.652, 1.652, 5, 6 g, and the total amount was 19.26 g. The decocting method was to crush the medicinal materials into fine powder with 50-80 mesh, add 300 mL of water and decoct to 210 mL for each dose, then remove the dregs and take it warmly. This formula was recorded in ancient books as the main treatment for the cold-deficiency of spleen and stomach, and Qi stagnation in children with vomiting and diarrhea and lack of appetite. It has been flexibly applied by later generations of physicians, and is often used to treat anorexia, inflammation of the digestive tract, diarrhea and other diseases in children.
5.(MTM)Against the Background of"Internet+"Based on CiteSpace
Heng ZENG ; Na SU ; Zelian CHEN
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(1):34-40
Objective To analyze the current status of medication therapy management(MTM)against the background of"Internet+"in China,to reveal its research hotspots and development trend through visual methods,and to provide a firm reference for promoting innovative pharmaceutical development and the transformation of pharmacists.Methods Using CiteSpace 6.2 R2,368 Chinese studies from the CNKI,CBM,and VIP databases were collected and analyzed.Relevant graphs were drawn,and the results were analyzed through post-trend,cooccurrence,cluster,and burst analysis.Results The number of articles issued in China's"Internet+"MTM field is on the rise.However,the cooperation network between authors and research institutions is relatively scattered.The research team led by tertiary hospitals has played an essential role in this field,but the medical consortium has not fully utilized its advantages.In addition,informatization and pharmacists are the research objects of continuous concern,while quality of life and diabetes are recent research hotspots.Conclusion"Internet+"MTM is a new medical service model involving multiple disciplines and fields.In this paper,CiteSpace 6.2 R2 performed a visual analysis of the literature on"Internet+"medication therapy management in China,revealing the research status,concerns,and development trends in this field,which has specific reference value for relevant policy formulation and research.
6.Research progress of controllable diameter TIPS covered stent system
Heng DU ; Yongjun CHEN ; Lei FENG ; Chunlin SU
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(7):808-811
At present,in medical academic circle there is no consensus on the optimal diameter of the stent used in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS).In 2021,the Advancing Liver Therapeutic Approaches Consortium(ALTAC)recommended the use of controllable diameter TIPS covered stent system in the performance of TIPS,the stent diameter of this system can be adjusted within the range of 8 mm to 10 mm,and its stability can be maintained for a long time.This system carries several advantages such as accurately regulating portal venous pressure gradient(PPG),optimizing hemodynamic target,protecting liver blood perfusion,reducing shunt-related complications,etc.,indicating that this system has a promising clinical application prospect.Through reviewing the relevant literature,this paper summarizes the research progress of controllable diameter TIPS covered stent system,aiming to better help clinicians engaged in related fields to gain a further understanding of this new technology.
7.Therapeutic potential of exosome derived from remote ischemic conditioning in alleviating neurologic dysfunction after cardiac arrest in a rat model
Heng ZHAI ; Jihui WANG ; Xi CHEN ; Yang ZHANG ; Shuqun HU ; Jun WANG ; Yigen PENG ; Ningjun ZHAO ; Xianliang YAN ; Chenglei SU ; Tie XU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(7):991-998
Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from remote ischemic conditioning on neurological dysfunction after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rat model of cardiac arrest and the relationship with glycocalyx protection.Methods:Exosomes were isolated from the blood of healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats using ultracentrifugation after undergoing remote ischemic conditioning for use as intervention drugs. Nanoparticle tracking analysis technology was used for exosome detection. Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 3 groups ( n=12 each) :Sham group, Control group and Exosome group. Cardiac arrest was induced by asphyxia for 7 min in the Control and Exosome groups. Placebo or exosomes (1×10 10 Particles) were infused intravenously at 5 min after the rats had returned of spontaneous circulation. Neuropsychological deficit score (NDS), open field test, Y maze and Morris water maze were used to assess neurological outcomes. The levels of plasma Hyaluronic acid (HA) and syndecan-1 (Sdc-1) were detected by Elisa. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 (MMP-2/9) in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by Western blot. Results:After undergoing remote ischemic conditioning, the plasma levels of exosomes were elevated in rats compared to normal rats. Compared with the control group, the behavioral experiment of rats in the exosomes group were significantly improved, as evidenced by an increase in horizontal locomotor distance (5.86±2.89 vs. 17.53±5.51, P< 0.05), an increase in the correct rate of spontaneous alternation (13.29±15.07 vs. 42.63±10.25, P< 0.05), and a shortening of avoidance latency (25.83±8.54 vs. 13.49±4.55, P< 0.05). Plasma HA and Sdc-1 levels were significantly lower 24 h after resuscitation (HA: 26.34±9.83 vs. 14.84±6.26, P< 0.05; Sdc-1: 0.05±0.03 vs. 0.02±0.02, P<0.05), along with significantly lower MMP-2/9 levels in hippocampal tissue. Conclusions:Exosomes extracted from the plasma of rats undergoing remote ischemic conditioning can improve neurological dysfunction after cardiac arrest in rats, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of metalloproteinases and the reduction of endothelial glycocalyx degradation.
8.Research of lactate inhibiting the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts
Kai-yin CHEN ; Tao OU ; Yi LI ; Yi-hong WEN ; Jin-feng SU ; Ya WANG ; Heng-li ZHAO ; Zhi-xin SHAN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(21):3102-3107
Objective To investigate the regulatory effect and possible mechanism of lactic acid on the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts.Methods Mouse cardiac fibroblasts(mCFs)were divided into control group(conventional culture),experimental-L group(4 mmol·L-1 L-lactic acid),experimental-M group(8 mmol·L-1 L-lactic acid),experimental-H group(12 mmol·L-1 L-lactic acid),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)group(10 ng·mL-1 TGF-β1),combined group(10 ng·mL-1 TGF-β1+12 mmol·L-1 L-lactic acid)and monocarboxylate transporter inhibitor(CHC)group(3 mmol·L-1 CHC).Western blot was used to detect the expression of fibrosis-related proteins and pan-lactate modification(Pan Kla)and H3 histone K18 lactate modification;cell scratch assay was used to detect cell migration ability.Results The cell migration rates of the control group,TGF-β1 group,experimental-H group and combined group were(40.56±0.03)%,(61.61±0.04)%,(26.59±0.05)%and(38.33±0.06)%,respectively.Compared with the control group,TGF-β1 group and experimental-H group,TGF-β1 group and combined group,the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01).The relative expression levels of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1(COL1A1)protein in the control group,TGF-β1 group,experimental-H group and TGF-β1+experimental-H group were 0.76±0.09,1.10±0.07,0.40±0.04 and 0.68±0.10,respectively;the relative expression levels of COL3A1 protein were 0.87±0.05,1.15±0.07,0.32±0.07 and 0.73±0.06,respectively;the relative expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)protein were 0.86±0.04,1.24±0.09,0.30±0.05 and 0.74±0.08,respectively.Compared with the control group,the above indexes of the TGF-β1 group and the experimental-H group were significantly different from those of the control group,and the above indexes of the TGF-β1 group were significantly different from those of the combined group(all P<0.01).The cell migration rates of mCFs in the control group,experimental-H group and CHC group were(62.60±6.50)%,(28.00±8.15)%and(39.40±4.50)%,respectively;the relative expression levels of COL1A1 protein were 1.10±0.07,0.49±0.04 and 0.34±0.06,respectively;the relative expression levels of COL3A1 protein were 1.04±0.10,0.60±0.20 and 0.37±0.03,respectively;the relative expression levels of α-SMA protein were 1.20±0.11,0.67±0.20 and 0.48±0.18,respectively;the modification levels of Pan Kla were 1.06±0.07,1.54±0.09 and 1.53±0.12,respectively;the modification levels of H3K18la protein were 0.67±0.06,1.23±0.06 and 1.14±0.08,respectively.The above indexes of CHC group and experimental-H group were significantly different from those of control group(all P<0.01).Conclusion L-lactic acid may play a role in inhibiting the fibrosis phenotype of mCFs by increasing non-histone lactic acid modification and H3K18la modification.
9.Biomarkers in pursuit of precision medicine for acute kidney injury: hard to get rid of customs
Kun-Mo LIN ; Ching-Chun SU ; Jui-Yi CHEN ; Szu-Yu PAN ; Min-Hsiang CHUANG ; Cheng-Jui LIN ; Chih-Jen WU ; Heng-Chih PAN ; Vin-Cent WU
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice 2024;43(4):393-405
Traditional acute kidney injury (AKI) classifications, which are centered around semi-anatomical lines, can no longer capture the complexity of AKI. By employing strategies to identify predictive and prognostic enrichment targets, experts could gain a deeper comprehension of AKI’s pathophysiology, allowing for the development of treatment-specific targets and enhancing individualized care. Subphenotyping, which is enriched with AKI biomarkers, holds insights into distinct risk profiles and tailored treatment strategies that redefine AKI and contribute to improved clinical management. The utilization of biomarkers such as N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-2·insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7, kidney injury molecule-1, and liver fatty acid-binding protein garnered significant attention as a means to predict subclinical AKI. Novel biomarkers offer promise in predicting persistent AKI, with urinary motif chemokine ligand 14 displaying significant sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, they serve as predictive markers for weaning patients from acute dialysis and offer valuable insights into distinct AKI subgroups. The proposed management of AKI, which is encapsulated in a structured flowchart, bridges the gap between research and clinical practice. It streamlines the utilization of biomarkers and subphenotyping, promising a future in which AKI is swiftly identified and managed with unprecedented precision. Incorporating kidney biomarkers into strategies for early AKI detection and the initiation of AKI care bundles has proven to be more effective than using care bundles without these novel biomarkers. This comprehensive approach represents a significant stride toward precision medicine, enabling the identification of high-risk subphenotypes in patients with AKI.
10.Dronedarone Attenuates Ang II-Induced Myocardial Hypertrophy Through Regulating SIRT1/FOXO3/PKIA Axis
Cheng CHEN ; Song HU ; Heng-Jing HU ; Zhi-Xuan LIU ; Xin-Teng WU ; Tao ZOU ; Hua SU
Korean Circulation Journal 2024;54(4):172-186
Background and Objectives:
Long-term pathological myocardial hypertrophy (MH) seriously affects the normal function of the heart. Dronedarone was reported to attenuate left ventricular hypertrophy of mice. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of dronedarone in MH is unclear.
Methods:
Angiotensin II (Ang II) was used to induce cell hypertrophy of H9C2 cells.Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery was performed to establish a rat model of MH.Cell size was evaluated using crystal violet staining and rhodamine phalloidin staining.Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of genes. JASPAR and luciferase activity were conducted to predict and validate interaction between forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) and protein kinase inhibitor alpha (PKIA) promoter.
Results:
Ang II treatment induced cell hypertrophy and inhibited sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression, which were reversed by dronedarone. SIRT1 overexpression or PKIA overexpression enhanced dronedarone-mediated suppression of cell hypertrophy in Ang II-induced H9C2 cells. Mechanistically, SIRT1 elevated FOXO3 expression through SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of FOXO3 and FOXO3 upregulated PKIA expression through interacting with PKIA promoter. Moreover, SIRT1 silencing compromised dronedaronemediated suppression of cell hypertrophy, while PKIA upregulation abolished the influences of SIRT1 silencing. More importantly, dronedarone improved TAC surgery-induced MH and impairment of cardiac function of rats via affecting SIRT1/FOXO3/PKIA axis.
Conclusions
Dronedarone alleviated MH through mediating SIRT1/FOXO3/PKIA axis, which provide more evidences for dronedarone against MH.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail