1.Experimental study on interferon-stimulated gene myxovirus resistance protein 2-mediated restriction of tumor cell sensitivity to reovirus oncolysis
LIANG Dan1,2 ; YANG Zailing1,2 ; YU Jiani1,2 ; LI Xinlan2,3 ; SHEN Tao1,2 ; SUN Yongshun2,4 ; WEI Yongzhu2,4 ; ZHAO Xing1,2
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2026;33(2):132-139
[摘 要] 目的:探讨干扰素刺激基因家族成员黏病毒抵抗蛋白2(MX2)在调控肿瘤细胞对呼肠孤病毒(Reo)溶瘤敏感性中的作用及其机制。方法:选取4株具有不同耐药特征的人源肿瘤细胞,通过CCK-8法评估其对Reo的溶瘤敏感性;通过转录组测序筛选出差异表达基因MX2,qPCR法及WB法验证MX2在4株人源肿瘤细胞中的表达;使用siRNA敲低溶瘤低敏感的COC1/DDP细胞中的MX2基因。在细胞感染Reo病毒后,通过CCK-8法检测细胞存活率;qPCR法检测细胞中Reo病毒S1基因表达;免疫荧光法检测细胞内Reo病毒蛋白的积累;半数组织培养感染剂量(TCID50)法测定病毒滴度;流式细胞术分别检测细胞内Reo病毒dsRNA、活性氧(ROS)水平以及细胞凋亡率;透射电镜观察细胞内质网形态变化并采用WB法检测内质网应激相关蛋白(JNK、p-JNK、eIF2α、p-eIF2α、CHOP、PERK)的表达。结果:在4株肿瘤细胞中,SKOV3细胞对Reo溶瘤作用高度敏感,而COC1/DDP、HuH-7SRB及SNU-398细胞均为溶瘤低敏感性。转录组测序结果显示,MX2在溶瘤低敏感肿瘤细胞中的表达水平显著高于溶瘤高敏感细胞(P < 0.01);在溶瘤低敏感性的COC1/DDP细胞中,敲低MX2显著促进Reo病毒复制、诱导细胞凋亡增加,并升高细胞内活性氧水平(均P < 0.001)。透射电镜观察显示,敲低MX2的COC1/DDP细胞感染Reo病毒后出现内质网肿胀、扩张及断裂等典型内质网应激超微结构改变。WB结果显示,内质网应激关键标志物eIF2α/p-eIF2α、PERK、CHOP及凋亡相关调节蛋白JNK/p-JNK的表达均显著上调(P < 0.05或P < 0.01)。结论:肿瘤细胞对Reo的溶瘤敏感性与其细胞内MX2表达水平密切相关。敲低MX2可显著增强Reo在细胞内的复制,进而促进ROS积累,触发内质网应激并促进凋亡。病毒复制增加与细胞凋亡激活的双重作用,最终协同增强Reo的溶瘤作用。
2.Expert consensus on clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors in perioperative period
Mingyu JIANG ; Yuan BIAN ; Lizhu HAN ; Qinan YIN ; Fengjiao KANG ; Anhua WEI ; Danjie ZHAO ; Lin WANG ; Ying SHAO ; Li TANG ; Yi WANG ; Shuhong LIANG ; Huijuan LIU ; Guirong XIAO ; Yue LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):689-699
OBJECTIVE To form an expert consensus on the clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) in patients during the perioperative period. METHODS Led by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital (the Affiliated Hospital of UESTC), a multidisciplinary working group was established. Through literature review and the Delphi method, clinical questions related to the rational perioperative use of parenteral DTIs were identified. A structured design was adopted using the “Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome” framework; systematic searches were conducted in CNKI, Medline, Embase and other databases. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was included and synthesized. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grades of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and recommendations were formulated through multiple rounds of Delphi surveys and expert consensus meetings. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS Seven recommendations (each with an expert consensus rate exceeding 90%) on the use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative patients were developed. These recommendations specify drug selection, dosing ranges, key monitoring points, and safety management strategies for parenteral DTIs in various scenarios, including the perioperative period of ventricular assist device implantation, the perioperative period of cardiac surgery, perioperative patients with lower-extremity atherosclerotic disease, the perioperative period of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome, the perioperative period of carotid artery stenting in patients with carotid stenosis, the perioperative period of patients with right heart thrombosis, and patients who develop related thrombosis and dysfunction after a central venous catheter insertion. In addition, warning and management pathways for perioperative bleeding and thrombotic events were proposed. This expert consensus, which is formulated based on the best available evidence, provides evidence-based guidance for standardized and individualized use of parenteral DTIs in perioperative period.
3.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
4.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
5.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
6.Mechanistic Study on Effect of Cycloastragenol in Improving Mitochondrial Function and Inhibiting Cardiac Remodeling via GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
Dongsheng WEI ; Menglan ZHAO ; Wenhao GU ; Jinpu LIANG ; Yu LIU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):112-121
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of cycloastragenol (CAG) on mitochondrial dysfunction during cardiac remodeling and to elucidate its regulatory role in myocardial energy metabolic homeostasis and the associated transcriptional regulatory axis. MethodsA rat model of heart failure (HF) was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a captopril group (3.25 mg·kg-1), a low-dose CAG group (10 mg·kg-1, CAG-L), and a high-dose CAG group (20 mg·kg-1, CAG-H). After 28 days of treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) were assessed by echocardiography. Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponinⅠ (cTnI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate myocardial histopathology and fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to assess cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ were determined by colorimetric assays. The mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), while the protein levels of β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein/total cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB/CREB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased LVEF, LVFS, and ATP levels (P<0.05), and markedly increased LVIDd, LVIDs, NT-proBNP, CK-MB, cTnI, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, ROS levels, TUNEL-positive rate, Col deposition area, and the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ (P<0.05). In addition, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, the protein expression of ADRB2, PKA, p-CREB, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM, as well as the cAMP content, were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both low- and high-dose CAG significantly increased LVEF and LVFS, and decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and the levels of NT-proBNP, CK-MB, and cTnI (P<0.05). CAG treatment alleviated myocardial disarray and Collagen deposition, and downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ. The treatment markedly reduced ROS generation and the TUNEL-positive rate (P<0.05), thereby attenuating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, CAG treatment increased ATP content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, accompanied by upregulation of PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, ADRB2, PKA, and p-CREB protein expression as well as cAMP levels (P<0.05). The CAG-H group showed the most pronounced improvements, which were superior to those of the captopril group and the CAG-L group. ConclusionCycloastragenol delays adverse cardiac remodeling and improves cardiac function by activating the ADRB2-mediated GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, enhancing the PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism remodeling, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and myocardial fibrosis.
7.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
8.Expert consensus on electronic patient-reported outcome-based symptom management for perioperative lung cancer patients (version 2026)
Wei DAI ; Cheng LEI ; Yuanqiang ZHANG ; Rong ZHANG ; Pengyu Jinming ; Jinming XU ; Yuzhen ZHENG ; Liang ZHAO ; Guibin QIAO ; Guowei CHE ; Jian HU ; Lei JIANG ; Jie LI ; Qiang LI ; Qiuling SHI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(08):1166-1178
Patients with lung cancer experience a heavy symptom burden during the perioperative period, which seriously affects their recovery and quality of life. Traditional symptom management models rely mainly on scheduled ward rounds during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up after discharge. However, they have limitations such as delayed symptom recognition, lack of post-discharge monitoring, and non-quantitative symptom assessment, which often lead to delayed interventions and low patient satisfaction. In recent years, the symptom management model based on electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has been increasingly valued in clinical practice. Existing high-level evidence from both domestic and international studies indicates that, through proactive monitoring, real-time alerts, and remote interventions, this model enables dynamic and continuous symptom management and helps improve patient recovery and healthcare experience. As a supplement to routine medical care, the ePRO-based symptom management model aims to enhance the quality of care rather than replace existing medical processes. To promote the standardized application of this model in perioperative lung cancer care, this consensus integrates domestic and international evidence. After multiple rounds of voting by more than 50 experts, it formulates 12 consensus statements covering the three core components, symptom monitoring, alerting, and intervention, to provide scientific and practical recommendations for clinical practice.
9.Mechanistic Study on Effect of Cycloastragenol in Improving Mitochondrial Function and Inhibiting Cardiac Remodeling via GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB Signaling Pathway
Dongsheng WEI ; Menglan ZHAO ; Wenhao GU ; Jinpu LIANG ; Yu LIU ; Xiaoqing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):112-121
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of cycloastragenol (CAG) on mitochondrial dysfunction during cardiac remodeling and to elucidate its regulatory role in myocardial energy metabolic homeostasis and the associated transcriptional regulatory axis. MethodsA rat model of heart failure (HF) was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a captopril group (3.25 mg·kg-1), a low-dose CAG group (10 mg·kg-1, CAG-L), and a high-dose CAG group (20 mg·kg-1, CAG-H). After 28 days of treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs) were assessed by echocardiography. Serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), cardiac troponinⅠ (cTnI), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate myocardial histopathology and fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining were performed to assess cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ were determined by colorimetric assays. The mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), while the protein levels of β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), protein kinase A (PKA), phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein/total cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB/CREB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) were analyzed by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased LVEF, LVFS, and ATP levels (P<0.05), and markedly increased LVIDd, LVIDs, NT-proBNP, CK-MB, cTnI, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, ROS levels, TUNEL-positive rate, Col deposition area, and the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ (P<0.05). In addition, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, the protein expression of ADRB2, PKA, p-CREB, PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM, as well as the cAMP content, were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both low- and high-dose CAG significantly increased LVEF and LVFS, and decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and the levels of NT-proBNP, CK-MB, and cTnI (P<0.05). CAG treatment alleviated myocardial disarray and Collagen deposition, and downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ. The treatment markedly reduced ROS generation and the TUNEL-positive rate (P<0.05), thereby attenuating cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, CAG treatment increased ATP content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ-Ⅳ, accompanied by upregulation of PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, ADRB2, PKA, and p-CREB protein expression as well as cAMP levels (P<0.05). The CAG-H group showed the most pronounced improvements, which were superior to those of the captopril group and the CAG-L group. ConclusionCycloastragenol delays adverse cardiac remodeling and improves cardiac function by activating the ADRB2-mediated GPCR/cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, enhancing the PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism remodeling, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and myocardial fibrosis.
10.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.


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