1.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.
2.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.
3.Latest Research Progress of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia --Review.
Wei-Lin LIU ; Chun-Yi LYU ; Teng WANG ; Chen HAN ; Rui-Rong XU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1542-1545
E3 ubiquitin ligase is a key enzyme that determines substrate specificity during ubiquitination and plays an important role in regulating the degradation of tumor suppressor or oncogenic proteins. E3 ubiquitin ligase is involved in regulating leukemia cell differentiation, cell cycle and immune response, and it is closely related to the occurrence and development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Targeting highly specific E3 ubiquitin ligase can be used as an effective treatment for AML. This article reviewed the latest progress of E3 ubiquitin ligase in the diagnosis and treatment of AML, aiming to provide insights for the precise targeted therapy of this disease.
Humans
;
Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/metabolism*
;
Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy*
4.Plastrum Testudinis Stimulates Bone Formation through Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway Regulated by miR-214.
Qing LIN ; Bi-Yi ZHAO ; Xiao-Yun LI ; Wei-Peng SUN ; Hong-Hao HUANG ; Yu-Mei YANG ; Hao-Yu WANG ; Xiao-Feng ZHU ; Li YANG ; Rong-Hua ZHANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(8):707-716
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the Wnt signaling pathway and miRNAs mechanism of extracts of Plastrum Testudinis (PT) in the treatment of osteoporosis (OP).
METHODS:
Thirty female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups by random number table method, including sham group, ovariectomized group (OVX), ovariectomized groups treated with high-, medium-, and low-dose PT (160, 80, 40 mg/kg per day, respectively), with 6 rats in each group. Except for the sham group, the other rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy to simulate OP and received PT by oral gavage for 10 consecutive weeks. After treatment, bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; bone microstructure was analyzed by micro-computed tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining; and the expressions of osteogenic differentiation-related factors were detected by immunochemistry, Western blot, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) was used to inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and miRNA overexpression was used to evaluate the effect of miR-214 on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Subsequently, PT extract was used to rescue the effects of Dkk-1 and miR-214, and its impacts on the osteogenic differentiation-related factors of BMSCs were evaluated.
RESULTS:
PT-M and PT-L significantly reduced the weight gain in OVX rats (P<0.05). PT also regulated the bone mass and bone microarchitecture of the femur in OVX rats, and increased the expressions of bone formation-related factors including alkaline phosphatase, bone morphogenetic protein type 2, collagen type I alpha 1, and runt-related transcription factor 2 when compared with the OVX group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Meanwhile, different doses of PT significantly rescued the inhibition of Wnt signaling pathway-related factors in OVX rats, and increased the mRNA or protein expressions of Wnt3a, β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). PT stimulated the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs inhibited by Dkk-1 and activated the Wnt signaling pathway. In addition, the expression of miR-214 was decreased in OVX rats (P<0.01), and it was negatively correlated with the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs (P<0.01). MiR-214 mimic inhibited Wnt signaling pathway in BMSCs (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conversely, PT effectively counteracted the effect of miR-214 mimic, thereby activating the Wnt signaling pathway and stimulating osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
PT stimulates bone formation in OVX rats through β-catenin-mediated Wnt signaling pathway, which may be related to inhibiting miR-214 in BMSCs.
Animals
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MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Female
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Wnt Signaling Pathway/genetics*
;
Osteogenesis/genetics*
;
Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology*
;
Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
;
Bone Density/drug effects*
;
Ovariectomy
;
Osteoporosis/drug therapy*
;
beta Catenin/metabolism*
;
Rats
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
5.Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Dementia: Evidence Triangulation from a Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies and Mendelian Randomization Study.
Di LIU ; Mei Ling CAO ; Shan Shan WU ; Bing Li LI ; Yi Wen JIANG ; Teng Fei LIN ; Fu Xiao LI ; Wei Jie CAO ; Jin Qiu YUAN ; Feng SHA ; Zhi Rong YANG ; Jin Ling TANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(1):56-66
OBJECTIVE:
Observational studies have found associations between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's dementia (AD) and vascular dementia (VD); however, these findings are inconsistent. It remains unclear whether these associations are causal.
METHODS:
We conducted a meta-analysis by systematically searching for observational studies on the association between IBD and dementia. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis based on summary genome-wide association studies (GWASs) was performed. Genetic correlation and Bayesian co-localization analyses were used to provide robust genetic evidence.
RESULTS:
Ten observational studies involving 80,565,688 participants were included in this meta-analysis. IBD was significantly associated with dementia (risk ratio [ RR] =1.36, 95% CI = 1.04-1.78; I 2 = 84.8%) and VD ( RR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.18-5.70; only one study), but not with AD ( RR = 2.00, 95% CI = 0.96-4.13; I 2 = 99.8%). MR analyses did not supported significant causal associations of IBD with dementia (dementia: odds ratio [ OR] = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.98-1.03; AD: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95-1.01; VD: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.07). In addition, genetic correlation and co-localization analyses did not reveal any genetic associations between IBD and dementia.
CONCLUSION
Our study did not provide genetic evidence for a causal association between IBD and dementia risk. The increased risk of dementia observed in observational studies may be attributed to unobserved confounding factors or detection bias.
Humans
;
Mendelian Randomization Analysis
;
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications*
;
Dementia/etiology*
;
Observational Studies as Topic
;
Genome-Wide Association Study
6.Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Widespread Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia
Xin TANG ; Qian-Qian MENG ; Ye GAO ; Chu-Ting YU ; Yan-Rong ZHANG ; Yan BIAN ; Jin-Fang XU ; Lei XIN ; Wei WANG ; Han LIN ; Luo-Wei WANG
Gut and Liver 2025;19(2):198-206
Background/Aims:
Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA.
Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021. The primary outcome measure was recurrence-free survival.
Results:
Ninety-two and 33 patients with superficial ESCN underwent ESD and ERFA, respectively. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates for ESD were 100.0%, 90.2%, and 76.1%, respectively. At 12 months, the complete response rate was comparable between the two groups (94.6% vs 90.9%, p=0.748). During a median follow-up of 66 months, recurrence-free survival was significantly longer in the ESD group than in the ERFA group (p=0.004), while no significant differences in overall survival (p=0.845) and disease-specific survival (p=0.494) were observed.Preoperative diagnosis of intramucosal cancer (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.55; vs high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia) was an independent predictor of recurrence. Significantly fewer patients in the ERFA group experienced stenosis compare to ESD group (15.2% vs 38.0%, p=0.016).
Conclusions
The risk of recurrence was higher for ERFA than ESD for ESCN but overall survival was not affected. The risk of esophageal stenosis was significantly lower for patients who underwent ERFA.
7.Effect of vorinostat on P-gp expression and pharmacokinetic parameters of its substrate phenytoin sodium in rats under hypoxic environments
Zi-qin WEI ; Hong-fang MU ; Lin JIANG ; Fang-fang QIU ; Dou-dou LI ; Wen-bin LI ; Rong WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(12):2291-2297
Aim To investigate the effects of SAHA on the expression of P-gp and the pharmacokinetic pa-rameters of its substrate phenytoin sodium in rats under hypoxic environments.Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normioxic group,the hypoxic model group,and the low-,medium-and high-dose vorinostat(SAHA)groups.Liver tissues were col-lected,and the expression levels of P-gp and HDAC5 were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot.The morphological changes of liver tissues were ob-served by HE staining.Following intragastric adminis-tration of 50 mg·kg-1 phenytoin sodium to each group,blood samples were collected,and the plasma concentration of phenytoin sodium was determined u-sing UFLC-MS/MS to calculate pharmacokinetic pa-rameters.Results Compared with the normoxic group,the expression of HDAC5 in the liver tissues of hypoxia model rats increased,while the expression of P-gp decreased.After SAHA treatment,HDAC5 expression decreased,and P-gp expression increased.Among the SAHA groups,the medium-dose group showed the most significant effect,and HE staining re-sults indicated that this concentration did not cause damage to rat liver tissues.Compared with the normox-ic group,the AUC,Cmax,and T1/2 of phenytoin sodium in hypoxia model rats were significantly raised.After administration of the medium dose of SAHA,the AUC,Cmax,MRT,and T1/2 were significantly reduced,while CLZ/r was significantly increased.Conclusions Un-der hypoxic environments,the expression of P-gp in rat liver tissue is significantly downregulated,leading to increased systemic exposure of phenytoin,reduced clearance,and consequently elevated blood concentra-tions,raising the risk of central nervous system toxici-ty.In contrast,SAHA suppresses HDAC5 expression,thereby activating P-gp transcription and enhancing its efflux function.This results in decreased systemic ex-posure and improved clearance of phenytoin,signifi-cantly reducing drug accumulation in body and ulti-mately lowering the risk of adverse effects.
8.Research progress of renin-angiotensin system in hypertensive depression
Lu-fan SHEN ; Xiao-ke WANG ; Hong WANG ; Ling-na ZHANG ; Jia-wei LI ; Yu-yuan LU ; Jiao TIAN ; Wan-rong KANG ; A-ni YANG ; Lin YI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(9):1629-1635
With the establishment of bio-psycho-social medical model,both social and psychological factors play an important role in the occurrence,development and treatment of diseases.Hypertension is a common chronic multiple disease in China,and patients are often complicated with depression and other e-motional disorders.The interaction between hypertension and depression significantly increases the risk of poor prognosis.Current studies have shown a bidirectional promoting relationship between hypertension and depression,and they have some com-mon pathogenesis.However,the specific mechanism of their co-morbidity has not been fully elucidated.Renin-angiotensin sys-tem(RAS)plays an important role in the regulation of hyperten-sion and depression and other emotions.It is composed of two antagonistic pathways.The balance is maintained by angioten-sin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2).Therefore,this article reviews the relationship and mechanism of RAS in hypertension,depres-sion and comorbid states,in order to provide new treatment ide-as for hypertension and depression.
9.Effect of Graft Composition on Viral Infection and Survival after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Fan LIU ; Shan WANG ; Qiu-Juan ZHU ; Tao WANG ; Wei-Wei TIAN ; Rong GONG ; Zhi-Lin GAO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1803-1808
Objective:To investigate the effect of infusing different doses of graft cells on viral infections and survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT).Methods:Clinical data of 99 patients with hematological diseases who underwent allo-HSCT in Shanxi Bethune Hospital were retrospectively analysed.The proportion of mononuclear cells(MNC)was counted microscopically,the proportions and absolute counts of CD34+cells and lymphocyte subsets(including CD3+T,CD4+T,CD8+T,CD4+CD8+T,B,and NK cells)were detected by flow cytometry,and the infusion dose of each cell types was calculated.The patients were divided into high-dose group and low-dose group based on the median value of the infused cell dose.The effects of different doses of various graft cells on post-transplant viral infections(CMV,EBV,BKV)and survival were analyzed.Results:The low-dose MNC(<7.97 × 108/kg)and high-dose CD4+CD8+T cell(≥3.02 × 106/kg)groups had a higher Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection rate(P=0.031;P=0.020).The high-dose CD34+cell group and low-dose CD3+T,CD8+T and natural killer(NK)cell groups showed a trend toward higher EBV infection rates,but the differences were not statitsically significant(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the rates of EBV infection between the high-dose and low-dose groups of CD4+T and B cells(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis revealed that the doses of MNC and CD4+CD8+T cells in the graft were independent factors influencing EBV infection(P=0.023;P=0.016).The doses of cells in the graft showed no significant impact on CMV and BKV infection,or patient survival(P>0.05).Conclusion:Infusing a lower dose of MNC and a higher dose of CD4+CD8+T cells increases the risk of EBV infection,but does not affect the survival outcome.
10.Tanreqing Capsules protect lung and gut of mice infected with influenza virus via "lung-gut axis".
Nai-Fan DUAN ; Yuan-Yuan YU ; Yu-Rong HE ; Feng CHEN ; Lin-Qiong ZHOU ; Ya-Lan LI ; Shi-Qi SUN ; Yan XUE ; Xing ZHANG ; Gui-Hua XU ; Yue-Juan ZHENG ; Wei ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2270-2281
This study aims to explore the mechanism of lung and gut protection by Tanreqing Capsules on the mice infected with influenza virus based on "the lung-gut axis". A total of 110 C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control group, model group, oseltamivir group, and low-and high-dose Tanreqing Capsules groups. Ten mice in each group underwent body weight protection experiments, and the remaining 12 mice underwent experiments for mechanism exploration. Mice were infected with influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/08/1934(PR8) via nasal inhalation for the modeling. The lung tissue was collected on day 3 after gavage, and the lung tissue, colon tissue, and feces were collected on day 7 after gavage for subsequent testing. The results showed that Tanreqing Capsules alleviated the body weight reduction and increased the survival rate caused by PR8 infection. Compared with model group, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate the lung injury by reducing the lung index, alleviating inflammation and edema in the lung tissue, down-regulating viral gene expression at the late stage of infection, reducing the percentage of neutrophils, and increasing the percentage of T cells. Tanreqing Capsules relieved the gut injury by restoring the colon length, increasing intestinal lumen mucin secretion, alleviating intestinal inflammation, and reducing goblet cell destruction. The gut microbiota analysis showed that Tanreqing Capsules increased species diversity compared with model group. At the phylum level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while reducing the abundance of Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria to maintain gut microbiota balance. At the genus level, Tanreqing Capsules significantly increased the abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae while reducing the abundance of Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Phocaeicola to maintain gut microbiota balance. In conclusion, Tanreqing Capsules can alleviate mouse lung and gut injury caused by influenza virus infection and restore the balance of gut microbiota. Treating influenza from the lung and gut can provide new ideas for clinical practice.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Lung/metabolism*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Capsules
;
Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Female
;
Influenza A virus/physiology*
;
Influenza, Human/virology*

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