1.Study on Compatibility and Efficacy of Blood-activating Herb Pairs Based on Graph Convolution Network
Jingai WANG ; Qikai NIU ; Wenjing ZONG ; Ziling ZENG ; Siwei TIAN ; Siqi ZHANG ; Yuwen ZHAO ; Huamin ZHANG ; Bingjie HUO ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):228-234
ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a prediction model for the compatibility of Chinese medicinal pairs based on Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN), named HC-GCN. The model integrates the properties of herbs with modern pharmacological mechanisms to predict pairs with specific therapeutic effects. It serves as a demonstration by applying the model to predict and validate the efficacy of blood-activating herb pairs. MethodsThe training dataset for herb pair prediction was constructed by systematically collecting commonly used herb pairs along with their characteristic data, including Qi, flavor, meridian tropism, and target genes. Integrating traditional characteristics of herb with modern bioinformatics, we developed an efficacy-oriented herb pair compatibility prediction model (HC-GCN) using graph convolutional networks (GCN). This model leverages machine learning to capture the complex relationships in herb pair compatibility, weighted by efficacy features. The performance of the HC-GCN model was evaluated using accuracy (ACC), recall, precision, F1 score (F1), and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Its predictive effectiveness was then compared to five other machine learning models: eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), logistic regression (LR), Naive Bayes, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM). ResultsUsing herb pairs with blood-activating effects as a demonstration, a prediction model was constructed based on a foundational dataset of 46 blood-activating herb pairs, incorporating their Qi, flavor, meridian tropism, and target gene characteristics. The HC-GCN model outperforms other commonly used machine learning models in key performance metrics, including ACC, recall, precision, F1 score, and AUC. Through the predictive analysis of the HC-GCN model, 60 herb pairs with blood-activating effects were successfully identified. Among of these potential herb pairs, 44 include at least one herb with blood-activating effects. ConclusionIn this study, we established an efficacy-oriented compatibility prediction model for herb pairs based on GCN by integrating the unique characteristics of traditional herbs with modern pharmacological mechanisms. This model demonstrated high predictive performance, offering a novel approach for the intelligent screening and optimization of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, as well as their clinical applications.
2.Discovery and proof-of-concept study of a novel highly selective sigma-1 receptor agonist for antipsychotic drug development.
Wanyu TANG ; Zhixue MA ; Bang LI ; Zhexiang YU ; Xiaobao ZHAO ; Huicui YANG ; Jian HU ; Sheng TIAN ; Linghan GU ; Jiaojiao CHEN ; Xing ZOU ; Qi WANG ; Fan CHEN ; Guangying LI ; Chaonan ZHENG ; Shuliu GAO ; Wenjing LIU ; Yue LI ; Wenhua ZHENG ; Mingmei WANG ; Na YE ; Xuechu ZHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5346-5365
Sigma-1 receptor (σ 1R) has become a focus point of drug discovery for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. A series of novel 1-phenylethan-1-one O-(2-aminoethyl) oxime derivatives were synthesized. In vitro biological evaluation led to the identification of 1a, 14a, 15d and 16d as the most high-affinity (K i < 4 nmol/L) and selective σ 1R agonists. Among these, 15d, the most metabolically stable derivative exhibited high selectivity for σ 1R in relation to σ 2R and 52 other human targets. In addition to low CYP450 inhibition and induction, 15d also exhibited high brain permeability and excellent oral bioavailability. Importantly, 15d demonstrated effective antipsychotic potency, particularly for alleviating negative symptoms and improving cognitive impairment in experimental animal models, both of which are major challenges for schizophrenia treatment. Moreover, 15d produced no significant extrapyramidal symptoms, exhibiting superior pharmacological profiles in relation to current antipsychotic drugs. Mechanistically, 15d inhibited GSK3β and enhanced prefrontal BDNF expression and excitatory synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons. Collectively, these in vivo proof-of-concept findings provide substantial experimental evidence to demonstrate that modulating σ 1R represents a potential new therapeutic approach for schizophrenia. The novel chemical entity along with its favorable drug-like and pharmacological profile of 15d renders it a promising candidate for treating schizophrenia.
3.Research progress on the application of light therapy in patients with bipolar depression
Tao LIU ; Xu DAI ; Hebin HUANG ; Ningning CHEN ; Xinhe TIAN ; Wenjing ZHENG ; Weicong LU ; Guiyun XU ; Kwok-Fai SO ; Kangguang LIN
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2024;50(4):252-256,封3
Existing antidepressant treatments are generally suboptimal for patients with bipolar disorder(BD).Several studies have explored the efficacy of light therapy(LT)in patients with bipolar depression,along with investigating parameters,devices,and safety aspects of LT.This paper provides a review of these aspects.Numerous meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials have indicated that LT could significantly improve depressive symptoms in BD patients,with both low and high intensity white light having this effect,while the antidepressant effect of blue light remains unclear.LT takes effect rapidly,preferably in the morning,with each session lasting between 30 to 60 minutes,but there is no consensus on the most beneficial LT course for BD patients.The most commonly used device for LT is a lightbox.However further exploration is need regarding the safety of LT glasses.When LT devices that meet safety standards is selected,the overall safety of LT will be high and risk of manic or hypomanic switch will be low for BD patients.In conclusion,LT holds promise for patients with bipolar depression,and further research on LT for BD patients should be conducted to explore LT strategies and develop LT prescriptions.
4.Application of Micro-CT in experimental animal disease models
Shuzhen LI ; Wenjing DAI ; Qingqing YU ; Miao TIAN ; Qian ZHANG ; Bei LI
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(5):676-682
Micro-computed tomography(Micro-CT)is a non-invasive technology that is widely used in animal experiments to assist in the detection of bone,lung,oral,metabolic,middle and inner ear diseases,as well as tumors,and in other animal disease models.The technique can provide diverse scientific and reliable imaging data for animal experiments and has accordingly become an indispensable experimental method in animal experiments.In this review,we introduce the imaging principles of Micro-CT,review its application in the study of animal disease models,summarize the limitations of Micro-CT technology,and consider its future prospects.
5.Investigation on the Utilization and Dissemination Behavior of Online Dietary Health Information of Residents in Yangtze River Delta
Wenjing JIANG ; Mingjun ZHOU ; Renwei WANG ; Jingyi XIANG ; Tian LI ; Jing YAN
Journal of Medical Informatics 2024;45(9):69-74
Purpose/Significance To understand the current status and influencing factors of residents'utilization and dissemination of online dietary health information in the Yangtze River Delta region,so as to provide theoretical references for strengthening education on online dietary health information,and eliminating misinformation related to online dietary health.Method/Process The purposive sam-pling method is used to investigate residents in the Yangtze River Delta region,and the data is analyzed by descriptive analysis,inde-pendent sample t-tests,and multiple linear regression analysis.Result/Conclusion The dissemination of online dietary health informa-tion presents interactive characteristics of interpersonal communication and online communication.WeChat and Sina Weibo are the main sources of dietary health information.In addition to information screening,information search,systematic information processing,demand degree,information sharing intention and information concern motivation have significant and positive effects on the public's willingness to receive information.
6.Zuoguiwan Prevent Decreased Ovarian Reserve in Prenatal Stressed Offspring Rats via TLR4/NF-κB p65 Signaling Pathway
Yinjuan LYU ; Weiheng ZHANG ; Siyi CHEN ; Wenjing TIAN ; Jian GONG ; Yuhao MENG ; Huan HE ; Xiaocui JIANG ; Min ZHAO ; Min XIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):67-76
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Zuoguiwan on ovarian reserve in the female offspring rat model of prenatal stress (PS) and explore the mechanism based on Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB p65 (TLR4/NF-κB p65) signaling pathway. MethodThirty-two pregnant rats were prepared and randomized into four groups (n=8): control, model, Zuoguiwan (18.9 mg·kg-1), and vitamin E (1.44 mg·kg-1). Except the control group, the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) from day 11 of pregnancy, and the modeling was accompanied by gavage with corresponding drugs until delivery. The PS model was evaluated by the sucrose preference test, open field test, and serum corticosterone (CORT) level. The estrous cycle was monitored and the morphological changes in the ovarian tissue were observed. The serum levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in the 75-day-old offspring rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate the ovarian reserve. The ovary and uterus indices were calculated. The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The morphology of the ovarian tissue in the offspring on the day of birth and day 75 after birth was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The transport of NF-κB p65 to the nucleus in the ovaries of the 75-day-old offspring was detected by the immunofluorescence (IF) assay. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and other related proteins in the ovarian tissue was determined by Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group showed reduced primordial follicles in the offspring on the day of birth (P<0.01) as well as disturbed estrous cycle, decreased ovary index and uterus index (P<0.01), reduced corpus luteum, increased atretic follicles (P<0.01), lowered serum levels of AMH and E2 (P<0.01), elevated serum levels of LH, FSH, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, recombinant myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor (p-IκBα) (P<0.01) in the 75-day-old offspring rats. Compared with the model group, Zuoguiwan and vitamin E increased the primordial follicles in the offspring on the day of birth (P<0.01). Moreover, they resumed the estrous cycle, increased the ovary and uterine indices (P<0.05, P<0.01) and corpus luteum (P<0.01), reduced atretic follicles (P<0.01), elevated the serum levels of AMH and E2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the serum levels of LH, FSH, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65, MyD88, and p-IκB-α (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the 75-day-old offspring. ConclusionZuoguiwan can improve the ovarian reserve in the offspring rat model of congenital kidney deficiency by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway.
7.Role of ROS in attenuation of hypoxia-reoxygenation injury in rat cardiomyocytes by pinacidil postconditioning: relationship with Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway
Wenjing ZHOU ; Peng XU ; Wei CHEN ; Tian YU ; Haiying WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2024;44(1):91-96
Objective:To evaluate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in attenuation of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injury in rat cardiomyocytes by pinacidil postconditioning and the relationship with nuclear factor erythrid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway.Methods:Adult rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and cultured and then divided into 4 groups ( n=20 each) by a random number table method: control group (group C), H/R group, pinacidil postconditioning group (group P) and reactive oxygen scavenger N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine(MPG)+ pinacidil postconditioning group (group MPG+ P). Group C was continuously exposed to 95%O 2+ 5%CO 2 in an incubator at 37 ℃ for 105 min. The cells were exposed to 5%CO 2+ 1%O 2+ 94%N 2 in an incubator at 37 ℃ for 45 min followed by reoxygenation for 60 min to prepare H/R injury model. The cells were exposed to hypoxia for 45 min and then treated with pinacidil 50 μmol/L for 5 min followed by reoxygenation for 60 min in group P. The cells were exposed to hypoxia for 45 min, treated with MPG 2 mmol/L for 10 min, and then treated with pinacidil for 5 min followed by reoxygenation for 60 min in group MPG+ P. The content of Ca 2+ and activity of Nrf2 in cardiomyocytes were measured at the end of reoxygenation. The ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes was observed, and mitochondrial ultrastructure was evaluated using mitochondrial Flameng score. The expression of Nrf2, superoxide dismutase (SOD1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein and mRNA was detected using Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results:Compared with group C, the Ca 2+ content, Nrf2 activity and mitochondrial Flameng score were significantly increased, the expression of Nrf2, SOD1, NQO1 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the damage to the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes was aggravated in group H/R. Compared with H/R group, the Ca 2+ content and mitochondrial Flameng score were significantly decreased, the Nrf2 activity was increased, the expression of Nrf2, SOD1, NQO1 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated ( P<0.05), and the damage to the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes was attenuated in P group. Compared with P group, the Ca 2+ content and mitochondrial Flameng score were significantly increased, the Nrf2 activity was decreased, the expression of Nrf2, SOD1, NQO1 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was down-regulated ( P<0.05), and the damage to the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes was aggravated in MPG+ P group. Conclusions:ROS is involved in attenuation of H/R injury by pinacidil postconditioning, which is associated with activation of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway in rat cardiomyocytes.
8.Efficacy-driving Mechanism of Danhong Injection for Stable Angina Pectoris Based on Composition-activity Relationship of Target Modules
Siwei TIAN ; Wenjing ZONG ; Jun LIU ; Wei YANG ; Qikai NIU ; Siqi ZHANG ; Jing'ai WANG ; Huamin ZHANG ; Zhong WANG ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):121-128
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy-driving mechanism of Danhong injection (DHI) in the treatment of stable angina pectoris (SAP) based on the composition-activity relationship of target modules and clarify the pharmacological effects of DHI. MethodAccording to the angina frequency (AF) in the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) that was obtained in the previous clinical trial, the patients before and after DHI treatment were grouped based on efficacy. The transcriptomic data of the patients before treatment and in the best efficacy group 30 days post-treatment were selected as the data source, and then weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct the co-expression network. Relevant modules in the network were identified and associated with clinical features. In addition, the On-modules (Z value below 0) were identified by Zsummary. The topological indicators such as density, centrality, and clustering coefficient were adopted to explore the dynamics of DHI efficacy at the network level and module level, respectively. In addition, the driver genes were screened by the personalized network control (PNC) algorithm. Finally, rat H9C2 cells were used to establish the model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), which was used to confirm the potential therapeutic target of DHI for SAP and provide a scientific basis for revealing the therapeutic mechanism of DHI. ResultWe identified 19 modules in the best efficacy group of DHI for SAP, and the comparison between day 0 and day 30 revealed 12 On-modules. The changes of network topological indicators at the network and module levels confirmed the correlation between the best efficacy of DHI treatment and topological dynamics. Finally, the driver genes, Klotho and fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22), in DHI treatment of SAP were verified by the H9C2 cell model of H/R. ConclusionBased on clinical transcriptome data, this study determined the composition-activity relationship of target modules of DHI for SAP, which provided a scientific basis for deciphering the efficacy-driven mechanism of DHI for SAP.
9.Advances and Challenges in the Research of Integration Methods of Animal Experimental Evidence
Qingyong ZHENG ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Zhichao MA ; Na WANG ; Molan LI ; Wenjing YANG ; Peirun WU ; Haidong WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(5):567-576
Integrating evidence from animal experiments is a critical component of biomedical research, providing essential prior information for in-depth investigations of disease mechanisms and new drug development. Animal models have played an irreplaceable role in simulating human diseases. However, the integration of evidence from animal experiments has faced numerous challenges, including insufficient emphasis, significant heterogeneity in study designs, high publication bias, and discrepancies with clinical research practices. This paper first identifies existing issues in the original research evidence from animal experiments, such as the selection and applicability of animal models, considerations in the design of experimental studies, and factors influencing the translation of animal experimental evidence. It then discusses various methods for integrating this evidence, including systematic review and meta-analysis, overview of systematic review/umbrella review, scoping review, and evidence mapping, while highlighting recent advancements in their application. Finally, the paper addresses the main challenges currently encountered in the integration of evidence from animal experiments and proposes targeted improvement strategies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of translating research outcomes into clinical practice and promoting the advancement of evidence-based medicine. By continuously optimizing original experimental research protocols and evidence integration practices, this work aims to establish a more efficient and scientific environment for the synthesis of evidence from animal experiments, ultimately contributing to clinical trials and human health.
10.Analysis of Mechanism of Antidepressant Effect of Sophora flavescens Seed Extract
Tian ZHU ; Ru WANG ; Lihua BIAN ; Wenjing LI ; Jie LI ; Liangmian CHEN ; Zhimin WANG ; Huimin GAO ; Jianyou GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(24):122-129
ObjectiveTo explore the antidepressant effect of Sophora flavescens seed extract and its molecular mechanism. MethodA mouse depression model was established by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and normal group, model group, fluoxetine group(2.5 mg·kg-1), and S. flavescens seed low, medium and high dose groups(200, 400, 800 mg·kg-1) were set up for 7 d of consecutive gavage. Then the antidepressant effect of S. flavescens seed extract was evaluated by using open field test, elevated plus maze test and forced swimming test. Pathological morphological changes in the hippocampal tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. Protein expression levels of G1/S-specific cyclin D1(Cyclin D1), Wnt1, β-catenin and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β(p-GSK-3β) in mouse brain tissues were detected by Western blot. Hippocampal cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate(dUTP) nick end labeling(TUNEL). ResultThe results of mouse behavioral experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the speed of movement in the open field and the distance of movement in the central area of the open field, and the time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze were significantly reduced in the model group(P<0.01), while immobility time in the forced swimming test was significantly increased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the S. flavescens seed medium and high dose groups had increased speed of movement in the open field test and time spent on the open arms of the elevated plus maze test(P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased immobility time in the forced swimming test(P<0.05), the distance of movement in the central area of the open field test increased in the high dose group(P<0.05). HE staining results showed that compared with the normal group, the hippocampal neuron structure of mice in the model group was damaged. Compared with the model group, after treatment of S. flavescens seed extract, the pathological state of the mouse hippocampal neuron structure was alleviated, and the neurons increased, were neatly arranged, and the cytoplasm was clear. Western blot results showed that the protein expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin in mouse brain tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of Cyclin D1 and p-GSK-3β were significantly increased(P<0.01) after LPS injection. Compared with the model group, protein expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin in brain tissue of S. flavescens seed medium and high dose groups were significantly increased(P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of Cyclin D1 and p-GSK-3β were significantly decreased(P<0.01). TUNEL staining results showed that the hippocampal cell apoptosis rate in the model group was significantly increased compared with that of the normal group(P<0.01), while the hippocampal cell apoptosis rate in the S. flavescens seed medium and high dose groups was significantly decreased compared with that of the model group(P<0.01). ConclusionS. flavescens seed extract can effectively improve the severity of depression in LPS-induced depressed mice, and its molecular mechanism is related to the regulation of neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis mediated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

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