1.Mechanism of Wenyang Jieyu Prescription in Regulating Activation of Mouse Hippocampal Microglia Based on JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Ying WANG ; Zihan GONG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Jingwen YANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):88-96
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of the Wenyang Jieyu prescription in regulating depression-like behavior in mice after maternal-infant separation combined with secondary stress. MethodsAfter birth, the rats were randomly divided into blank (NC) group, maternal-infant separation (MS) group, restraint stress (RS) group, maternal-infant separation combined with restraint stress (MRS) group, Wenyang group, Jieyu group, Wenyang Jieyu (XSF) group, and minocycline group. Maternal-infant separation was performed on day 5 (PD5), followed by weaning at PD21 and prophylactic administration. The dose of Wenyang group, Xiaoyao group, XSF group and minocycline group were 5.85, 12.03, 16.71 g·kg-1 and 50 mg·kg-1, respectively. Restraint stress was applied on PD90. The model was evaluated using glucose, social interaction, open field, and O-maze behavior tests, as well as high-performance liquid chromatography to measure serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters. The expression level of ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) protein, a marker of hippocampal microglia, was detected by immunohistochemistry. Protein expression levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the hippocampus were analyzed by an automatic protein expression analysis system. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of M1 markers, JAK2/STAT3 pathway-related genes, and cytokines in hippocampal microglia in each group. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the MRS group exhibited depression-like behavior, with significantly decreased levels of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased expression of Iba-1 (P<0.01), and elevated protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of CD68, CD11b, IL-1β, JAK2, and STAT3 were significantly increased (P<0.01), while IL-10 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the MRS group, the XSF and minocycline groups showed some improvement in depression-like behavior. In these groups, the hippocampal neurotransmitter content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and Iba-1 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in the XSF group showed a downward trend. The mRNA expression levels of CD68, CD11b, JAK2, STAT3, and IL-1β in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the XSF and minocycline groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), while IL-10 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWenyang Jieyu prescription can regulate depression-like behavior in maternal-infant separation mice combined with secondary stress by inhibiting the polarization of hippocampal microglia to the M1 phenotype. The regulation of hippocampal microglia polarization by Wenyang Jieyu prescription may be associated with the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
2.Ginkgo biloba extract inhibits the proliferation and migration of human glioma cell line U87
Yue MA ; Conggang HUANG ; Yuan WANG ; Wenqing XU ; Zhihua LUO
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(9):1144-1150
Objective To find potential effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on proliferation and migration of human gli-oma cell line.Methods Glioma cell line U87 was cultured and incubated with Ginkgo biloba extract at doses of 0,10,50,and 100 μg/mL,respectively.The proliferation activity of the cells in each group was detected by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine(EDU)experiment,the migration activity of the cells in each group was examined by scratch experiment,the invasion activity of the cells in each group was detected by Transwell experiment and the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-related proteins,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathway proteins and E2F transcription factor 1(E2F1)protein in each group of the cells were detected by Western blot.Reply experiment was added with PI3K/AKT pathway activator 740 Y-P.Results Ginkgo biloba extract at concentrations of 10,50,and 100 μg/mL significantly inhibited the proliferation,migration,and invasion of U87 cells(P<0.05).The protein level of vimentin,N-cadherin,p-PI3K,p-AKT and E2F1 was significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the protein level of E-cadherin and ZO-1 was significantly increased(P<0.05).After addition of 740 Y-P into the cultural system,the inhibitory effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on the proliferation and metastasis of U87 cells was inhibited and the protein level of vimentin,N-cadherin,p-PI3K,p-AKT,and E2F1 increased(P<0.05),while the protein level of E-cadherin and ZO-1 was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions Ginkgo biloba extract may inhibit proliferation,migration and EMT of U87 cells,which is potentially related to the PI3K/AKT/E2F1 pathway.
3.Symptom management experience in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: a Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Wenqing CAI ; Baolin ZHANG ; Yang CHEN ; Yue HUO ; Chen ZHANG ; Yumeng ZHANG ; Yajing SU ; Wanjun CHEN ; Keping ZHU ; Qingyin LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(25):3381-3388
Objective:To integrate the symptom management experiences of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), so as to provide a basis for developing symptom management measures.Methods:Qualitative or mixed studies on the symptom management experience of ADHF patients included from establishment of the database to September 2024, were electronically retrieved in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Database and other Chinese and English databases and gray literature databases. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme developed by the Center for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford. The results were synthesized through the aggregative integration method.Results:A total of 14 papers were included. Thirty-four findings were distilled into eight categories and three integrative findings, namely, the multiple challenges posed by symptoms (complex and multiple symptomatic somatic experiences, symptom-induced mood changes, and reduced family and social engagement), the unmet needs of patients (insufficient healthcare resources, insufficient supply of discharge services provided by healthcare organizations, and lack of knowledge), and the co-existence of positive and negative coping styles (negative coping styles in symptomatic distress, positive debugging and diversified coping in symptomatic distress) .Conclusions:ADHF symptoms severely affect patients' physical, psychological, and social function. Healthcare professionals should focus on the unmet needs of patients with ADHF and explore patient-engaged models of active symptom management.
4.Symptom management experience in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: a Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies
Wenqing CAI ; Baolin ZHANG ; Yang CHEN ; Yue HUO ; Chen ZHANG ; Yumeng ZHANG ; Yajing SU ; Wanjun CHEN ; Keping ZHU ; Qingyin LI
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2025;31(25):3381-3388
Objective:To integrate the symptom management experiences of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), so as to provide a basis for developing symptom management measures.Methods:Qualitative or mixed studies on the symptom management experience of ADHF patients included from establishment of the database to September 2024, were electronically retrieved in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Database and other Chinese and English databases and gray literature databases. The quality of the literature was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme developed by the Center for Evidence-Based Medicine at the University of Oxford. The results were synthesized through the aggregative integration method.Results:A total of 14 papers were included. Thirty-four findings were distilled into eight categories and three integrative findings, namely, the multiple challenges posed by symptoms (complex and multiple symptomatic somatic experiences, symptom-induced mood changes, and reduced family and social engagement), the unmet needs of patients (insufficient healthcare resources, insufficient supply of discharge services provided by healthcare organizations, and lack of knowledge), and the co-existence of positive and negative coping styles (negative coping styles in symptomatic distress, positive debugging and diversified coping in symptomatic distress) .Conclusions:ADHF symptoms severely affect patients' physical, psychological, and social function. Healthcare professionals should focus on the unmet needs of patients with ADHF and explore patient-engaged models of active symptom management.
5.Syndromes and Mechanisms of Depression Induced by Second Hit in Mice
Zihan GONG ; Ying WANG ; Jingwen YANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Yuan LIANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):29-38
ObjectiveTo explore the syndromes and mechanisms of depression induced by maternal separation (MS) combined with chronic restraint stress (RS) in mice. MethodOn postnatal day 0 (PD0), the offspring mice were randomized into a blank group (NC) and a modeling group. The mouse model of depression was established by MS+RS for 21 days. After removal of female mice on PD21, the modeled mice were randomized into model, Wenyang, Jieyu, Wenyang Jieyu, and fluoxetine groups, with 15 mice in each group. The sucrose preference, tail suspension, and open field tests were carried out to evaluate the anxiety and depression-like behavior in mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels in mouse plasma. High performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector was used to determine the content of monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the mRNA levels of genes in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression levels of proteins in the 5-HT system and HPA axis in the hippocampus. The Simple Western system was used to determine the protein levels of BDNF and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) in the hippocampus. ResultCompared with the NC group, the model group exhibited depression-like behavior, which was significantly relieved by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine. Compared with the NC group, the model group showed elevated levels of CORT and ACTH in the plasma (P<0.01), which, however, were lowered by Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the NC group, the model group showed inhibited expression of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), while Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine restored the expression of neurotransmitters (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with NC group, the model group showed inhibition of the 5-HTergic nerve and abnormal activation of the HPA axis, and Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine regulated the abnormal state of the 5-HTergic nerve and HPA axis. Compared with NC group, the modeling down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF and TrkB in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01), which, however, were recovered in Wenyang, Jieyu, Wenyang Jieyu, and fluoxetine groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe mouse model of depression induced by MS+RS may present the syndrome of Yang deficiency and liver depression. Wenyang Jieyu prescription may increase the content of hippocampal neurotransmitters by regulating the 5-HT system and the BDNF signaling pathway mediated by the HPA axis, thereby alleviating depression-like behavior in mice.
6.Wenyang Jieyu Prescription Regulates Hippocampal Neural Plasticity in Depressed Mice via NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β Pathway
Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Xiaoying MENG ; Zinhan GONG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Ying WANG ; Yuan LIANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):39-47
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Wenyang Jieyu prescription (WJP) on neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity in the mouse model of depression induced by maternal separation combined with restraint stress. MethodThe mice on postnatal day 0 (PD0) were randomized into a control group and a modeling group. Maternal separation combined with restraint stress was employed to establish the mouse model of depression. After the removal of female mice, the modeled mice were randomized into model, Wenyang prescription (5.85 g·kg-1), Jieyu prescription (12.03 g·kg-1), WJP (16.71 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine (2.6 mg·kg-1) groups on the weaning day (PD21), with 15 mice in each group. The mice were administrated with corresponding drugs mixed with the diet from PD21 to PD111. The sucrose preference test, open field test, O-maze test, and novel object recognition test were then carried out to evaluate the depression state, memory, and learning ability of the mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to observe the ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) in hippocampal microglia. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to measure the content of noradrenaline (NE) and epinephrine (E) in the hippocampus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to determine the content of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-1β in the hippocampus. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cysteine aspartate-specific protease-1 (Caspase-1), IL-1β, synaptophysin (Syn), and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95). ResultCompared with control group, the model group showed decreased sucrose preference rate, time spent in central zone within 5 min, total movement distance, time spent in the open arm, and cognition index (P<0.05, P<0.01). The microglia in the model group presented amoeba-like appearance, the Iba1 increased. Moreover, the model group showed decreased content of NE and E (P<0.01), elevated levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01), down-regulated protein levels of PSD95 and Syn (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with model group, WJP and fluoxetine increased the sucrose preference rate, time spent in central zone within 5 min, total movement distance, time spent in the open arm, and cognition index (P<0.05, P<0.01). They recovered the microglia and the Iba1 decreased. Moreover, the drugs increased the content of NE and E (P<0.05, P<0.01), lowered the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of PSD95 and Syn (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and IL-1β (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionWJP can treat the depressive behavior induced by maternal separation combined with restraint stress in mice, with the performance outperforming Wenyang prescription and Jieyu prescription. It may alleviate the neuroinflammation induced by microglia and improve the synaptic plasticity by regulating the NLRP3 pathway and increasing neurotransmitters in the hippocampus.
7.Wenyang Jieyu Prescription Regulates Hippocampal Neuron Apoptosis and Improves Synaptic Plasticity in Depressed Mice via BDNF/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Danhua MENG ; Kaijie SHE ; Xiaoying MENG ; Zihan GONG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Ying WANG ; Yuan LIANG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):48-57
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Wenyang Jieyu prescription in regulating hippocampal neuron apoptosis and improving synaptic plasticity in the mouse model of depression induced by maternal separation combined with restraint stress. MethodThe mice on postnatal day 0 (PD0) were randomly assigned into a control group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=50). Maternal separation combined with restraint stress was adopted to establish the mouse model of depression, and the modeled mice were randomized into model, Wenyang prescription, Jieyu prescription, Wenyang Jieyu prescription, and fluoxetine groups (n=10) on the weaning day (PD21). From PD21 to PD111, the mice were fed with the diets mixed with corresponding medicines. The sucrose preference test, open field test, O-maze test, and novel object recognition test were then conducted to evaluate the depression, memory, and learning abilities of mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to measure the atomic absorbance (AA) of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in the hippocampus. Terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) was employed to detect the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated tyrosine kinase receptor B/tyrosine kinase receptor B (p-TrkB/TrkB), phosphorylated protein kinase B/protein kinase B (p-Akt/Akt), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin/mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR/mTOR), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), synaptophysin (Syn), and PSD95. ResultCompared with the control group, the modeling decreased the sucrose preference rate, time spent in central zone within 5 min, total movement distance, time spent in the open arm, and cognition index (P<0.01). Furthermore, it decreased the expression of PSD95, increased the neuron apoptosis in the hippocampus (P<0.01), down-regulated the protein levels of BDNF, p-TrkB/TrkB, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, Bcl-2, PSD95, and Syn (P<0.01), and up-regulated the protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.05) in the hippocampus. Compared with the model group, Wenyang Jieyu prescription and fluoxetine increased the sucrose preference rate, time spent in central zone within 5 min, total movement distance, time spent in the open arm, and cognition index (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the drugs increased the expression of PSD95, reduced the neuron apoptosis (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of BDNF, p-TrkB/TrkB, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, Bcl-2, PSD95, and Syn (P<0.01), and down-regulated the protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.01). ConclusionWenyang Jieyu prescription outperformed Wenyang prescription and Jieyu prescription in the treatment of the depressive behavior induced by maternal separation combined with restraint stress in mice. It exerted the therapeutic effect by reducing the hippocampal neuron apoptosis and improving the synaptic plasticity via the BDNF/Akt/mTOR pathway.
8.Effect of Xiaoyaosan on JNK Pathway in LPS-induced Depressive-like Behavior in Mice
Jingwen YANG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Zihan GONG ; Ying WANG ; Guangxin YUE ; Yuan LIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(21):32-40
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Xiaoyaosan in alleviating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depressive-like behavior in mice based on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. MethodAfter adaptive feeding, C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, minocycline group (intrabitoneal injection, 50 mg·kg-1), fluoxetine group (intragastric administration, 2.6 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Xiaoyaosan groups (intragastric administration,6.012 5, 12.025, and 24.050 g·kg-1). After 14 days of administration, the model group and each administration group were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mg·kg-1 LPS, and the normal group was intraperitoneally injected with equal volume of normal saline. Depressive-like behavior in mice was assessed using the open field test and the elevated zero maze test. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the levels of norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) in the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), c-Fos, and c-Jun. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to measure mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, c-Jun, c-Fos, and JNK3 in the mouse hippocampus. Protein expression levels of JNK and phosphorylated (p)-JNK in the mouse hippocampus were measured using capillary protein automated protein expression analysis system (Western). ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced central area residence time, crossing times, and travel distance in the open field (P<0.01), significantly increased serum IL-1β levels (P<0.01), significantly decreased NE and E levels (P<0.05), upregulated mRNA expression of IL-1β, JNK3, and c-Fos, and increased protein expression of Iba-1, c-Fos, and c-Jun (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Xiaoyaosan groups showed increased central area residence time and open arm residence time (P<0.05), increased NE and E levels (P<0.01), decreased mRNA expression of IL-1β, JNK3, c-Jun, and c-Fos, and decreased protein expression of Iba-1, c-Fos, JNK, and p-JNK (P<0.05, P<0.01). The minocycline group and the fluoxetine group showed decreased mRNA expression of JNK3, c-Jun, and c-Fos (P<0.05, P<0.01). The minocycline group showed decreased serum IL-1β and p-JNK protein expression (P<0.01). The fluoxetine group exhibited increased NE and E levels and decreased c-Fos protein expression (P<0.01). ConclusionXiaoyaosan can improve depressive-like behavior induced by LPS in mice, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of neuroinflammatory responses and the JNK pathway.
9.Comprehensive evaluation and analysis of laboratory resource allocation in 14 blood stations based on entropy weight -TOPSIS method
Weiping FENG ; Zhifeng ZHANG ; Jianhua LI ; Feiyan ZHANG ; Xiaoqiang DONG ; Xiaogang LI ; Yin HAN ; Wenqing YUE ; Yue YANG ; Jun CUI ; Lixia FENG ; Qiang GAO ; Caifeng HAN ; Ran WANG ; Jia CHENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2023;36(8):720-723
【Objective】 To investigate the resource allocation status of blood testing laboratories in 14 blood stations in Gansu Province, explore the impact of differences in basic conditions on the comprehensive testing ability of laboratories, so as to promote the homogenization and standardization of blood screening capacity in blood stations in Gansu and improve blood safety and effectivenes. 【Methods】 An evaluation index system of laboratory resource allocation was constructed and a question-naire was designed. The data of human resources, infrastructure and key equipment of 14 blood stations were collected. The entropy weight -TOPSIS method was used to evaluate and rank the resource allocation of 14 blood stations. 【Results】 In the comprehensive evaluation of blood testing laboratory resource allocation in 14 blood stations in Gansu, the top three were laboratories A, B and I, and the last three were laboratories G, M and J. On the whole, the main issue was unreasonable structure of human resources: most laboratories had unreasonable age structure; except for Laboratory A, there was no personnel with bachelor's degree or above in laboratories; most laboratories had not established a team with intermediate professional titles. In terms of infrastructure, the size of seven laboratories could not meet the needs of modern laboratory testing, and all eight blood stations had no spare nucleic acid laboratories nor a mutual spare laboratory with other blood stations As for the key equipment, 5 laboratories had no automatic blood grouping diagnostic instrument, 5 laboratories only had one set of enzyme immunoassay detection system, 3 laboratories had no spare equipment for the key equipment, which means if the equipment failure could not be repaired in time, the release of results would be affected. 【Conclusion】 There were significant differences in human resources, infrastructure and key equipment of blood testing laboratories in 14 blood stations in Gansu, which had a great impact on laboratory testing capacity and subsequent development. It is suggested that governments at all levels and health administrative departments optimize the input of laboratory resource allocation according to the blood collection volume of blood stations to gradually narrow the differences in resource distribution between different regions, improve the degree of laboratory automation and optimize the personnel structure, so as to build high-quality and efficient blood testing laboratories and ensure the safety of clinical blood use.
10.Molecular Mechanism of Erxian Decoction in Treatment of Anxiety Disorder Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Kaijie SHE ; Jingwen YANG ; Danhua MENG ; Wenqing LIANG ; Zihan GONG ; Guangxin YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(19):185-193
ObjectiveTo predict the potential molecular mechanism of Erxian decoction in the treatment of anxiety disorder based on network pharmacology, and to verify the efficacy and mechanism using the animal model of maternal separation combined with restraint stress. MethodActive components and related targets of Erxian decoction were obtained by traditional Chinese medicine system pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction. The targets related to anxiety disorder were screened out through GeneCards, therapeutic target database (TTD), online mendelian inheritance in man database (OMIM), and DrugBank, and the drug-disease intersection targets were obtained by taking intersections with the drug targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by the STRING database, and the core targets were screened out based on topological parameter analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were carried out for the intersection targets through the Metascape platform. Maternal separation combined with restraint stress was used to induce the mouse model of anxiety disorder. From the end of lactation on the 21st postnatal day (PD21) to the completion of restraint stress on the 97th postnatal day (PD97), the mice were fed with Erxian decoction mixed with diet. The anxiety state of mice was evaluated by open field test and elevated O-maze test. The content of plasma corticosterone (CORT) in mice was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of protein kinase B (Akt1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), and synaptophysin in the hippocampus of mice were detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultNinty-seven active components and 227 action targets of Erxian decoction were obtained. There were 3 863 targets related to anxiety disorder, with 161 drug-disease intersection targets. Among these intersection targets, core targets such as Akt1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and mTOR were presumedly closely related to anxiety disorder. The results of KEGG pathway analysis showed that Erxian decoction mainly treated anxiety disorder through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathways. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the Erxian decoction group significantly increased the time of mice spent in the central zone and central crossing times and time spent in the opened arm and opened arm crossing times, with significantly increased expression levels of p-Akt1, p-mTOR, BDNF, PSD95, and synaptophysin (Syp). ConclusionErxian decoction has the multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics in the treatment of anxiety disorder, and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation by affecting Akt1, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF, mTOR, and other core targets and modulating PI3K/Akt, MAPK, as well as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signal pathways.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail