1.Protective Effect of Taohong Siwutang on Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on A1/A2 Phenotype Transformation of Astrocytes Mediated by JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Huifang WANG ; Xinru CHEN ; Mengyuan CHEN ; Xian ZHOU ; Lan HAN ; Weidong CHEN ; Zhaojie JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):25-34
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the effect of Taohong Siwutang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIRI) injury in rats is related to the regulation of astrocyte polarization and explore the related mechanism. MethodsEighty-four male SD rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: A sham operation group, a model group, Taohong Siwutang treatment groups (low dose, medium dose, and high dose), ligustrazine phosphate tablet (LPT) group, and AG490 group. All groups, except for the sham operation group, underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) modeling and were treated for seven days. The neurological impairment was evaluated using the Longa score. The volume of cerebral infarction was assessed through 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels of cortical complement 3 (C3), S100 calcium-binding protein A10 (S100A10), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Additionally, protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were assessed, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were evaluated. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and C3, S100A10 and Co-localization was detected via immunofluorescence double staining. Lastly, VEGF expression levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significant increase in cerebral infarction volume and neurological impairment (P<0.01). C3 protein levels were elevated, while S100A10 levels were decreased. Pathway-related markers were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and VEGF-A protein levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors was significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Co-localization analysis showed significantly increased GFAP and C3 fluorescence intensity (P<0.01) and greatly decreased GFAP and S100A10 fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). Additionally, VEGF content was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose Taohong Siwutang and LPT groups exhibited a significant reduction in cerebral infarction volume and neurological impairment (P<0.01). Groups treated with low, medium, and high doses of Taohong Siwutang and LPT group exhibited a decrease in C3 protein expression levels and an increase in S100A10 expression levels (P<0.01). In the high-dose Taohong Siwutang and AG490 groups, both protein and mRNA expression of C3 and pathway-related markers were significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while S100A10 expression and VEGF-A protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The co-localization fluorescence intensity of GFAP and C3 significantly decreased (P<0.01), while that of GFAP and S100A10 greatly increased (P<0.01). Furthermore, VEGF content exhibited a marked elevation (P<0.01). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang exerts a protective effect in rats with cerebral CIRI injury. The underlying mechanism is associated with the downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, promotion of A2-type astrocyte polarization, reduction of inflammatory factor release, and enhancement of VEGF production.
2.Protective Effect of Taohong Siwutang on Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Based on A1/A2 Phenotype Transformation of Astrocytes Mediated by JAK2/STAT3 Pathway
Huifang WANG ; Xinru CHEN ; Mengyuan CHEN ; Xian ZHOU ; Lan HAN ; Weidong CHEN ; Zhaojie JI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):25-34
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the effect of Taohong Siwutang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CIRI) injury in rats is related to the regulation of astrocyte polarization and explore the related mechanism. MethodsEighty-four male SD rats were randomly assigned to the following groups: A sham operation group, a model group, Taohong Siwutang treatment groups (low dose, medium dose, and high dose), ligustrazine phosphate tablet (LPT) group, and AG490 group. All groups, except for the sham operation group, underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) modeling and were treated for seven days. The neurological impairment was evaluated using the Longa score. The volume of cerebral infarction was assessed through 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot analyses were performed to analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels of cortical complement 3 (C3), S100 calcium-binding protein A10 (S100A10), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Additionally, protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) were assessed, and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were evaluated. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and C3, S100A10 and Co-localization was detected via immunofluorescence double staining. Lastly, VEGF expression levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significant increase in cerebral infarction volume and neurological impairment (P<0.01). C3 protein levels were elevated, while S100A10 levels were decreased. Pathway-related markers were significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and VEGF-A protein levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of inflammatory factors was significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Co-localization analysis showed significantly increased GFAP and C3 fluorescence intensity (P<0.01) and greatly decreased GFAP and S100A10 fluorescence intensity (P<0.01). Additionally, VEGF content was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose Taohong Siwutang and LPT groups exhibited a significant reduction in cerebral infarction volume and neurological impairment (P<0.01). Groups treated with low, medium, and high doses of Taohong Siwutang and LPT group exhibited a decrease in C3 protein expression levels and an increase in S100A10 expression levels (P<0.01). In the high-dose Taohong Siwutang and AG490 groups, both protein and mRNA expression of C3 and pathway-related markers were significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), while S100A10 expression and VEGF-A protein levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The co-localization fluorescence intensity of GFAP and C3 significantly decreased (P<0.01), while that of GFAP and S100A10 greatly increased (P<0.01). Furthermore, VEGF content exhibited a marked elevation (P<0.01). ConclusionTaohong Siwutang exerts a protective effect in rats with cerebral CIRI injury. The underlying mechanism is associated with the downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, promotion of A2-type astrocyte polarization, reduction of inflammatory factor release, and enhancement of VEGF production.
3.Effect of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on Mitochondrial Biogenesis in BMSCs Through PGC-1α/PPARγ
Ying YANG ; Xiuzhi FENG ; Yiran CHEN ; Zhimin WANG ; Xian GUO ; Yanling REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):28-36
ObjectiveBased on the TCM theory of "Yang transforms materials to Qi while Yin constitutes material form", this paper explored the effects of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on the molecular mechanism of mitochondrial biogenesis during the adipogenic differentiation process of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by mediating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), providing theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) using Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan. MethodsBMSCs were divided into a blank group, Zuogui Wan (ZGW) group, Yougui Wan (YGW) group, and Progynova group. Cell identification was performed using flow cytometry. The growth curves of BMSCs were plotted using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method, and the effects of Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan on the proliferation of BMSCs were detected. The Oil red O staining method was used to detect lipid droplet formation. The Western blot method was used to detect the expression of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, CCAAT/enharcer-binding protein (C/EBP)α, C/EBPβ, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) protein, brown adipose tissue-related (BAT) proteins PGC-1α, uncoupcing protein 1 (UCP1), PR domdin-containing protein 16 (PRDM16), mitochondrial biogenesis-related PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM). The expression of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, LPL genes, and the copy number of cytochrome B (CytoB mtDNA) gene was detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Mitochondrial ultrastructure was detected using transmission electron microscopy. ResultsCompared with that in the blank group, the proliferation ability of BMSCs in each treatment group increased continuously as the intervention progressed, and lipid droplets significantly decreased after the drug intervention. The mRNA and protein expression levels of adipogenesis-related factors PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, and LPL were significantly downregulated (P<0.01), while those of the BAT-related factors PGC-1α, UCP1, PRDM16 were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The number of mitochondria increased, accompanied by reduced swelling. The double membrane and cristae structure were clear, and the internal cristae rupture was reduced. The copy number of CytoB mtDNA in each treatment group was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis-related PGC-1α, Nrf1, Nrf2, and TFAM in each treatment group were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionBoth Zuogui Wan and Yougui Wan can prevent and treat PMOP by intervening in mitochondrial biogenesis in BMSCs through PGC-1α/PPARγ.
4.Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Ermiao Situ Decoction in Modulating JAK/STAT Pathway in Rats with Damp-heat Eczema
Kangning HAN ; Junjie HU ; Juan LI ; Min ZHANG ; Xian ZHOU ; Songlin LIU ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):37-47
ObjectiveUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) coupled with network pharmacology and molecular docking was utilized to explore the efficacy and mechanism of action of Ermiao Situ decoction on rats with damp-heat eczema. MethodsA rat model of damp-heat eczema was established by artificial climate chamber intervention combined with sensitization induction by dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), and it was randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the medium- and high-dose groups of Ermiao Situ decoction (3.40 g·kg-1 and 6.80 g·kg-1), and the prednisone acetate group (2.51 mg·kg-1), with eight rats in each group, totalling 46 rats, of which six rats were tested with the drug-containing serum. The chemical analysis of drug-containing serum from rats was carried out by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, combined with network pharmacology for the prediction of key components, core targets, and signaling pathways, and molecular docking experiments were performed by CB-Dock2 online website. The pharmacological effects of Ermiao Situ decoction in the treatment of damp-heat eczema were investigated by epitaxial indexes combined with the pathologic tissue staining method. The serum levels of gastrin (GAS), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-13 (IL-13) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), phosphorylated (p)-JAK1, signal transduction and activation of transcription factor 3 (STAT3), and p-STAT3 protein expression level was determined by Western bolt. ResultsA total of 19 active ingredients were detected in drug-containing serum samples of rats, which were predicted to act on 198 targets for the treatment of damp-heat eczema, among which the key ingredients included rhodopsin, huangpai alkaloids, and quercetin, and the main core targets included STAT3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and IL-6, which were mainly involved in the cancer signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathway, T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation signaling pathway, and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The molecular docking results suggested that the key components had strong binding activities with the core targets IL-6, JAK1, and STAT3 in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with those in the normal group, rats in the model group were depressed. They had loose hair, loose stools, epidermal oozing, vesiculation, and generation of thick scabs in the form of scales, decreased body weight, increased anus temperature and water intake, and increased indexes of the spleen, thymus gland, and stomach (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the lesion tissue could be seen to be hyperkeratotic, with the aggregation of inflammatory cells and nonsignificant separation of epidermis and dermis. The gastric mucosa was thinned, deficient, and structurally disorganized, and obvious inflammatory cell aggregation was seen. The levels of GAS, IL-4, and IL-13 in serum were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of IL-6, JAK1, p-JAK1, and p-STAT3 in the lesion tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, rats in each administration group had stable mental states, formed feces, a clean perianal area, and basically normal epidermis. Only a small amount of scaly scabs existed, and the rats had body weight increased, with decreased anal temperature and water intake, as well as decreased spleen, thymus, and gastric indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01). Epidermal thickness was decreased, and epidermal and dermal separation boundaries were obvious, but hyperkeratotic and accumulation of inflammatory cells could still be seen. The thickness of gastric mucosa increased, and the structure was restored to varying degrees. The levels of GAS, IL-4, and IL-13 content in the serum of rats were increased to varying degrees, and the protein expression levels of IL-6, JAK1, p-JAK1, and p-STAT3 in the dermal lesion tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionErmiao Situ decoction may exert therapeutic effects on rats with damp-heat eczema by modulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
5.Stress analysis of computer aided design/computer aided manufacture post-core materials with different elastic moduli
Liangwei XU ; Xitian TIAN ; Lin CHEN ; Hongyan GAO ; Xian ZHU ; Guican YANG ; Yinghao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2061-2066
BACKGROUND:Post and core restoration is a common choice for tooth defects,but the repair effects of various post and core materials are different. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the stress distribution at the post and core,tooth root,and bonding agent site of post and core models made of different elastic modulus post and core materials using finite element method. METHODS:A three-dimensional root canal treated maxillary central incisor model was built using three-dimensional modeling software,which was restored with a full ceramic crown.The post and core materials in the restoration used nanoceramic resin(elastic modulus=12.8 GPa),composite resin(elastic modulus=16 GPa),hybrid ceramic(elastic modulus=34.7 GPa),glass ceramic(elastic modulus=95 GPa),titanium alloy(elastic modulus=112 GPa),and zirconia(elastic modulus=209.3 GPa).The model was fixed in cortical bone.A 100 N concentrated force of 45° from the long axis of the tooth was applied to 1/3 of the crown and tongue side of the central incisor.The stress distribution of the post and core,dentin,and tooth-root bonding agent in the model was repaired by the maximum principal stress criterion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)When the post and core materials with higher elastic modulus was used,the post-core stress in the repair model was more concentrated.When the elastic modulus of the post and core materials(nanoceramic resin and composite resin)was close to dentin,the stress distribution of the post and core was more uniform.The stress distribution of dentin in all restoration models was similar regardless of post and core materials.When the post and core with higher elastic modulus was used,more stress concentration was shown at the post and root bonding agent in the repair model.(2)The maximum stress values at the post and core,tooth root,and the bonding agent site of post and tooth root in the nanoceramic resin model were 31.00,33.21,and 0.51 MPa,respectively.The maximum stress values at the post and core,tooth root,and the bonding agent between the post and tooth root in the composite resin model were 36.84,33.14,and 0.59 MPa,respectively.In the mixed ceramic model,the maximum stress values at the post and core,tooth root,and the bonding agent between the post and tooth root were 64.05,32.83,and 1.00 MPa,respectively.In the glass ceramic model,the maximum stress values at the post and core,tooth root,and the bonding agent between the post and tooth root were 112.30,32.69,and 1.73 MPa,respectively.In the titanium alloy model,the maximum stress values of the post and core,tooth root,and the bonding agent between the post and tooth root were 120.00,32.17,and 1.86 MPa,respectively.In the zirconia model,the maximum stress values of the post and core,tooth root,and the bonding agent between the post and tooth root were 148.80,31.85,and 2.28 MPa,respectively.(3)The higher the elastic modulus of the post and core material,the higher the maximum stress at the post and core during restoration.The elastic modulus of the post and core material had no significant effect on the maximum stress of the dental bonding agent and dentin.
6.Color-component correlation and mechanism of component transformation of processed Citri Reticulatae Semen.
Kui-Lin ZHU ; Jin-Lian ZOU ; Xu-Li DENG ; Mao-Xin DENG ; Hai-Ming WANG ; Rui YIN ; Zhang-Xian CHEN ; Yun-Tao ZHANG ; Hong-Ping HE ; Fa-Wu DONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2382-2390
High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the content of three major components in Citri Reticulatae Semen(CRS), including limonin, nomilin, and obacunone. The chromaticity of the CRS sample during salt processing and stir-frying was measured using a color difference meter. Next, the relationship between the color and content of the salt-processed CRS sample was investigated through correlation analysis. By integrating the oil bath technique for processing simulation with HPLC, the changes in the relative content of nomilin and its transformation products were analyzed, with its structural transformation pattern during processing identified. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were induced with lipopolysaccharides(LPSs) to establish an inflammatory model, and the anti-inflammatory activity of nomilin and its transformation product, namely obacunone was evaluated. The results indicated that as processing progressed, E~*ab and L~* values showed a downward trend; a~* values exhibited a slow increase over a certain period, followed by no significant changes, and b~* values remained stable with no significant changes over a certain period and then started to decrease. The limonin content remained barely unchanged; the nomilin content decreased, and the obacunone increased significantly. The changing trends in content and color parameters during salt-processing and stir-frying were basically consistent. The content of nomilin and obacunone was significantly correlated with the colorimetric values(L~*, a~*, b~*, and E~*ab), while limonin content showed no significant correlation with these values. By analyzing HPLC patterns of nomylin at different heating temperatures and time, it was found that under conditions of 200-250 ℃ for heating of 5-60 min, the content of nomilin significantly decreased, while the obacunone content increased pronouncedly. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity results indicated that compared to the model group, the group with a high concentration of nomilin and the groups with varying concentrations of obacunone showed significantly reduced release of nitric oxide(NO)(P<0.01). When both were at the same concentration, obacunone showed better performance in inhibiting NO release. In this study, the obvious correlation between the color and content of major components during the processing of CRS samples was identified, and the dynamic patterns of quality change in CRS samples during processing were revealed. Additionally, the study revealed and confirmed the transformation of nomilin into obacunone during processing, with the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of obacunone significantly greater than that of nomilin. These findings provided a scientific basis for CRS processing optimization, tablet quality control, and its clinical application.
Mice
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Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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RAW 264.7 Cells
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Limonins/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Citrus/chemistry*
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Color
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Benzoxepins/chemistry*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/chemistry*
7.Stimulation mechanism of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation by Duzhong Decoction-containing serum through L-VGCCs.
Ze-Bin CHEN ; Lan-Lan LUO ; Xin-Yi SHI ; Rui-Tong ZHAO ; Cai-Xian HU ; Yun-Ying FU ; Su-Zhen CHAO ; Bo LIU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3335-3345
This paper aimed to explore the effects of Duzhong Decoction(DZD)-containing serum on the proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels(L-VGCCs). L-VGCCs inhibitors, nifedipine and verapamil, were used to block L-VGCCs in osteoblasts. MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into a control group, a low-dose DZD-containing serum(L-DZD) group, a medium-dose DZD-containing serum(M-DZD) group, a high-dose DZD-containing serum(H-DZD) group, a nifedipine group, a H-DZD + nifedipine group, verapamil group, and a H-DZD + verapamil group. The CCK-8 method was used for cell proliferation analysis, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) assay kits for intracellular ALP activity measurement, Western blot for protein expression level in cells, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR technology for intracellular mRNA expression level determination, fluorescence spectrophotometer for free Ca~(2+) concentration determination in osteoblasts, and alizarin red staining(ARS) for mineralized nodule formation in osteoblasts. The experimental results show that compared to the control group, DZD groups can promote MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule formation, increase intracellular Ca~(2+) concentrations, and upregulate the protein expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2), collagen Ⅰ(COL1), α2 subunit protein of L-VGCCs(L-VGCCα2), and the mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and BMP2. After blocking L-VGCCs with nifedipine and verapamil, the intervention effects of DZD-containing serum were inhibited to varying degrees. Both nifedipine and verapamil could inhibit ALP activity, reduce mineralized nodule areas, and downregulate the expression of bone formation-related proteins. Moreover, the effects of DZD-containing serum on increasing MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation, osteoblast differentiation, and Ca~(2+) concentrations, upregulating the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin(OPG) and protein expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) and phosphorylated forkhead box protein O1(p-FOXO1), and upregulating phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN) expression were reversed by nifedipine. The results indicate that DZD-containing serum can increase the Ca~(2+) concentration in MC3T3-E1 cells to promote bone formation, which may be mediated by L-VGCCs and the PTEN/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway, providing a new perspective on the mechanism of DZD in treating osteoporosis.
Animals
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Osteoblasts/metabolism*
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Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Mice
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics*
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Alkaline Phosphatase/genetics*
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Serum/chemistry*
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Cell Line
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Osteogenesis/drug effects*
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Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/genetics*
8.Exploration of pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Jinbei Oral Liquid against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology.
Jin-Chun LEI ; Si-Tong ZHANG ; Xian-Run HU ; Wen-Kang LIU ; Xue-Mei CHENG ; Xiao-Jun WU ; Wan-Sheng CHEN ; Man-Lin LI ; Chang-Hong WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2825-2840
This study aims to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis of Jinbei Oral Liquid(JBOL) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology was employed to analyze and identify the components absorbed into rat blood after oral administration of JBOL. Combined with network pharmacology, the study explored the pharmacodynamic material basis and potential mechanism of JBOL against IPF through protein-protein interaction(PPI) network construction, "component-target-pathway" analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. First, a total of 114 compounds were rapidly identified in JBOL extract according to the exact relative molecular mass, fragment ions, and other information of the compounds with the use of reference substances and a self-built compound database. Second, on this basis, 70 prototype components in blood were recognized by comparing blank serum with drug-containing serum samples, including 28 flavonoids, 25 organic acids, 4 saponins, 4 alkaloids, and 9 others. Finally, using these components absorbed into blood as candidates, the study obtained 212 potential targets of JBOL against IPF. The anti-IPF mechanism might involve the action of active ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid, cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and forsythoside A on core targets like AKT1, TNF, and ALB and thereby the regulation of multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, and TNF. In conclusion, JBOL exerts the anti-IPF effect through multiple components, targets, and pathways. The results would provide a reference for further study on pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of JBOL.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics*
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Animals
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Network Pharmacology
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Rats
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Male
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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism*
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Humans
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Administration, Oral
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
9.Mechanism related to bile acids metabolism of liver injury induced by long-term administration of emodin.
Jing-Zhuo TIAN ; Lian-Mei WANG ; Yan YI ; Zhong XIAN ; Nuo DENG ; Yong ZHAO ; Chun-Ying LI ; Yu-Shi ZHANG ; Su-Yan LIU ; Jia-Yin HAN ; Chen PAN ; Chen-Yue LIU ; Jing MENG ; Ai-Hua LIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3079-3087
Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage*
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Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism*
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Animals
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Male
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Liver/injuries*
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
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Humans
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Mice
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Rats
10.Research progress in key technologies for the development of Dendrobium officinale: from a rare and endangered species to a 10-billion-RMB-level industry.
Jing-Jing LIU ; Qiao-Xian YU ; Dong-Hong CHEN ; Ling-Shang WU ; Jin-Ping SI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3670-3678
Dendrobium officinale(DO) is a traditional Chinese medicinal and edible plant, while it is critically endangered worldwide. This article, primarily based on the original research findings of the author's team and available articles, provides a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to the endangerment of DO and the key technologies for the conservation, efficient cultivation, and value-added utilization of this plant. The scarcity of wild populations, low seed-setting rates, lack of endosperm in seeds, and the need for symbiosis with endophytic fungi for seed germination under natural conditions are identified as the primary causes for the rarity and endangerment of DO. Artificial seed production and tissue culture are highlighted as key technologies for alleviating the endangered status. The physiological and ecological mechanisms underlying the adaptation of DO to epiphytic growth are explored, and it is proposed that breaking the coupling of high temperature and high humidity is essential for preventing southern blight, a devastating affliction of DO. The roles of endophytic fungi in promoting the growth, improving the quality, and enhancing the stress resistance of DO are discussed. Furthermore, the integration of variety breeding, environment selection, and co-culture with endophytic fungi is emphasized as a crucial approach for efficient cultivation. The value-added applications of DO in pharmaceuticals, health foods, food products, and daily chemicals-particularly in the food and daily chemical industries-are presented as key drivers for a 10-billion-RMB-level industry. This systematic review offers valuable insights for the further development, utilization, and industrialization of DO resources, as well as for the broader application of conservation strategies for other rare and endangered plant species.
Dendrobium/microbiology*
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Endangered Species
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Seeds/microbiology*
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Fungi/physiology*

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