1.Interventional Effect and Mechanisms of Renqing Mangjue on MNNG-induced Malignant Transformation of Gastric Mucosal Epithelial Cells
Peiping CHEN ; Fengyu HUANG ; Xinzhuo ZHANG ; Xiangying KONG ; Ziqing XIAO ; Yanxi LI ; Xiaohui SU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):69-77
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the intervention effect of Renqing Mangjue on the malignant transformation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and to explore its molecular mechanism in preventing precancerous lesions of gastric cancer based on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. MethodsHuman gastric mucosal epithelial cells (GES-1) were initially induced by MNNG to establish a precancerous cell model (MC cells). The effective concentration of MNNG for inducing malignant transformation in GES-1 cells was screened using the cell proliferation activity decection (CCK-8) assay, and the effective concentration of Renqing Mangjue for inhibiting the proliferation of transformed GES-1 cells was also determined. GES-1 cells were divided into a blank control group, a model group, and treatment groups with Renqing Mangjue at concentrations of 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg·L-1. Furthermore, the effects of Renqing Mangjue on the migratory ability and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics of GES-1 malignant transformed cells were evaluated using Transwell migration assays, wound healing assays, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Additionally, candidate chemical components and target sites of Renqing Mangjue were obtained from the TCMIP v2.0 database, and disease targets at various stages of gastric cancer precursors were sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed using the Metascape database to predict the potential mechanisms of action of Renqing Mangjue. Finally, the protective mechanism of Renqing Mangjue against gastric cancer precursors was validated through Western blot analysis. ResultsAt a concentration of 20 μmol·L-1, MNNG exhibited an inhibition rate of approximately 50% on GES-1 cells (P<0.01), and at this concentration, the GES-1 cells displayed biological characteristics indicative of malignant transformation. In contrast, Renqing Mangjue had no significant effect on the proliferation of normal GES-1 cells, but significantly inhibited the proliferation of MC cells (P<0.01) and markedly reduced their migratory capacity (P<0.01). Moreover, it also increased the mRNA expression level of E-cadherin during the EMT process (P<0.05), while inhibiting the expression of both N-cadherin and the transcription factor Snail mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network predictions suggested that Renqing Mangjue may prevent gastric cancer precursors through modulating the cGMP/PKG and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways. Furthermore, Western blot results indicated that Renqing Mangjue upregulated the expression of PKG and NPRB (B-type natriuretic peptide receptor) proteins in the cGMP/PKG pathway (P<0.01), while downregulating the expression of the downstream proteins MEK and ERK (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionIn summary, Renqing Mangjue can prevent gastric cancer precursors by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of malignant transformed GES-1 cells, thereby delaying the EMT process. The underlying mechanisms may be related to the activation of the cGMP/PKG pathway and the inhibition of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
2.Protective Effect of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on Abortion Rats with Kidney Deficiency-Corpus Luteum Inhibition Syndrome via ERα/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathwa
Changyue SONG ; Siyu LI ; Fengyu HUANG ; Mingzhu QI ; Daiyue DING ; Shuangfei DENG ; Heqiao LI ; Jinghong XIE ; Guohua WANG ; Chen ZANG ; Hong XU ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):107-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Bushen Zhuyun prescription (BSZY) on abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome. MethodsAn abortion rat model with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome was constructed. Pregnant mice aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divided into a control group (Control), a model group (Model), low-dose BSZY (BSZY-L), medium-dose BSZY (BSZY-M), and high-dose BSZY (BSZY-H) groups (2.57, 5.14, 10.28 g·kg-¹), and a Zishen Yutai Pill (ZSYT) group (1.575 g·kg-¹). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate histopathological changes in ovarian and decidual tissue of rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure levels of estrogen (E₂), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum. The candidate targets of BSZY were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP) and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0 databases, while disease targets for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) were retrieved from GeneCards, DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The intersection targets were identified by the Venny 2.1.0 platform. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted based on the Metascape database to predict the potential mechanisms of BSZY. Additionally. Western blot was used to verify the effects of BSZY on the expression of estrogen receptor (ERα), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) and explore its protective mechanism on RSA rats. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights (P<0.05, P<0.01), with an abortion rate of 57.18%. The ovarian tissue showed varying degrees of reduction in primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea, along with a large number of atretic follicles. The endometrium was thinner, and decidual tissue exhibited cellular edema and disorganized arrangement. In contrast, compared with the model group, the BSZY groups at all doses and the ZSYT group demonstrated increased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights, along with a reduced abortion rate. The number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea increased, while atretic follicles decreased. The endometrium thickened, and decidual tissue displayed normal cellular structure with tight arrangement. Additionally, the model group showed significantly decreased levels of E₂, P, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), along with a decreasing trend in LH level. In contrast, the BSZY groups at all doses exhibited significantly elevated levels of E₂, P, LH, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology predictions suggested that BSZY may exert protective effects against abortion in rats by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blot results confirmed that BSZY significantly upregulated the expression of ERα, PI3K, and p-Akt proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSZY has a protective effect on the abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome, possibly by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to reduce ovarian apoptosis and regulate endocrine function, thereby lowering the abortion rate.
3.Prokaryotic expression of mouse LRP16, preparation and identification of rabbit anti-mouse LRP16 polyclonal antibody.
Feifei ZHANG ; Jian LI ; Xiangying XU ; Meiling HAN ; Zhe ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(6):544-551
Objective To investigate prokaryotic expression of the antigen sequence (amino acids 59-145) of mouse leukemia-related protein 16 (LRP16) protein and preparation of rabbit anti-mouse LRP16 polyclonal antibody. Methods The prokaryotic expression plasmid pLS962-LRP16 was constructed by the molecular cloning method and transferred into E.coli Rosetta to express LRP16 protein induced by IPTG. The recombinant protein was purified using Ni-NTA affinity columns followed by gel filtration chromatography. New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with the purified antigen to generate polyclonal antiserum, with antibody titer quantified by ELISA. Antigen-specific IgG was affinity-purified using Sepharose-coupled LRP16 and validated through Western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Results SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed insoluble expression of the LRP16 fusion protein as inclusion bodies. ELISA demonstrated exceptional antiserum titer (1:256 000). Western blot and immunofluorescence verified that the polyclonal antibody could specifically recognize endogenous LRP16 in murine tissues. Conclusion The prokaryotic expression of the LRP16 gene is successfully achieved, and the rabbit anti-mouse LRP16 polyclonal antibody exhibiting high specificity is prepared. This lays the foundation for further studies on the function of the LRP16 gene.
Animals
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Rabbits
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Mice
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Antibodies/immunology*
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Escherichia coli/metabolism*
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Blotting, Western
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Antibody Specificity
4.The latest progress of personalized drug screening and therapy research for common clinical tumors through the PDX model platform.
Yitong YUAN ; Hongling GAO ; Yanhong LI ; Xiangying JIAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101225-101225
The establishment of mouse models is critical for discovering the biological targets of tumorigenesis and cancer development, preclinical trials of targeted drugs, and formulation of personalized therapeutic regimens. Currently, the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model is considered a reliable animal tumor model because of its ability to retain the characteristics of the primary tumor at the histopathological, molecular, and genetic levels, and to preserve the tumor microenvironment. The application of the PDX model has promoted in-depth research on tumors in recent years, focusing on drug development, tumor target discovery, and precise treatment of patients. However, there are still some common questions. This review introduces the latest research progress and common questions regarding tumors with high mortality rates, focusing on their application in targeted drug screening and the formulation of personalized medical strategies. The challenges faced, improvement methods, and future development of the PDX model in tumor treatment applications are also discussed. This article provides technical guidance and comprehensive expectations for anti-cancer drug screening and clinical personalized therapy.
5.Recent progress in ergothioneine of edible fungi.
Linlei YANG ; Zhenhui SHEN ; Xiangying LUO ; Rongping LI ; Rongchun LI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(2):574-587
Ergothioneine is a natural antioxidant known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. It has been applied in various sectors such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Edible fungi, both wild and cultivated, stand as the primary natural sources capable of synthesizing ergothioneine. This paper reviews the research progress in the content, physiological functions, extraction and detection methods, synthetic genes and pathways, mycelium fermentation, and engineering strain construction for ergothioneine production. The aim is to provide a comprehensive reference for advancing the research and industrial development related to ergothioneine in edible fungi.
Ergothioneine/isolation & purification*
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Fungi/genetics*
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Antioxidants/metabolism*
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Fermentation
6.Discovery and protein engineering of penicillin G acylase for biosynthesis of cefradine.
Lingyi LIU ; Xiangying LI ; Congcong LI ; Lijuan MA ; Bo YUAN ; Zhoutong SUN
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(9):3630-3642
Penicillin G acylases (PGAs) are industrially important enzymes primarily used for the synthesis of first- and second-generation cephalosporins or penicillins. This study aims to establish a high-efficiency biosynthetic system for cefradine on the purpose of significantly enhancing its catalytic efficiency in cefradine synthesis and developing its potentials for industrial application. In this study, we identified and engineered penicillin G acylase and obtained a highly active mutant KsPGA M7(M168F/F313G) for the synthesis of cefradine. The mutant achieved a conversion rate over 95% in the scaled-up reaction. To validate its industrial applicability, we immobilized both the wild-type and mutant enzymes and applied them in continuous flow reactions, which achieved a space-time yield of 2 800 g/(L·d). This study lays a foundation for the future applications of penicillin G acylases in the industrial synthesis of cefradine.
Penicillin Amidase/biosynthesis*
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Protein Engineering/methods*
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Cephradine/metabolism*
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Escherichia coli/metabolism*
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Enzymes, Immobilized/metabolism*
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Recombinant Proteins/biosynthesis*
7.Mechanism of Total Glucosides of Paeony in Attenuating Neurotoxicity of Aqueous Extract of Strychni Semen via GRIN2A/PLCB1/PRKCG Signaling Pathway
Siyu LI ; Kun YANG ; Changyue SONG ; Peiping CHEN ; Xinzhuo ZHANG ; Mingzhu QI ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):56-63
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) on neurotoxicity induced by aqueous extract of Strychni Semen (SA) in mice and to explore its mechanism. MethodThirty-two male KM mice were randomly divided into normal group,SA group (19.5 mg·kg-1),TGP group (225 mg·kg-1),and SA+TGP group (SA 19.5 mg·kg-1+TGP 225 mg·kg-1). The open field test and beam walking test were used to observe the behavioral changes in mice. Pathological changes in the Nissl bodies of the cerebral cortex were assessed through Nissl staining. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA),glutamate (Glu) in the mouse brain tissue,and serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptome sequencing was employed to analyze gene expression profiles in the brain tissue. Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underwent gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The mRNA expression levels of key targets were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the normal group,the SA group exhibited significant increases in side-to-side distance and average speed in the open field test,as well as increased walking time on the balance beam. The axons of cortical neurons were absent,and the levels of Glu and MDA in the brain tissue were significantly elevated (P<0.05,P<0.01),along with a notable increase in serum 5-HT levels (P<0.05). In contrast to the SA group,the SA+TGP group significantly reduced the side-to-side distance,average speed,and balance beam walking time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The neuronal axons were clearly visible,and levels of 5-HT,Glu,and MDA were decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Transcriptome analysis indicated that TGP could regulate the glutamate receptor,ionotropic,N-methyl-D-aspartate 2a (GRIN2A)/phospholipase C β1 (PLCB1)/protein kinase C,gamma (PRKCG) signaling pathway. Compared with the normal group,SA significantly decreased the expression of GRIN2A,PLCB1,and PRKCG genes in the mouse brain (P<0.01),while the mRNA levels of GRIN2A and PRKCG significantly increased after TGP administration (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionSA induces significant neurotoxicity in the mouse brain,and TGP significantly alleviates SA-induced neurological damage,potentially through the GRIN2A/PLCB1/PRKCG signaling pathway.
8.Mechanisms of Fufang Biejia Ruangan Pills Against Alcoholic Liver Disease via Regulating Liver-brain Dialogue Mediated by HMGB1-BDNF Axis
Yudong LIU ; Xiangying YAN ; Tao LI ; Chu ZHANG ; Bingbing CAI ; Zhaochen MA ; Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):214-223
ObjectiveTo systematically and objectively characterize the pharmacological effects of Fufang Biejia Ruangan pills (FBRP) in the intervention of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) using acute and chronic ALD mouse models and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms. MethodFifty SPF-grade male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, and FBRP low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (9.6, 19.2, 38.4 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, the remaining groups were given 56° white wine by gavage to establish the acute ALD model, with samples collected after 4 weeks. Thirty SPF-grade male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, and FBRP medium-dose group (19.2 mg·kg-1). The chronic ALD mouse model was established using the Lieber-DeCarli method over a 10-week period. Inflammatory markers in liver tissues were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Sirius Red, oil red O staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intoxication behaviors of each group were objectively evaluated through sobering-up time, net-catching, and pole-climbing tests. Further bioinformatics analyses based on clinical transcriptomic data were conducted to identify key targets and molecular mechanisms of FBRP in alleviating ALD through liver-brain dialogue, with experimental validation by ELISA, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. ResultCompared with the normal group, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in liver tissues of mice in the acute and chronic ALD model groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of AST and ALT in liver tissue of mice in FBRP groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the time of grasping the net and climbing the pole in the acute ALD model group was significantly decreased within 4 weeks (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the grasping and climbing time of FBRP high dose groups increased significantly within 4 weeks (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the expression of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) protein in liver tissue and prefrontal lobe tissue of mice in the chronic ALD model group was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of HMGB1 protein in FBRP medium dose group was significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein and the release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the prefrontal cortex of the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of BDNF protein and the release of GABA in the FBRP medium dose group were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionThis study revealed that FBRP improved key pathological changes in ALD by modulating liver-brain dialogue mediated by the HMGB1-BDNF axis. These findings provide experimental evidence for the clinical use of FBRP in treating ALD and offer new insights for the development of ALD therapeutic agents.
9.Pathogenesis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis Based on Theory of "Harmful Hyperactivity and Responding Inhibition"
Siyu LI ; Changyue SONG ; Xiaohui SU ; Jingbo WANG ; Huantian CUI ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):300-307
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a complex pathogenesis. Immune dysfunction, synovial inflammation, and bone destruction are the key pathological links. The theory of "harmful hyperactivity and responding inhibition" is a high-level summary of the coordinated development of things in nature and the generation and restriction of the five elements and the six factors in nature. People and all things have the same origin, and the theory of "harmful hyperactivity and responding inhibition" represents the intrinsic regulation mechanism of the human body's homeostasis, reflecting the unity of opposites of "hyperactivity" and "inhibition" and emphasizing coordination and stabilization. In the pathogenesis of RA, the excessive immune response disrupts the normal body balance, which is closely related to the process of "hyperactivity becoming harmful". Synovial inflammation, tissue hyperplasia, and bone destruction are pathological results of the dysregulation of the body's immune self-stabilization function and can be regarded as the process of "failing to inhibition". Therefore, the theory of "hyperactivity harmful hyperactivity and responding inhibition" provides a unique perspective for understanding the modern pathological mechanisms of RA. Based on the theory of "harmful hyperactivity and responding inhibition" and the pathogenesis of RA, the author analyzed the modern medical basis of RA from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and revealed the intrinsic connection between TCM pathogenesis such as insufficiency of vital energy and blood, strong defensive Qi and weak nutrient Qi, and intertwined phlegm and blood stasis and modern research on autoimmune disorders, synovial inflammation, and bone destruction. With the therapeutic criterion of "harm inhibition and responsible supporting", the article summarized the mechanism of TCM in calming hyperactivity and supporting invincibility, which provided theoretical references for the clinical treatment of RA.
10.Bibliometrics-based Analysis on the Research Trends of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Treating Post-Stroke Dysphagia
Xiangying LI ; Kelin HE ; Mengya LIANG
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2024;48(3):341-349,357
[Objective]Using CiteSpace software to visualize and analyse the literature related to acupuncture treatment of post-stroke dysphagia in China,to reveal the dynamics of frontiers and the evolution of hotspots in this field,as well as provide suggestions and references for future research.[Methods]By searching the three major Chinese databases,China National Knowledge Internet(CNKI),Wanfang Data and China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP),the literature related to acupuncture treatment of post-stroke dysphagia was retrieved between the establishment of these databases and June 2023.Then the data issuance,authors,institutions,keywords clustering and keywords emergence were analyzed and presented in a visualization map or chart with CiteSpace 6.1.R6 software.[Results]After searching and screening,a total of 1 585 relevant literatures were included,and the overall trend of the number of studies within the field showed a steady increase in terms of the number of publications.However,links among study authors are scattered and mostly intra-institutional.At the same time,the connection among institutions for cross-regional collaboration is not close enough.Keywords clustering analysis showed that the type of research in the literature mainly consists overviews and clinical randomized controlled trial(RCT).In terms of treatment approaches,the use of combination of multiple therapies is common.The time zone map reflects the continuous process of refinement of acupuncture therapies,from which the creation of a series of new types of acupuncture therapies could be observed.[Conclusion]The field of acupuncture for the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia is becoming increasingly sophisticated.It is predicted that the combination of acupuncture with other common therapies for the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia will remain a hot research topic in the coming years.Meanwhile,there will be a new trend towards integrating resources and conducting high-quality clinical studies with multi-centre collaboration.

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