1.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P0.05, P0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
2.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
3.Caffeic acid-vanadium nanozymes treat skin flap ischemia-reperfusion injury through macrophage reprogramming and the upregulation of X-linked inhibitors of apoptotic proteins.
Xinyu ZHAO ; Jie SHAN ; Hanying QIAN ; Xu JIN ; Yiwei SUN ; Jianghao XING ; Qingrong LI ; Xu-Lin CHEN ; Xianwen WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):592-610
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury following skin flap transplantation is a critical factor leading to flap necrosis and transplant failure. Antagonizing inflammatory responses and oxidative stress are regarded as crucial targets for mitigating reperfusion injury and enhancing flap survival. In this study, caffeic acid-vanadium metal polyphenol nanoparticles (CA-V NPs) were prepared for the treatment of skin flap ischemia and reperfusion. This study was conducted using a one-step method to prepare new types of CA-V NPs with uniform sizes and stable structures. In vitro, the CA-V NPs exhibited CAT-like and SOD-like activities and could effectively scavenge ROS, generate oxygen, and alleviate oxidative stress. In the H2O2-induced cellular oxidative stress model, CA-V NPs effectively reduced ROS levels and inhibited apoptosis through the XIAP/Caspase-3 pathway. In the cellular inflammation model induced by LPS combined with IFN-γ, CA-V NPs reprogrammed macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype and reduced inflammatory responses by reducing the expression of the chemokines CCL4 and CXCL2. In addition, animal experiments have shown that CA-V NPs can alleviate oxidative stress in skin flap tissues, inhibit apoptosis, promote angiogenesis, and ultimately improve the survival rate of skin flaps. CA-V NPs provide a new target and strategy for the treatment of flap I/R injury.
4.Experimental Study on Inhibitory Effect of Yiqi Jiedu Recipe on Proliferation,Migration and Invasion of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells Through TGF-β1/SMAD3 Signaling Pathway
Lipei GUO ; Wenqing ZHANG ; Jie LIU ; Hongjian SHI ; Yingchun HE ; Xianwen WANG ; Jingying FAN
Traditional Chinese Drug Research & Clinical Pharmacology 2024;35(7):935-943
Objective To investigate the effect of Yiqi Jiedu Recipe(YQ)on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells,and to explore its mechanisms of action on proliferation,migration,and invasion through the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway.Methods(1)The 5-8F cells were divided into four groups:solvent control group,YQ 0.5 mg·mL-1 group,YQ 1.0 mg·mL-1 group,and 5-fluorouracil 2 μg·mL-1 group.Cell proliferation was monitored using real-time cell analysis(RTCA).Wound healing experiment was conducted to assess cell migration.After 24 hours of drug intervention,transwell assay was employed to measure cell invasion.The protein expression levels of β-catenin,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,TGF-β1,and SMAD3 in the cells were evaluated using the Western Blot method.(2)The 5-8F cells were divided into five groups:solvent control group,TGF-β1 10 ng·mL-1 group,TGF-β1 10 ng·mL-1+YQ 1.0 mg·mL-1 group,YQ 1.0 mg·mL-1 group,and LY3200882 10 μmol·L-1 group.Cell proliferation was monitored using RTCA.Wound healing experiment was conducted to assess cell migration.After 24 hours of drug intervention,transwell assay was employed to measure cell invasion.The protein expression levels of β-catenin,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,TGF-β1,and SMAD3 in the cells were evaluated using Western Blot.(3)The nude mice were randomly assigned into the model group,YQ group,and 5-fluorouracil group.Subcutaneous injection of 5-8F cell suspension was performed to establish the xenograft nude mouse model of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.After the tumors reached a certain size,the 5-fluorouracil group received intraperitoneal injection of 5-Fu once every 2 days,while the other groups were orally administered corresponding drugs once a day for three consecutive weeks.Tumor volume was measured every 3 days.Western Blot was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of β-catenin,E-cadherin,and N-cadherin in the tissues of each group.Results Compared with the solvent control group,the proliferation curves of 5-8F cells in the YQ(0.5 mg·mL-1,1.0 mg·mL-1)groups showed a decrease.The migration and invasion abilities of the cells were both reduced(P<0.05,P<0.01).Additionally,the expression of E-cadherin protein significantly increased(P<0.01),while the protein expression of β-catenin,N-cadherin,TGF-β1,and SMAD3 all decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the transplanted tumor volume of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the YQ group significantly decreased(P<0.05).Furthermore,the protein expression of β-catenin and N-cadherin in the transplanted tissues of the YQ group was significantly downregulated(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expression of E-cadherin protein was significantly upregulated(P<0.01).After the addition of the activator and inhibitor of TGF-β1 signaling pathway,compared with the YQ 1.0 mg·mL-1 group,the TGF-β1 10 ng·mL-1+YQ 1.0 mg·mL-1 group showed a significant increase in the expression of TGF-β1,SMAD3,β-catenin,and N-cadherin proteins(P<0.05,P<0.01)and obvious enhancement of the abilities of cell proliferation,migration,and invasion(P<0.01).Conclusion Yiqi Jiedu Recipe can inhibit the proliferation,migration,and invasion by regulating the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway.
5.Visualization Analysis on Research Literature about Hedyotidis Herba from 2003 to 2023
Fang FANG ; Lihuai WANG ; Xianwen WANG ; Fangyua QIN ; Qiong MENG ; Anqin XIAO ; Tingyun PENG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(9):73-78
Objective To understand the research hotspots and development trend of Hedyotidis Herba;To provide reference for related clinical studies.Methods The literature on Hedyotidis Herba was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP and CBM from January 1,2003 to September 5,2023.NoteExpress 3.7 software was used to manage the bibliothems,and CiteSpace 6.2.R2 software was used to visualize the authors,institutions and keywords.Results Totally 2 713 articles were included,and the annual number of publications showed a fluctuating upward trend.There were 617 source journals,among which Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine published the most articles(136).799 authors were involved,and the core authors included Liu Jian,Lin Jiumao,Peng Jun,etc.The main research institutions were Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine,Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and so on.In recent years,high-frequency keywords were experience of famous doctors,data mining,medication law,apoptosis,lung cancer,liver cancer,etc.The research frontier involved the mechanism,data mining and molecular docking.Conclusion The study of the Hedyotidis Herba mainly focuses on disease treatment,compatibility application,component analysis,mechanism,and the experience summary of clinical application of the Hedyotidis Herba.Data mining for medication law of famous doctors,prediction of potential drug targets through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology and exploration of their mechanisms are the research trends in this field.
6.Improved discharge survival in pre-hospital cardiac arrest patients: the Shenzhen Bao'an experience
Wenwu ZHANG ; Jinfeng LIANG ; Qingli DOU ; Jun XU ; Jinle LIN ; Conghua WANG ; Wuyuan TAO ; Xianwen HUANG ; Wenhua LIU ; Yujie LI ; Xiaoming ZHANG ; Cuimei XING ; Huadong ZHU ; Xuezhong YU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;33(11):1518-1523
Objective:Cardiac arrest (CA) represents a significant public health challenge, posing a substantial threat to individual health and survival. To enhance the survival rates of patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), Baoan District in Shenzhen City has undertaken exploratory initiatives and practical interventions, yielding promising preliminary outcomes.Methods:1.Innovate emergency medical services by developing a "four-circle integration" system that connects to the hospital. This system encompasses the social emergency medical system, the out-of-hospital emergency medical system, the in-hospital emergency medical service system, and the intensive care treatment system. 2.Develop a comprehensive model for the construction of a social emergency medical training system, characterized by party leadership, government oversight, departmental coordination, professional guidance, technological support, and community involvement, termed the "Baonan Model." Additionally, establish evaluation criteria to assess the effectiveness of the social emergency medical training system in Baonan District; 3. Develop a cardiac arrest registration system and a social emergency medical training management system for Baonan District; 4. Enhance the proficiency in treatment techniques and the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation among emergency medical professionals; 5. Strengthen and advance the development of a "five-minute social rescue network" to address the critical "emergency window period." .Result:In Baonan District, 9.18% of the public is trained in emergency medical skills. The bystander CPR rate for OHCA is 26.11%, AED use is at 4.78%, the 30-day survival rate is 6.31%, and the discharge survival rate is 4.44%.Conclusion:The implementation of the aforementioned measures can substantially enhance the survival rate of patients experiencing OHCA at the time of discharge.
7.Assessment of conventional magnetic resonance morphological measurements in diagnosis and differential diagnosis of progressive supranuclear paralysis
Tieyu WU ; Chuan LI ; Yue JIAO ; Juan LI ; Tong WU ; Shangpei WANG ; Xianwen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2023;42(2):188-195
Objective:To study the features as well as the diagnosis and differential diagnosis values by conventional MRI morphometrics in different clinical subtypes of progressive supranuclear palsy(PSP).Methods:Forty five patients with PSP were included, comprising three PSP subtypes: 15 cases of Richardson's syndrome(PSP-RS), 15 cases of Parkinson's syndrome(PSP-P)and 15 cases of progressive frozen gait(PSP-PFG). In addition, three control groups were established: 15 cases of multiple system atrophy-Parkinson's syndrome(MSA-P), 30 cases of primary Parkinson's disease(PD)and 40 healthy controls(HC). Midbrain area-to-Pons area ratio(M/P), Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index(MRPI, MRPI2.0), width ratio of middle cerebellar peduncle to superior cerebellar peduncle(MCP/SCP), Midbrain-to-Pons ratio(MTPR), Angle of cerebral peduncle(A cp), third ventricle width/frontal horns width ratio(V 3rd/FH), and Humming bird sign rating scale(HBS-RS)scores were calculated.Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were performed by ROC curve to assess the accuracy of these imaging indicators in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PSP and its subtypes. Results:The MRPI, MRPI2.0, MCP/SCP and HBS-RS scores were significantly higher in PSP group than in other control groups( H=69.351, 66.776, 33.926 and 84.694, all P<0.05), while M/P and MTPR were significantly lower in PSP group than in other control groups(H=60.101 and 77.276, all P<0.05). PSP group also had higher V 3rd/FH compared with PD or HC group( F=17.168, P<0.05), but not with MSA-P group( Z=-1.602, P>0.05). The above differences also existed between each PSP subgroup and control groups.Among PSP subgroups, PSP-PFG subgroup had a larger A cp than did PSP-RS( Z=-2.510, P<0.05), and had higher HBS-RS score than did PSP-P group( Z=-2.380, P<0.05). No significant differences in other MRI morphometric indexes were identified among PSP subtypes.The M/P, MRPI, MTPR, MRPI2.0, HBS-RS score showed good accuracy in diagnosing PSP and its each subgroup, with HBS-RS score being the most accurate indicator, when the cutoff value was 2, the AUC values were all higher than 0.99, and the sensitivity and specificity were all above 90%.PSP and its subtypes were best distinguished from MSA-P by MRPI, when the cutoff value was 9.94, the AUC values were all higher than 0.90, with the sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86.67%.PSP and its subtypes were best distinguished from PD by MTPR, AUC values were all above 0.95, with slightly different cutoff values.Almost all the morphological measurement parameters failed to show significant sensitivity and specificity in discriminating subtypes of PSP.The sensitivity and specificity of almost all MRI morphometry indicators in differentiating different subtypes of PSP are not high. Conclusions:MRI morphometrics have a high value both in the diagnosis of PSP and its subtypes, and also in specific application fields.MRI morphometrics have a limited value in discriminating PSP subtypes.
8.Analysis of 5 ischemic stroke patients caused by pulmonary arteriovenous fistula
Lulu ZHENG ; Xianwen WANG ; Xu ZHONG ; Tingting WU ; Xiaobin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2023;56(6):661-665
Objective:To investigate the correlation between pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) and ischemic stroke, and to improve the diagnosis and treatment of embolic strokes of undetermined source.Methods:Five patients with ischemic stroke caused by PAVF admitted to Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2017 to December 2020 were collected. The diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of stroke caused by PAVF were summarized based on literature review.Results:Among the 5 patients, 1 is male and 4 are females, with age of (34.4±9.3) years. Weakness of unilateral limb, slurred speech, vision changes, drooping eyelids, etc., were the first manifestations of stroke. The location of cerebral infarction was indefinite. In this study, 5 patients were all isolated PAVF, including 3 cases of left lower lung, 1 case of left upper lung and 1 case of right lower lung. All 5 patients underwent interventional therapy, were followed-up for 6 months and 12 months after surgery, and none of them had a new stroke attack, and only 1 case had recanalization of PAVF.Conclusions:PAVF is a rare vascular lesion, stroke caused by which is even rarer, with a lack of specificity in clinical manifestations. For young patients with unexplained embolic stroke, if the stroke has a sudden onset, the anterior and posterior circulation can be involved, and multiple vascular distribution regions are often involved, and it is difficult to find a clear emboli basis, with manifestations such as hypoxemia, PAVF should be considered. Percutaneous catheter intervention for PAVF is safe and effective, and is the preferred method for the treatment of PAVF.
9.The interaction between polyphyllin I and SQLE protein induces hepatotoxicity through SREBP-2/HMGCR/SQLE/LSS pathway
Zhiqi LI ; Qiqi FAN ; Meilin CHEN ; Ying DONG ; Farong LI ; Mingshuang WANG ; Yulin GU ; Simin GUO ; Xianwen YE ; Jiarui WU ; Shengyun DAI ; Ruichao LIN ; Chongjun ZHAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2023;13(1):39-54
Polyphyllin Ⅰ(PPⅠ)and polyphyllin Ⅱ(PⅡ)are the main active substances in the Paris polyphylla.However,liver toxicity of these compounds has impeded their clinical application and the potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms remain to be elucidated.In this work,we found that PPⅠ and PⅡ exposure could induce significant hepatotoxicity in human liver cell line L-02 and zebrafish in a dose-dependent manner.The results of the proteomic analysis in L-02 cells and transcriptome in zebrafish indicated that the hepa-totoxicity of PPⅡ and PⅡwas associated with the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway disorders,which were alleviated by the cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitor lovastatin.Additionally,3-hydroxy-3-methy-lglutaryl CoA reductase(HMGCR)and squalene epoxidase(SQLE),the two rate-limiting enzymes in the choles-terol synthesis,selected as the potential targets,were confirmed by the molecular docking,the over-expression,and knockdown of HMGCR or SQLE with siRNA.Finally,the pull-down and surface plasmon resonance technology revealed that PPⅠ could directly bind with SQLE but not with HMGCR.Collectively,these data demonstrated that PPⅠ-induced hepatotoxicity resulted from the direct binding with SQLE protein and impaired the sterol-regulatory element binding protein 2/HMGCR/SQLE/lanosterol synthase pathways,thus disturbing the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway.The findings of this research can contribute to a better understanding of the key role of SQLE as a potential target in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and provide a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of drug toxic effects with similar structures in the future.
10.Biosynthesis of immunosuppressant tacrolimus: a review.
Liqun JIN ; Di LU ; Minglin XING ; Xianwen WANG ; Zhiqiang LIU ; Yuguo ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2023;39(8):3095-3110
Tacrolimus (FK506) is a 23-membered macrolide with immunosuppressant activity that is widely used clinically for treating the rejection after organ transplantation. The research on tacrolimus production was mainly focused on biosynthesis methods, within which there are still some bottlenecks. This review summarizes the progress made in tacrolimus biosynthesis via modification of metabolic pathways and control of fermentation process, with the hope to address the technical bottlenecks for tacrolimus biosynthesis and improve tacrolimus production by fermentation engineering and metabolic engineering.
Tacrolimus
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Immunosuppressive Agents
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Fermentation
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Macrolides
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Anti-Bacterial Agents

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