1.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
2.Clinical Observation on Prevention of Recurrence of Common Bile Duct Stones After ERCP with Yuyin Lidan Granules
Xiao WANG ; Yong FANG ; Cong HE ; Jiali ZHANG ; Meng YU ; Jing KONG ; Yi JIANG ; Chuanqi CHENG ; Xiaosu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):159-166
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yuyin Lidan granules (YYLD) in preventing the recurrence of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in patients with liver and gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). MethodsThis randomized, parallel, controlled trial enrolled postoperative CBDS-ERCP patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to an observation group or a control group, with 32 cases in each. Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment after ERCP, while the observation group additionally received YYLD for 8 weeks. The follow-up period lasted for 1 year. The efficacy indicators included bile bilirubin levels, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, clinical efficacy rate, pancreatitis and inflammation markers, postoperative liver function, and CBDS recurrence rate at 1-year follow-up, which were used to jointly evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of both groups. ResultsA total of 56 patients completed the study and were included in the final analysis, i.e., 29 in the observation group and 27 in the control group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared with pre-treatment and with the control group after treatment, the bile bilirubin level in the observation group significantly decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the clinical cure and marked improvement rates were higher in the observation group than in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference in overall clinical efficacy (P<0.05). Compared with pre-treatment, the primary and secondary symptoms in the observation group, as well as the primary symptom and the secondary symptom of nausea and vomiting in the control group (weeks 4 and 8), were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant reductions in the primary symptom of loose stools/constipation (day 5 and week 4) and in three secondary symptoms, i.e., bitter taste and sticky dry mouth, abdominal distension and poor appetite (throughout the treatment period), and general heaviness and fatigue (day 5 and week 4), with statistical differences (P<0.05). Compared with pre-treatment, both groups showed decreased lipase and urinary amylase levels (P<0.05). However, no significant between-group differences were observed in pancreatitis or inflammation-related indices after treatment. Compared with pre-treatment, all liver function indicators in the observation group and alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ), γ-glutamyl transferase ( γ-GT ), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and conjugated bilirubin in the control group significantly decreased at weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, only serum total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin were significantly reduced in the observation group during the treatment period (P<0.05). ConclusionYYLD combined with conventional Western medical treatment can effectively regulate bilirubin metabolism (in bile and serum), improve TCM clinical symptoms, and prevent CBDS recurrence after ERCP in patients with liver and gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome. This regimen is safe and effective and is worthy of further clinical research and promotion.
3.Effect Difference and Mechanisms of Zishenwan Against Chronic Prostatitis Before and After Salt-processing of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex by Integrating Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics
Shangling ZHAO ; Xiao MENG ; Sirui LI ; Rui TAN ; Changjiang HU ; Lingying YU ; Zhimin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):177-187
ObjectiveThis paper aims to systematically reveal the effect difference and mechanisms of Zishenwan against chronic prostatitis (CP) before and after salt-processing of Anemarrhenae rhizoma and Phellodendri chinensis cortex based on an integrated strategy of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS), network pharmacology, and serum metabolomics. MethodsZishenwan samples before and after salt-processing of Anemarrhenae rhizoma and Phellodendri chinensis cortex were extracted by alcohol-water dual extraction. The chemical components of each sample were detected by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS/MS, and differential components were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. Network pharmacology analysis was performed based on the identified chemical components of Zishenwan to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of "component, target, and pathway", and the core components, targets, and pathways of Zishenwan against CP were screened. Forty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Qianliekang group (1.54 g·kg-1), low- and high-dose raw Zishenwan groups (1.8, 5.4 g·kg-1), and low- and high-dose salt-processed Zishenwan groups (1.8, 5.4 g·kg-1). The CP rat model was established by intraprostatic injection of carrageenan. After one week of recovery, the rats were administered the corresponding drugs for 21 days, while those in the blank group and model group received the same volume of normal saline. After the experiment, serum and tissue samples were collected to evaluate pharmacodynamic indicators including organ indices, histopathology, and inflammatory factors in serum. Subsequently, untargeted serum metabolomics technology was used to analyze metabolite changes and perform pathway enrichment analysis. The network pharmacology was used to construct a network of "differential metabolite, reaction, enzyme, and gene". ResultsA total of 76 components were identified in raw and salt-processed Zishenwan, and 34 differential components were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. Among them, the contents of 14 components, including berberine, berberrubine, and phellodendrine, increased after salt-processing, while the contents of 20 components, such as neomangiferin, decreased. The 28 active components and 185 potential targets were screened out by network pharmacology. The core components included berberine, phellodendrine, magnoflorine, and jatrorrhizine, and the core targets included signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and transcription factor AP-1 (JUN). These targets were significantly enriched in pro-inflammatory signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Compared with the model group, all Zishenwan administration groups showed decreased prostate index, reduced levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as varying degrees of alleviation in histopathological damage. At the same dose, compared with the raw Zishenwan groups, the salt-processed Zishenwan groups showed lower prostate index, pathological scores, and IL-1β, IL-18, and Bcl-2 levels in serum, but the differences were not statistically significant. Metabolomics reveals that 38 differential metabolites were reversed after salt-processed Zishenwan administration. Both raw and salt-processed Zishenwan regulated pathways such as β-alanine metabolism and tryptophan metabolism. In addition to the common regulated pathways, the salt-processed group specifically regulated pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. The intersecting pathways between network pharmacology and metabolomics were tryptophan metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism, with overlapping targets including monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and arginase 1 (ARG1). ConclusionThe increased contents of components such as berberine and phellodendrine in salt-processed Zishenwan may enhance its therapeutic effect on CP by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways, along with multi-target regulation of tryptophan, arginine, and pantothenate metabolism pathways to comprehensively regulate inflammatory and immune responses.
4.The Invariant Neural Representation of Neurons in Pigeon’s Ventrolateral Mesopallium to Stereoscopic Shadow Shapes
Xiao-Ke NIU ; Meng-Bo ZHANG ; Yan-Yan PENG ; Yong-Hao HAN ; Qing-Yu WANG ; Yi-Xin DENG ; Zhi-Hui LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2614-2626
ObjectiveIn nature, objects cast shadows due to illumination, forming the basis for stereoscopic perception. Birds need to adapt to changes in lighting (meaning they can recognize stereoscopic shapes even when shadows look different) to accurately perceive different three-dimensional forms. However, how neurons in the key visual brain area in birds handle these lighting changes remains largely unreported. In this study, pigeons (Columba livia) were used as subjects to investigate how neurons in pigeon’s ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL) represent stereoscopic shapes consistently, regardless of changes in lighting. MethodsVisual cognitive training combined with neuronal recording was employed. Pigeons were first trained to discriminate different stereoscopic shapes (concave/convex). We then tested whether and how light luminance angle and surface appearance of the stereoscopic shapes affect their recognition accuracy, and further verify whether the results rely on specify luminance color. Simultaneously, neuronal firing activity of neurons was recorded with multiple electrode array implanted from the MVL during the presentation of difference shapes. The response was finally analyzed how selectively they responded to different stereoscopic shapes and whether their selectivity was affected by the changes of luminance condition (like lighting angle) or surface look. Support vector machine (SVM) models were trained on neuronal population responses recorded under one condition (light luminance angle of 45°) and used to decode responses under other conditions (light luminance angle of 135°, 225°, 315°) to verify the invariance of responses to different luminance conditions. ResultsBehavioral results from 6 pigeons consistently showed that the pigeons could reliably identify the core 3D shape (over 80% accuracy), and this ability wasn’t affected by changes in light angle or surface appearance. Statistical analysis of 88 recorded neurons from 6 pigeons revealed that 83% (73/88) showed strong selectivity for specific 3D shapes (selectivity index>0.3), and responses to convex shapes were consistently stronger than to concave shapes. These shape-selective responses remained stable across changes in light angle and surface appearance. Neural patterns were consistent under both blue and orange lighting. The decoding accuracy achieves above 70%, suggesting stable responses under different conditions (e.g., different lighting angles or surface appearance). ConclusionNeurons in the pigeon MVL maintain a consistent neural encoding pattern for different stereoscopic shapes, unaffected by illumination or surface appearance. This ensures stable object recognition by pigeons in changing visual environments. Our findings provide new physiological evidence for understanding how birds achieve stable perception (“invariant neural representations”) while coping with variations in the visual field.
5.Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in neutropenia management after CAR-T cell therapy: A safety and efficacy evaluation in refractory/relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Xinping CAO ; Meng ZHANG ; Ruiting GUO ; Xiaomei ZHANG ; Rui SUN ; Xia XIAO ; Xue BAI ; Cuicui LYU ; Yedi PU ; Juanxia MENG ; Huan ZHANG ; Haibo ZHU ; Pengjiang LIU ; Zhao WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenyi LU ; Hairong LYU ; Mingfeng ZHAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(1):111-113
6.A phenome-wide spectrum of morbidity and mortality risks related to the number of offspring among 0.5 million Chinese men and women: A prospective cohort study.
Meng XIAO ; Aolin LI ; Canqing YU ; Yuanjie PANG ; Pei PEI ; Ling YANG ; Yiping CHEN ; Huaidong DU ; Yujie HUA ; Junshi CHEN ; Zhengming CHEN ; Jun LYU ; Liming LI ; Dianjianyi SUN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2925-2937
BACKGROUND:
Prospective evidence on how offspring number influences morbidity and mortality remains limited. This study investigated the associations between number of offspring and morbidity and mortality risks among 0.5 million Chinese adults.
METHODS:
By using data from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB; n = 512,723, an approximately 12-year follow-up), sex-stratified phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) analyses were conducted to investigate associations between offspring number (without vs . with offspring; more than one vs . one offspring) and risks of ICD10-coded morbidity and mortality. Sex-specific adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by Cox proportional-hazards models.
RESULTS:
Among 210,129 men and 302,284 women aged 30-79 years, 1,338,837 incident events were recorded. PheWAS results revealed that offspring number was associated with disease risks across multiple systems. Cox models showed that childless men ( vs . one offspring) had higher risks for nine of 36 diseases, while childless women for five of 37. Each additional offspring was associated with reduced risks of mental and behavioral disorders in men (aHR [95% CI] = 0.93 [0.87-0.98]) and both mental and behavioral disorders (aHR [95% CI] = 0.93 [0.89-0.97]) and breast cancer (aHR [95% CI] = 0.82 [0.78-0.86]) in women. However, each additional offspring was associated with a 4% increase in the risk of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis in women (aHR [95% CI] = 1.04 [1.02-1.07]). Among 282,630 patients, 44,533 deaths were documented. Childless patients had higher mortality risk in both men (aHR [95% CI] = 1.37 [1.28-1.47]) and women (aHR [95% CI] = 1.27 [1.15-1.41]). For men, each additional offspring reduced mortality by 4% (aHR [95% CI] = 0.96 [0.95-0.98]), while for women, the lowest risk was observed among those with three to four offspring ( Pnonlinear <0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
Offspring number is closely linked to morbidity and mortality risks. Further research is warranted to verify our findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms involved.
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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China/epidemiology*
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Morbidity
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Proportional Hazards Models
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Prospective Studies
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Risk Factors
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Family Characteristics
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Mortality
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East Asian People
7.Material basis of toad oil and its pharmacodynamic effect in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis.
Yu-Yang LIU ; Xin-Wei YAN ; Bao-Lin BIAN ; Yao-Hua DING ; Xiao-Lu WEI ; Meng-Yao TIAN ; Wei WANG ; Hai-Yu ZHAO ; Yan-Yan ZHOU ; Hong-Jie WANG ; Ying YANG ; Nan SI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):165-177
This study aims to comprehensively analyze the material basis of toad visceral oil(hereafter referred to as toad oil), and explore the pharmacological effect of toad oil on atopic dermatitis(AD). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) were employed to comprehensively identify the chemical components in toad oil. The animal model of AD was prepared by the hapten stimulation method. The modeled animals were respectively administrated with positive drug(0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate cream) and low-and high-doses(1%, 10%) of toad oil by gavage. The effect of toad oil on AD was evaluated with the AD score, ear swelling rate, spleen index, and pathological section results as indicators. A total of 99 components were identified by UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS, including 14 bufadienolides, 7 fatty acids, 6 alkaloids, 10 ketones, 18 amides, and other compounds. After methylation of toad oil samples, a total of 20 compounds were identified by GC-MS. Compared with the model group, the low-and high-dose toad oil groups showed declined AD score, ear swelling rate, and spleen index, alleviated skin lesions, and reduced infiltrating mast cells. This study comprehensively analyzes the chemical composition and clarifies the material basis of toad oil. Meanwhile, this study proves that toad oil has a good therapeutic effect on AD and is a reserve resource of traditional Chinese medicine for external use in the treatment of AD.
Animals
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Dermatitis, Atopic/immunology*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Mice
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Male
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Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
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Humans
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Bufonidae
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Oils/administration & dosage*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Female
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
8.Experimental study on Jianpi Qutan Formula regulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization to improve atherosclerosis.
Xiao-Meng HAN ; Yue LIU ; Yu ZHAO ; Mao-Sheng YU ; Mi TAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1610-1617
To investigate the mechanism of Jianpi Qutan Formula in regulating the balance between classically activated macrophages(M1) and alternatively activated macrophages(M2) in atherosclerotic plaques through phosphorylation and activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(STAT6), thereby reducing inflammation, increasing plaque stability, and exerting anti-atherosclerosis(AS) effects. An AS model was established by feeding apolipoprotein E(ApoE)~(-/-) mice with atherosclerotic chow for 8 weeks. The ApoE~(-/-) mice were randomly divided into a model group(Mod group), a Jianpi Qutan Formula group(JPQT group, 8.97 g·kg~(-1)), and a Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets group(ATO group, 1.3 mg·kg~(-1)) according to a random table method, with 10 mice in each group. Additionally, 10 male C57BL/6J mice of the same age, fed with a normal diet, were set as the control group(Con group). The JPQT and ATO groups received their respective treatments via oral gavage for 8 consecutive weeks, while the Con and Mod groups were administered an equivalent volume of saline. Body weight was continuously monitored, and after blood collection, total cholesterol(TC) and triglyceride(TG) levels in the serum of each group were compared. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining were used to observe plaque formation in aortic tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to detect the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-12, as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the positive expression of aortic cluster of differentiation(CD)86 and CD206. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the protein expression levels of aortic inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), arginase 1(Arg1), STAT6, and p-STAT6. Compared to the Con group, the Mod group exhibited increased body weight and blood lipid levels, disordered aortic structure, significant AS plaque formation accompanied by extensive lipid deposition, and elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-12, as well as elevated CD86 and iNOS protein levels. In contrast, the serum levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, along with the protein expression levels of CD206, Arg1, and p-STAT6/STAT6, were reduced. Compared to the Mod group, the drug intervention groups showed improvements in body weight and lipid metabolism, with a more significant improvement in aortic structure, reduced lipid accumulation, decreased serum levels of IL-6 and IL-12, and lower CD86 and iNOS protein levels. Meanwhile, levels of IL-10, CD206, Arg1, and p-STAT6/STAT6 increased. Jianpi Qutan Formula improves AS by regulating the imbalance in M1/M2 macrophage polarization, and its mechanism is likely closely related to the activation of the STAT6 signaling pathway.
Animals
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Atherosclerosis/metabolism*
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Male
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Mice
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Macrophages/cytology*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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STAT6 Transcription Factor/immunology*
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Humans
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Apolipoproteins E/genetics*
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Interleukin-6/immunology*
9.Fresh Rehmanniae Radix regulates cholesterol metabolism disorder in mice fed with high-fat and high-cholesterol diet via FXR-mediated bile acid reabsorption.
Xin-Yu MENG ; Yan CHEN ; Li-Qin ZHAO ; Qing-Pu LIU ; Yong-Huan JIN ; Wei-Sheng FENG ; Xiao-Ke ZHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1670-1679
This study aims to investigate the potential effect of the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix on hypercholesterolemia in mice that was induced by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet and explore its possible mechanism from bile acid reabsorption. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into the following groups: control, model, low-and high-dose(4 and 8 g·kg~(-1), respectively) fresh Rehmanniae Radix, and positive drug(simvastatin, 0.05 g·kg~(-1)). Other groups except the control group were fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet for 6 consecutive weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia. From the 6th week, mice were administrated with corresponding drugs daily via gavage for additional 6 weeks, while continuing to be fed with a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. Serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-c), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-c), and total bile acid(TBA), as well as liver TC and TG levels and fecal TBA level, were determined by commercial assay kits. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Three livers samples were randomly selected from each of the control, model, and high-dose fresh Rehmanniae Radix groups for high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were mined and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed to predict the key pathways and target genes of the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. RT-qPCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) and cholesterol 27α-hydroxylase(CYP27A1) in the liver. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of CYP7A1 and CYP27A1 in the liver as well as farnesoid X receptor(FXR), apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter(ASBT), and ileum bile acid-binding protein(I-BABP) in the ileum. The results showed that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix significantly lowered the levels of TC and TG in the serum and liver, as well as the level of LDL-c in the serum. Conversely, it elevated the level of HDL-c in the serum and TBA in feces. No significant difference was observed in the level of TBA in the serum among groups. HE staining, oil red O staining, and transmission electron microscopy showed that the water extract reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. Further mechanism studies revealed that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix significantly down-regulated the protein levels of FXR and bile acid reabsorption-related proteins ASBT and I-BABP. Additionally, it enhanced CYP7A1 and CYP27A1, the key enzymes involved in bile acid synthesis. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the water extract of fresh Rehmanniae Radix may exert an anti-hypercholesterolemic effect by regulating FXR/ASBT/I-BABP signaling, inhibiting bile acid reabsorption, and increasing bile acid excretion, thus facilitating the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids.
Animals
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Male
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Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice
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Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects*
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Cholesterol/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Hypercholesterolemia/genetics*
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Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics*
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Rehmannia/chemistry*
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Liver/drug effects*
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Humans
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Cholesterol 7-alpha-Hydroxylase/genetics*
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Plant Extracts
10.Effects of combined use of active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of BV2 cells.
Tian-Qing XIA ; Ying CHEN ; Jian-Lin HUA ; Qin SU ; Cun-Yan DAN ; Meng-Wei RONG ; Shi-Ning GE ; Hong GUO ; Bao-Guo XIAO ; Jie-Zhong YU ; Cun-Gen MA ; Li-Juan SONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3835-3846
This study aims to explore the effects and action mechanisms of the active ingredients in Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD), namely tetramethylpyrazine(TMP) and hydroxy-safflor yellow A(HSYA), on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reglucose-reoxygenation(OGD/R)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of microglia(MG). Network pharmacology was used to screen the effective monomer ingredients of BYHWD and determine the safe concentration range for each component. Inflammation and oxidative stress models were established to further screen the best ingredient combination and optimal concentration ratio with the most effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. OGD/R BV2 cell models were constructed, and BV2 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were divided into a normal group, a model group, an HSYA group, a TMP group, and an HSYA + TMP group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and interleukin-6(IL-6). Oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase(SOD), nitric oxide(NO), and malondialdehyde(MDA), were also measured. Western blot was used to analyze the protein expression of both inflammation-related pathway [Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)] and oxidative stress-related pathway [nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)]. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the expression of proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) and arginase-1(Arg-1). The most effective ingredients for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in BYHWD were TMP and HSYA. Compared to the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, along with significantly higher protein expression of NF-κB, TLR4, Nrf2, and HO-1 and significantly lower SOD levels. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Compared to the model group, both the HSYA group and the TMP group showed significantly reduced levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA, lower expression of NF-κB and TLR4 proteins, higher levels of SOD, and significantly increased protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was significantly reduced, while the expression of the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 was significantly increased. The results of the HSYA group and the TMP group had statistically significant differences from those of the model group. Compared to the HSYA group and the TMP group, the HSYA + TMP group showed further significant reductions in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and MDA levels, along with significant reductions in NF-κB and TLR4 protein expression, an increase in SOD levels, and elevated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Additionally, the expression of the M1-type MG marker iNOS was reduced, while the M2-type MG marker Arg-1 expression increased significantly in the HSYA + TMP group compared to the TMP or HSYA group. The differences in the results were statistically significant between the HSYA + TMP group and the TMP or HSYA group. The findings indicated that the combined use of HSYA and TMP, the active ingredients of BYHWD, can effectively inhibit OGD/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of MG, showing superior effects compared to the individual use of either component.
Oxidative Stress/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Animals
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Mice
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Glucose/metabolism*
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Cell Line
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Inflammation/genetics*
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Oxygen/metabolism*
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Pyrazines/pharmacology*
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Microglia/metabolism*
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NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology*
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NF-kappa B/immunology*
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Toll-Like Receptor 4/immunology*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology*
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Humans

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