1.PANoptosis: a New Target for Cardiovascular Diseases
Xin-Nong CHEN ; Ying-Xi YANG ; Xiao-Chen GUO ; Jun-Ping ZHANG ; Na-Wen LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(5):1113-1125
The innate immune system detects cellular stressors and microbial infections, activating programmed cell death (PCD) pathways to eliminate intracellular pathogens and maintain homeostasis. Among these pathways, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis represent the most characteristic forms of PCD. Although initially regarded as mechanistically distinct, emerging research has revealed significant crosstalk among their signaling cascades. Consequently, the concept of PANoptosis has been proposed—an inflammatory cell death pathway driven by caspases and receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs), and regulated by the PANoptosome, which integrates key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis. The core mechanism of PANoptosis involves the assembly and activation of the PANoptosome, a macromolecular complex composed of three structural components: sensor proteins, adaptor proteins, and effector proteins. Sensors detect upstream stimuli and transmit signals downstream, recruiting critical molecules via adaptors to form a molecular scaffold. This scaffold activates effectors, triggering intracellular signaling cascades that culminate in PANoptosis. The PANoptosome is regulated by upstream molecules such as interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), and adenosine deaminase acting on RNA 1 (ADAR1), which function as molecular switches to control PANoptosis. Targeting these switches represents a promising therapeutic strategy. Furthermore, PANoptosis is influenced by organelle functions, including those of the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes, highlighting organelle-targeted interventions as effective regulatory approaches. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the leading global cause of morbidity and mortality, are profoundly impacted by PCD. Extensive crosstalk among multiple cell death pathways in CVDs suggests a complex regulatory network. As a novel cell death modality bridging pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, PANoptosis offers fresh insights into the complexity of cell death and provides innovative strategies for CVD treatment. This review summarizes current evidence linking PANoptosis to various CVDs, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, cardiotoxic injury, atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection, and vascular toxic injury, thereby providing critical clinical insights into CVD pathophysiology. However, the current understanding of PANoptosis in CVDs remains incomplete. First, while PANoptosis in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells has been implicated in CVD pathogenesis, its role in other cell types—such as vascular endothelial cells and immune cells (e.g., macrophages)—warrants further investigation. Second, although pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are known to activate the PANoptosome in infectious diseases, the stimuli driving PANoptosis in CVDs remain poorly defined. Additionally, methodological challenges persist in identifying PANoptosome assembly in CVDs and in establishing reliable PANoptosis models. Beyond the diseases discussed, PANoptosis may also play a role in viral myocarditis and diabetic cardiomyopathy, necessitating further exploration. In conclusion, elucidating the role of PANoptosis in CVDs opens new avenues for drug development. Targeting this pathway could yield transformative therapies, addressing unmet clinical needs in cardiovascular medicine.
2.Mechanism of Quanduzhong Capsules in treating knee osteoarthritis from perspective of spatial heterogeneity.
Zhao-Chen MA ; Zi-Qing XIAO ; Chu ZHANG ; Yu-Dong LIU ; Ming-Zhu XU ; Xiao-Feng LI ; Zhi-Ping WU ; Wei-Jie LI ; Yi-Xin YANG ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2209-2216
This study aims to systematically characterize the targeted effects of Quanduzhong Capsules on cartilage lesions in knee osteoarthritis by integrating spatial transcriptomics data mining and animal experiments validation, thereby elucidating the related molecular mechanisms. A knee osteoarthritis model was established using Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats, via a modified Hulth method. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was employed to detect knee osteoarthritis-associated pathological changes in knee cartilage. Candidate targets of Quanduzhong Capsules were collected from the HIT 2.0 database, followed by bioinformatics analysis of spatial transcriptomics datasets(GSE254844) from cartilage tissues in clinical knee osteoarthritis patients to identify spatially specific disease genes. Furthermore, a "formula candidate targets-spatially specific genes in cartilage lesions" interaction network was constructed to explore the effects and major mechanisms of Quanduzhong Capsules in distinct cartilage regions. Experimental validation was conducted through immunohistochemistry using animal-derived biospecimens. The results indicated that Quanduzhong Capsules effectively inhibited the degenerative changes in the cartilage of affected joints in rats, which was associated with the regulation of Quanduzhong Capsules on the thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)-bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2(BMPR2)-fibronectin 1(FN1)-matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2) signal axis in the articular cartilage surface and superficial zones, subsequently inhibiting cartilage matrix degradation leading to oxidative stress and inflammatory diffusion. In summary, this study clarifies the spatially specific targeted effects and protective mechanisms of Quanduzhong Capsules within pathological cartilage regions in knee osteoarthritis, providing theoretical and experimental support for the clinical application of this drug in the targeted therapy on the inflamed cartilage.
Animals
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Capsules
;
Female
;
Disease Models, Animal
3.Correlation between differences in starch gelatinization, water distribution, and terpenoid content during steaming process of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers by multivariate statistical analysis.
Yan LIANG ; Meng-Na YANG ; Xiao-Li QIN ; Zhi-Yong ZHANG ; Zhong-Nan SU ; Hou-Kang CAO ; Ke-Feng ZHANG ; Ming-Wei WANG ; Bo LI ; Shuo LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2684-2694
To elucidate the mechanism by which steaming affects the quality of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers, methods such as LSCM, RVA, dual-wavelength spectrophotometry, LF-NMR, and LC-MS were employed to qualitatively and quantitatively detect changes in starch gelatinization characteristics, water distribution, and material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers under different steaming durations. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, the correlation between differences in gelatinization parameters, water distribution, and terpenoid material composition was investigated. The results indicate that steaming affects both starch gelatinization and water distribution in C. kwangsiensis. During the steaming process, transformations occur between amylose and amylopectin, as well as between semi-bound water and free water. After 60 min of steaming, starch gelatinization and water distribution reached an equilibrium state. The content of amylopectin, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, and parameters such as gelatinization temperature, viscosity, breakdown value, and setback value were significantly correlated(P≤0.05). Additionally, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio was significantly correlated with total free water and total water content(P≤0.05). Steaming induced differences in the material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers. Clustering of primary metabolites in the OPLS-DA model was distinct, while secondary metabolites were classified into 9 clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm. Differential terpenoid metabolites such as(-)-α-curcumene were significantly correlated with zerumbone, retinal, and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Curcumenol was significantly correlated with isoalantolactone and ursolic acid(P<0.05), while all-trans-retinoic acid was significantly correlated with both zerumbone and retinal(P<0.05). Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a significant correlation with retinal and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Amylose was extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and α-tocotrienol(P<0.05). Amylopectin was significantly correlated with zerumbone(P<0.05) and extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and 9-cis-retinoic acid(P<0.01). The results provide scientific evidence for elucidating the mechanism of quality formation of steamed C. kwangsiensis root tubers as a medicinal material.
Curcuma/chemistry*
;
Starch/chemistry*
;
Multivariate Analysis
;
Water/chemistry*
;
Terpenes/analysis*
;
Plant Roots/chemistry*
;
Plant Tubers/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
4.Studies on pharmacological effects and chemical components of different extracts from Bawei Chenxiang Pills.
Jia-Tong WANG ; Lu-Lu KANG ; Feng ZHOU ; Luo-Bu GESANG ; Ya-Na LIANG ; Guo-Dong YANG ; Xiao-Li GAO ; Hui-Chao WU ; Xing-Yun CHAI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3035-3042
The medicinal materials of Bawei Chenxiang Pills(BCPs) were extracted via three methods: reflux extraction by water, reflux extraction by 70% ethanol, and extraction by pure water following reflux extraction by 70% ethanol, yielding three extracts of ST, CT, and CST. The efficacy of ST(760 mg·kg~(-1)), CT(620 mg·kg~(-1)), and CST(1 040 mg·kg~(-1)) were evaluated by acute myocardial ischemia(AMI) and p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia in mice, respectively. Western blot was further utilized to investigate their hypnosis mechanisms. The main chemical components of different extracts were identified by the UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS technique. The results showed that CT and CST significantly increased the ejection fraction(EF) and fractional shortening(FS) of myocardial infarction mice, reduced left ventricular internal dimension at end-diastole(LVIDd) and left ventricular internal dimension at end-systole(LVIDs). In contrast, ST did not exhibit significant effects on these parameters. In the insomnia model, CT significantly reduced sleep latency and prolonged sleep duration, whereas ST only prolonged sleep duration without shortening sleep latency. CST showed no significant effects on either sleep latency or sleep duration. Additionally, both CT and ST upregulated glutamic acid decarboxylase 67(GAD67) protein expression in brain tissue. A total of 15 main chemical components were identified from CT, including 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone and 6-methoxy-2-(2-phenylethyl) chromone. Six chemical components including chebulidic acid were identified from ST. The results suggested that chromones and terpenes were potential anti-myocardial ischemia drugs of BCPs, and tannin and phenolic acids were potential hypnosis drugs. This study enriches the pharmacological and chemical research of BCPs, providing a basis and reference for their secondary development, quality standard improvement, and clinical application.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/physiopathology*
;
Humans
;
Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy*
;
Myocardial Ischemia/drug therapy*
5.Beneficial Bacterial Modulation by Gypsum Fibrosum and Terra Flava Usta in Gut Microbiota.
Meng-Jie LI ; Yang-Yang DONG ; Na LI ; Rui ZHANG ; Hong-Lin ZHANG ; Zhi-Mao BAI ; Xue-Jun KANG ; Peng-Feng XIAO ; Dong-Rui ZHOU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(9):812-820
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the regulatory effects of two traditional mineral medicines (TMMs), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, GF) and Terra Flava Usta (Zaoxintu, TFU), on gut-beneficial bacteria in mice, and preliminarily explore their mechanisms of action.
METHODS:
Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10 per group): the control group (standard diet), the GF group (diet supplemented with 2% GF), and the TFU group (diet supplemented with 2% TFU). After 4-week intervention, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the changes in the gut microbiota (GM). Scanning electron microscopy, in combination with coumarin A tetramethyl rhodamine conjugate and Hoechst stainings, was used to observe the bacteria and biofilm formation.
RESULTS:
Principal coordinate analysis revealed that GF and TFU significantly altered the GM composition in mice. Further analysis revealed that GF and TFU affected different types of gut bacteria, suggesting that different TMMs may selectively modulate specific bacterial populations. For certain bacteria, such as Faecalibaculum and Ileibacterium, both GF and TFU exhibited growth-promoting effects, implying that they may be sensitive to TMMs and that different TMMs can increase their abundance through their respective mechanisms. Notably, Lactobacillus reuteri, a widely recognized and used probiotic, was significantly enriched in the GF group. Random forest analysis identified Ileibacterium valens as a potential indicator bacterium for TMMs' impact on GM. Further mechanistic studies showed that gut bacteria formed biofilm structures on the TFU surface.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides new insights into the interaction between TMMs and GM. As safe and effective natural clays, GF and TFU hold promise as potential candidates for prebiotic development.
Animals
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Bacteria/growth & development*
;
Mice
;
Biofilms/drug effects*
;
Male
;
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*
6.Efficacy and safety of a facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Tian-yu WU ; Wen-hao ZHANG ; Peng-sheng CHEN ; Chen LI ; Tian WU ; Zhan LÜ ; Tong WANG ; Kun LIU ; Zhi-wen TAO ; Xiao-xuan GONG ; Liang YUAN ; Yong LI ; Bo CHEN ; Xin CHEN ; Zeng-guang CHEN ; Nai-quan YANG ; Yuan-yuan SANG ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Bai-hong LI ; Li ZHU ; Guo-yu WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Chuan LU ; Jun JIANG ; Rui-na HAO ; Chun-jian LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(8):431-438
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P<0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P>0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.
7.Construction and application effect of decision aid scheme for surgical methods of thyroid cancer patients
Xiao-na YAN ; Yin-huan WANG ; Dan LI ; Dan XIONG ; Ying YANG ; Shuang SONG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(7):626-629
Objective To construct a decision aid scheme for surgical methods of thyroid cancer patients and explore its application effect.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 692 patients with thyroid cancer who were treated in the department of breast and thyroid surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 1 to December 31,2022,patients who underwent surgery from January 1 to June 30,2022 were selected as the control group(n=346),while patients who underwent surgery from July 1 to December 31,2022 were selected as the observation group(n=346).Patients in the control group chose surgical methods after conventional education,while patients in the observation group chose the surgical methods through the decision aid scheme.The decision conflict and decision-making at admission and 1 day before surgery of patients in the two groups were assessed.The psychological state at admission,1 day before surgery,and 1 month after surgery of patients in the two groups were evaluated.The decision satisfaction of patients in the two groups were assessed 1,3,and 6 months after surgery.Results There was no significant difference in the decision conflict score,decision making score or anxiety and depression scores at admission of patients between the two groups(P>0.05).One day before surgery,the decision conflict score of patients in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group(t=21.099,P<0.001),and the decision-making score was significantly higher than that in the control group(t=8.806,P<0.001).The anxiety and depression scores of patients in the two groups decreased over time,among which the anxiety and depression scores 1 day before surgery and 1 month after surgery of patients in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The decision satisfaction scores 1,3 and 6 months after surgery of patients in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The implementation of decision aid scheme can effectively reduce decision conflicts of patients with thyroid cancer regarding the choice of surgical methods,relieve negative emotions,and enhance decision satisfaction.
8.Design of new type of elastic gloves for burn scar rehabilitation
Ting SHEN ; Hai-yang ZHAO ; Xiao-chun JIAO ; Bao-li CHEN ; Zhi-juan WANG ; Li-na WANG ; Xiang-yang ZHAO ; Qin ZHOU
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(8):118-120
Objective To design a new type of elastic gloves for burn scar rehabilitation to solve the problems of conventional elastic gloves in pressure distribution,elasticity maintenance and absorption of sweat stains.Methods The new elastic gloves was made of non-woven fabric by spandex material,which was composed of external and internal parts.The main body of the external part was used as the primary structure of the gloves,which was provided with a sealing strip,a storage bag,a drawstring,etc.The internal part consisted of a bonding sheet,an elastic band,a fiber sheet,an absorbent sponge,some breathable holes,etc.Results The new elastic gloves designed could be used for the pressure therapy for the scars on the opisthenar,palm side,finger web and purlicue with scar proliferation inhibitted effectively,and the breathable hole and absorbent sponge contributed to the absorption of the sweat of the patient.Conclusion The new type of elastic gloves gains advantages in elasticity,wearing comfort and effectiveness of the pressure therapy for purlicue and finger web,and can be used for the pressure therapy to inhibit proliferative scarring after burns.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(8):118-120]
9.Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Modified Sinisan in Ameliorating Anxiety-like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Restraint Stress in Mice
Jie ZHAO ; Zhengyu FANG ; He XIAO ; Na GUO ; Hongwei WU ; Hongjun YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):70-79
ObjectiveTo elucidate the potential mechanism of modified Sinisan (MSNS) in alleviating anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS) in mice at the metabolic level based on serum untargeted metabolomics and identify key metabolites and metabolic pathways regulated by MSNS. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into six groups: control, model, high-dose (2.4 g·kg-1) MSNS, medium-dose (1.2 g·kg-1) MSNS, low-dose (0.6 g·kg-1) MSNS, and positive control (fluoxetine, 2.6 mg·kg-1). Except the control group, the other groups were subjected to CRS for the modeling of anxiety. Mice were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage 2 h before daily restraint for 14 days. Anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated by the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and light/dark box (LDB) test. Serum levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) were measured via ELISA to assess stress levels. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed to detect 9 metabolites in the brain tissue and serum metabolites. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was adopted to identify differential metabolites (VIP>1.0, P<0.05). MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for metabolic pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed reductions in the central activity time and central distance in the OFT (P<0.05), the proportions of open-arm residence time and open-arm residence times in the EPM test (P<0.01), and the proportions of open box activity time and open box activity distance in the LDB test (P<0.05), which were increased in the medium- and high-dose MSNS groups compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group showed elevated levels of CRH, ACTH, and CORT in the serum (P<0.01), and the elevations were diminished in the medium- and high-dose MSNS groups (P<0.05). UPLC-MS results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group presented declined DA, GABA, 5-HIAA, 5-HT, and 5-HT/Trp levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and raised Glu, NE, Kyn, and Kyn/Trp levels (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose MSNS increased the GABA, 5-HIAA, and 5-HT/Trp levels (P<0.05) and lowered the Glu and Kyn/Trp levels (P<0.05). Untargeted metabolomics identified that 16 CRS-induced metabolic disturbances were reversed by MSNS. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that MSNS primarily modulated eight core pathways including alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism, butyrate metabolism, arginine-proline metabolism, TCA cycle, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism. The mechanisms involved multidimensional biological processes, including neurotransmitter homeostasis regulation, TCA cycle energy metabolism optimization, and inflammatory response suppression. ConclusionMSNS alleviates CRS-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice by mitigating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, improving hippocampal neurotransmitter and tryptophan metabolic pathways, and regulating alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism, butyrate metabolism, arginine-proline metabolism, and TCA cycle.
10.Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Modified Sinisan in Ameliorating Anxiety-like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Restraint Stress in Mice
Jie ZHAO ; Zhengyu FANG ; He XIAO ; Na GUO ; Hongwei WU ; Hongjun YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):70-79
ObjectiveTo elucidate the potential mechanism of modified Sinisan (MSNS) in alleviating anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS) in mice at the metabolic level based on serum untargeted metabolomics and identify key metabolites and metabolic pathways regulated by MSNS. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into six groups: control, model, high-dose (2.4 g·kg-1) MSNS, medium-dose (1.2 g·kg-1) MSNS, low-dose (0.6 g·kg-1) MSNS, and positive control (fluoxetine, 2.6 mg·kg-1). Except the control group, the other groups were subjected to CRS for the modeling of anxiety. Mice were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage 2 h before daily restraint for 14 days. Anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated by the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and light/dark box (LDB) test. Serum levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) were measured via ELISA to assess stress levels. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed to detect 9 metabolites in the brain tissue and serum metabolites. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was adopted to identify differential metabolites (VIP>1.0, P<0.05). MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for metabolic pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed reductions in the central activity time and central distance in the OFT (P<0.05), the proportions of open-arm residence time and open-arm residence times in the EPM test (P<0.01), and the proportions of open box activity time and open box activity distance in the LDB test (P<0.05), which were increased in the medium- and high-dose MSNS groups compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group showed elevated levels of CRH, ACTH, and CORT in the serum (P<0.01), and the elevations were diminished in the medium- and high-dose MSNS groups (P<0.05). UPLC-MS results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group presented declined DA, GABA, 5-HIAA, 5-HT, and 5-HT/Trp levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and raised Glu, NE, Kyn, and Kyn/Trp levels (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose MSNS increased the GABA, 5-HIAA, and 5-HT/Trp levels (P<0.05) and lowered the Glu and Kyn/Trp levels (P<0.05). Untargeted metabolomics identified that 16 CRS-induced metabolic disturbances were reversed by MSNS. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that MSNS primarily modulated eight core pathways including alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism, butyrate metabolism, arginine-proline metabolism, TCA cycle, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism. The mechanisms involved multidimensional biological processes, including neurotransmitter homeostasis regulation, TCA cycle energy metabolism optimization, and inflammatory response suppression. ConclusionMSNS alleviates CRS-induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice by mitigating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivity, improving hippocampal neurotransmitter and tryptophan metabolic pathways, and regulating alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism, butyrate metabolism, arginine-proline metabolism, and TCA cycle.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail