1.Neurotoxicity Mechanism of Dictamni Cortex Based on Network Toxicology and Metabolomics
Xiaomin XU ; Jiameixue WO ; Suxia JIA ; Wenkai HU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):31-39
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the neurotoxicity mechanism of Dictamni Cortex by integrating network toxicology and metabolomics techniques. MethodsThe neurotoxicity targets induced by Dictamni Cortex were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database (TCM-ID), and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). The target predictions of the components were performed by the Swiss Target Prediction tool. Neurotoxicity-related targets were collected from the Pharmacophore Mapping and Potential Target Identification Platform (PharmMapper), GeneCards Human Gene Database (GeneCards), DisGeNET Disease Gene Network (DisGeNET), and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and the intersection targets were identified. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis were conducted. A "drug-compound-toxicity target-pathway" network was constructed via Cytoscape software to display the core regulatory network. Based on the prediction results, the neurotoxicity mechanism of Dictamni Cortex in mice was verified by using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot. The effects of Dictamni Cortex on the metabolic profile of mouse brain tissue were further explored by non-targeted metabolomics. ResultsNetwork toxicology screening identified 13 compounds and 175 targets in Dictamni Cortex that were related to neurotoxicity. PPI network analysis revealed that serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt1) and tumor protein 53 (TP53) were the core targets. Additionally, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that Dictamni Cortex may regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and affect oxidative stress and cell apoptosis, thereby inducing neural damage. The "Dictamni Cortex-compound-toxicity target-pathway-neural damage" network showed that dictamnine, phellodendrine, and fraxinellone may be the toxic compounds. Animal experiments showed that compared with those in the blank group, the hippocampal neurons in the brain tissue of mice treated with Dictamni Cortex were damaged. The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain tissue was significantly reduced, while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly increased. The level of Akt1 and p-Akt1 mRNAs and proteins in the brain tissue was significantly decreased, while the level of TP53 was significantly increased. Non-targeted metabolomics results showed that Dictamni Cortex could disrupt the level of 40 metabolites in mouse brain tissue, thereby regulating the homeostasis of 13 metabolism pathways, including phenylalanine, glycerophospholipid, and retinol. Combined analysis revealed that Akt1, p-Akt1, and TP53 were significantly correlated with phenylalanine, glycerophospholipid, and retinol metabolites. This suggested that Dictamni Cortex induced neurotoxicity in mice by regulating Akt1, p-Akt1, and TP53 and further modulating the phenylalanine, glycerophospholipid, and retinol metabolism pathways. ConclusionDictamni Cortex can induce neurotoxicity in mice, and its potential mechanism may be closely related to the activation of oxidative stress, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and regulation of phenylalanine, glycerophospholipid, and retinol metabolism pathways.
2.Effect of Dictamni Cortex on Intestinal Barrier Damage by Untargeted Metabolomics and Targeted Metabolomics for Short-chain Fatty Acids
Xiaomin XU ; Donghua YU ; Yu WANG ; Pingping CHEN ; Jiameixue WO ; Suxia JIA ; Wenkai HU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):40-47
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the effect of Dictamni Cortex on intestinal barrier damage in rats and its mechanism by untargeted metabolomics and targeted metabolomics for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). MethodsRats were randomly divided into a control group, a high-dose group of Dictamni Cortex (8.1 g·kg-1), a medium-dose group (2.7 g·kg-1), and a low-dose group (0.9 g·kg-1). Except for the control group, the other groups were administered different doses of Dictamni Cortex by gavage for eight consecutive weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the ileal tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect the level of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), in the ileal tissue of rats. Quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) technology was used to detect the expression level of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1 mRNAs, in the ileal tissue of rats to preliminarily explore the effects of Dictamni Cortex on intestinal damage. The dose with the most significant toxic phenotype was selected to further reveal the effects of Dictamni Cortex on the metabolic profile of ileal tissue in rats by non-targeted metabolomics combined with targeted metabolomics for SCFAs. ResultsCompared with the control group, all doses of Dictamni Cortex induced varying degrees of pathological damage in the ileum, increased TNF-α (P<0.01), IL-6 (P<0.01), and IL-1β (P<0.01) levels in the ileal tissue, and decreased the expression level of ZO-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01), Occludin (P<0.01), and Claudin-1 (P<0.05) in the ileal tissue, with the high-dose group showing the most significant toxic phenotypes. The damage mechanisms of the high-dose group of Dictamni Cortex on the ileal tissue were further explored by integrating non-targeted metabolomics and targeted metabolomics for SCFAs. The non-targeted metabolomics results showed that 21 differential metabolites were identified in the control group and the high-dose group. Compared with that in the control group, after Dictamni Cortex intervention, the level of 14 metabolites was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the level of seven metabolites was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the ileal contents. These metabolites collectively acted on 10 related metabolic pathways, including glycerophospholipids and primary bile acid biosynthesis. The quantitative data of targeted metabolomics for SCFAs showed that Dictamni Cortex intervention disrupted the level of propionic acid, butyric acid, acetic acid, caproic acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, and isocaproic acid in the ileal contents of rats. Compared with those in the control group, the level of isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid were significantly increased, while the level of propionic acid, butyric acid, and acetic acid were significantly decreased in the ileal contents of rats after Dictamni Cortex intervention (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDictamni Cortex can induce intestinal damage by regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and metabolic pathways for SCFAs.
3.Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to interfere with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Suxia JIA ; Xiaomin XU ; Huicong YANG ; Shumin LIU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(1):124-128
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a serious complication of revascularization in patients with myocardial infarction. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathological process of MIRI. Currently,research has found that traditional Chinese medicine has a good effect on myocardial injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion. Based on the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,this article summarizes the action mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine formulas and monomers in intervening with MIRI. It is found that traditional Chinese medicine formulas (Yixin formula,Wenyang tongmai formula,Dingxin formula Ⅰ),monomers such as terpenoids (ginkgolides, astragaloside Ⅳ,ginsenosides),phenols (brazilin,hematoxylin A,resveratrol) and quinones (aloe,emodin) can alleviate MIRI by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions,etc.
4.Analysis of the current status of health facility development in Shanghai
Fenfen QIAO ; Gang XU ; Xiaomin WEI ; Huilin LIU ; Zongmin JIANG ; Hui WANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(7):619-623
ObjectiveTo compare the development status of health facilities in different regions (non-agricultural and agricultural districts)and different types across four dimensions: organizational management, health environment, health activities, and health outcomes, to explore factors that may affect the current development status and summarize effective experiences, and to provide a foundation for the subsequent comprehensive, standardized, and effective promotion of health facility development and tiered and classified management. MethodsInvestigators conducted a health status survey based on the four dimensions for 50 health facilities in 16 districts of Shanghai, representing three types (including government agencies, enterprises, and communities). Evaluation forms were filled out through on-site observation and document reviews, which were developed in accordance with the Shanghai Health Settings Evaluation Standards (for trial implementation in 2019). ResultsThe average total score of health facilities in Shanghai was (88.42±11.93) points, with an overall excellence rate of 86.0%. The excellence rate of each dimension, from highest to lowest, were healthy environment (84.0%), organizational management (82.0%), health activities (78.0%), and health outcomes (44.0%). Health facilities in agricultural districts scored higher in both total score and average score on the organizational management dimension compared to non-agricultural districts. The excellence rate for the organizational management dimension was also higher in agricultural districts than in non-agricultural districts. There was no statistical significance in the total score, the score of each dimension, the overall excellence rate, and the excellence rate of each dimension among different types of health facilities (P>0.05). ConclusionThe development of health facilities among government agencies, enterprises, and communities in Shanghai has begun to yield positive results. Health facilities in non-agricultural districts should actively draw on the experience of those in agricultural districts, particularly in organizational management, adjust development ideas and planning based on their own realities, so as to continuously improve the levels of development.
5.Liuwei Dihuang Erzhiwan Combination Regulate Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells to Inhibit Breast Cancer Lung Metastasis
Lixiang ZHENG ; Zifeng GUO ; Huiwen GUO ; Xiaomin WANG ; Chuanming XU ; Yuliang HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(20):37-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Liuwei Dihuang Erzhiwan combination inhibit the lung metastasis of spontaneous breast cancer in mice by regulating the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MethodThree hundred and eighty SPF-grade 10-month-old female breeders of Kunming mouse were palpated at the mammary gland site once every 3 days. Mice that have not had a lump touched after being raised for 6 months are used as control group. After tumor development, the mice were randomized into model, positive control (paclitaxel, intraperitoneal injection at 0.01 g·kg-1 every other day for 22 d), Liuwei Dihuangwan (0.65 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage), Erzhiwan (5.41 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage), and Liuwei Dihuang Erzhiwan combination (6.05 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage) groups. The mice were euthanised when the tumor reached a diameter of about 15 mm, and the tumor and lung tissues were collected. The survival time, tumor mass, and lung metastasis rate of tumor-bearing mice were recorded. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological and morphological changes of mouse tumor and lung tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the distribution of MDSCs in tissues of mice in each group by double-staining of MDSCs cells with lymphocyte antigen 6 complex site G6D (Ly6G) and CD11 antigen-like family member B (CD11b). Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), zinc finger transcription factor 1 (Snail1), and E-cadherin in the tumor tissue and CC motif chemokine 9 (CCL9) and CC motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) in the lung tissue. ResultDuring the modelling period, the paclitaxel group and Chinese medicine intervention groups had longer median number of days of survival and lower tumor weight, lung metastasis rate, and lung nodule than the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). HE staining showed an increase in tumor cell necrosis in the paclitaxel group and the Liuwei Dihuang Erzhiwan combination group. The paclitaxel group and Chinese medicine intervention groups had lower fluorescence intensity of MDSCs in the tumor tissue than the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal control group, the model group showed increased fluorescence intensity of MDSCs in the metastatic lung tissue (P<0.01), which, however, was decreased in the paclitaxel group and Chinese medicine intervention groups (P<0.01). The model group showed higher protein levels of MMP-9, TGF-β, and Snail1 and lower protein level of E-cadherin in the tumor tissue than in the normal control group (P<0.01). Compared with model group, paclitaxel and Chinese medicine interventions downregulated the protein levels of MMP-9, TGF-β, and Snail1 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and upregulated the protein level of E-cadherin in the tumor tissue (P<0.01). Moreover, the Liuwei Dihuang Erzhiwan combination group had lower protein levels of TGF-β and Snail1 than the Liuwei Dihuangwan group and Erzhiwan group (P<0.05). In the metastatic lung tissue, the expression of CCL9 and CCR1 was higher in the model group than in the normal control group, paclitaxel group, and Chinese medicine intervention groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionLiuwei Dihuang Erzhiwan combination inhibit tumor growth, prolong survival time, and reduce the occurrence of lung metastasis in the mouse model of spontaneous breast cancer by reducing the recruitment of MDSCs in the tumor and lung tissues and modulating the phenotypes of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules and the expression of CCL9/CCR1.
6.Antioxidant activity of water extract from bamboo stems and its protective effect on t-BHP induced oxidative damage in Caco-2 cells
Xin YUAN ; Yunlong HUANG ; Xiaomin XIE ; Zihan ZHONG ; Jiarui CHEN ; Cuiyu BAO ; Xu YANG ; Ping MA
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(6):50-54
Objective To investigate the antioxidant activity of bamboo stem extracts and the therapeutic effect of bamboo stem water extract on oxidative inflammation induced by tert butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). Methods In this study, ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays were used to determine the extracellular antioxidant activity of petroleum ether extract, ethyl acetate extract, n-butanol extract, 95% ethanol extract, and distilled water extract from bamboo stems. The human intestinal Caco-2 cell line was used as the model cell, and t-BHP was selected as the oxidative stress modeling agent. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell viability and the optimal oxidative damage concentration of t-BHP. The content of MDA, 8-OHdG, TNF-α and IL-1β were detected to assess antioxidant stress effect. Results The five extracts of bamboo all had certain antioxidant activity, among which the water extract of bamboo stem had the best comprehensive antioxidant activity with high cell viability in Caco-2 cells. The optimal modeling concentration of t-BHP was 200 μMol/L. The water extract of bamboo stem significantly reduced the content of oxidative stress related biomarkers and inflammatory factors in Caco-2 cells induced by t-BHP. Conclusion The stem extracts of bamboo in Xianning City have strong in vitro antioxidant activity. Among them, the water extract of bamboo stem has a protective effect on t-BHP induced oxidative damage in Caco-2 cells, suggesting that the water extract possesses a potential to be developed as new antioxidant products for clinical prevention and treatment of oxidative damage related diseases.
7.Differential value of CT radiomics in papillary renal cell carcinoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Xu LIN ; Yankun GAO ; Xiaomin ZHENG ; Xingwang WU
Journal of Practical Radiology 2024;40(1):74-78
Objective To construct a radiomics nomogram combining clinical and a radiomics signature for distinguishing type Ⅱpapillary renal cell carcinoma(pRCC)from atypical clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC).Methods Clinical and CT data of patients with pathologically confirmed type Ⅱ pRCC(62 cases)and atypical ccRCC(56 cases)were analyzed.A random sample was divided into a training set(82 cases)and a test set(36 cases)in a ratio of 7∶3.Clinical factors were screened to construct clinical factor models.A total of 1 595 radiomics features of tumors were extracted from the corticomedullary phase CT images and based on the most effective features to construct a radiomics signature and calculate the radiomics score(Rad-score).A radiomics nomogram was constructed by combining the Rad-score and independent clinical factors.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the clini-cal usefulness of the models.Decision curve analysis(DCA)was used to assess the difference between the models.Results The radiomics signature showed good discrimination in training set area under the curve(AUC)0.894[95%confidence interval(CI)0.834-0.947]and test set AUC 0.879(95%CI 0.774-0.963).The AUC of the clinical factors model in training set and test set were 0.725(95%CI 0.646-0.804)and 0.698(95%CI 0.567-0.819).The AUC of the radiomics nomogram in training set and test set were 0.901(95%CI 0.840-0.953)and 0.901(95%CI 0.809-0.975).DCA demonstrated the radiomics nomogram outmatched the clinical factors model and radiomics signature in the aspects of clinical usefulness.Conclusion Radiomics nomogram based on enhanced CT can provide good prediction of type Ⅱ pRCC and atypical ccRCC preoperatively,improve the diagnostic accuracy and provide guidance for future clinical treatment.
8.Effect and Mechanism of Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)lljinskaja Polysaccharides on Type 2 Diabetic Rats by Regulating GLUT4 Translocation in Islet and Liver
Haiyun LIU ; Miaoting SHI ; Xinyi LUO ; Minyan SUN ; Chenxi XU ; Kunhan CHEN ; Xiaomin WANG ; Rengeng SHU
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(1):13-19
Objective To investigate the effect of Cyclocarya paliurus(Batal.)lljinskaja polysaccharides on insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats by regulating glucose transporter 4(GLUT4)translocation in islet and liver.Methods High-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin(35 mg·kg-1)to induce type 2 diabetes model,all the rats were randomly divided into model control group,Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides groups(5,10 g·kg-1)and metformin group(0.25 g·kg-1),and treated for eight weeks(n=9 in each group).Fasting glucose and lipid were determined.Histopathology of rat islet and liver were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.Protein expressions of phosphorylated phosphoinositide-3-kinase(p-PI3K),phosphorylated serine-threonine kinase 1(p-Akt1),and GLUT4 in islet were measured by immunohistochemistry staining.GLUT4 translocation in the islet and liver was detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with the model control group,the Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides group and metformin group had declined fasting glucose levels and increased high-density lipoprotein(P<0.05).The structure of the islets and liver was relatively complete.The content of p-PI3K,p-Akt1 and GLUT4 in the islet increased(P<0.05).GLUT4 translocation in the liver and islet enhanced(P<0.05).Conclusions Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharides alleviate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders.The mechanism may lay in it activating protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt1,and GLUT4 in islet cells.GLUT4 translocation to the islet and liver cell membrane are increased to regulate peripheral islet resistance.
9.Summary of best evidence of respiratory muscle training in patients with mechanical ventilation after withdrawal
Jianing YIN ; Xiaomin GUAN ; Dengshuai JIA ; Ling XU ; Lan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2024;59(1):33-41
Objective The best evidence of respiratory muscle training for patients with mechanical ventilation in ICU after machine withdrawal was extracted and summarized to provide evidence-based evidence for respiratory muscle training for patients with mechanical ventilation after machine withdrawal.Methods We searched relevant guideline networks and association websites,as well as PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,CINAHL,CNKI,VIP,Wanfang and other databases to collect relevant guidelines,clinical decisions,evidence summaries,expert consensuses,systematic reviews and randomized controlled studies,and the search time limit is from the establishment of the databases to July 30,2023.There were 2 researchers who independently evaluated the literature quality and extracted data.Results A total of 13 articles were included,including 2 guidelines,2 clinical decisions,5 systematic reviews and 4 expert consensuses.There were 24 pieces of evidence being summarized in 7 categories,including training team,training evaluation,training methods,training frequency,training safety,training effect evaluation and health education.Conclusion This study summarizes the best evidence for respiratory muscle training in patients with mechanical ventilation after withdrawal,which can provide references for medical staffs to conduct respiratory muscle training for patients after withdrawal.It is recommended that medical staff should consider the clinical situation when applying the evidence,and selectively apply the best evidence.
10.Therapeutic Effect of Gandou Decoction on Wilson's Disease with Dampness Heat Accumulation Accompanied by Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Lei XU ; Xiaomin LI ; Hui WANG ; Enzhao ZHANG ; Siyu CHEN ; Hui HAN ; Hong ZHU ; Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):126-133
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of Gandou decoction in treating Wilson's disease (WD) with dampness heat accumulation accompanied by rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD). MethodFrom April 2019 to August 2023,62 patients with dampness heat accumulation type WD accompanied by RBD who met the inclusion criteria were selected from the Department of Encephalopathy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. They were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group with 31 cases each using a computer distributor. The control group received routine copper removal treatment,while the observation group received additional treatment with Gandou decoction on the basis of the control group. Eight days was one course of treatment,totaling three courses. The scores of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes,RBD screening questionnaire (RBDSQ) scores,RBD questionnaire-Hong Kong (RBDQ-HK) scores,polysomnography (PSG) parameters,24-hour urine copper (24 h U-Cu) levels,and non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCC) levels between the two groups before and after treatment were compared,and adverse reactions were observed. ResultSixty trial cases were ultimately completed,with 30 cases in each group. Before treatment,there was no statistically significant difference in various indicators between the two groups, and thus they were comparable. Compared with those before treatment,the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores,RBDSQ scores and RBDQ-HK scores of the two groups were significantly reduced,the 24 h U-Cu levels were significantly increased,and the NCC levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed better improvement in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, RBDSQ scores, RBDQ-HK scores, and NCC levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with those before treatment,the total sleep time (TST),sleep efficiency (SE),sleep/REM latency,the proportion of N1/N2/REM stages,arousal index (ARI),and proportion of phasic electromyographic activity (P-EMG-A) were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment,the observation group showed more significant improvements in the proportion of TST,SE,REM stages,ARI,and P-EMG-A proportion (P<0.05). ConclusionGandou decoction can not only improve the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome of WD patients with dampness heat accumulation accompanied by RBD but also alleviate their RBD symptoms.


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