1.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
2.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
3.Syndrome-Based Treatment Strategy for Hypertension Using the Method of Raising Yang and Promoting Descent
Xiaotong LYU ; Linping ZHU ; Jingshun YAN ; Zejun DU ; Xueying WU ; Zongpei XU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1345-1349
Guided by the theories of yin-yang and collateral disease, this paper identifies the dysregulation of yang qi ascent and descent as the core pathomechanism of hypertension. Based on clinical experience, a treatment approach centered on the method of raising yang and promoting descent was proposed. Clinically, three major syndrome types were identified. Firstly, deficiency of zong qi (ancestral qi) with blood stasis, obstruction of phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis, and hyperactivity of liver yang. Corresponding empirical formulation, Yizong Huoxue Decoction (益宗活血汤) was applied to tonify zong qi, invigorate blood, and raise yang. Secondly, Lizong Huoxue Decoction (理宗活血汤) was used to resolve phlegm, promote yang qi circulation, and regulate qi and blood. Thirdly, Qinggan Tongluo Decoction (清肝通络饮) was used to clear the liver, dredge collaterals, and subdue hyperactive yang. For special types such as non-dipper hypertension, time-specific syndrome differentiation and treatment can be applied based on a thorough understanding of the underlying pathomechanism, aiming to provide new insights into clinical diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.
4.Influencing factors for the willingness to receive pneumococcal vaccine among middle-aged and elderly population in Zhejiang Province
XU Yanping ; YAN Xiaotong ; YAO Dingming ; XU Yue ; ZHANG Xuehai ; SUN Jie ; XU Jinhang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(9):881-885
Objective:
To investigate the willingness to receive the pneumococcal vaccine and its influencing factors among middle-aged and elderly population in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a basis for increasing the vaccination rate of pueumococcal among middle-aged and elderly population.
Methods:
From March to May 2024, a multi-stage random sampling method was employed to recruit residents aged ≥50 years from 35 counties (cities or districts) in Zhejiang Province. Data on basic information, knowledge of pneumonia, pneumococcal vaccine, and willingness to receive pneumococcal vaccine were collected through questionnaire surveys. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing factors for the willingness to receive pneumococcal vaccine among middle-aged and elderly population.
Results:
A total of 10 500 middle-aged and elderly population were surveyed. Among them, there were 5 202 males, accounting for 49.54%, and 5 298 females, accounting for 50.46%. The mean age was (65.11±9.05) years. Of the participants, 7 732 individuals were aware of pneumonia, accounting for 73.64%. A total of 1 724 individuals had received pneumococcal vaccine, corresponding to a vaccination rate of 16.42%. Furthermore, 5 138 participants expressed willingness to receive pneumococcal vaccine, with a willingness rate of 48.93%. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that middle-aged and elderly population aged ≥60 years (60-<70 years, OR=1.577, 95%CI: 1.433-1.736; ≥70 years, OR=2.110, 95%CI: 1.918-2.321), those with a history of chronic diseases (OR=1.250, 95%CI: 1.154-1.353), those who were recommended to receive the pneumonia vaccine by doctors (OR=4.896, 95%CI: 4.507-5.318), those who were aware of pneumonia (OR=1.460, 95%CI: 1.338-1.594), those who were aware that the elderly are prone to pneumonia (OR=1.490, 95%CI: 1.375-1.614), those who were aware of the causes of pneumonia (OR=1.559, 95%CI: 1.434-1.694), those who were aware that vaccination can prevent pneumonia (OR=2.196, 95%CI: 2.031-2.375), and those who were aware of the immunization schedule for pneumonia vaccine (OR=1.897, 95%CI: 1.683-2.124) had a higher willingness to receive pneumonia vaccine.
Conclusions
The willingness of middle-aged and elderly population in Zhejiang Province to receive pneumonia vaccine is related to age, history of chronic diseases, awareness of pneumonia, and awareness of pneumonia vaccine. It is recommended to strengthen health education on pneumonia and pneumonia vaccine for middle-aged and elderly population, in order to increase the willingness to receive the vaccine and vaccination rate.
5.Unlocking the role of wound microbiome in diabetic, burn, and germ-free wound repair treated by natural and synthetic scaffolds.
Zeyu XU ; Lixiang ZHANG ; Qinghan TANG ; Chenxi YANG ; Xiaotong DING ; Ziyu WANG ; Rizhong HUANG ; Ruihan JIANG ; Joannake MAITZ ; Huaikai SHI ; Xin YAN ; Mei DONG ; Jun CHEN ; Yiwei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):611-626
In current clinical practice, various dermal templates and skin substitutes are used to enhance wound healing. However, the role of wound commensal microbiome in regulating scaffold performance and the healing process remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of both natural and synthetic scaffolds on the wound commensal microbiome and wound repair in three distinct models including diabetic wounds, burn injuries, and germ-free (GF) wounds. Remarkably, synthetic electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were observed to positively promote microbiome diversity, leading to enhanced diabetic wound healing compared to the natural scaffolds Integra® (INT) and MatriDerm® (MAD). In contrast, both natural and synthetic scaffolds exhibited comparable effects on the diversity of the microbiome and the healing of burn injuries. In GF wounds with no detectable microorganisms, a reversed healing rate was noted showing natural scaffold (MAD) accelerated wound repair compared to the open or the synthetic scaffold (PCL) treatment. Furthermore, the response of the wound commensal microbiome to PCL scaffolds appears pivotal in promoting anti-inflammatory factors during diabetic wound healing. Our results emphasize that the wound commensal microbiome, mediated by different scaffolds plays an important role in the wound healing process.
6.HDAC1 overexpression inhibits steroid-induced apoptosis of mouse osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells by inducing SP1 deacetylation.
Shenyao ZHANG ; Min LU ; Gaoyan KUANG ; Xiaotong XU ; Jun FU ; Churan ZENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(1):10-17
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the mechanism by which histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) regulates steroid-induced apoptosis of mouse osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells.
METHODS:
MLY-O4 cells were treated with 400 nmol/L trichostatin A (TSA) or 1 mmol/L dexamethasone for 24 h or transfected with a HDAC1-overexpressing vector prior to TSA or dexamethasone treatment. The changes in the expressions of HDAC1, SP1, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, SP1 acetylation level, cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis were examined. The interaction between HDAC1 and SP1 was determined with immunoprecipitation assay and Western blotting.
RESULTS:
Treatment with dexamethasone significantly increased cell apoptosis, enhanced the expressions of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, reduced HDAC1 expression, and suppressed proliferation of MLO-Y4 cells. Both TSA and dexamethasone obviously increased SP1 acetylation level and the expression of SP1 in MLO-Y4 cells. HDAC1 overexpression in the cells significantly attenuated the effect of TSA and dexamethasone, promoted cell proliferation, lowered the expressions of SP1, cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and inhibited dexamethasone-induced cell apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation assay and Western blotting demonstrated the interaction between HDAC1 and SP1 in the cells.
CONCLUSIONS
HDAC1 inhibits dexamethasone-induced apoptosis and promotes proliferation of cultured mouse osteocytes by suppressing SP1 expression via promoting its deacetylation.
Animals
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Histone Deacetylase 1/genetics*
;
Osteocytes/drug effects*
;
Sp1 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Acetylation
;
Dexamethasone/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Caspase 3/metabolism*
;
Cell Line
;
Hydroxamic Acids/pharmacology*
;
bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism*
7.Deubiquitinase Mysm1 regulates differentiation of neural stem cells into astrocytes by regulating expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein
Zhenhua XU ; Qiaozhen QIN ; Xiaotong LI ; Yue CHEN ; Xiaoxia JIANG ; Donggang XU
Military Medical Sciences 2024;48(1):36-43
Objective To investigate the effect of Mysm1 on the differentiation of neural stem cells(NSCs)into astrocytes and the possible mechanism.Methods NSCs were prepared from E12.5 cortices of wild-type C57BL/6 mice,cultured in vitro and induced to differentiate into astrocytes.Immunofluorescence staining,real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot assay were used to detect the expressions of Mysm1 during the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes in vitro.Lentivirus was used to knock down Mysm1 expressions in NSCs before real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot assay were used to detect the knockdown efficiency.Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot assay were used to compare the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes before and after Mysm1 knockdown in vitro.Transcriptomics was adopted to detect the differential gene after knockdown of Mysm1 in NSCs in vitro.Western blot assay was used to verify the changes of proteins associated with the differential gene.Cut-Tag was used to detect the enrichment of Mysm1 in the promoter region of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)genes during the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes in vitro.After overexpression of GFAP following knockdown of Mysm1,immunofluorescence staining and Western blot assay were used to compare the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes before and after overexpression in vitro.Results The expression of Mysm1 was gradually increased when NSCs were induced to differentiate into astrocytes in vitro.Mysm1 knockdown inhibited the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes in vitro.Mysm1 affected the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes by regulating the expression of GFAP.Overexpression of GFAP after Mysm1 knockdown partially rescued the ability of NSCs to differentiate into astrocytes.Conclusion Mysm1 regulates the differentiation of NSCs into astrocytes by epigenetically controlling GFAP transcription.
8.Application of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria in patients with liver cirrhosis
Minjie JIANG ; Juan CHEN ; Muchen WU ; Jing WU ; Xiaotong XU ; Juan LI ; Can LIU ; Yaping ZHAO ; Xin HUA ; Qinghua MENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(1):97-104
Background::The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were published to build a global consensus on nutritional diagnosis. Reduced muscle mass is a phenotypic criterion with strong evidence to support its inclusion in the GLIM consensus criteria. However, there is no consensus regarding how to accurately measure and define reduced muscle mass in clinical settings. This study aimed to investigate the optimal reference values of skeletal muscle mass index for diagnosing sarcopenia and GLIM-defined malnutrition, as well as the prevalence of GLIM-defined malnutrition in hospitalized cirrhotic patients.Methods::This retrospective study was conducted on 1002 adult patients with liver cirrhosis between January 1, 2018, and February 28, 2022, at Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University. Adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of liver cirrhosis and who underwent an abdominal computed tomography (CT) examination during hospitalization were included in the study. These patients were randomly divided into a modeling group (cohort 1, 667 patients) and a validation group (cohort 2, 335 patients). In cohort 1, optimal cut-off values of skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar skeletal muscle index (L3-SMI) were determined using receiver operating characteristic analyses against in-hospital mortality in different gender groups. Next, patients in cohort 2 were screened for nutritional risk using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), and malnutrition was diagnosed by GLIM criteria. Additionally, the reference values of reduced muscle mass in GLIM criteria were derived from the L3-SMI values from cohort 1. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between GLIM-defined malnutrition and clinical outcomes.Results::The optimal cut-off values of L3-SMI were 39.50 cm 2/m 2 for male patients and 33.06 cm 2/m 2 for female patients. Based on the cut-off values, 31.63% (68/215) of the male patients and 23.3% (28/120) of the female patients had CT-determined sarcopenia in cohort 2. The prevalence of GLIM-defined malnutrition in cirrhotic patients was 34.3% (115/335) and GLIM-defined malnutrition was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis ( Wald = 6.347, P = 0.012). Conclusions::This study provided reference values for skeletal muscle mass index and the prevalence of GLIM-defined malnutrition in hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis. These reference values will contribute to applying the GLIM criteria in cirrhotic patients.
9.Research progress on risk prediction of cardiac arrest
Zhenyuan LI ; Maiying FAN ; Xiquan YAN ; Jieying LUO ; Yixiao XU ; Junwen SU ; Xiaotong HAN
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2024;36(3):320-325
Cardiac arrest (CA) is a serious cardiac event, which has a high incidence and low survival rate at home and abroad. In order to predict the risk of CA in advance, a large number of studies have been conducted by relevant researchers. This paper mainly summarizes the characteristics and research status of the existing analysis and prediction of CA from three aspects: the risk prediction factors of CA, the evaluation index of risk prediction of CA and the early warning scoring system of CA. We hope it can help medical staff to understand the current progress in this field, and provide new ways and methods for predicting the risk of CA.
10.A 5-year follow-up study of effects of combined electroconvulsive therapy on relapse and cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder
Jiao YAO ; Kangjian XU ; Yue GAO ; Yang DU ; Xiaotong XU ; Yueqin HUANG ; Yifu JI
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(8):641-647
Objective:To investigate the effects of modified electroconvulsive therapy(MECT)in combina-tion with medication and medication alone on relapse and cognitive functioning in patients with major depressive disorder(MDD).Methods:Totally 324 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria ofthe DSM-5 for MDD were select-ed and divided into combined MECT group(n=117)and non-combined MECT group(n=207).At baseline and 5 years of follow-up,both groups completed the General Information Questionnaire,Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA),and Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)to analyze associations between cognitive functioning and mul-tiple variables.Results:At baseline,there were no significant differences between the two groups on general infor-mation,MoCA,and HAMD scores(Ps>0.05).After 5 years of follow-up,the relapse rate was lower in the com-bined MECT group than in the un-combined MECT group[(37.6%vs.72.0%),P<0.001].MECT was a protec-tive factor against recurrence of MDD[RR(95%CI)=0.52(0.40-0.66)],and the MoCA scores were lower in the combined MECT group than in the un-combined MECT group[(20.9±3.5)vs.(23.6±4.2),β=-1.93,P<0.001].Conclusion:Combined MECT is a protective factor against MDD recurrence.Its effects on the cognitive functioning of MDD patients may have long-term effects.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail