1.Research progress on polydopamine in the treatment of oral diseases
LU Xiangxiang ; JIANG Zhen ; XING Aili ; ZHAO Bin ; SUN Bin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):302-3014
Due to the moist environment in the mouth, there are many challenges that arise, such as difficult biofilm removal, short drug retention time, and low tissue repair efficiency, while treating dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral diseases. As a biomimetic biomaterial, polydopamine (PDA) possesses multifunctional properties, including mussel-inspired adhesion and stimuli-responsive drug release. PDA adhesion properties originate from its surface catechol and amino functional groups, which maintain strong wettability in aqueous environments. With smart responsiveness encompassing photothermal, pH, and enzymatic stimuli, PDA enables controlled drug release under specific conditions. Additionally, PDA exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteoblast-promoting functions, thus demonstrating significant application potential in the treatment of oral diseases. In hard tissue therapies, specifically for dental caries, PDA promotes enamel remineralization by inducing hydroxyapatite crystal growth and enhances dentin collagen mineralization through Ca2+ chelation while inhibiting cariogenic bacteria. In mandibular defect repair, functionalized PDA coatings on bone implants facilitate mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and differentiation, activate osteogenic signaling pathways, and synergistically promote vascularization to improve bone-implant integration. For soft tissue treatments, specifically for periodontitis, PDA alleviates alveolar bone resorption via antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects coupled with osteoclast inhibition. In denture stomatitis management, PDA’s strong wet adhesion prolongs drug retention, while its photothermal effect and reactive oxygen generation provide both broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and wound healing promotion. This review summarizes PDA’s synthesis mechanisms and biological functions, with an emphasis on its therapeutic applications in oral diseases, providing innovative strategies for oral healthcare.
2.Mechanism of Jinyang Dingtong Plaster in Improving Peripheral Pain Sensitization and Synovial Fibrosis in Knee Osteoarthritis by Blocking Ion Channels of TRPs
Jinliang HE ; Lu ZHANG ; Shixin XING ; Xilu REN ; Jingxing JIANG ; Junfeng KANG ; Xuliang HAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):108-116
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the mechanism of Jinyang Dingtong plaster in improving the peripheral pain sensitization and synovial fibrosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by blocking the ion channels of transient receptor potentials (TRPs). MethodsThe active components in the transdermal absorption solution of Jinyang Dingtong plaster were identified by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology. A KOA rat model was established through intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetic acid. The rats were randomly divided into blank control group, KOA group, compound Nanxing Zhitong plaster Group, and Jinyang Dingtong plaster group, with eight rats per group. Among them, the rats in the compound Nanxing Zhitong plaster group and the Jinyang Dingtong plaster group were intervened with external application treatment. After the intervention period, the cold and mechanical stimulus pain thresholds of rats in each group were detected, and the transverse diameter of the knee joint was measured. The levels of inflammatory factors in the serum such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in synovial tissue were detected by Western blot. Histopathological changes in synovial tissue were observed by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining, while the expression of type Ⅰ collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by multiplex immunofluorescence. ResultsA total of 35 active components in the transdermal absorption solution of Jinyang Dingtong plaster were identified by UPLC-MS/MS, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, quinones, alkaloids, terpenes, lignans, and coumarins. Among them, the constituents such as berberine, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid exhibit clear anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-fibrotic pharmacological effects. Compared to the blank control group, rats in the KOA group showed a significant decrease in cold and mechanical stimuli pain thresholds (P<0.01). After 14 and 28 days of Jinyang Dingtong plaster intervention, the pain threshold in this group was significantly increased compared to that in KOA group (P<0.01), showing no significant difference from that in compound Nanxing Analgesic plaster group. Additionally, Jinyang Dingtong plaster reduced the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, NGF, and CGRP in the serum of KOA rats (P<0.01), lowered the expression of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV4, TGF-β, and VEGF proteins in synovial tissue (P<0.01), improved synovial pathological damage in KOA rats, and significantly decreased fluorescence intensity of type Ⅰ collagen and α-SMA (P<0.01). ConclusionJinyang Dingtong plaster can improve the peripheral pain sensitization and synovial fibrosis in KOA rats by downregulating the expression of ion channels of TRPs and related inflammatory and fibrotic factors.
3.Mechanism of Jinyang Dingtong Plaster in Improving Peripheral Pain Sensitization and Synovial Fibrosis in Knee Osteoarthritis by Blocking Ion Channels of TRPs
Jinliang HE ; Lu ZHANG ; Shixin XING ; Xilu REN ; Jingxing JIANG ; Junfeng KANG ; Xuliang HAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):108-116
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the mechanism of Jinyang Dingtong plaster in improving the peripheral pain sensitization and synovial fibrosis in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by blocking the ion channels of transient receptor potentials (TRPs). MethodsThe active components in the transdermal absorption solution of Jinyang Dingtong plaster were identified by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology. A KOA rat model was established through intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetic acid. The rats were randomly divided into blank control group, KOA group, compound Nanxing Zhitong plaster Group, and Jinyang Dingtong plaster group, with eight rats per group. Among them, the rats in the compound Nanxing Zhitong plaster group and the Jinyang Dingtong plaster group were intervened with external application treatment. After the intervention period, the cold and mechanical stimulus pain thresholds of rats in each group were detected, and the transverse diameter of the knee joint was measured. The levels of inflammatory factors in the serum such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nerve growth factor (NGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in synovial tissue were detected by Western blot. Histopathological changes in synovial tissue were observed by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson, and Sirius red staining, while the expression of type Ⅰ collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was detected by multiplex immunofluorescence. ResultsA total of 35 active components in the transdermal absorption solution of Jinyang Dingtong plaster were identified by UPLC-MS/MS, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, quinones, alkaloids, terpenes, lignans, and coumarins. Among them, the constituents such as berberine, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid exhibit clear anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-fibrotic pharmacological effects. Compared to the blank control group, rats in the KOA group showed a significant decrease in cold and mechanical stimuli pain thresholds (P<0.01). After 14 and 28 days of Jinyang Dingtong plaster intervention, the pain threshold in this group was significantly increased compared to that in KOA group (P<0.01), showing no significant difference from that in compound Nanxing Analgesic plaster group. Additionally, Jinyang Dingtong plaster reduced the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, NGF, and CGRP in the serum of KOA rats (P<0.01), lowered the expression of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV4, TGF-β, and VEGF proteins in synovial tissue (P<0.01), improved synovial pathological damage in KOA rats, and significantly decreased fluorescence intensity of type Ⅰ collagen and α-SMA (P<0.01). ConclusionJinyang Dingtong plaster can improve the peripheral pain sensitization and synovial fibrosis in KOA rats by downregulating the expression of ion channels of TRPs and related inflammatory and fibrotic factors.
4.Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Enhancing Neurological Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury via GPX4-ACSL4 Axis
Luchun XU ; Guozheng JIANG ; Yukun MA ; Jiawei SONG ; Yushan GAO ; Guanlong WANG ; Jiaojiao FAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Xing YU ; Xiangsheng TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):20-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, model group, low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (12.5 g·kg-1), high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (25 g·kg-1), and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group (25 g·kg-1 + 5 g·kg-1 RSL3). The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Nissl, and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein (MBP), GPX4, and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores (P<0.01), severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue, and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition, the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells (P<0.01), reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 (P<0.01), lower levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01). Moreover, compared to the sham operation group, the model group had elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01), along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage, reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased neuronal survival, and more intact myelin structures. Additionally, mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01) and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01) and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis, reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress, and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.
5.Two novel rare variants in the PTH gene found in patients with hypoparathyroidism
Yue JIANG ; An SONG ; Jiajia WANG ; Xinqi CHENG ; Jing YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Mei LI ; Weibo XIA ; Xiaoping XING ; Min NIE ; Ou WANG
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2025;11(1):22-28
Objectives:
Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study.
Methods:
Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting.
Results:
Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.
6.Two novel rare variants in the PTH gene found in patients with hypoparathyroidism
Yue JIANG ; An SONG ; Jiajia WANG ; Xinqi CHENG ; Jing YANG ; Yan JIANG ; Mei LI ; Weibo XIA ; Xiaoping XING ; Min NIE ; Ou WANG
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2025;11(1):22-28
Objectives:
Hypoparathyroidism (HP) is a rare endocrine disorder caused by parathyroid hormone (PTH) defi ciency. The PTH is a candidate gene for familial isolated hypoparathyroidism (FIH). This study aimed to investigate the pathogenicity of two novel rare variants (RVs) ofPTH through in vitro functional study.
Methods:
Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify candidate gene mutations. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. Wild-type (WT) PTH was used as a template for site-directed mutagenesis to create mutant eukaryotic expression plasmids, which were transfected into cells. Treated with or without 4-phenylbu tyric acid (4-PBA), the levels of intact PTH (iPTH) and PTH (1-84) were measured by chemiluminescence, and protein expression was assessed using Western blotting.
Results:
Two patients carrying PTH mutations (c.154G > A: p.Val52Ile, c.270G > T: p.Leu90Phe) were identified.Patient 1, a 45-year-old male, presented with carpal and pedal numbness, muscle cramps, and low serum calcium (1.29 mmol/L). Patient 2, a 12-year-old female, had muscle twitches, convulsions, low calcium (1.50 mmol/L), and iPTH of 4 pg/mL. The iPTH or PTH (1-84) levels in the medium transfected with mutant Val52Ile and Leu90Phe PTH decreased by 31%–38%, and 51%–96% compared to WT (allP < 0.05), which were not rescued by 4-PBA. No significant changes in intracellular PTH expression were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, two novel RVs of PTH(Val52Ile and Leu90Phe) were identified that may impair hormone synthesis and secretion. Our study has broadened the mutation spectrum of the PTH and shed light on potential mechanisms underlying FIH.
7.Application of Tianxiong Granules in treating hypertension from both heart and brain based on "heart-brain" axis.
Xing MENG ; Peng-Qian WANG ; Xing-Jiang XIONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1412-1418
Hypertension, a common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has aroused global concern. As breakthroughs have been achieved in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and western medicine theories related to the heart and brain, top international journals such as Science pay increasing attention to the functional interaction between the heart and brain in modern medicine, known as the "heart-brain" axis, also referred to as the "cardiovascular-brain" circuit. The heart and brain interact and influence each other through the "heart-brain" axis. Increasing evidence suggests that the inflammation-regulated "heart-brain" axis plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of hypertension, offering new insights for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In TCM, there is a connection between the heart and brain by the sharing of blood essence, interconnected blood vessels, and shared governance over the mind. Diseases of the heart and brain share common pathological and physiological foundations, similar risk factors, and TCM pathogeneses, which form the basis for simultaneous treatment of heart and brain diseases in TCM. The principle of simultaneous treatment of the heart and brain diseases aligns with the theory of "heart-brain" axis. Modern research has found that the heart and brain are the main target organs of hypertension. Long-term high blood pressure can easily cause structural changes, mainly characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and dilation, leading to hypertensive heart disease. Hypertension can change the structure, blood supply, and function of the brain, being closely related to cerebral atherosclerosis, cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, cognitive dysfunction, dementia and other brain diseases. TCM treatment of hypertension has a long history. According to the pathogenesis(Yang hyperactivity and blood stasis) of hypertension, the team has developed the core treatment principle of subduing Yang and activating blood. Through extensive clinical exploration and experimental research, the team has developed an effective prescription called Tianxiong Granules. This prescription has shown definite efficacy in stabilizing blood pressure, ameliorating clinical symptoms, and reducing target organ damage. The protective effects of Tianxiong Granules on the heart and brain are reflected in aspects such as symptoms related to the heart and brain, pharmacological effects on ventricular hypertrophy, and brain protection. The preliminary research by the team found that Tianxiong Granules might treat hypertension by inhibiting sympathetic nerve excitation and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS) and targeting mitochondrial autophagy to regulate the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) inflammasome. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome mediates pyroptosis, which is a key mechanism of hypertension. Next, the team will construct the adeno-associated viruses with downregulated NLRP3 expression via adenoviral vectors and use viral tracing technology, left stellate ganglionectomy, and a cardiac denervation model to reveal the mechanism of Tianxiong Granules in regulating the heart-brain interaction in hypertensive rats, from both in vivo and in vitro perspectives. In summary, exploring clinical treatment strategies for hypertension from both heart and brain based on the "heart-brain" axis is likely to be a new direction for the development of drugs for hypertension and offers a new target and basis for intervention in hypertension.
Humans
;
Hypertension/physiopathology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Brain/physiopathology*
;
Animals
;
Heart/physiopathology*
8.Connotation of deficiency-induced chest impediment and Renshen Decoction based on severe cases and modern pathophysiological mechanisms and its application in treatment of coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, heart failure, hypotension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and other critical illnesses.
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1706-1714
Renshen Decoction is derived from the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber and is also known as Lizhong Pills or Lizhong Decoction, with the effects of warming the middle, dispelling cold, tonifying Qi, and strengthening the spleen, primarily treating spleen-stomach deficiency-cold syndrome. In modern clinical practice, Lizhong Pills and Lizhong Decoction are more frequently used, while Renshen Decoction is less common. Currently, this decoction is often applied in the treatment of gastric ulcers, infantile rotavirus diarrhea, chronic nephritis, autoimmune diabetes, allergic rhinitis, and other conditions, but reports on its use for coronary heart disease and angina pectoris are limited. Research has shown that in the original text, chest impediment(chest pain and stuffiness) includes not only coronary heart disease but also conditions such as coronary microcirculation disorders, X syndrome, coronary artery bridge, cardiomyopathy, heart valve disease, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary heart disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmia, and other diseases characterized by chest tightness. The name Renshen Decoction focuses on Panax ginseng without mentioning "Lizhong", indicating that its primary target is not the middle energizer but rather the deficiency of vital Qi and the collapse of the heart vessel. "Qi counterflow from the hypochondrium and rushing up to chest" encompasses acute inferior myocardial infarction combined with gastrointestinal irritation, and diseases with chest tightness as the main clinical manifestation combined with slow arrhythmias associated with vagus nerve excitement, nausea, and vomiting. Renshen Decoction is formulated for the deficiency-induced chest impediment, corresponding to the complication stage of coronary heart disease in modern clinical practice, which includes acute myocardial infarction with hypotension, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, and bradyarrhythmia. This differs from the excess-induced chest impediment addressed by Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction in the same article. The chest impediment treated by Renshen Decoction includes both the acute critical stage of cardiovascular diseases and the recovery phase of major illnesses. Pathophysiologically, the syndrome associated with Renshen Decoction may be closely related to ischemia, heart failure, hypotension, shock, and bradycardia. In terms of formula differentiation, Renshen Decoction must be distinguished from Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction and Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction. Renshen Decoction represents the ancient "Cardiac Triple Therapy".
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Coronary Disease/physiopathology*
;
Heart Failure/physiopathology*
;
Hypertension, Pulmonary/physiopathology*
;
Hypotension/physiopathology*
9.Effect of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction on apoptosis in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction through IκBα/NF-κB pathway.
Miao-Yu SONG ; Cui-Ling ZHU ; Yi-Zhuo LI ; Xing-Yuan LI ; Gang LIU ; Xiao-Hui LI ; Yan-Qin SUN ; Ming-Yuan DU ; Lei JIANG ; Chao-Chong YUE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2184-2192
This study aims to explore the protective effect of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction on rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, and to clarify its possible mechanisms, providing a new basis for basic research on the mechanism of classic Chinese medicinal formula-mediated inflammatory response in preventing and treating heart failure induced by apoptosis after myocardial infarction. A heart failure model after myocardial infarction was established in rats by coronary artery ligation. The rats were divided into sham group, model group, and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction, with 10 rats in each group. The low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction were given 6.3, 12.6, and 25.2 g·kg~(-1) doses by gavage, respectively. The sham group and model group were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage once daily for four consecutive weeks. Cardiac function was assessed using color Doppler echocardiography. Myocardial pathology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay, and mitophagy was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of apoptosis-related proteins B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. Additionally, the expression of phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) p65(p-NF-κB p65)(upstream) and nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha(IκBα)(downstream) in the NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed by Western blot. The results showed that compared with the sham group, left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular short axis shortening(LVFS) in the model group were significantly reduced, while left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD) and left ventricular end systolic diameter(LVESD) increased significantly. Myocardial tissue damage was severe, with widened intercellular spaces and disorganized cell arrangement. The apoptosis rate was increased, and mitochondria were enlarged with increased vacuoles. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were elevated, indicating an obvious inflammatory response. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 increased, while the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 decreased. The expression of p-NF-κB p65 was upregulated, and the expression of IκBα was downregulated. In contrast, the Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction groups showed significantly improved of LVEF, LVFS and decreased LVEDD, LVESD compared to the model group. Myocardial tissue damage was alleviated, and intercellular spaces were reduced. The apoptosis rate decreased, mitochondrial volume decreased, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NT-proBNP were lower. The expression of pro-apoptotic factors Bax and cleaved caspase-3 decreased, while the expression of the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 increased. Additionally, the expression of p-NF-κB p65 decreased, while IκBα expression increased. In summary, this experimental study shows that Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction can reduce the inflammatory response and apoptosis rate in rats with heart failure after myocardial infarction, which may be related to the regulation of the IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats
;
Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
NF-kappa B/genetics*
;
Heart Failure/etiology*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha/genetics*
;
Humans
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
10.Retrospective study on intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in osteoporosis and related pain diseases.
Yi-Run LI ; Li LI ; Yin-Qiu GAO ; Cui-Ling DONG ; Xing-Jiang XIONG ; Xiao-Chen YANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3180-3188
Osteoporosis(OP) is a metabolic bone disorder characterized by reduced bone mass and degenerative bone tissue. Osteoporotic pain(OPP) is its most common clinical symptom, significantly affecting the quality of life of patients. With the limitations of modern medical treatments and the intensification of aging, it is imperative to explore more cost-effective interventions for OPP. This paper, based on databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, BioMed, and Web of Science, uncovered the connection between the pathogenesis of OPP in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and modern medical mechanisms and retrospectively summarized the basic and clinical research methods and evidence of TCM prescriptions in the treatment of OP and related pain diseases. Studies have shown that TCM prescriptions, focusing on treatments such as nourishing the kidney, strengthening the spleen, and activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, can significantly improve pain symptoms, increase bone mineral density(BMD), and adjust bone metabolic indicators such as C-terminal telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen(CTX), serum bone Gla-protein(S-BGP), and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). The mechanisms of action of TCM prescriptions in treating OP and improving OPP symptoms were related to signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), and the osteoprotegerin(OPG)/receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL) axis. Further strengthening the accumulation and analysis of clinical data, rigorously designing and conducting randomized controlled trials of TCM treatments for OPP with large sample sizes, standardizing outcome measures in basic and clinical research by using methods such as the core outcome set(COS), and incorporating mass spectrometry and omics approaches to uncover more potential active components and mechanisms may contribute to a deeper exploration of the advantages and essence of TCM prescriptions in the treatment of OPP.
Humans
;
Osteoporosis/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Bone Density/drug effects*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Pain/metabolism*
;
Animals


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail