1.Screening of Antidepressant Active Components from Curcumae Rhizoma and Its Mechanism in Regulating Nrf2/GPX4/GSH Pathway
Yonggui SONG ; Delin DUAN ; Meixizi LAI ; Yali LIU ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Ming YANG ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):211-221
ObjectiveTo screen and evaluate the antidepressant compounds of Curcumae Rhizoma, and explore its mechanism of regulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/glutathione(GSH) peroxidase 4(GPX4)/GSH pathway from an antioxidant perspective. MethodsThe antioxidant activities in vitro of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, including curcumol, curgerenone, curdione, curzerene, curcumenol, curcumenone, dehydrocurdione, isocurcumenol, furanodienone, furanodiene and zederone, were detected using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt(ABTS) radical scavenging assays. The depression in Drosophila melanogaster was induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS), and W1118 wild-type male D. melanogaster were randomly divided into blank group, model group, curcumol group, curgerenone group, curdione group, curzerene group, curcumenol group,curcumenone group, dehydrocurdione group, isocurcumenol group, furanodienone group, furanodiene group, zederone group and fluoxetine group(10 μmol·L-1). The treatment groups received a dose of 0.1 g·L-1 of 11 characteristic components from Curcumae Rhizoma, while the blank and model groups were administered equivalent volumes of solvent. The sucrose preference test, climbing test and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the behavioral indicators of depression in D. melanogaster. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) was used to detect the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and dopamine(DA) in the brain of D. melanogaster, and the entropy weight method was used to comprehensively evaluate neurobehavioral and neurotransmitter indicators, resulting in the identification of the antidepressant active components of Curcumae Rhizoma. In addition, a mouse depression model was established by CUMS, and C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low and high dose groups of curzerene(0.5, 1 mg·kg-1), and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1) to confirm the antidepressant effect of the optimal active ingredient by behavioral analysis. Flow cytometry was used to detect the content of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in the hippocampus of mice from each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of adenosine triphosphate(ATP), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT) and GSH. Transmission electron microscope(TEM) was used to observe the effect of curzerene on the ultrastructure of mitochondria in hippocampal tissue. Western blot was performed to determine the level of Nrf2 protein, and Nrf2 inhibitor(ML385) was used to verify the relationship between the antidepressant effect of curzerene and regulation of Nrf2. Real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to detect the effect of curzerene on the mRNA expression level of GPX. ResultsIn vitro antioxidant experiments showed that curzerene and curgerenone exhibited the most significant ability to scavenge free radicals, and comprehensive evaluation results of entropy weight method indicated that curzerene stood out as the most promising active component. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a significant decrease in sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.01), and the ROS content in hippocampus significantly elevated(P<0.01), while the ATP content significantly reduced(P<0.01). In the hippocampal neurons of the model group, mitochondrial cristae were disordered, with vacuolation of the inner membrane and severe damage. Nrf2 protein expression level in the model group was significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GSH contents were also significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the gene expression levels of GPX1, GPX4 and GPX7 were significantly decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose group of curzerene showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference coefficient and the number of times entering the open field center(P<0.05), as well as a significant decrease in immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension tests(P<0.05, P<0.01). The ROS content in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly reduced(P<0.01), while the ATP content was significantly increased(P<0.05). The neuronal mitochondrial damage in the hippocampus of the high-dose group of curzerene was alleviated, and the expression level of Nrf2 protein was significantly increased(P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 reversed the improvement of curzerene on depressive behaviors in CUMS mice. The GSH content in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.01), while there were no significant differences in SOD and CAT contents. The expression level of GPX4 gene in the hippocampal neurons of the high-dose group of curzerene was significantly increased(P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in other GPX genes. ConclusionCurzerene is the best component with antidepressant activity in Curcumae Rhizoma. It may improve mitochondrial dysfunction to exert its antidepressant effect by regulating Nrf2 and its downstream GPX4/GSH pathway rather than CAT or SOD pathways.
2.Analysis of xenobiotics in colon and immune tissues of ulcerative colitis mice after administration of Sini San by LC-MS
Yanfang CAO ; Yali WANG ; Anhui WANG ; Yongshun CHEN ; Sihan LI ; Kai FENG ; FENG YANG ; Rui SONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):73-79
Dysregulation of immune response is currently recognized as one of the important pathological factors in ulcerative colitis (UC). Based on the confirmation that the Sini San (SNS) can significantly improve the colon inflammation induced by dextran sulfate sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice, the present work systematically studied the xenobiotics in the colon and mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and thymus of UC mice after administration of SNS by high-performance liquid chromatography-ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-IT-TOF-MS). The results showed that, in addition to the colon, some components and their metabolites in SNS could be distributed in immune tissues, and it was found that the quality of relatively low-abundance and weakly responsive components such as saikosaponin a, paeoniflorin, and glycyrrhizic acid had the characteristics of efficient transmission to the colon and lymphoid organs. These components were very likely to be the source of pharmacodynamic substances of SNS. The findings of this study lay a foundation for the study of the efficacy and molecular mechanism of the components against ulcerative colitis, and also provide a scientific basis for the rational clinical application of SNS, which is expected to promote the secondary development of its preparations.
3.Mechanism of action of energy metabolism in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and related targeted therapies
Tiantian YANG ; Lu HUANG ; Xiao ZHANG ; Yali REN ; Weitian XU ; Song ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(9):1956-1960
Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is an inevitable major complication during surgical procedures such as liver transplantation and partial hepatectomy, and its prevention and treatment are hotspots and difficulties in clinical practice. This article reviews the mechanism of injury caused by energy metabolism disorders during liver ischemia-reperfusion and related treatment strategies and summarizes the current advances in metabolism-related therapies, in order to provide new ideas for further clarifying the onset mechanism of HIRI and exploring effective clinical prevention and treatment strategies for HIRI.
4.Optimal regimen screening of acupuncture and moxibustion for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome.
Yuqiang SONG ; Yuanbo FU ; Sanfeng SUN ; Yali WEN ; Yinxia LIU ; Jie SUN ; Xin DU ; Xueting ZHANG ; Linbo SHEN ; Baijie LI ; Han YU ; Qingdai LI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(2):242-248
OBJECTIVE:
To screen the optimal regimen of acupuncture and moxibustion for obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), so as to provide the evidences for clinical decision-making.
METHODS:
From 7 databases in Chinese and English i.e. the Full-Text Database of China Journal Network (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang), VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), PubMed, Web of Science (WOS) and Cochrane Library, randomized controlled trial (RCT) articals of OSAHS treated with acupuncture and moxibustion were searched. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the modified Jadad scale, the evaluation index was established and the optimal regimen of acupuncture and moxibustion for OSAHS was screened by multi-index decision analysis.
RESULTS:
A total of 10 RCTs were included, and the filiform needling therapy was optimal in treatment of OSAHS. The acupoints included Lianquan (CV23), Danzhong (CV17), Zhongwan (CV12), and bilateral Kongzui (LU6), Pishu (BL20), Fenglong (ST40), Zusanli (ST36), Yinlingquan (SP9) and Zhaohai (KI6). Zusanli (ST36) received the reinforcing method, Pishu (BL20) and Fenglong (ST40) were stimulated with the reducing technique, and the rest acupoints with the uniform reinforcing-reducing. Each acupoint was manually manipulated once every 10 min during the needle retention for 30 min. Acupuncture was delivered once a day, 5 times a week and for consecutive 4 weeks. Among the included literature, the severity of disease was not reported in detail, the filiform needling was the dominant intervention, the local acupoints such as Lianquan (CV23) and Panglianquan (Extra) were mainly selected. The apnea-hypopnea index and the minimum oxygen saturation were taken as the evaluation indexes, and the effect was evaluated in reference to the generally accepted standards. The attention to safety evaluation was insufficient, the report on methodology was not adequate and the quality was low.
CONCLUSION
Filiform needling is the dominant therapy of acupuncture and moxibustion for OSAHS, and the local acupoints are considered specially. But the quality of clinical research should be improved.
Humans
;
Moxibustion
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/therapy*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
5.Cannabinoid receptor 2 inhibition on acantholysis in oral mucosal pemphigus.
Huijuan LIU ; Peng SONG ; Yali HOU ; Xiao HUO ; Lijin MI ; Chunyan LIU
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(6):829-836
OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of cannabinoid receptor (CB) 2 inhibitor on desmoglein 3 (DSG3) expression in HaCaT cells co-cultured with pemphigus serum.
METHODS:
Immunohistochemical staining was used to compare CB expression in pemphigus patients and normal individuals. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the concentration of CB2 in the serum of pemphigus patients and normal individuals. A correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the serum CB2 and DSG of pemphigus patients. The CCK-8 assay was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect of AM630 on HaCaT cells, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was utilized to determine the experimental concentration. Serum from normal individuals (negative control group) and pemphigus patients (pemphigus group) was co-cultured with HaCaT cells at a 1∶1 ratio. HaCaT cells cultured in complete medium were used as the control group. HaCaT cells in the pemphigus group treated with AM630 were employed as the AM630 group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot were conducted to assess the expression levels of CB2, DSG3, and β-catenin. Cell dissociation experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of AM630 on the adhesion of HaCaT cells.
RESULTS:
Immunohistochemistry revealed significant differences in CB2 expression between pemphigus and normal mucosa (P<0.000 1), but no difference was found in CB1 expression. ELISA analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the expression levels of CB2 in the serum between normal individuals and pemphigus patients (P<0.001). The expression of CB2 in the serum of pemphigus patients exhibited a significant positive correlation with that of DSG3 (r=0.831, P=0.003). The CCK-8 assay indicated that the IC50 of AM630 on HaCaT cells was 0.55 μmol/L. Real-time PCR and Western blot showed that the expression levels of CB2 and DSG3 increased in the pemphigus group, while the expression level of β-catenin decreased compared with that in the AM630 groups (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
CB2 is highly expressed in oral mucosal pemphigus. AM630 inhibits overexpression of CB2 and DSG3 and underexpression of β-catenin levels, which can provide new therapeutic targets for pemphigus.
Humans
;
Pemphigus/pathology*
;
Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2/metabolism*
;
Desmoglein 3/metabolism*
;
Acantholysis/metabolism*
;
Mouth Mucosa/pathology*
;
HaCaT Cells
;
Coculture Techniques
;
beta Catenin/metabolism*
6.FGF18 induces differentiation of human gingival fibroblasts into osteoblasts by upregulating BMP2
Yali Hou ; Huijuan Liu ; Hao Zhang ; Jingyuan Sun ; Peng Song ; Yueyao Liu ; Hexiang Li
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(2):279-285
Objective:
To investigate whether fibroblast growth factor 18(FGF18) can induce human gingival fibroblasts(HGFs) isolatedin vitroto differentiate into osteoblast-like cells, and to explore the mechanism of osteogenesis.
Methods :
HGFs were isolated, cultured and identified by tissue block method. The third generation of HGFs were divided into experimental group and control group. FGF18 and L-DMEM was added to the experimental group while L-DMEM was added to the control group.The effects of different concentrations of FGF18(0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 mg/L) on proliferation of HGFs were detected by Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay. Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) and alizarin red staining were used to detect the osteogenesis and mineralization ability of the cells after induction. RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry staining, and Western blot were used to detect the expression of genes and proteins related to osteogenesis and BMP2 in the BMP signaling pathway.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the experimental group could promote the proliferation of HGFs at 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11days(P<0.05),ALP activity and mineral salt deposition increased after induction at 14 and 21 days(P<0.05), and the expressions of ALP, OPN, OCN mRNA and BMP2 mRNA in BMP signaling pathway significantly increased(P<0.01). The expressions of OPN, OCN and BMP2 protein at 21 days were significantly higher than those at 14 days(P<0.01).
Conclusion
FGF18 can promote the proliferation of HGFs, and induce the differentiation of HGFs into functional osteoblasts. The osteogenic mechanism is related to the upregulation of BMP2.
7.Effects of Different Proportions of Astragali Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma on the Extraction Kinetics of Flavonoids
Yu ZHANG ; Manyue ZHANG ; Yun BI ; Yali ZHAO ; Jingmei SONG ; Yuyan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(9):1192-1197
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of different proportion compatibility of Astragali Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma on the extraction kinetics of flavonoids.
METHODS
The content determination method of flavonoids(with rutin as the control substance) was established, and the concentrations of flavonoids in the extracts of Astragali Radix membranicum and Chuanxiong Rhizoma in different proportions(1∶1, 1∶2, 1∶3, 1∶4, 1∶5, 2∶1, 3∶1, 4∶1, 5∶1) were determined dynamically within 2 h, respectively. The extraction kinetics model was established according to Feck's first diffusion law. The extraction rate constant was calculated and the difference of dissolution kinetics was compared.
RESULTS
The compatibility of different proportions of Astragali Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma had significant effects on the extraction rate and concentration of flavonoids. The extraction kinetics models of flavonoids were consistent with the characteristics of the first-order kinetic equation. The extraction rate was the fastest when Astragali Radix ∶ Chuanxiong Rhizoma was 3∶1, the extraction rate was the slowest when Chuanxiong Rhizoma∶ Astragali Radix was 2∶1. The equilibrium concentration of flavonoids was the highest when Chuanxiong Rhizoma∶ Astragali Radix was 3∶1, when the ratio of Astragali Radix∶Chuanxiong Rhizoma was 5∶1, it was the lowest.
CONCLUSION
The compatibility of different proportions of Astragali Radix and Chuanxiong Rhizoma has a significant effect on the extraction rate and concentration of flavonoids.
8.Research on operation risk assessment methodology of hospital orthopedic equipment based on dynamic Bayesian network
Dan LIU ; Xiaofei CAO ; Yuanyuan CHENG ; Xinyan SONG ; Yali LI
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(3):118-122
Objective:To construct a risk identification model based on dynamic Bayesian network(DBN),and to explore its application value in the operation management of orthopedic equipment in hospital.Methods:Risk factors in orthopedic equipment management were identified based on DBN model,and risk evaluation index set was established to provide early warning and prevention for possible risk factors.12 pieces of orthopedic medical equipment in clinical use in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2020 to February 2022 were selected,the traditional orthopedic equipment quality operation management method(referred to as traditional mode)and the DBN-based risk identification mode(referred to as DBN mode)were adopted for equipment management respectively.The equipment operation effects,risk incidence rates and treatment efficiency of the two modes were compared.Results:The start-up operation efficiency and equipment quality qualification rate of the equipment in DBN mode were(93.54±4.05)%and(97.51±6.68)%,respectively,which were higher than those in the traditional mode;the troubleshooting time and the equipment component damage rate were(7.14±1.64)hours and(0.48±0.11)%,respectively,which were lower than those in the traditional mode,the difference was statistically significant(t=8.862,8.228,32.994,73.047,P<0.05).The function failure rate,parts damage rate,unqualified cleaning and disinfection rate and improper management rate of equipment in 479 equipment usage data,897 operations,300 equipment disinfection records and 500 equipment daily inspection records in the DBN mode were 0.21%(1/479),0.33%(3/897),1.33%(4/30)and 2.0%(10/500),respectively,which were lower than those in the traditional mode,the difference was statistically significant(x2=21.527,12.964,3.485,6.914,P<0.05).The effective rate of 500 cases of orthopedic medical equipment treatment of DBN mode was 97.8%(489/500),which was significantly higher than that of traditional mode,the difference was statistically significant(x2=12.617,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of risk identification model based on DBN to the management of orthopedic medical equipment in hospital can strengthen the quality of orthopedic equipment management,improve the efficiency of equipment operation and treatment,and prevent and avoid equipment risks.
9.Emerging mechanisms of ferroptosis and its implications in lung cancer
Qian LI ; Qibin SONG ; Huadong PEI ; Yali CHEN
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(7):818-829
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies and has the highest number of deaths among all cancers. Despite continuous advances in medical strategies, the overall survival of lung cancer patients is still low, probably due to disease progression or drug resistance. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death triggered by the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxides, and its dysregulation is implicated in cancer development. Preclinical evidence has shown that targeting the ferroptosis pathway could be a potential strategy for improving lung cancer treatment outcomes. In this review, we summarize the underlying mechanisms and regulatory networks of ferroptosis in lung cancer and highlight ferroptosis-targeting preclinical attempts to provide new insights for lung cancer treatment.
10.Effect of EPDR1 on hepatocyte lipid deposition
Guifang WANG ; Xuebing CHANG ; Laying HU ; Lu LIU ; Yali HUANG ; Lingyu SONG ; Yuxia ZHOU ; Bing GUO
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(7):1205-1212
AIM:This study aims to examine the ependymin-related protein 1(EPDR1)expression in various tissues from wild-type C57BL/6 mice and type 2 diabetes(db/db)mice.The impact of EPDR1 on lipid accumulation in al-pha mouse liver 12(AML12)hepatocytes was also investigated.METHODS:Western blot was used to detect EPDR1 protein expression in the heart,liver,spleen,lung,kidney,gastrocnemius,brown adipose and brain tissues of C57BL/6 mice.Western blot and immunohistochemical(IHC)staining were also used to compare EPDR1 protein expression in the liver,gastrocnemius muscle,heart and kidney tissues of db/db and C57BL/6 mice.To develop an AML12 cell lipid deposi-tion model,palmitic acid(PA)+oleic acid(OA)was used,and the cells were transfected with adenovirus overexpressing EPDR1 or treated with exogenous recombinant EPDR1 protein(rEPDR1).ELISA was conducted to determine intracellu-lar triglyceride(TG)content,and oil red O staining was employed to assess the effect of EPDR1 on lipid accumulation in AML12 cells.RESULTS:Western blot and IHC staining results revealed that EPDR1 was widely expressed in various tis-sues of wild-type mice,with the liver exhibiting the highest protein expression level.However,EPDR1 expression was down-regulated in the liver,gastrocnemius muscle,heart and kidney tissues in diabetic db/db mice compared with wild-type mice.Oil red O staining revealed that overexpression of EPDR1 in AML12 liver cells or rEPDR1 treatment led to re-duced lipid accumulation.Furthermore,the TG content significantly decreased compared with the model group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:EPDR1 is expressed in various tissues of wild-type mice,but showed diminished expression in the liver tissues of diabetic mice.Nevertheless,enhancing the expression of EPDR1 can aid in reducing lipid accumula-tion in hepatocytes.These findings provide an experimental foundation for further exploration of the role of EPDR1 in the development of fatty liver in diabetic liver tissue.


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