1.Spinal cord stimulation for spinal cord injury from 1999 to 2025: a bibliometric analysis
Yuanyuan QI ; Haifeng GAO ; Lina LIU ; Yujie XIE ; Jing XU ; Feng GAO ; Liang CHEN ; Degang YANG ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(4):373-386
ObjectiveTo analyze the research hotspots and development trends in the field of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsLiterature about SCS for SCI was retrieve from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database, with a time range from January, 1999 to July, 2025. VOSviewer 1.6.20 and CiteSpace 6.4.R2 were used to analyze the annual publication volume, countries, authors, institutions, journals and keywords. ResultsA total of 636 literatures were included. From 1999 to 2025, the overall publication trend in this field showed an upward trajectory, with recent years fluctuating but tending to stabilize. The country with the most publications was the United States (429 papers), followed by Russia (98 papers) and China (70 papers). The institution with the highest number of publications was the University of California, Los Angeles (76 papers), the author with the most publications was V. Reggie Edgerton (70 papers), and the journal with the most publications was Journal of Clinical Medicine (31 papers). The most frequently cited study focused on exploring the combination of epidural spinal cord stimulation with task-specific training to restore motor function in patients with complete SCI. Keyword analysis showed that the research hotspots in this field were mainly focused on neuroregulation mechanisms, recovery of motor and autonomic nervous dysfunction, artificial intelligence, closed-loop stimulation and brain-computer interface technology innovations. In recent years, the research focus gradually shifted from basic mechanisms to personalized and precise multifunctional rehabilitation strategies. ConclusionThe field of SCS for SCI has undergone phases of basic mechanism exploration and clinical application expansion. Current research hotspots and future trends focus primarily on the development of new stimulation paradigms and combined innovative technologies.
2.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
3.The Role and Molecular Mechanism of N⁶-methyladenosine Modification in Spermatogenesis
Shi-Qi MENG ; Wen-Ting LU ; Xu CHENG ; Fan YANG ; Chang-Min NIU ; Ying ZHEGN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1297-1312
Spermatogenesis is a highly ordered and spatiotemporally regulated developmental process in the male reproductive system, during which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), supported by the seminiferous tubule microenvironment, sequentially undergo mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis to ultimately generate structurally intact spermatozoa. This complex process is accompanied by extensive transcriptional reprogramming, chromatin remodeling, and finely tuned post-transcriptional regulation. Precise control of RNA fate is therefore essential for maintaining the continuity and fidelity of spermatogenesis, and its disruption represents a major molecular basis of male infertility. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most abundant internal RNA modification in eukaryotes, has emerged as a critical regulator of post-transcriptional gene expression. m6A methyltransferases (“writers”) catalyze the addition of a methyl group to the N6 position of adenosine, m6A demethylases (“erasers”) remove the modification, and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”) recognize m6A-modified transcripts. Through the coordinated actions of these factors, m6A regulates transcript fate at multiple levels, including RNA splicing, nuclear export, stability, translation, and decay. Emerging evidence indicates that m6A-mediated regulation is essential across multiple stages of spermatogenesis, including SSC self-renewal and differentiation, meiotic progression, maintenance of chromosomal stability, and sperm morphogenesis. Beyond its intrinsic functions in germ cells, m6A also contributes to the regulation of the testicular microenvironment. In sertoli cells, m6A is involved in maintaining blood-testis barrier integrity, RNA processing, and paracrine signaling, thereby providing structural and metabolic support for germ cell development. In Leydig cells, m6A regulates steroidogenesis, particularly testosterone synthesis, and participates in cellular stress responses and metabolic homeostasis. Through these mechanisms, m6A indirectly influences spermatogenesis by modulating the functional state of testicular somatic cells, highlighting an integrated regulatory mode that combines cell-intrinsic and microenvironment-mediated effects. Notably, distinct classes of m6A regulators exhibit pronounced stage-specific functions and coordinated division of labor, collectively forming a multilayered and dynamic regulatory network. Writers often display dosage- and temporal window-dependent effects; erasers contribute to stage-specific demethylation and functional compensation; while readers function through a “switch-buffer” dual-layer architecture, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) participate in substrate selection and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, emerging evidence suggests that some m6A-related proteins can function through noncanonical mechanisms independent of m6A recognition, such as intrinsic RNA-binding activity, helicase function, or ribonucleoprotein complex assembly, thereby expanding the functional landscape of the m6A regulatory system. Dysregulation of m6A machinery can lead to multiple spermatogenic defects, including impaired SSC self-renewal, meiotic arrest, abnormal chromatin remodeling, and defective sperm formation, ultimately resulting in male infertility. Despite substantial advances, several critical questions remain unresolved, including the distinction between m6A-dependent and -independent mechanisms, the spatiotemporal dynamics of m6A modifications at single-cell resolution, and the coordination and antagonism among different regulatory factors. In this review, we systematically summarize the dual regulation of spermatogenesis by germ cell-intrinsic mechanisms and the testicular microenvironment, and delineate the molecular mechanisms and stage-specific functions of the dynamic m6A regulatory network. We further discuss the current limitations in the field and propose feasible experimental strategies for future investigation. Collectively, this work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the epitranscriptomic regulation of spermatogenesis and to offer theoretical insights into the pathogenesis and clinical management of male infertility.
4.Study on the capture of Helicobacter pylori released from Candida using immunomagnetic bead
Tingting LUO ; Jianchao SUN ; Tingxiu YANG ; Xiaoli XU ; Guzhen CUI ; Qing LUO ; Shuwei ZHUO ; Qi LIU ; Zhenghong CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):402-408
ObjectiveTo investigate the ability of clinically isolated, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-specific gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive gastric, vaginal, and fecal Candida to release H. pylori. MethodsResuscitate 4 strains of H. pylori -specific 16S rDNA and ureA gene PCR-positive Candida strains isolated in laboratory from clinical sources, including 1 strain of gastric Candida, 1 strain of fecal Candida, 2 strains of vaginal Candida and the standard Candida albicans strain ATCC10231 (Ca10231). The presence of H. pylori-specific ureA in the 5 strains of Candida isolates was confirmed by PCR. The aforementioned strains of Candida and H.pylori were inoculated into urea medium and cultured in a constant temperature incubator at 37 ℃. The color change of the medium was observed daily. A change in the medium's color from yellow to red indicated the presence of urease activity. Then, the five strains of Candida and H. pylori were co-incubated with the magnetic beads coated with H. pylori antibodies respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the presence of bacilli adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic beads. PCR was used to detect the presence of H.pylori-specific 16S rDNA and ureA genes on magnetic beads. ResultsThe PCR analysis of the ureA gene in the four Candida isolates was positive, whereas the Ca10231 strain tested negative. Upon culturing the four Candida isolates on urea medium, the medium color changed from yellow to red which was determined to be urease positive, while the medium containing Ca10231 remained unchanged, which was urease negative. SEM revealed that bacilli could be observed on the surface of magnetic beads co-incubated with the 4 strains of Candida of clinical origin and H.pylori isolate. Specifically, PCR testing of the magnetic beads co-incubated with one vaginal Candida, one gastric Candida and H.pylori isolate showed positive results for the 16S rDNA and ureA genes of H. pylori; however, the PCR tests for the two genes were negative for the magnetic beads co-incubated with the other two Candida isolate. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that H. pylori-specific genes Candida can release H. pylori.
5.Progress and prospect of modern research methods for safety analysis of animal traditional Chinese medicine
YANG Yichun ; ZHU Zeren ; HAN Xu ; ZHANG Yu ; SU Qi
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0021-0027
Exogenous harmful residues and endogenous toxic components are the main contents of safety analysis for animal traditional Chinese medicine. This review summarizes the inspection methods for exogenous harmful residues, as well as the research methods for the toxic effects and mechanisms of endogenous toxic components. The strategies for enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity of toxic animal drugs and quality control, and prospects the development trend of safety analysis for animal drugs were also discussed. In the detection of exogenous harmful residues in animal drugs, traditional methods such as atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are widely used, and new methods such as high-resolution mass spectrometry and biochemical analysis are continuously developing. In the study of endogenous toxic components, the toxic components and mechanisms of some animal drugs including cantharidin and toad venom have been revealed through chemical composition analysis, toxicity tests and multiomics technologies, and some strategies for enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity have been proposed based on this. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen multidisciplinary integration to innovate detection technologies, clarify toxic mechanisms to achieve efficacy enhancement and toxicity reduction, and improve the biosafety research system, so as to enhance the quality and safety of traditional Chinese medicine animal drugs and promote the internationalization process of traditional Chinese medicine.
6.The magnetic compression technique in the treatment of severe mid-ureteral stricture
Fanchao WEI ; Zhaoxiang WANG ; Shichao HAN ; Zhiwen DONG ; Yuxin FU ; Ruochen QI ; Guohui WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Tong XU ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Weijun QIN ; Lijun YANG ; Shuaijun MA
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(2):182-186
Objective To explore the feasibility of magnetic compression technique (MCR) in the treatment of severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. Methods After 10 female New Zealand rabbits were selected, the distal end of the right ureter was ligated with silk thread. Two weeks after the operation, when the right ureter was dilated, the mid-ureter was ligated again with silk thread to create a severe single mid-ureteral stricture animal model. Longitudinal incisions were made at the upper and lower ends of the ligation site, and cylindrical NdFeB magnets with central holes (sub-magnets and main magnets) were placed to anastomose and recanalize the mid-ureteral stricture. The magnets were adjusted to the appropriate position to automatically align and attract each other. The longitudinal incision sites of the ureter were sutured with 6-0 Prolene thread, and the abdominal cavity was closed layer by layer. The operation time was recorded. X-ray films were taken every two days to confirm the position of the magnets and record the time of magnet detachment. Three weeks after the operation, the anastomotic specimens were obtained, and the formation of the anastomosis was evaluated with gross observation and histological staining. Results Two weeks after ligation, all experimental rabbits showed obvious dilation of the right ureter. The mid-ureteral ligation and placement of the male and female magnets were successfully completed in all 10 experimental rabbits, with an operation time of (24.00±5.15)minutes. The male and female magnets attracted each other well. X-ray examination showed that the magnets detached and entered the distal ureter (14.0±1.9) days after magnetic compression. The recanalization of the severe single mid-ureteral stricture was successfully achieved. The gross specimens and histological examination of the anastomosis showed that the anastomosis remained patent and the mucosal healing was good. All experimental rabbits survived well after the operation without serious complications. Conclusion MCT provides a new idea and novel method for the treatment of mid-ureteral stricture. This study confirmed the feasibility of this technique in treating severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. The operation is relatively simple and has potential for clinical application.
7.Report of 4 cases of IgG4-related urinary diseases and literature review
Fanchao WEI ; Zhaoxiang WANG ; Mengwei XU ; Ruochen QI ; Guohui WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Tong XU ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Shuaijun MA ; Weijun QIN ; Lijun YANG ; Shichao HAN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):59-63
[Objective] To explore the clinical features of IgG4-related urinary diseases so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. [Methods] The clinical data of 4 cases of IgG4-related urinary system diseases diagnosed and treated in Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University during Aug.2019 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively collected.Here, we report on the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, analysing their symptoms, serology, imaging and pathology as well as their treatment and outcomes. [Results] The patients included 2 male and 2 female.The lesions were involved with the retroperitoneum and urinary system.Three patients had symptoms of lumbar pain.The imaging manifestations were complex, including retroperitoneal mass involving urinary system organs in 2 cases, tabdense shadow of the right kidney in 1 case, and simple cystic mass of kidney in 1 case.Serum IgG4 value was not detected before surgery.All patients underwent radical surgical treatment.Postoperative pathology showed fibrous tissue hyperplasia with a large number of plasma cells, lymphocytes, a few neutrophil infiltrates, and lymphoid follicles and obliterated vasculitis in some specimens.The number of IgG4+ plasma cells was more than 10 in all tissues under high power microscope.After surgery, 3 patients had symptoms improved, and serum IgG4 value was within the normal range; 1 patient (patem 3) had elevated IgG4 value during follow-up, received subsequent hormone therapy, and the serum IgG 4 level remained stable. [Conclusion] The symptoms of IgG4-related diseases involving the urinary system are non-specific, and the imaging findings are various, easily confused with other diseases.Early detection of serum IgG4 and biopsy pathology can help clinicians make correct diagnosis in the early stage.
8.Compatibility and comfort assessment of school desks and chairs in three cities in China
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):321-324
Objective:
To understand the subjective and objective comfort evaluations of students from different age groups on desks and chairs, so as to provide reference for standardized allocation and use of desks and chairs.
Methods:
From January to April 2024, a total of 2 446 students were selected from 26 schools in 13 districts (counties/cities) in Shanghai, Tianjin, and Wuxi from Jiangsu Province by using cluster random method, including students in kindergartens, primary schools, junior high schools,senior high schools, colleges and universities. Standardized procedures were used to measure the height and weight of participants, and the matching desks and chairs models were selected according to the height. The subjective comfort of students on matching desks and chairs was investigated, and their objective comfort was evaluated by using a self designed questionnaire. The χ 2 test was used to analyze the differences of subjective perception and objective evaluation in comfort between different types of desks and chairs.
Results:
About 84.1% of the students subjectively thought that large desks and small chairs were very comfortable or relatively comfortable, followed by large desks and chairs (75.7%), and the proportion of small desks and chairs was the lowest among the three types (46.2%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ 2=722.46, P <0.01). The reporting rates of primary school, junior high school and senior high school students who subjectively considered large desks and chairs to be very comfortable/relatively comfortable were higher than that of other types of desks and chairs, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ 2=297.49, 252.82, 343.67, P <0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the subjective comfort evaluation of different types of desks and chairs among kindergarten children ( χ 2=3.21, P >0.05), and 66.3% of the students in colleges and universities felt very comfortable/relatively comfortable when they used the matching standard desks and chairs. The objective evaluation results of the comfort for the three types of desks and chairs were consistent with the subjective evaluation, but the proportions of the objective evaluation as very comfortable/relatively comfortable were higher than that of the subjective evaluation ( χ 2=20.76- 813.47, P <0.01).
Conclusions
Large desks and chairs, as well as large desks with small chairs are perceived comfortable, while small desks and chairs are perceived less comfortable. It is recommended to match the large desks and chairs or large desks and small chairs that are suitable for them according to the "standard", to promote physical and mental health of students.
9.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
10.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.


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