1.Effects of wogonin on joint inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway
Yuru WANG ; Siyuan LI ; Ye XU ; Yumeng ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Huiqin HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1026-1035
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease.Many studies have shown that wogonin has a good anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis,but its exact efficacy and specific mechanism of action remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of wogonin ameliorating joint inflammation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats with collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS:(1)At the animal level:Female Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group,arthritis model group and wogonin treatment group.Rat models of arthritis in the latter two groups were established by subcutaneous injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and adjuvant.In the wogonin group,wogonin was given by gavage for 28 consecutive days after modeling.During this period,the rats in each group were weighed,and arthritis score and ankle swelling were measured every 7 days.After the experiment,the pathological changes of the joint were observed,the mRNA and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway GRP78 and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR,western blot,and immunohistochemistry.(2)At the cellular level,cell counting kit-8 was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of wogonin on fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rats with collagen-induced arthritis.The fibroblast-like synoviocytes induced by thapsigargin were treated with different concentrations of wogonin.The levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA,and the intracellular reactive oxygen species in each group were determined by DCFH-DA probe method.The mRNA and protein levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy control group,arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the arthritis model group were increased(P<0.01),synovial hyperplasia,inflammatory cell infiltration,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were observed in pathological sections,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were significantly increased(P<0.01),which were mainly located in synovial tissue and articular surface.Compared with the arthritis model group,the arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the wogonin treatment group were decreased(P<0.05),synovial hyperplasia and the number of inflammatory cells were decreased,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were alleviated,the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were decreased(P<0.05),particularly in synovial tissue and on the articular surface.There was no significant difference in body mass among the three groups(P>0.05).In the cell experiment,200 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the survival rate of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,the levels of interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,content of reactive oxygen species,and mRNA and protein expression of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s,and CHOP in the thapsigargin group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with the thapsigargin group,50 and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant(P<0.05,P<0.01),and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the content of reactive oxygen species(P<0.01)and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP(all P<0.05).These results suggest that wogonin can effectively alleviate joint inflammatory responses in rats with collagen-induced arthritis,and the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway may be the key target of its intervention.
2.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin-1 promote skin wound healing in mice
Taotao HU ; Bing LIU ; Cheng CHEN ; Zongyin YIN ; Daohong KAN ; Jie NI ; Lingxiao YE ; Xiangbing ZHENG ; Min YAN ; Yong ZOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1343-1349
BACKGROUND:Neuregulin 1 has been shown to be characterized in cell proliferation,differentiation,and vascular growth.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells are important seed cells in the field of tissue engineering,and have been shown to be involved in tissue repair and regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To construct human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin 1 and investigate their proliferation and migration abilities,as well as their effects on wound healing. METHODS:(1)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells were in vitro isolated and cultured and identified.(2)A lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin 1 was constructed.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells were divided into empty group,neuregulin 1 group,and control group,and transfected with empty lentivirus and lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin 1,or not transfected,respectively.(3)Edu assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of the cells of each group,and Transwell assay was used to detect the migration ability of the cells.(4)The C57 BL/6 mouse trauma models were constructed and randomly divided into control group,empty group,neuregulin 1 group,with 8 mice in each group.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells transfected with empty lentivirus or lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin-1 were uniformly injected with 1 mL at multiple local wound sites.The control group was injected with an equal amount of saline.(5)The healing of the trauma was observed at 1,7,and 14 days after model establishment.Histological changes of the healing of the trauma were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The expression of CD31 on the trauma was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin-1 were successfully constructed.The mRNA and protein expression of intracellular neuregulin 1 was significantly up-regulated compared with the empty group(P<0.05).(2)The overexpression of neuregulin 1 promoted the migratory ability(P<0.01)and proliferative ability of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells(P<0.05).(3)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin 1 promoted wound healing in mice(P<0.05)and wound angiogenesis(P<0.05).The results showed that overexpression of neuregulin 1 resulted in an increase in the proliferative and migratory capacities of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells,significantly promoting wound healing and angiogenesis.
3.Effect of extracellular vesicles for diagnosis and therapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Yue CAO ; Xinjian YE ; Biyao LI ; Yining ZHANG ; Jianying FENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1523-1530
BACKGROUND:Extracellular vesicles are secreted into the extracellular milieu by a wide range of cell types,including tumor cells,under different physiological and pathophysiological conditions,where a wide range of biological signals and cell-to-cell signaling exists.Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles may exacerbate cancer progression,survival,invasion,and promote angiogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of extracellular vesicles in the diagnosis and treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS:Literature search was performed by the first author in PubMed,WanFang,CNKI and other databases with the keywords"EVs,oral squamous cell carcinoma,diagnosis and treatment,biopsy,tissue engineering"in Chinese and English.Finally,63 articles were included for analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In oral squamous carcinoma saliva biopsies,extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma by acting as an information transfer tool between tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment,carrying a wide range of biomolecules including soluble proteins,lipids,DNA,and RNA.These tiny vesicles not only play a key role in tumor growth and spread,but also provide important information about the biological properties of the tumor.(2)Saliva biopsy,as a non-invasive diagnostic method,can open up new possibilities for early diagnosis and targeted treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma by analyzing the extracellular vesicles therein.(3)It has been found that bioactive molecules,such as microRNAs(miRNAs)and specific proteins,contained within extracellular vesicles can serve as biomarkers for oral squamous carcinoma and improve the accuracy of early diagnosis.Specific proteins in extracellular vesicles such as EHD2,CAVIN1,PF4V1,and CXCL7 show potential as novel predictive biomarkers.(4)In addition,this paper highlights the potential application of extracellular vesicles in the treatment of oral squamous carcinoma.Through engineering modifications,extracellular vesicles can serve as a new generation of nanoscale drug delivery systems to enhance the efficiency and specificity of targeted tumor therapy.(5)Future studies will further explore the effect and mechanism of extracellular vesicles in oral squamous cell carcinoma,which is expected to improve patients'survival and quality of life.
4.Mitophagy regulates bone metabolism
Hanmin ZHU ; Song WANG ; Wenlin XIAO ; Wenjing ZHANG ; Xi ZHOU ; Ye HE ; Wei LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(8):1676-1683
BACKGROUND:In recent years,numerous studies have shown that autophagy and mitophagy play an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism.Under non-physiological conditions,mitophagy breaks the balance of bone metabolism and triggers metabolism disorders,which affect osteoblasts,osteoclasts,osteocytes,chondrocytes,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,etc. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the mechanism of mitophagy in regulating bone metabolic diseases and its application in clinical treatment. METHODS:PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,WanFang and VIP databases were searched by computer using the keywords of"mitophagy,bone metabolism,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,osteocytes,chondrocytes,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells"in English and Chinese.The search time was from 2008 to 2023.According to the inclusion criteria,90 articles were finally included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Mitophagy promotes the generation of osteoblasts through SIRT1,PINK1/Parkin,FOXO3 and PI3K signaling pathways,while inhibiting osteoclast function through PINK1/Parkin and SIRT1 signaling pathways.Mitophagy leads to bone loss by increasing calcium phosphate particles and tissue protein kinase K in bone tissue.Mitophagy improves the function of chondrocytes through PINK1/Parkin,PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways.Modulation of mitophagy shows great potential in the treatment of bone diseases,but there are still some issues to be further explored,such as different stages of drug-activated mitophagy,and the regulatory mechanisms of different signaling pathways.
5.Suture tape and headless compression screws in treatment of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the first and second proximal metatarsal bones
Haobo HUANG ; Xinyuan LIANG ; Guozhong YE ; Qingxiang XIE ; Boyuan SU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1803-1809
BACKGROUND:Lisfranc ligament is an important structure to maintain the transverse and longitudinal arch of the foot.This injury is a serious middle-foot injury.Lisfranc ligamentous injuries are complex,and their treatment,along with the preferred method of fixation,is controversial. OBJECTIVE:To compare the short-term efficacy of plate combined with Suture tape versus plate combined with headless compression screw in the treatment of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was performed on 48 patients with Lisfranc injury due to comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones in Seventh Department of Orthopedics,Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2019 to June 2022.Among them,25 were fixed with plate combined with Suture tape(observation group)and 23 were fixed with plate combined with headless compression screw(control group).Preoperative classification was performed according to Myerson classification system based on preoperative imaging data.Postoperative follow-up was performed according to fracture healing time,visual analog scale,and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS)criteria to assess the recovery of foot functions.Postoperative complications were compared and analyzed between the two groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)All cases completed the operation successfully and obtained follow-up in the two groups.The postoperative follow-up time of the two groups was 12-36 months,with a mean of(18.0±5.42)months.(2)There were no significant differences in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)The fracture healing time of observation group was slightly longer than that of control group(P<0.05).(4)After 3,6,and 12 months of follow-up,the visual analog scale score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).(5)At 6 and 12 months after operation,AOFAS score of foot function in the observation group was significantly improved compared with the screw group at various time points after operation(P<0.05),and was significantly higher than that before operation(P<0.05).(6)The postoperative complications were 1 case of traumatic arthritis in the observation group and 1 case of incision infection,1 case of screw fracture,and 2 cases of traumatic arthritis in the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05),considering the correlation with a small sample size.(7)It is indicated that as for the surgical method of Lisfranc injury with comminuted fractures of the 1st and 2nd proximal metatarsal bones,the application of plate combined with Suture tape internal fixation has a reliable effect in the treatment of Lisfranc joint injury,which can improve the function of the foot joint of patients,and has the advantages of less surgical trauma,fewer postoperative complications,and lower risk of long-term iatrogenic traumatic arthritis.Compared with headless compression screw,it is more beneficial to the recovery of foot function.
6.Perceived stress and occupational burnout among hospital staff in Guangzhou tertiary hospitals
Wenli ZHOU ; Xiaoyi WU ; Yichen YE ; Liman WU ; Biyun CHEN ; Yi SHEN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(3):354-359
Background Staff in tertiary hospitals are a high-risk group for occupational burnout. Timely identification and precise intervention are crucial for improving healthcare service quality. However, comparative studies on perceived stress and occupational burnout among hospital staff in different positions are lacking. Objective To describe the status of perceived stress and occupational burnout among hospital staff in different positions and compare the differences, explore the relationship between perceived stress and occupational burnout, and identify the influencing factors of occupational burnout. Methods In May 2022,
7.Treatment of Sepsis-induced Inflammatory Responses with Xijiao Dihuangtang by Modulation of PKM2-mediated One-carbon Metabolism Pathway
Qixiang YAN ; Yeyan ZHU ; Fan GE ; Qimeng SUN ; Leyao YE ; Fang TIAN ; Jun LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):18-26
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Xijiao Dihuangtang (XJDHT) on mice with sepsis and cellular models of sepsis and explore its molecular mechanism in alleviating sepsis-induced inflammatory responses via regulating pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)-mediated one-carbon metabolism pathway. MethodsForty C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low-dose XJDHT group (7.7 g·kg-1), and high-dose XJDHT group (15.4 g·kg-1). After one week of continuous gavage, sepsis was induced using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in groups except the normal group. 24 h after the surgery, mortality rates in all groups were recorded, and serum cytokines were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. During the in vitro experiment, the human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) was exposed to various concentrations of XJDHT and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a final concentration of 2 mg·L-1 for 24 h. Cell apoptosis was detected using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) were measured by Western blot. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to analyze differentially expressed genes in all groups and conduct gene ontology (GO) enrichment. Key genes in the one-carbon metabolism pathway, including pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR), and phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), were verified by Western blot. A PKM2 inhibition model was established using shikonin for further protein expression analysis. ResultsAnimal experiments showed that compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated body temperature and lung pathology (P<0.01) and increased serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). High-dose XJDHT reduced body temperature and lung tissue damage (P<0.01) and significantly decreased serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). Low-dose XJDHT treatment showed no significant temperature change (P<0.01) but reduced serum TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01). Transcriptome sequencing and Western blot revealed significant differences in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and one-carbon metabolism genes (PKM2, MTR, and PHGDH) (P<0.01). Cell experiments demonstrated that compared to the normal group, the model group showed elevated protein expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β in THP-1 cells (P<0.01), decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and increased apoptosis (P<0.01). Transcriptome sequencing and Western blot revealed significant differences in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and one-carbon metabolism genes (PKM2, MTR, and PHGDH) (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, high-dose XJDHT significantly increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PHGDH protein expression (P<0.01) and effectively reduced cell apoptosis (P<0.01) while down-regulating protein expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, PKM2, and MTR (P<0.01). Low-dose XJDHT moderately increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and PHGDH protein expression (P<0.05), reduced apoptosis (P<0.05), and decreased IL-1β and MTR protein levels (P<0.05, P<0.01), but there were no significant changes in TNF-α and PKM2 expression. After PKM2 inhibition by shikonin in THP-1 cells, the expression of protein related to one-carbon metabolism was detected. Compared with the blank group, the LPS-induced model group showed significantly upregulated PKM2 and MTR protein expression (P<0.01) and downregulated PHGDH expression (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, shikonin treatment significantly reduced PKM2 expression (P<0.05), increased PHGDH expression (P<0.01), and decreased MTR expression (P<0.05). ConclusionXJDHT can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors in sepsis, and its mechanism is related to the intervention of the PKM2-regulated one-carbon metabolism pathway in macrophages.
8.Mechanism of Anmeidan in Improving Learning and Memory in Insomnia Model Rats by Mediating Immunoinflammation via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Ping WANG ; Jing CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):27-35
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Anmeidan improves learning and memory in insomnia rats by regulating the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway to influence immunoinflammation. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a suvorexant group (30 mg·kg-1), and Anmeidan low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (4.55, 9.09, and 18.18 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. The insomnia rat model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Anmeidan decoction and normal saline were administered by gavage for 28 days at the corresponding doses. Morris water maze and new object recognition tests were used to assess learning and memory functions. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe hippocampal cell morphology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the serum levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Western blot and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of hippocampal cGAS and STING. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the 5-HT content in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The latency to the upper platform and total distance were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the residence time in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the relative recognition index for new objects was significantly lower (P<0.01). The morphology and arrangement of hippocampal neurons were loose and disordered, with a decreased number of intracellular Nissl bodies. The relative expression levels of IL-1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, cGAS, and STING pathway proteins and mRNA were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the latency to the upper platform in the high-dose Anmeidan group was significantly shortened (P<0.05). In the medium- and high-dose Anmeidan groups and the suvorexant group, the residence time in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings were significantly increased (P<0.01). The total distance traveled was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the relative recognition index for new objects was significantly increased (P<0.01). The hippocampal neurons were more neatly arranged, and the number of intracellular Nissl bodies increased. The expression of IL-1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, and cGAS proteins and mRNA in the medium- and high-dose Anmeidan groups was significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionAnmeidan improves learning and memory in insomnia rats, possibly by suppressing immunoinflammation through inhibition of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
9.Differences and Mechanisms of Combined Use of "Raw and Fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen" in Anmeidan and Its Disassembled Prescriptions in Improving Anxiety and Cognitive Impairment in Insomnia Rat Model Based on Serum Metabolomics
Kang SUN ; Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Miao ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):36-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in efficacy and endogenous metabolic mechanisms of Anmeidan with combined use of raw and fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen and its disassembled prescriptions in treating anxiety and cognitive impairment in insomnia rats. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=10 per group): blank group, model group, suvorexant group (30 mg·kg-1), Anmeidan group (9.09 g·kg-1), Anmeidan with absence of raw Ziziphi Spinosae Semen group (7.38 g·kg-1), and Anmeidan with absence of fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen group (7.38 g·kg-1). An insomnia model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), followed by gavage administration of Anmeidan or its disassembled prescriptions. Anxiety levels were assessed using the open field test, while cognitive ability was evaluated via the novel object recognition test. The pathological morphology of hippocampal neurons was examined using electron microscopy. Serum samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) for principal component analysis, metabolic profiling, identification of differential metabolites, and metabolic pathway analysis. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly increased exercise mileage, exercise time, and the ratio of the number of entries into the peripheral zone to the total number of entries into both the peripheral and central zones exhibited a marked increase (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the novel object recognition index significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the Anmeidan and suvorexant groups showed significantly reduced exercise mileage and exercise time (P<0.01). The ratio of the number of entries into the peripheral zone to the total number of entries into both the peripheral and central zones decreased (P<0.05), and a significant increase in the novel object recognition index (P<0.01). However, the disassembled prescription groups showed no significant improvement in open field test and novel object recognition test indices. Electron microscopy revealed that the Anmeidan group improved the pathological morphology of hippocampal neurons in insomnia rats. Metabolomics analysis identified 10 potential differential metabolites associated with Anmeidan's therapeutic effects, involving metabolic pathways related to phenylalanine and tryptophan biosynthesis and metabolism, as well as the serotonergic pathway. ConclusionThe combined use of raw and fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in Anmeidan is more effective than its disassembled prescriptions in alleviating anxiety and cognitive impairment in PCPA-induced insomnia rats. The underlying mechanism may be associated with metabolic pathways related to phenylalanine, tryptophan, and serotonin.
10.Effect of Anmeidan on Cognitive Function and Metabolic Profiling in Insomnia Model Rats Based on Untargeted Metabolomics
Feizhou LI ; Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Lianyu LI ; Andong ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Linlin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):54-64
ObjectiveTo elucidate the potential mechanisms by which the classic prescription Anmeidan alleviates cognitive impairment in insomnia model rats through metabolic profiling. MethodsA total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups, and the Suvorexant group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the insomnia model was established in all other groups via intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine. The Suvorexant group was administered Suvorexant solution (30 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, while the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups received Anmeidan decoction (4.55, 9.09, 18.18 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The blank group received an equivalent volume of normal saline. The open field test was used to assess spatial exploration and anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in rats. Serum levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify differential metabolites in rat serum, and systematic biological methods were applied to analyze the potential targets and pathways of Anmeidan. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significant reductions in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.01), along with significant decreases in VIP, EGF, and BDNF levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). A total of 100 differential metabolites were identified between the model and blank groups. Compared to the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups showed significant increases in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.05,P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in VIP levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). Anmeidan significantly reversed abnormal changes in 67 metabolites compared to the model group. A combined analysis identified 134 potential targets of Anmeidan, with network topology analysis suggesting that Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), among others, may serve as key targets of Anmeidan. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed major enriched pathways, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Anmeidan can recalibrate abnormal metabolic profiles in insomnia model rats to mitigate cognitive impairment, with its mechanisms of action potentially involving the regulation of immune-inflammatory responses, energy metabolism, and apoptosis-related pathways.

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