1.Mechanistic Insights into The Role of LEPROTs and COPI Retrograde Transport in Regulating Golgi Morphology
Jing-Hu GAO ; Lin-Yue ZHAO ; Yu-Lu ZHANG ; Yan-Fang WU ; Bing YAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1746-1757
ObjectiveThe Golgi apparatus serves as a central hub in the eukaryotic secretory pathway, responsible for the processing, sorting, and trafficking of proteins and lipids. In mammalian cells, the Golgi typically forms a perinuclear ribbon-like structure composed of laterally connected cisternae stacks.The maintenance of Golgi ribbon structure depends on the balance of membrane flux across multiple intracellular trafficking pathways, yet the specific contributions of distinct trafficking branches to Golgi macroscopic morphology remain elusive. In mammalian cells, the Golgi ribbon is typically organized as a perinuclear, laterally connected structure composed of stacked cisternae, and its integrity is highly dynamic and sensitive to perturbations in membrane trafficking. This study aims to elucidate the role of coat protein complex I (COPI)-mediated retrograde transport in maintaining the Golgi ribbon and to dissect the functional relationship between the transmembrane cargo receptors LEPROT/LEPROTL1 (LEPROTs) and the COPI adaptor GOLPH3. MethodsUsing siRNA interference and gene-deficient cell lines, we selectively perturbed COPI- or adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1)-mediated trafficking pathways in HeLa cells. To quantitatively evaluate Golgi morphology, we employed a “Golgi Angle”-based measurement to assess its circumferential distribution around the nucleus. The spatial distribution of the Golgi ribbon was quantitatively analyzed using confocal microscopy, while Golgi ultrastructure and vesicle density were examined via transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, the subcellular distribution of COPI components was assessed by immunofluorescence co-localization. ResultsSelective inhibition of COPI retrograde transport significantly induced the circumferential extension of the Golgi ribbon around the nucleus, whereas blocking AP-1-mediated anterograde transport resulted in Golgi compaction, indicating opposing roles. These results suggest that different trafficking branches downstream of ARF1 exert distinct and even antagonistic effects on Golgi morphology. LEPROTs-deficient cells exhibited a Golgi extension phenotype highly consistent with COPI impairment. Furthermore, knockdown of GOLPH3 in a LEPROTs double-knockout background produced a significant additive effect on Golgi extension, suggesting that LEPROTs and GOLPH3 play non-redundant roles in regulating COPI-related trafficking processes. Mechanistically, loss of either LEPROTs or GOLPH3 led to the aberrant accumulation of COPI components at endoplasmic reticulum exit sites, accompanied by a reduction in COPI-like vesicles around the Golgi. This redistribution indicates a defect in COPI recycling between the ER-Golgi interface and the Golgi apparatus. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that Golgi cisternae in defective cells became shorter and thicker while maintaining a stable number of stacks. In parallel, the density of Golgi-associated vesicles was markedly decreased, further supporting an impairment in COPI vesicle formation or budding processes. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that active COPI retrograde transport is a critical factor in restricting the over-connection of the Golgi ribbon and maintaining its compactness. Rather than causing fragmentation, partial disruption of COPI function leads to a distinct morphological outcome characterized by Golgi ribbon extension at the light microscopy level and cisternal remodeling at the ultrastructural level. LEPROTs and GOLPH3 cooperatively promote the recycling and vesiculation of COPI components, thereby imposing a structural constraint on the Golgi periphery. Our findings support a model in which multiple adaptor proteins act in parallel to sustain efficient COPI cycling, thereby maintaining Golgi structural homeostasis. These findings provide new cell biological evidence for the membrane trafficking basis of Golgi morphological homeostasis.
2.Salidroside exerts cytoprotective effects on bone endothelial progenitor cells via the AMPK pathway in atherosclerotic mouse model
Fang JIA ; Mengfei WANG ; Sifan FEI ; Jiayi XU ; Tianhong YU ; Lin ZHU ; Min ZHOU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):653-661
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of salidroside (SAL) on the impaired bioactivity of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in atherosclerotic (As) mice and the potential mechanisms regarding AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). MethodsAtherosclerosis was induced in 8-week-old male ApoE-/- mice with high-fat diet. Intragastric administration of SAL was given to one mice group to investigate the effects of SAL on aortic plaque burden, plasma NO level, the migration and angiogenic capabilities of bone marrow-derived EPCs (BM-EPCs). The proliferation, migration and vasculogenic properties of EPCs isolated from As mice were investigated in vitro. AMPK-sh-RNA or the AMPK inhibitor Compound C was used to investigate the role of AMPK/Akt/eNOS pathway in the regulatory effects of SAL. ResultsCompared with As group, NO level was significantly elevated in SAL group. The sizes of atherosclerotic plaques at the aortic root were reduced with smaller lipid cores in SAL group compared with As group. Moreover, the migration and angiogenesis capacity of EPCs markedly decreased in As mice, while SAL treatment reversed these impairments. Incubation with SAL at concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 μmol/L for 48 hours significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of EPCs. AMPK-sh-RNA transfection abrogated the 20 μmol/L SAL improvement in EPC biological activities. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that treatment with Compound C blocked the activation of AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway induced by SAL. ConclusionSAL upregulates the biological functions of EPCs through activating the AMPK/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating EPC dysfunction during the pathological progression of atherosclerosis.
3.Divergent Small Vessel Disease Burden in Warfarin-Associated and Direct Oral Anticoagulant-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Sung-Chun TANG ; Ya-Fang CHEN ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Ching-Hua KUO ; Yuan-Chang CHAO ; Yu-Fong PENG ; Shu-Wen LIN ; Shin-Yi LIN ; Jiann-Shing JENG
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):334-338
4.Comparative analysis of the characteristics of imported malaria cases in Nanning City in 2024 and the same period of the previous year
Shu-lin WEI ; Zhi-qiang QU ; Yuan-yuan LUO ; Yan-cui HUANG ; Shu-qin DIAO ; Xue LI ; Sheng-long YANG ; Xiao-yu HUANG ; Mi-fang LUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):81-84
Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and provide a basis for developing improved prevention and control measures. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Malaria surveillance data for Nanning City from January 1,2023, to December 31,2024, were exported from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management Subsystem. The characteristics of the two groups of malaria cases were compared. Results A total of 103 imported malaria cases were reported in Nanning City in 2024, representing a 38.32% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year. No statistically significant difference were observed between cases reported in 2023 and 2024 in terms of average age, gender ratio, proportion of parasite species, and monthly reporting distribution;however, statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of reporting areas and current residence areas(χ2= 13.572 and 10.355, respectively; P = 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). The proportion of cases reported in Shanglin County and the proportion of cases residing in Shanglin County were both lower than those during the same period of the previous year. Conclusions The high aggregation of imported malaria cases in Nanning City has decreased. Medical institutions in areas other than Shanglin County should strengthen their vigilance against malaria.
5.Predictive value of the early 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography parameters percentage change in the maximum standardized uptake value and metabolic tumor volume for residual tumor lesions in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after chemotherapy
Chunjiang DANG ; Qian YU ; Fangqi ZHOU ; Lin FANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):414-420
Objective To analyze the changes of early 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) metabolic parameters in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) before and after chemotherapy, and to systematically evaluate the early predictive efficacy of the above prarmeters for residual lesions. Methods Eighty patients with DLBCL admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2025 were randomly selected as study subjects. All patients received 18F-FDG PET-CT examination. After 3 months of chemotherapy, patients were assessed according to the Lugano 2014 criteria. Patients without residual lesions were assigned to the complete remission group, while those with residual lesions were assigned to the residual lesion group. Clinical data and 18F-FDG PET-CT parameters were compared between the two groups. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between 18F-FDG PET-CT parameters and residual tumor lesions in DLBCL patients after chemotherapy. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the predictive value of early 18F-FDG PET-CT parameters for residual tumor lesions in patients with DLBCL after chemotherapy. Results Compared with the complete remission group, the residual lesion group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with an international prognostic index score>3, as well as significantly higher maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis(TLG). The early percentage change in the maximum standardized uptake value (ΔSUVmax%) was significantly lower in the residual lesion group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in age, sex, Ann Arbor stage, serum lactate dehydrogenase elevation, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status score ≥2, and molecular subtype between the two groups (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that an international prognostic index score >3 and a high MTV were independent risk factors for residual tumor lesions in DLBCL patients after chemotherapy, while a high ΔSUVmax% was a protective factor (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for ΔSUVmax% and MTV alone in predicting residual tumor lesions after chemotherapy for DLBCL was 0.918 (95%CI=0.848-0.989) and 0.926 (95%CI=0.866-0.985), with cutoff values of 75.16% and 13.58 cm3, respectively. The combined prediction using both parameters yielded an area under the curve of 0.960 (95%CI=0.891-0.991), with a sensitivity of 91.38% and a specificity of 95.45%. Conclusion The early 18F-FDG PET-CT parameters ΔSUVmax% and MTV demonstrate high predictive value for residual tumor lesions in DLBCL patients after chemotherapy. Their combined use has improved predictive efficacy, which can provide a reference for clinical evaluation of chemotherapy efficacy in DLBCL.
6.Effects and Regulation of Glycosylation Modifications on G Protein-coupled Receptor Function
Fang-Ming WU ; Sheng-Long LING ; Pan SHI ; Yu SUN ; Chang-Lin TIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(9):2352-2364
Glycosylation constitutes a critical, highly intricate, and diverse co- and post-translational modification characterized by the covalent attachment of sugar moieties to proteins, lipids, or small RNAs. Complex glycans are ubiquitously present across nearly all living organisms. Despite their prevalence, our comprehension of glycan diversity remains limited, likely due to the inherent challenges associated with elucidating their structural complexity. Among post-translational modifications, protein glycosylation is notably prevalent, involving the enzymatic transfer of oligosaccharides to specific amino acid residues by glycosyltransferases. This modification plays a pivotal role in modulating protein function, including participation in various biological and biochemical recognition processes. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), encoded by approximately one thousand genes, share a conserved architecture comprising seven transmembrane helices interconnected by three intracellular and three extracellular loops. Representing the largest family of human membrane proteins, GPCRs regulate a vast array of physiological and pathological processes, thereby constituting the most extensive class of therapeutic targets. In mammalian systems, the majority of GPCRs undergo glycosylation predominantly at their extracellular N-terminus or extracellular loops, primarily through N-linked and O-linked glycosylation. These covalent carbohydrate modifications exert profound effects on multiple facets of GPCR biology, including endoplasmic reticulum folding and quality control, membrane trafficking and surface expression, receptor internalization and recycling or degradation, ligand binding and signal transduction, biased signaling, and receptor dimerization. Notably, glycosylation can exert both positive and negative regulatory influences on these processes. Dysregulation of GPCR glycosylation has been implicated in a range of pathological conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, underscoring its physiological and pathological significance. Aberrant glycosylation patterns may lead to dysfunctional receptor signaling, thereby contributing to disease progression. Consequently, elucidating the precise roles of glycosylation in GPCR function not only enhances fundamental understanding of receptor biology but also facilitates the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting glycosylation pathways or specific GPCR glycoforms. Although the functional consequences of glycosylation have been investigated for several decades, delineating their exact structural underpinnings has remained challenging due to the intrinsic flexibility and heterogeneity of carbohydrate structures. Recent advances in structural biology, particularly single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography, have catalyzed a paradigm shift in our understanding of GPCR glycosylation. The integration of these sophisticated structural techniques with biochemical approaches has redefined glycosylation as a complex structural element integral to receptor function. These developments provide a molecular framework for comprehending how glycans influence receptor pharmacology and open new avenues for the rational design of glyco-engineered biologics and allosteric modulators targeting specific extracellular motifs. This mini-review concentrates on glycosylation within the GPCR superfamily, summarizing the impact of glycosylation modifications on receptor function and regulatory mechanisms, recent progress in the structural biology of GPCR glycosylation, and prospective directions for future research in this field.
7.Mechanism of electroacupuncture-induced macrophage polarization in promoting acute skeletal muscle injury repair in rats.
Yuting HUANG ; Yuye LIN ; Guojun ZHANG ; Chufan ZENG ; Xia ZHANG ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Yu KAN ; Yanping FANG ; Xianghong JING ; Jun LIAO
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):791-800
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the potential mechanism by which electroacupuncture (EA) induces macrophage polarization to promote muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, accelerating the repair of acute skeletal muscle injury.
METHODS:
Forty-two SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: a blank group (n=6), a model group (n=18), and an EA group (n=18). The model and EA groups established acute blunt contusion model of the right gastrocnemius muscle using a self-made striking device. From day 1 after modeling, rats in the EA group received EA at "Chengshan" (BL57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB34) on the right side, using disperse-dense wave with a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of approximately 2 mA. The EA treatment was administered once daily for 30 minutes for 3, 7, or 14 days based on the designated sampling time points. Gait analysis was performed using the Cat Walk XTTM system. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. Masson staining was applied to evaluate collagen fiber content. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in muscle satellite cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression levels of CD68 and CD206, markers of macrophages. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, IL-13) were detected using ELISA.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in average movement speed on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), and a decrease in the right hind limb stride length on day 3 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group showed increased average movement speed and right hind limb stride length on day 7 (P<0.05). In the blank group, the gastrocnemius muscle on the right side showed uniform and consistent inter-fiber spacing, with neatly and regularly arranged muscle cells. In contrast, the model group exhibited enlarged inter-fiber spacing, edema, and significant infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells, with progressively increasing fibrosis over time. By day 14 after modeling, the EA group showed a return to baseline levels of inflammatory cell infiltration, and the degree of fibrosis was significantly lower than that observed in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the ratio of collagen fibers in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group increased significantly on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited a lower collagen fiber ratio on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, PCNA positive expression in the gastrocnemius muscle of the model group was significantly increased on days 3, 7, and 14 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited significantly higher PCNA positive expression on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant increase in CD68-positive macrophage expression in the gastrocnemius muscle on day 3 after modeling (P<0.05), while CD206-positive macrophage expression increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, CD68 expression was significantly lower in the EA group on day 3 (P<0.05), whereas CD206 expression was significantly higher on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), peaking on day 7 with CD206 expression. Compared with the blank group, serum TNF-α levels were significantly elevated in the model group on days 3 and 7 after modeling (P<0.05), while serum IL-1β levels were increased on days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05). Serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly higher on day 7 after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the EA group exhibited lower serum TNF-α level on day 3 (P<0.05) and reduced serum IL-1β levels on days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), while serum IL-10 and IL-13 levels were significantly increased on day 7 (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
EA could promote the repair of acute blunt contusion-induced gastrocnemius muscle injury by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. This process is closely related to macrophage polarization.
Animals
;
Electroacupuncture
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Macrophages/immunology*
;
Muscle, Skeletal/immunology*
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Female
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
;
Cell Proliferation
8.Characterization of protective effects of Jianpi Tongluo Formula on cartilage in knee osteoarthritis from a single cell-spatial heterogeneity perspective.
Yu-Dong LIU ; Teng-Teng XU ; Zhao-Chen MA ; Chun-Fang LIU ; Wei-Heng CHEN ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):741-749
This study aims to integrate data mining techniques of single cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics, along with animal experiment validation, so as to systematically characterize the protective effects of Jianpi Tongluo Formula(JTF) on the cartilage in knee osteoarthritis(KOA) and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Single cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics datasets(GSE254844 and GSE255460) of the cartilage tissue obtained from KOA patients were analyzed to map the single cell-spatial heterogeneity and identify key pathogenic factors. After that, a KOA rat model was established via knee joint injection of papain. The intervention effects of JTF on the expression features of these key factors were assessed through real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining. As a result, the integrated single cell and spatial transcriptomics data identified distinct cell subsets with different pathological changes in different regions of the inflamed cartilage tissue in KOA, and their differentiation trajectories were closely related to the inflammatory fibrosis-like pathological changes of chondrocytes. Accordingly, the expression levels of the two key effect targets, namely nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) and high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) were significantly reduced in the articular surface and superficial zone of the inflamed joints when JTF effectively alleviated various pathological changes in KOA rats, thus reversing the abnormal chondrocyte autophagy level, relieving the inflammatory responses and fibrosis-like pathological changes, and promoting the repair of chondrocyte function. Collectively, this study revealed the heterogeneous characteristics and dynamic changes of inflamed cartilage tissue in different regions and different cell subsets in KOA patients. It is worth noting that NCOA4 and HMGB1 were crucial in regulating chondrocyte autophagy and inflammatory reaction, while JTF could reverse the regulation of NCOA4 and HMGB1 and correct the abnormal molecular signal axis in the target cells of the inflamed joints. The research can provide a new research idea and scientific basis for developing a personalized therapeutic schedule targeting the spatiotemporal heterogeneity characteristics of KOA.
Animals
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/pathology*
;
Humans
;
Male
;
Cartilage, Articular/metabolism*
;
Chondrocytes/metabolism*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Female
;
Protective Agents/administration & dosage*
;
Single-Cell Analysis
;
Middle Aged
;
HMGB1 Protein/metabolism*
9.Effect of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells based on PI3K/Akt pathway.
Ting LIN ; Yang-Yang TAO ; Ying-Gang TANG ; Ju YUAN ; Hui-Ping DU ; Lin-Yu DENG ; Fang-Liang ZHOU ; Ying-Chun HE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1920-1927
To investigate the effects of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells and their molecular mechanism, nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells CNE1 and CNE2 were used. They were divided into control group(30% blank serum medium), low-(10% drug-containing serum + 20% blank serum medium), medium-(20% drug-containing serum + 10% blank serum medium), and high-(30% drug-containing serum medium) concentration group of Biyan Jiedu Capsules according to in vitro experiment. After 24 h of intervention, the effects of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the proliferation of CNE1 and CNE2 were detected by CCK-8 assay, clonal formation experiment, and EdU staining. The effect of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on apoptosis of CNE1 and CNE2 was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot was used to detect the effect of Biyan Jiedu Capsules on the expression of X-linked apoptosis inhibitor protein(XIAP), survivin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), and PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins in CNE1 and CNE2. The results showed that compared with the control group, the survival rate of CNE1 and CNE2 in the medium and high concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules could be decreased in a concentration-dependent way(P<0.05, P<0.01). At the same time, EdU staining and clonal formation experiments showed that the proliferation of CNE1 and CNE2 was significantly inhibited in the medium and high concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules(P<0.05, P<0.01). Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of CNE1 and CNE2 was significantly increased in all concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules(P<0.01), and the apoptosis rate was concentration-dependent. Western blot showed that the expressions of XIAP, survivin, PCNA, p-PI3K, and p-Akt in all concentration groups of Biyan Jiedu Capsules were significantly down-regulated(P<0.05, P<0.01). In conclusion, Biyan Jiedu Capsules can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells possibly by down-regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Humans
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
;
Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/physiopathology*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Capsules
;
Carcinoma/drug therapy*
10.Medication rules and mechanisms of treating chronic renal failure by Jinling medical school based on data mining, network pharmacology, and experimental validation.
Jin-Long WANG ; Wei WU ; Yi-Gang WAN ; Qi-Jun FANG ; Yu WANG ; Ya-Jing LI ; Fee-Lan CHONG ; Sen-Lin MU ; Chu-Bo HUANG ; Huang HUANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1637-1649
This study aims to explore the medication rules and mechanisms of treating chronic renal failure(CRF) by Jinling medical school based on data mining, network pharmacology, and experimental validation systematically and deeply. Firstly, the study selected the papers published by the inherited clinicians in Jinling medical school in Chinese journals using the subject headings named "traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) + chronic renal failure", "TCM + chronic renal inefficiency", or "TCM + consumptive disease" in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database and screened TCM formulas for treating CRF according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study analyzed the frequency of use of single TCM and the four properties, five tastes, channel tropism, and efficacy of TCM used with high frequency and performed association rule and clustering analysis, respectively. As a result, a total of 215 TCM formulas and 235 different single TCM were screened, respectively. The TCM used with high frequency included Astragali Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Poria, and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(top 5). The single TCM characterized by "cold properties, sweet flavor, and restoring spleen channel" and the TCM with the efficacy of tonifying deficiency had the highest frequency of use, respectively. Then, the TCM with the rules of "blood-activating and stasis-removing" and "diuretic and dampness-penetrating" appeared. In addition, the core combination of TCM [(Hexin Formula, HXF)] included "Astragali Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Poria, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, and Angelicae Sinensis Radix". The network pharmacology analysis showed that HXF had 91 active compounds and 250 corresponding protein targets including prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2), PTGS1, sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 5(SCN5A), cholinergic receptor muscarinic 1(CHRM1), and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1(HSP90AA1)(top 5). Gene Ontology(GO) function analysis revealed that the core targets of HXF predominantly affected biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions such as positive regulation of transcription by ribonucleic acid polymerase Ⅱ and DNA template transcription, formation of cytosol, nucleus, and plasma membrane, and identical protein binding and enzyme binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) analysis revealed that CRF-related genes were involved in a variety of signaling pathways and cellular metabolic pathways, primarily involving "phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(Akt) pathway" and "advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products". Molecular docking results showed that the active components in HXF such as isomucronulatol 7-O-glucoside, betulinic acid, sitosterol, and przewaquinone B might be crucial in the treatment of CRF. Finally, a modified rat model with renal failure induced by adenine was used, and the in vivo experimental confirmation was performed based on the above-mentioned predictions. The results verify that HXF can regulate mitochondrial autophagy in the kidneys and the PI3K-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway activation at upstream, so as to alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and then delay the progression of CRF.
Data Mining
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Humans
;
Kidney Failure, Chronic/metabolism*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
China


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