1.Effects and mechanisms of action of Yiqi wenyang huwei decoction in improving bronchial asthma in rats
Yunqing YANG ; Jianyu XIE ; Wei TANG ; Chao YE ; Qiangqiang YU ; Peng SUN ; Yuping YANG ; Jianwei YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1264-1271
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of Yiqi wenyang huwei decoction (YQWY) in improving airway inflammation and remodeling in rats with bronchial asthma (BA) based on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the dexamethasone group (positive control, 0.5 mg/kg), and YQWY low-, medium- and high-dose groups (5, 10, 20 g/kg, calculated by the crude drug), with 8 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were sensitized twice with ovalbumin combined with aerosol challenge to establish a BA model. From day 14 to day 34 of the experiment, the rats in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or normal saline intragastrically, once a day, 1 hour before aerosol challenge. At 24 hours after the final aerosol challenge, asthma symptom scores were assessed, serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-13 and tumor necrosis factor-α) and the numbers of inflammatory cells (white blood cell, eosinophil, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and basophil) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined. Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed. The mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, as well as the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 in lung tissue, were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the pathological changes, such as inflammatory cell infiltration, abnormal deposition of collagen fibers, and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung tissue of rats in each drug group, were alleviated to varying degrees. The asthma symptom scores (except for the YQWY low-dose group), the levels of IgE and inflammatory cytokines (except for interleukin-5 in the YQWY medium-dose group), the number of inflammatory cells (except for monocyte and basophil in the YQWY low-dose group), the mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, as well as the protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65 and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (except for MyD88 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the YQWY low-dose group as detected by Western blo t) were all significantly reduced or down-regulated ( P <0.05 or P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS YQWY can alleviate asthma-like manifestations in BA rats and improve their airway inflammation and remodeling; these effects may be related to the formula’s inhibition of the abnormal activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Aquaporin 1 promotes proliferation and migration of tumor by up-regulating claudin-1 expression in colon cancer
Wei Wei XIE ; Lin XU ; Qian LI ; Dao Quan ZHANG ; Yu Bao ZHOU
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(3):307-318
With the rising incidence of colon cancer, several studies have indicated that aquaporin 1 (AQP1) expression is associated with the development of colon cancer. This study aims to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms between them. Methods: We screened data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and retrospectively examined AQP1 protein expression in 127 colon cancer patients to analyze the relationship between AQP1 expression and pathological stages, prognosis. We created stable colon cancer cell lines with differential AQP1 expression, the effect of AQP1 expression on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells was assessed by in vitro and in vivo studies, and explored potential molecular mechanisms through Western blotting. Results: High AQP1 expression was associated with poorer survival (overall survival [OS], p = .028) in colon cancer patients from the TCGA database. Similarly, retrospective clinical data indicated that high AQP1 expression was associated with reduced disease-free survival and OS (p = .036 and p = .017, respectively). The low-expressing AQP1 colon cancer cells exhibited a decrease in proliferation and migration ability of colon cancer cells compared to the overexpressing AQP1 group (p < .05) in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting experiments validated heightened expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and claudin- 1 in the tumor tissues of the overexpressing AQP1 group. Conversely, reduced AQP1 expression resulted in decreased expression of claudin- 1. Conclusions: AQP1 correlates with unfavorable prognosis in colon cancer and potentially enhances the proliferation and migration of colon cancer by up-regulating claudin-1 expression.
3.The Clinical and Genetics Characteristics of Oculopharyngodistal Myopathy
Jiaxi YU ; Zhihao QUAN ; Yilei ZHENG ; Jing AN ; Jing LIU ; Qingqing WANG ; Lingchao MENG ; Meng YU ; Zhiying XIE ; Jianwen DENG ; He LYU ; Wei ZHANG ; Yun YUAN ; Zhaoxia WANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(2):164-174
To analyze the clinical and genetic features of oculopharyngodistal myopathy (OPDM) patients and compare the phenotypic differences among various causative genes. A total of 65 genetically confirmed OPDM patients from 43 unrelated families, who were admitted to the Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital between January 2008 and December 2025, were retrospectively included.The general demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory/auxiliary examinations, muscle pathology, and genetic test results were systematically collected and analyzed. The clinical and pathological characteristics among different OPDM subtypes were compared. Among the 65 patients(39 male and 26 female), the mean age of onset was (31.20±10.43) years (range: 14 to 63 years). The initial symptom was predominantly distal limb weakness (67.44%), which gradually progressed to involve the extraocular muscles, pharyngeal muscles, facial muscles and proximal limb muscles. Serum creatine kinase levels were mildly to moderately elevated. Muscle pathological examinations revealed rimmed vacuoles and intranuclear inclusions (within muscle fibers). The mean duration from onset to diagnosis was (12.33±7.88) years (range: 1 to 32 years). All probands had negative results on conventional next-generation whole-exome sequencing; pathogenic variants were identified through third-generation long-read sequencing or OPDM-targeted repeat-primed polymerase chain reaction(RP-PCR). Among the 43 families, OPDM2 subtype was the most common genetic subtype ( OPDM2 was the predominant subtype in this study. All subtypes share similar age of onset and muscular pathological changes, yet exhibit distinct disease progression patterns. Future multicenter prospective cohort studies are warranted to further elucidate the clinical characteristics, pathogenetic mechanisms, and prognostic differences among OPDM subtypes.
4.Si Junzitang Ameliorates Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Minyan SUN ; Shaofeng WEI ; Xiaomin WANG ; Kehan GAO ; Jianhao YANG ; Ziran XIE ; Yu ZHANG ; Qin ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):23-37
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms through which Si Junzitang (SJZD) ameliorates Alzheimer's disease (AD) induced by scopolamine (SCOP) in mice and the PC12 cell model induced by H2O2 based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsIn the animal experiments, an AD model was established in mice by intraperitoneal injection of SCOP (3 mg·kg-1). Morris water maze and open field tests (OFT) were conducted to assess learning and memory abilities. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were performed to observe pathological changes in neurons. Immunofluorescence was used to detect amyloid β-protein1-42 (Aβ1-42) expression, and immunohistochemistry was employed to detect phosphorylated (p)-Tau expression. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe ultrastructural changes in hippocampal neurons and synapses. Biochemical methods were used to measure the levels of acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Real-time PCR and Western blot were employed to measure the mRNA and protein levels of molecules in the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in the hippocampus. In the cell experiments, a PC12 cell model of oxidative damage model was established with H2O2. Cell count kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and flow cytometry were adopted to measure cell viability and apoptosis rates, and Western blot was employed to quantify the expression levels of proteins in the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. ResultsThe animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the SJZD and donepezil groups showed shortened escape latency (P<0.01), increased time in the target quadrant and platform crossings, and increased movement distance and duration in the central area of the open field (P<0.05, P<0.01). HE and Nissl staining showed more organized neurons and increased Nissl bodies in the drug intervention groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Aβ1-42 and p-Tau expression levels were downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). TEM revealed reduced ultrastructural damage in hippocampal neurons and synapses in the drug intervention groups. In addition, the drug intervention groups showed declined levels of MDA, LDH, and AChE (P<0.05, P<0.01), elevated levels of SOD, CAT, and ACh (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced Keap1 expression and increased Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 expression in the hippocampus (P<0.05, P<0.01). The cell experiments showed that compared with the model group, the SJZD-containing serum increased the cell viability (P<0.05, P<0.01), and decreased total apoptosis rates (P<0.05, P<0.01). The drug intervention groups showed upregulated protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and downregulated protein level of Keap1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionSJZD demonstrates protective effects against SCOP-induced AD in mice and H2O2-induced damage in PC12 cells through antioxidant mechanisms mediated by the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
5.Research Progress on the Risk of Excipients-Related Adverse Reactions in Pharmaceutical Preparations for IBD Treatment
Yanru ZHANG ; Qiuyue TU ; Ping WANG ; Zelin FENG ; Huizhen LI ; Yushan ZHU ; Haojia LIN ; Xinyue WEI ; Qinghua YI ; Hetong ZHANG ; Yueting LI ; Xiaoqin LI ; Yu WANG ; Dong XIE ; Xiaocang CAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(4):1135-1142
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require long-term pharmacotherapy. Due to the wide variety of clinically available drugs, medication safety has become increasingly concerning. As an indispensable component of pharmaceutical formulations, drug excipients may induce various adverse reactions, including rash, allergic responses, and gastrointestinal discomfort, and may even lead to severe organic injury. However, they are often overlooked in clinical practice. Therefore, identifying and managing excipient-related adverse reactions is crucial for ensuring medication safety. To address this issue, this article systematically reviews common excipients in IBD therapeutics, the underlying mechanisms of excipient-induced adverse reactions, and corresponding management strategies, aiming to enhance clinicians' awareness of excipient-related issues, improve their ability to recognize and manage such reactions, and ultimately ensure patient safety.
6.Mechanisms of Diabetic Tendinopathy and Exercise Intervention
Ya-Ke WU ; Rui DENG ; Yu-Miao XIE ; Fang ZOU ; Shuai-Wei QIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(8):2041-2052
Diabetic tendinopathy is a common and disabling musculoskeletal complication of diabetes, clinically characterized by tendon thickening, pain, impaired healing capacity and compromised biomechanical performance, collectively undermining joint function and quality of life. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial. On the one hand, chronic hyperglycaemia promotes the abnormal accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) within tendon collagen, leading to non-enzymatic crosslinking and engagement of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), which in turn triggers inflammasome activation and sustains inflammatory responses. On the other hand, the diabetic milieu disrupts collagen metabolic homeostasis, impairs microvascular function and induces peripheral neuropathy; together, these alterations drive extracellular matrix degeneration and weaken the mechanical properties of tendon. Exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, can ameliorate these pathological changes through multiple integrated mechanisms. First, exercise attenuates tendon inflammation and restores microenvironmental homeostasis. Regular physical activity reduces AGE-RAGE signalling, thereby suppressing downstream expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), while upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). This shift from a pro-inflammatory to a pro-resolving milieu not only restrains chronic inflammation but may also limit excessive inflammasome activation in tenocytes and tissue-resident immune cells. Second, exercise enhances local expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), thereby activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway. This axis stimulates tenocyte proliferation, augments synthesis of type I collagen —— the principal load-bearing component of tendon —— and thereby promotes tissue repair, preserves tensile strength and supports matrix synthesis and structural integrity. In addition, exercise improves blood supply and nutrient delivery to tendon by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin (DCN), thereby enhancing capillary growth, coordinating collagen fibrillogenesis and actively suppressing pathological vascular calcification. Exercise also increases the expression of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and CD34. Through the concerted actions of these factors, exercise promotes angiogenesis, restores the microvascular network and ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to relatively ischaemic tendon tissue. Finally, exercise elevates levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting neuronal survival, axonal growth and the function of sensory and sympathetic nerve endings within tendon, thereby exerting neurotrophic and neuromodulatory effects and improving tendon innervation and neuromuscular control. Moreover, exercise upregulates collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2), a molecule involved in axonal guidance and regeneration, and moderately increases the activity of substance P (SP), thereby helping to regulate neurogenic inflammation, pain perception and trophic support for tenocytes. Drawing together current evidence, this review systematically summarizes the mechanisms underlying diabetic tendinopathy and examines the mechanistic basis of exercise intervention, with the aim of providing a theoretical framework for the development of precise exercise strategies for affected individuals. However, several key issues remain unresolved: the therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic specificity of different exercise modalities in diabetic tendinopathy have yet to be defined, and early diagnostic biomarkers remain insufficiently characterized. Future studies should apply multi-omics approaches to profile AGE subtypes, miRNA signatures and collagen metabolic products, and should also clarify the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of excessive exercise or mechanical overloading in diabetic tendinopathy. Such efforts will further elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of exercise in diabetic tendinopathy and provide a stronger basis for precision exercise prescription and fitness guidance in patients with diabetes.
8.A new tetralone glycoside in leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus.
Ting-Si GUO ; Qin HUANG ; Qi-Qi HU ; Fei-Bing HUANG ; Qing-Ling XIE ; Han-Wen YUAN ; Wei WANG ; Yu-Qing JIAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):146-167
The chemical constituents from leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus were isolated and purified by chromatography on silica gel, C_(18) reverse-phase silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20 gel, as well as semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Six compounds were identified by UV, IR, NMR, MS, calculated ECD, and comparison with literature data as cyclopaloside D(1), boscialin(2),(5R,6S)-6-hydroxy-6-[(E)-3-hydroxybut-1-enyl]-1,1,5-trimethylcyclohexanone(3), 3S,5R-dihydroxy-6R,7-megastigmadien-9-one(4), 3S,5R-dihydroxy-6S,7-megastigmadien-9-one(5), and gingerglycolipid A(6), respectively. Among them, compound 1 was identified as a new tetralone glycoside, and compounds 2-6 were isolated from leaves of C. paliurus for the first time. Furthermore, compound 1 exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with the IC_(50) of(454.20±31.81)μmol·L~(-1) and(881.82±42.31)μmol·L~(-1) in scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals, respectively.
Plant Leaves/chemistry*
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Glycosides/isolation & purification*
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Juglandaceae/chemistry*
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Tetralones/isolation & purification*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
9.Monitoring results of mosquito-ovitraps placed in different orientations in multi-storey residential areas
Caixiong LIU ; Bin GE ; Haibing ZHANG ; Lin WANG ; Tao YANG ; Yujiao WEI ; Haiying XIE ; Yu ZHANG ; Hongxia LIU ; Juntao SHEN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):109-113
ObjectiveTo find out whether there is any difference in the monitoring results of mosq-ovitraps placed in different orientations in multi-storey residential areas, so as to provide a scientific basis for routine and emergency monitoring of Aedes albopictus with mosq-ovitraps in residential areas. MethodsFrom July 6th to October 26th 2023, one mosquito ovitrap was set up in each of the 4 orientations of east, south, west and north around the buildings in a multi-storey residential area in Jinhui Town, Fengxian District, Shanghai. Data was collected and recorded 72 hours after placement. The chi-square test was used to compare the mosquito ovitrap indices (MOIs) of two independent samples, and the Kruskal⁃Wallis H test was used to compare the MOIs of multiple independent samples. ResultsAfter 16 weeks of surveillance, 997 mosquito ovitraps were recovered, of which 211 were positive, with the mosquito ovitrap index (MOI) of 21.16% and the Aedes albopictus density index of 1.03 mosquitoes·ovitrap-1. The MOIs were higher in September (24.22%) and October (23.96%), and the MOIs in the west, south and north within the two months were all above 20.00%. From July to October, the MOIs in the east, west, south and north were 20.70%, 22.20%, 25.50% and 16.20%, respectively, and the difference in MOIs among the 4 orientations was not statistically significant (χ2=6.647, P=0.084). Stratified analysis by month showed that in August, the south side of the multi-storey residential areas had the highest MOI (31.30%), the north side had the lowest MOI (1.30%), and there was a statistically significant difference in MOI in the east, west, south and north (χ2=25.986, P<0.001). In October, the MOI in the west was the highest (33.30%) and the MOI in the east was the lowest (6.30%), the difference in MOIs of the 4 orientations was statistically significant (χ2=12.007, P=0.007). The MOIs in the south side of the building in the outskirts of the residential area from the 1st week in July to the 4th week in October was lower (19.20%) than that in the south side of the inner building (31.70%), and the difference in MOI was statistically significant (χ2=5.118, P=0.024). ConclusionThe study of MOI in different orientations in a multi-storey residential area is a preliminary exploration based on field work, and the results show that there is a difference in MOIs in different orientations during the peak breeding period of mosquitoes. Further indicators such as temperature, humidity and wind speed in different orientations can be collected to explore the influencing factors of MOIs.
10.Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin in alleviating uremic cardiomyopathy and related mechanism
Shi CHENG ; Yeqing XIE ; Wei LU ; Jiarui XU ; Yong YU ; Ruizhen CHEN ; Bo SHEN ; Xiaoqiang DING
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(2):248-258
Objective To investigate the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (empagliflozin, EMPA) on myocardial remodeling in a mouse uremic cardiomyopathy (UCM) model induced by 5/6 nephrectomy, through the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT)/p65 signaling pathway. Methods The animals were divided into three groups: Sham group (n=6), UCM group (n=8), and UCM+EMPA group (n=8). A UCM model was established in C57BL/6N mice using the 5/6 nephrectomy. Starting from 5 weeks post-surgery, EMPA or a placebo was administered. After 16 weeks, blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, 24-hour urine glucose and urine sodium were measured. Cardiac structure and function were assessed by echocardiography. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson trichrome staining were used to observe pathological changes in the heart and kidneys. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate myocardial hypertrophy. The real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of myocardial hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related mRNAs. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K, AKT and p65 in myocardial tissues. Results After 16 weeks, UCM group exhibited significantly higher blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen than sham group (P<0.01); UCM+EMPA group exhibited lower blood pressure, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and higher 24 h urine sodium and glucose than UCM group (P<0.05). Echocardiographic results showed ventricular remodeling in the UCM group, evidenced by left ventricular wall thickening, left ventricular enlargement, increased left ventricular mass, and decreased systolic function (P<0.05); ventricular remodeling was alleviated (P<0.05), though there was no significant improvement in systolic function in UCM+EMPA group. HE and Masson stainings revealed myocardial degeneration, necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis in UCM group (P<0.01); the myocardial pathology improved with reduced collagen deposition in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.01). WGA staining confirmed myocardial hypertrophy in UCM group (P<0.01), while myocardial hypertrophy was alleviated in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.01). RT-qPCR results showed myocardial hypertrophy- and fibrosis-related genes (NPPA, NPPB, MYH7, COL1A1, COL3A1, TGF-β1) were upregulated in UCM group (P<0.05), but downregulated in UCM+EMPA group. Western blotting showed PI3K, p-AKT/AKT ratio, and p-p65/p65 ratio were increased in UCM group, but decreased in UCM+EMPA group (P<0.05). Conclusion EMPA can improve myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in the UCM mouse model, and it may play the role through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/p65 signaling pathway.

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