1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.Variations of Chemical Components in Gardeniae Fructus Before and After Being Charred Analyzed by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS
Lan LI ; Jie HONG ; Yanan SONG ; Yilan LI ; Yun WANG ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):175-182
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in chemical components of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) before and after being charred, providing data support for research on the material basis of GF Carbonisata(GFC). MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS) was used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the chemical components in GF and GFC under positive and negative ion modes with Compound Discoverer 3.3 software and online database. Then, principal component analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis in SIMCA14.1 software were used to analyze the MS data of each sample. Based on the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1, differential secondary and primary metabolites before and after carbonization were screened. In addition, MetaboAnalyst website was used for pathway enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), so as to provide a reference for clarifying the processing mechanism. ResultsA total of 185 components were identified, including 96 secondary metabolites and 89 primary metabolites. These components were classified into nine categories, primarily including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenoids, their fragmentation pathways were also analyzed. Simultaneously, multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the secondary and primary metabolites, identifying 70 and 59 differential metabolites, respectively. The secondary metabolites were enriched in two metabolic pathways, including C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism and flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis, while the primary differential metabolites were enriched in seven pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism and tyrosine metabolism. ConclusionThe chemical components of GF change significantly after carbonization, with a significant decrease in the contents of iridoid glycosides and terpenoids such as hydroxyisogeniposide, crocin Ⅱ, crocetin, and jasminoside B. while the contents of 4-hydroxycoumarin, geniposidic acid, gentiopicroside, and gardenoside methyl ester increase significantly. This change is presumed to be associated with the enhanced cooling and hemostatic effects of the processed products. The identified key components provide a basis for elucidating the material basis underlying the efficacy changes before and after carbonization.
3.Analysis of data from the survey of radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province, China, 2024
Jialong WU ; Yun WANG ; Hanyu ZHANG ; Jie WANG ; Yanjun WANG ; Fang WANG ; Qian WANG ; Ruiying WANG ; Xiangru QU ; Limei NIU ; Qin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):1-5
Objective To investigate the current distribution of radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province, evaluate the equity of resource allocation, and provide a scientific basis for optimizing regional resource allocation. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out to assess radiotherapy resources in medical institutions across Gansu Province, China. The equity of radiotherapy resource distribution and associated disparities were assessed using the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, and Theil index. Results A total of 23 medical institutions in Gansu Province provided radiotherapy services, comprising 39 radiotherapy devices and 438 professionals, of whom medical physicists accounted for 16.9%. The radiotherapy frequency was 0.47 cases per thousand population. The Gini coefficients for radiotherapy resource distribution ranged from 0.38 to 0.56 by population and from 0.52 to 0.70 by geography. The Theil index for radiotherapy resources ranged from 1.36 to 3.67. Conclusion Radiotherapy resources in Gansu Province were insufficient, and the capacity of radiotherapy service was suboptimal. The equity of radiotherapy resource allocation by geography was worse than that by population. Therefore, it is imperative to address the shortage of radiotherapy resources, strengthen the professional workforce, enhance the capacity radiotherapy service and resource utilization, optimize resource allocation, and promote regional equity in radiotherapy provision in Gansu Province.
4.Establishment of near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative models for moisture and index components in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces
Xun LU ; Zhe ZHANG ; Geng-zhi ZHAN ; Lu-yao CAI ; Cun-yu LI ; Yun-feng ZHENG ; Tuan-jie WANG ; Yu JIN ; Guo-ping PENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3184-3190
AIM To establish the near-infrared spectroscopy quantitative models for moisture,23-acetylalismol B and 23-acetylalismol C in Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces.METHODS The near-infrared spectroscopy(NIRS)data were collected in 95 batches of decoction pieces,after which drying method was adopted in the content determination of moisture,HPLC was applied to determining the contents of 23-acetylalismol B and 23-acetylalismol C,the quantitative models were established by partial least squares method combined with feature extraction algorithms.RESULTS The model training determination coefficients were 0.952 6,0.958 1 and 0.920 8,along with the prediction determination coefficients of 0.930 0,0.905 2 and 0.906 4,the residual prediction deviations(PRD)of 4.00,3.58 and 3.46,and the root mean square error ratios of prediction values to calibration values(RMSEP/RMSEC)of 1.15,1.11 and 1.06,respectively.CONCLUSION The quantitative models based on NIRS exhibit good prediction effects,which can be used for the rapid quality detection of Alismatis Rhizoma decoction pieces.
5.Effects of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on glycolipid metabolism and PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signalling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Kai-yin ZHANG ; Feng-yun YAO ; Yao-yao HAN ; Jie-lin JIANG ; Lin WANG ; Wen LI ; Hong-fang YANG ; Huan-yuan ZHANG ; Yan-kun CUI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3242-3248
AIM To investigate the impact of varying dosages of Supplemented Wendan Decoction on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 glycolipid metabolic pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.METHODS The CCK-8 assay was used to determine the concentration of Supplemented Wendan Decoction-medicated serum.The mature adipocytes differentiated from 3T3-L1 preadipocytes after induction were further divided into the blank control group,the model group,the rosiglitazone group(10 mg/L),and the Supplemented Wendan Decoction groups(5%,10%,and 20%),followed by the sample collections after 48 hours of treatment.Oil red O staining quantified lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes;extracellular glucose levels were measured using glucose oxidase(GOD)assay;RT-qPCR analyzed mRNA expressions of IRS-1,PI3K,Akt,GLUT4,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β;Western blot assessed protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt,FOXO1 and GLUT4.RESULTS No significant changes in cell viability(P>0.05)were observed in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes exposed to serum containing supplemented Wendan Decoction at different concentrations for 24,48,or 72 hours.The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes held the capacity to differentiate into mature adipocytes within a 14-day induction period.Compared to the model group,all supplemented Wendan Decoction groups exhibited reduced lipid accumulation in adipocytes and downregulated mRNA expression of IRS-1,IL-6,TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);the low-dose group demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of PI3K and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01),alongside elevated protein expressions of INSR,IRS-1,PI3K-p85,Akt and GLUT4(P<0.05,P<0.01);the medium-dose group showed enhanced GLUT4 mRNA expression,and upregulated protein expressions of INSR and FOXO1(P<0.01).After 24 hours intervention,the high-dose Supplemented Wendan Decoction group exhibited increased glucose consumption in adipocytes(P<0.01),and elevated protein expression of INSR,Akt and FOXO1(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Supplemented Wendan Decoction reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes,regulates glucose and lipid metabolism,and promotes metabolic homeostasis through PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway.
6.Effect of IDream reconstruction technique based on iterative reconstruction algorithm on image quality of low-dose CT on upper abdomen and the displays of hepatic cyst
Peng YE ; Huayang DU ; Zhengjun LI ; Man WANG ; Yun WANG ; Yukun LIANG ; Jie FANG
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(1):13-18
Objective:To investigate the optimal reconstruction grade of IDream reconstruction technique in reducing image noise,optimizing image quality,and displaying liver cysts through the subjective assessment on the display of computed tomography (CT) image with differently reconstructive grades in IDream reconstruction technique of iterative reconstruction algorithm,and the objective evaluation of image quality of upper abdomen. Methods:The imaging data of CT plain scan of 53 patients with hepatic cysts who underwent plain scans on upper abdomen at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from August to September 2021 were retrospectively collected. All images were reconstructed to standard window images by using 6 kinds of methods that included filtered back projection (FBP) and IDream grades 1 to 5,which resulted in 6 groups of images that included FBP group and IDream grades 1-5. The CT values and standard deviation (SD) values of the liver,abdominal aorta,erector spine muscle,fat and spleen in images of each group were measured and recorded,respectively. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the images were calculated. Two CT diagnostic physicians with more than 8 years of experience conducted subjective scoring for the display in the images of hepatic cysts of each group. The objective parameters and the subjective scores of hepatic cysts of reconstructive images with different grades were compared. A one-way analysis of variance was adopted to analyze the objective parameters,and Kruskal-Wallis H test was conducted on the subjective score of the display of hepatic cysts. Results:There were no statistically significant differences in the CT values among different reconstruction grades on the liver,abdominal aorta,fat,erector spine muscle and spleen (P>0.05). In the FBP group and IDream grades 1 to 5 groups,the SD values of images gradually decreased with the increasing of the reconstruction grades,which were respectively (18.11±5.03),(15.37±4.97),(13.26±4.83),(11.68±4.56),(10.99±4.36) and (10.60±4.21) Hu. The SNR and CNR of the liver gradually increased. The differences in SD values,SNR,and CNR among the six groups of images were all statistically significant (F=20.75,17.72,3.15,P<0.05),respectively. The subjective scores for the display of hepatic cysts from the FBP group to IDream grades 1 to 4 were respectively (3.12±0.35),(3.63±0.46),(4.02±0.42),(4.61±0.48) and (4.63±0.48),which were gradually increasing,while the score for the IDream grade 5 group slightly decreased to (4.53±0.47). The subjective scores for hepatic cysts in the images of IDream grades 3 and 4 groups were the highest. The comparison of the average subjective scores of the images of hepatic cysts among the six reconstruction grades showed statistically significant differences (H=192.17,P<0.05). Conclusion:In CT plain scan on the upper abdomen,with the increasing of IDream reconstruction grades,the image noises gradually decrease,and objective parameters of images gradually enhance,and the reconstructions of IDream grades 3 and 4 can obtain the optimal image quality of upper abdomen at the objective score of hepatic cysts.
7.Research on the management efficiency of the supply-processing-distribution model based on risk perspective in low-value medical consumables of clinical departments of hospital
Meimei LI ; Shanshan JIANG ; Hang WANG ; Jie YUN
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(1):126-132
Objective:To research on the application effect of the supply-processing-distribution (SPD) model based on risk perspective in the management of low-value medical consumables of clinical departments in hospital,so as to improve management efficiency of hospital for low-value medical consumables. Methods:Risk points in the management of low-value medical consumables were identified based on a risk perspective,and the SPD mode was adopted to conduct collaborative management for low-value medical consumables in the hospital. Low-value medical consumables were used in clinical departments of the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2021 to November 2023 were selected. According to random number table,885 medical consumables were used from October 2021 to October 2022 were managed by using the conventional management model,and another 885 medical consumables were used from November 2022 to November 2023 were managed by using the SPD model based on a risk perspective. The management effect scores,performance evaluation results,management efficiency,and incidence of adverse situations of low-value medical consumables were compared between the two management modes. Results:The average scores of occurring problems and operation cost of low-value medical consumables in the SPD model group were respectively (15.14±2.06) and (20.44±3.16),which were lower than those in the conventional management model group,with statistically significant differences (t=84.009,92.863,P<0.05). The average scores of delivery timeliness,work efficiency,standardization,traceability of consumables,waste recycling of consumables,delivery satisfaction,and demand forecasting were respectively (97.14±10.11),(95.25±10.85),(89.65±12.54),(88.25±9.14),(94.14±10.22),(88.14±9.22),and (95.84±10.33) in the SPD model group,which were higher than those in the conventional management model group,with statistically significant differences (t=78.169,77.874,75.326,68.557,35.288,25.422,102.959,P<0.05). The average issuance time and replenishment time of low-value medical consumables in the SPD model group were respectively (6.11±0.72) min and (12.58±2.35) h,which were shorter than those in the conventional management model group,with statistically significant differences (t=54.129,122.343,P<0.05). The issuance accuracy rate and proportion of saved amount of low-value medical consumables in the SPD model group were respectively 98.76% and 3.16%,which were higher than those in the conventional management model group,with statistically significant differences (x2=159.178,5.618,P<0.05). The number of issuance error and the proportion of expired consumables,invalid consumables or damaged consumables in the SPD model group were respectively 1.24% and 0.90%,which were lower than those in the conventional management model group,with statistically significant differences (x2=159.178,23.792,P<0.05). The average time consuming of daily and monthly of low-value medical consumables in the SPD model group were respectively (0.29±0.02) h and (1.14±0.25) h,which were shorter than those in the conventional management model group,and the average number of monthly inventory backlog and average circulation time in the SPD model group were respectively (33.19±4.25) and (26.14±3.18) d,which were lower than those in the conventional management model group,with statistically significant differences (t=412.428,122.343,114.555,39.848,P<0.05). The incidence rates of unregistered use,unskilled operation,failure to enter data into the computer,carelessness during shift handovers,and loss of consumables of low-value medical consumables in the SPD model group were respectively 6.21%,7.12%,2.03%,2.26% and 1.92%,which were lower than those in the conventional management model group,with statistically significant differences (x2=28.882,15.225,22.824,12.683,16.893,P<0.05). Conclusion:The application of the SPD model based on a risk perspective in the management of low-value medical consumables in clinical departments of hospital can reduce operating costs of hospital,and increase procurement efficiency for them,and enhance the level of refined management for low-value medical consumables.
8.Effects of key molecules in m6A methylation modification on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Zhi-rong CHENG ; Min YAO ; Xue-yun LI ; Chao-jie CHAI ; Pin-xiang DANG ; Si-yu WANG ; Fang-lin ZHANG ; Xin LYU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):150-157
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)and methyltransferase methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3),key molecules in N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification,on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV).Recombinant lentiviruses were generated by packaging the FTO and green fluorescent protein into lentiviral vectors.Neuro2a cells,a mouse neuroblastoma cell line,were infected with the lentivirus,and stable FTO-expressing cell lines were obtained through puromycin selection.Successful overexpression of FTO was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy,real-time quantitative PCR,and western blot analysis.When Neuro2a cells overexpressing FTO were infected with JEV,the overexpression of FTO decreased JEV replication in the cells,and increased the expression of interferon(IFN)and related molecules.Additionally,treatment of JEV-infected Neuro2a cells with the METTL3-specific inhibitor STM2457 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in JEV replication and viral protein expression.These findings suggested that lowering m6A methylation levels inhibits JEV replication,thus shedding light on the regulatory role of methylation modification in JEV replication.
9.Effects of Jiedu Yizhi Formula on neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway
Jie WANG ; Jian LIU ; Xiao-ting ZHU ; Yun-qiang LI ; Xin-yue ZHANG ; Fan LI ; Jia-li WU ; Wei LI ; Ming-quan LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(6):1843-1852
AIM To investigate the mechanism of Jiedu Yizhi Formula on cognitive function and neuroinflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease(AD).METHODS 50 APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into the model group,the donepezil group,and the low-dose,moderate-dose,and high-dose Jiedu Yizhi Formula group(1.78,3.56 and 7.12 g/kg),with 10 mice in each group,in contrast to the 10 WT mice of the blank group.Following anesthesia administration and 8-week oral gavage regimen with respective drugs,all mice underwent final tissue sample collection.The mice had their learning and memory ability assessed by Morris water maze and nesting behavior scores;their pathology of brain tissue and Aβ expression observed using HE,Nissl and IHC staining;their polarization of microglia and the expression of inflammatory factors in hippocampal tissue detected by IF and ELISA;their hippocampal expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group had lower scores in total swimming distance,frequency in crossing the platform,residence time in the target quadrant,and nesting behavior scores(P<0.05,P<0.01);prolonged evasion latency(P<0.01);more disorganized arrangement of pyramidal cells,solidification and deep staining,unclear demarcation,irregular cell shapes,reduction of Nyctinidia,and increased Aβ deposition in the brain tissue(P<0.01);elevated expression of hippocampal microglia M1-type markers CD16/32 and lba-1(P<0.01);decreased levels of M2-type marker CD206(P<0.05);elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β(P<0.01);decreased expressions of IL-13 and IL-4(P<0.01);and decreased levels of PI3K,Akt and mTOR mRNA,and reduced p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expressions(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the donepezil group and the Jiedu Yizhi Formula groups showed statistically significant improvements in the aforementioned indexes(P<0.05,P<0.01),with the magnitude of improvement being higher in the high-dose Jiedu Yizhi Formula group.CONCLUSION Jiedu Yizhi Formula suppresses microglia Ml-type polarization while enhancing M2-type polarization via activation the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,which subsequently reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion.This mechanism attenuates Aβ deposition in brain tissues and ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in AD mouse models.
10.Effects of high-altitude hypoxia exposure on brain injury in rats based on oxidative stress and aquaporins
Xin-jue ZHANG ; Wang-jie CAO ; Yun SU ; Hong-xia GONG ; Yong HUANG ; Yong-qi LIU ; Jian-zheng HE ; Jia-wang GUO ; Neng-xian ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):81-85
Objective To explore the brain damage of SD rats under different time points of hypobaric hypoxia exposure.Methods A rat high-altitube cerebral edema(HACE)model was constructed by simulating an altitude of 6 000 m in a hypobaric hypoxia animal experimental chamber.Thirty-six SD male rats were randomly divided into the control group and the hypobaric hypoxia exposure 3,7 and 14 d groups,with 9 rats in each group.Except for the control group,the rats in each group were continuously exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 3,7,and 14 d.At the end of the modeling period,serum was collected by blood sampling via the abdominal aorta,and brain tissue samples were taken.The wet-to-dry ratio(W/D)of brain tissue was calculated,and the levels of relevant oxidative enzymes in serum and brain tissue were measured.The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and aquaporin 4(AQP4)mRNAs in brain tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results The W/D of brain tissues in the control group and the group exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 3,7 and 14 d were 4.46±0.12,4.98±0.16,5.07±0.18 and 4.95±0.07;the superoxide dismutase contents were(111.86±2.45),(90.73±1.48),(79.64±2.56)and(55.33±1.45)U·g-1;the glutathione contents were(126.91±5.18),(125.26±1.53),(56.20±2.17)and(122.73±1.78)μg·mL-1;the malondialdehyde contents were(230.94±2.00),(362.65±3.28),(407.34±3.47)and(237.50±1.59)nmol·g-1;the relative expression levels of HIF-1 α mRNA were 1.00±0,2.99±0.49,4.72±0.49 and 1.91±0.28;the relative expression levels of AQP4 mRNA were 1.00±0,2.62±0.34,8.38±0.84 and 5.27±0.42,respectively.Statistically significant differences were found between the above indexes in the 3,7 and 14 d of hypobaric hypoxia exposure group compared with the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Different time of hypobaric hypoxia exposure can up-regulate the expression of AQPs proteins in HACE rats and cause the disruption of the blood-brain barrier,and the HACE model constructed in the hypobaric hypoxia chamber with 6 000 m intervention for 7 d was more stable.

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