1.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Diabetic Nephropathy Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Miao XU ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; You WANG ; Yuzhuo CHANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):90-97
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a renal disorder induced by prolonged hyperglycemia, with major pathological features including persistent albuminuria, progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate, and elevated arterial blood pressure. As one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes, the pathogenesis of DN is complex and multifactorial. Without timely and effective treatment, DN may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently available therapeutic options are often associated with significant adverse effects and high costs, and a large number of patients still progress to ESRD due to delayed treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safer and more effective treatment strategies to improve the living standards and enhance the survival and quality of life of patients with DN. Modern studies have demonstrated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway plays a critical role in oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, autophagy, and glycolysis, and is closely associated with the pathophysiological progression of DN. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved remarkable progress in the prevention and treatment of DN, supported by rich clinical experience and confirmed therapeutic efficacy. With its characteristics of multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway actions, along with minimal side effects, TCM can delay the progression of DN and alleviate patient symptoms. Among these mechanisms, the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of DN based on extensive literature research, summarizes the latest research advances on the precise modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by Chinese medicine monomers, active constituents, Chinese patent medicines, and herbal compound formulas in the treatment of DN, aiming to provide a strong theoretical reference for the development of clinically effective agents for DN prevention and treatment.
3.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Diabetic Nephropathy Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Miao XU ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; You WANG ; Yuzhuo CHANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):90-97
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a renal disorder induced by prolonged hyperglycemia, with major pathological features including persistent albuminuria, progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate, and elevated arterial blood pressure. As one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes, the pathogenesis of DN is complex and multifactorial. Without timely and effective treatment, DN may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently available therapeutic options are often associated with significant adverse effects and high costs, and a large number of patients still progress to ESRD due to delayed treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safer and more effective treatment strategies to improve the living standards and enhance the survival and quality of life of patients with DN. Modern studies have demonstrated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway plays a critical role in oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, autophagy, and glycolysis, and is closely associated with the pathophysiological progression of DN. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved remarkable progress in the prevention and treatment of DN, supported by rich clinical experience and confirmed therapeutic efficacy. With its characteristics of multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway actions, along with minimal side effects, TCM can delay the progression of DN and alleviate patient symptoms. Among these mechanisms, the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of DN based on extensive literature research, summarizes the latest research advances on the precise modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by Chinese medicine monomers, active constituents, Chinese patent medicines, and herbal compound formulas in the treatment of DN, aiming to provide a strong theoretical reference for the development of clinically effective agents for DN prevention and treatment.
5.Study on the mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides inhibiting the proliferation,migration and immune escape of oral cancer cells
Jinyu LI ; Xiaoyu XU ; Yuzhuo WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2134-2140
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on the proliferation, migration, and immune escape of oral cancer cells by regulating the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3)/ galectin-9 (Gal-9) signaling pathway. METHODS Human oral cancer cells KB and CAL27 were assigned to control group, L. barbarum polysaccharides low-concentration group (200 μg/mL), L. barbarum polysaccharides high-concentration group (400 μg/mL), pcDNA-NC group (transfection of pcDNA-NC plasmid), pcDNA-TIM3 group (transfection of pcDNA-TIM3 plasmid), high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-NC group (400 μg/mL L. barbarum polysaccharides + transfection of pcDNA-NC plasmid), and high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-TIM3 group (400 μg/mL L. barbarum polysaccharides + transfection of pcDNA-TIM3 plasmid). The proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of the cells, T cell killing rate as well as the levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the cell supernatant were measured. mRNA expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 and protein expressions of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), TIM3 and Gal-9 in the cells were also determined. RESULTS Compared with control group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of L. barbarum polysaccharide low- and high-concentration groups were decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, and the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group and pcDNA-NC group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, and protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of the pcDNA-TIM3 group were all significantly increased (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, IFN-γ and IL-2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with L. barbarum polysaccharides high-concentration group and high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-NC group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, and protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-TIM3 group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, and the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. barbarum polysaccharides may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and immune escape of oral cancer cells by suppressing TIM3/Gal-9 signaling pathway.
6.Elemene as a binding stabilizer of microRNA-145-5p suppresses the growth of non-small cell lung cancer.
Meirong ZHOU ; Jiayue WANG ; Yulin PENG ; Xiangge TIAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Junlin CHEN ; Yue WANG ; Yu WANG ; Youjian YANG ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Xiaokui HUO ; Yuzhuo WU ; Zhenlong YU ; Tian XIE ; Xiaochi MA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101118-101118
Elemene is widely recognized as an effective anti-cancer compound and is routinely administered in Chinese clinical settings for the management of several solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its detailed molecular mechanism has not been adequately demonstrated. In this research, it was demonstrated that elemene effectively curtailed NSCLC growth in the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Mechanistically, employing high-throughput screening techniques and subsequent biochemical validations such as microscale thermophoresis (MST), microRNA-145-5p (miR-145-5p) was pinpointed as a critical target through which elemene exerts its anti-tumor effects. Interestingly, elemene serves as a binding stabilizer for miR-145-5p, demonstrating a strong binding affinity (dissociation constant (K D) = 0.39 ± 0.17 μg/mL) and preventing its degradation both in vitro and in vivo, while not interfering with the synthesis of the primary microRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) and precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs). The stabilization of miR-145-5p by elemene resulted in an increased level of this miRNA, subsequently suppressing NSCLC progression through the miR-145-5p/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) pathway. Our findings provide a new perspective on revealing the interaction patterns between clinical anti-tumor drugs and miRNAs.
7.Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Communication Strategies for Vaccination Decision-Making Facilitation
Yuwei ZHANG ; Yuzhuo XIE ; Yazhou WANG ; Jiajun SHI ; Jingzhi WANG ; Jiaqi GUO ; Baijun TENG ; Mingli JIAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):66-69
In recent years,public hesitancy to vaccinate has come to the fore and can hinder the advancement of immunization programs.It is important to increase public confidence in vaccines and to rationally and effectively promote the immunization behavior of the population.Based on behavioral economics theory,it combines the anchoring effect,loss aversion,two-systems theory,and the herd effect to explore the irrational factors and decision-making preferences behind the public's vaccination decisions,and then proposes discourse strategies for effective boosting to increase the public's confidence in vaccination.
8.Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Communication Strategies for Vaccination Decision-Making Facilitation
Yuwei ZHANG ; Yuzhuo XIE ; Yazhou WANG ; Jiajun SHI ; Jingzhi WANG ; Jiaqi GUO ; Baijun TENG ; Mingli JIAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):66-69
In recent years,public hesitancy to vaccinate has come to the fore and can hinder the advancement of immunization programs.It is important to increase public confidence in vaccines and to rationally and effectively promote the immunization behavior of the population.Based on behavioral economics theory,it combines the anchoring effect,loss aversion,two-systems theory,and the herd effect to explore the irrational factors and decision-making preferences behind the public's vaccination decisions,and then proposes discourse strategies for effective boosting to increase the public's confidence in vaccination.
9.Characterizing immune microenvironment cell composition of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps based on mass cytometry technology
Lei WANG ; Weiqing WANG ; Surita AODENG ; Yuzhuo LIU ; Zhenzhen ZHU ; Jingjing LI ; Wei LYU
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;59(6):532-542
Objective:To analyze the cellular composition characteristics of the nasal tissue immune microenvironment in patients with control, chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (neCRSwNP), and eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (eCRSwNP) using mass cytometry flow technology.Methods:Thirteen CRS patients who underwent endoscopic nasal surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March to December 2022 were recruited, including 8 males and 5 females, aged 22.3 to 58.3 years. Three control mucosae were obtained from normal ethmoid or sphenoid sinuses of patients with benign tumors of the temporal fossa or non-functional pituitary adenomas who underwent endoscopic surgery, excluding allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Sixteen clinical tissue samples (3 of control, 3 of CRSsNP, 4 of neCRSwNP, and 6 of eCRSwNP) were prepared into single-cell suspensions. Mass cytometry flow detection was performed using a combination of 42 molecular markers to analyze the differences in cell subpopulations among the groups. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9.Results:Based on the mass cytometry flow results, cells from control, CRSsNP, neCRSwNP, and eCRSwNP were divided into seven main cell subgroups, with detailed subgrouping of T/NK cells and myeloid cells. In T/NK cells, compared with the control group, the number of NK CD56bright cells increased in the CRSsNP group, while NK CD56dim cells decreased; compared with the CRSsNP group, the eCRSwNP group showed a decrease in NKT cells and CD4 +Tem cells; compared with the CRSsNP group, the eCRSwNP group showed a significant increase in CD25 expression within Treg cells; compared with the CRSsNP group, the eCRSwNP group showed a significant decrease in Tbet expression in CD8 +Teff cells and CD8 +TRM cells; in eCRSwNP, the expression of CD103 in CD8 +TRM cells was significantly lower than in CRSsNP. In myeloid cells, compared with the other three groups, the eCRSwNP group showed a significant increase in macrophages and a significant decrease in cDC1 and monocytes; compared with the control group and CRSsNP, the eCRSwNP group also showed a significant decrease in resting state macrophages; compared with the CRSsNP group, the eCRSwNP group showed a significant decrease in the level of CX3CR1 within cDC2 and monocytes; the expression levels of NLRP3 in cDC2 and macrophages in the eCRSwNP group were significantly higher than in the other three groups; compared with the control group, the expression levels of Gata3 in cDC2 and macrophages in the eCRSwNP group were also significantly increased; additionally, the expression of CCR2 within monocytes in the eCRSwNP group was lower than in the CRSsNP group. In ILC, compared with the control group, the expression of CCR6 decreased in the eCRSwNP group. Conclusions:Compared with the control group, CRSsNP, and neCRSwNP, eCRSwNP shows an increase in macrophage number, a decrease in cDC1 and resting state macrophages, and depletion of protective cells CD103 +CD8 +TRM. Additionally, the expression levels of CCR2 and CX3CR1 in monocytes of eCRSwNP are decreased.
10.Epidemiological characteristics of stroke incidence from 2017 to 2022 in Songjiang District, Shanghai
Xuyan SU ; Yuzhuo WANG ; Yiling WU ; Jingyi HE ; Peng YANG ; Dongchen LANG ; Yonggen JIANG ; Genming ZHAO ; Yang ZHENG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(11):1065-1069
ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of stroke in Songjiang District from 2017 to 2022, to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of stroke incidence, so as to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of stroke prevention and control policies. MethodsData of new stroke incidence from 2017 to 2022 in Songjiang District were obtained from the Shanghai Stroke and Acute Myocardial Infarction Registration and Reporting Information System. In addition, different classifications such as time of onset, gender, age group and types of stroke, were statistically analyzed. Statistical indicators, such as the number of incidence, crude incidence rate, standardized incidence rate and average age of incidence were calculated simultaneously. Joinpoint software were used to calculate the annual change percentage (APC) and the trend of stroke incidence in Songjiang District. ResultsFrom 2017 to 2022, the newly reported cases of stroke were 12 988 in Songjiang District, the crude incidence rate was 325.76/105, and the standardized incidence rate was 127.58/105. The crude incidence rate and standardized incidence rate in males were 363.45/105 and 157.17/105, respectively, but 288.68/105 and 99.02/105 in females. The mean age of onset was (73.12±11.75) years, of which the mean age of onset was (70.86±11.96) years for men and (75.91±10.85) years for women. The incidence of stroke increased with age, rising rapidly after 60 years and reaching a peak in the age group of ≥ 80 years old. The crude incidence rate and standardized incidence rate of stroke in Songjiang District showed a downward trend from 2017 to 2022, with an APC of -6.20% and -8.01%, respectively (P=0.018, 0.007). The newly reported stroke was dominated by ischemic stroke, accounting for 82.81% of the total cases, with a crude incidence rate of 269.77/105 and a standardized rate of 103.84/105. The incidence of stroke presented seasonal characteristics, with the highest incidence in winter, accounting for 26.11% of the whole year. ConclusionThe incidence rate of stroke in Songjiang District shows a declined trend, but the overall incidence is still at a high level. The situation of prevention and control is still serious, with a heavy disease burden. It is necessary to strengthen health education and disease management for the elderly.

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