1.Effect of Feiyanning Granules on Inducing Ferroptosis in Lung Cancer Cells and Its Regulatory Function onNrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Xin LIU ; Wenjie WANG ; Zhenye XU ; Zhan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):100-107
ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effect of Feiyanning granules on ferroptosis in lung cancer cells and its regulatory function within the nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/mouse solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect the effect of Feiyanning granule on the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells. A549 lung cancer cells were categorized into a blank group, a ferroptosis inhibitor-1 (Fer-1) group (10 μmol·L-1), a Feiyanning granules (600 mg·L-1) group, and a Feiyanning granules + Fer-1 group. After 48 hours of intervention, the activity and morphology of the cells were observed. The CCK-8 method was employed to measure cell viability. Biochemical assays were carried out to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) in A549 cells. Western blot was utilized to evaluate the expression levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins. A549 lung cancer cells were categorized into a blank group and a Feiyanning Granule group (600 mg·L-1), and mitochondrial morphology was examined via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsAfter the intervention of Feiyaning granules, the proliferation of A549 cells was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner compared with that in the blank group (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning granules group exerted an significantly inhibitory effect on the viability of lung cancer cells (P<0.01). Compared with that in the Feiyanning granules group, the cell viability in the Feiyanning granules +Fer-1 group was obviously restored (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning Granule group showed a significant increase in the levels of ROS, MDA, and Fe²⁺ (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the GSH level (P<0.01), and facilitated ferroptosis. Compared with the blank group, the Feiyanning granules group showed significantly decreased expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins and enhanced expression of Keap1 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the Feiyanning Granule group, the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 increased significantly (P<0.01), and the expression of Keap1 decreased significantly in the Feiyanning granules + Fer-1 group (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the Feiyaning granules group exhibited reduced mitochondrial size and increased matrix electron density. ConclusionFeiyanning granules can induce ferroptosis in lung cancer cells, and its underlying mechanism might be associated with the inhibition of the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.
2.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Gardeniae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yuanjun SHANG ; Bo GENG ; Xin CHEN ; Qi WANG ; Guohua ZHENG ; Chun LI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Junjie HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):225-234
ObjectiveBased on traditional quality evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) recorded in historical materia medica, this study systematically compared the quality differences between wild and cultivated GF from morphological characteristics, microscopic features, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. MethodsVernier calipers and analytical balances were used to measure the length, diameter and individual fruit weight of wild and cultivated GF, and the aspect ratio was calculated. A colorimeter was used to determine the chromaticity value of wild and cultivated GF, and the paraffin sections of them were prepared by safranin-fast green staining and examined under an optical microscope to observe their microstructure. Subsequently, the contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of wild and cultivated GF were detected by hot immersion method under the general rule 2201 in volume Ⅳ of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the starch content was measured by anthrone colorimetric method, the content of total polysaccharides was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method, the sucrose content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection(HPLC-ELSD), and the contents of representative components in them were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between quality traits and phenotypic traits, combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), key differential components between wild and cultivated GF were screened. ResultsIn terms of traits, the wild GF fruits were smaller, exhibiting reddish yellow or brownish red hues with significant variation between batches. While the cultivated GF fruits are larger, displaying deeper orange-red or brownish red. The diameter and individual fruit weight of cultivated GF were significantly greater than those of wild GF, while the blue-yellow value(b*) of wild GF was significantly higher than that of cultivated GF. In the microstructure, the mesocarp of wild GF contained numerous scattered calcium oxalate cluster crystals, while the endocarp contained stone cell class round, polygonal or tangential prolongation, undeveloped seeds were visible within the fruit. In contrast, the mesocarp of cultivated GF contained few calcium oxalate cluster crystals, or some batches exhibited extremely numerous cluster crystals. The stone cells in the endocarp were predominantly round-like, with the innermost layer arranged in a grid pattern. Seeds were basically mature, and only a few immature seeds existed in some batches. Regarding primary metabolite content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher total polysaccharide level than cultivated GF(P<0.01). In category-specific component content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of total flavonoids and total polyphenols compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Analysis of 12 secondary metabolites revealed that wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of Shanzhiside, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, gardenoside and chlorogenic acid compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Conversely, the contents of genipin 1-gentiobioside, geniposide and genipin were significantly lower in wild GF(P<0.01). ConclusionThere are significant differences between wild and cultivated GF in terms of traits, microstructure, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. At present, the quality evaluation system of cultivated GF remains incomplete, and this study provides a reference for guiding the production of high-quality GF medicinal materials.
3.Effects and mechanism of short-acting exenatide on improving diabetic cognitive dysfunction
Xin LING ; Deming WANG ; Qi LU ; Jinyue HUANG ; Xian ZHENG ; Xiaona ZHU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):589-594
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effect and mechanism of short-acting exenatide on diabetic cognitive dysfunction. METHODS Spontaneously diabetic db / db mice were randomly divided into model group (normal saline) and exenatide group (50 μg/kg), with db / m mice as the normal control group (normal saline), with 8 mice in each group. Mice in each group were subcutaneously injected with corresponding drugs or normal saline twice daily for 8 consecutive weeks. Body weight and fasting blood glucose were measured at a fixed time every week. Cognitive function was evaluated by Morris water maze test. The levels of oxidative st ress indicators [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) ] , cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) were detected in hippocampus tissue of mice. The hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells of mice were divided into control group (25 mmol/L glucose), high glucose group (125 mmol/L glucose), high glucose+exenatide group (125 mmol/L glucose+20 nmol/L exenatide), high glucose+exenatide+H89 (PKA inhibitor) group (125 mmol/L glucose+20 nmol/L exenatide+10 μmol/L H89), and high glucose+H89 group (125 mmol/L glucose+10 μmol/L H89). After 48 h of intervention with corresponding solutions/culture medium, the levels of oxidative stress indicators, cAMP and PKA, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes Ⅱ and Ⅳ, and the phosphorylation level of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) were measured. RESULTS Animal experiments showed that compared with the normal control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased body weight, fasting blood glucose and MDA level in the hippocampus ( P <0.05), as well as significantly prolonged escape latency ( P <0.05); swimming speed significantly slowed down, the time spent in the target quadrant, the number of platform crossings, and the levels of SOD, GSH, cAMP and PKA in the hippocampus were significantly decreased ( P <0.05). Compared with model group, all the above indicators (except for swimming speed) in the exenatide group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). Cell experiments showed that compared with high glucose group, the high glucose+exenatide group had significantly decreased MDA level ( P <0.05), and significantly increased levels of SOD, GSH, cAMP and PKA, the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes Ⅱ and Ⅳ, and phosphorylation level of Drp1 ( P <0.05). Compared with high glucose+exenatide group, the above indicators in the high glucose+exenatide+H89 group were significantly reversed ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Short-acting exenatide can activate the cAMP/PKA pathway, promote Drp1 phosphorylation, and increase the activities of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes, thereby maintaining mitochondrial stability, reducing oxidative stress injury, and ultimately improving diabetic cognitive dysfunction.
4.Alanine transferase test results and exploration of threshold adjustment strategies for blood donors in Shenzhen, China
Xin ZHENG ; Yuanye XUE ; Haobiao WANG ; Litiao WU ; Ran LI ; Yingnan DANG ; Tingting CHEN ; Xiaoxuan XU ; Xuezhen ZENG ; Jinfeng ZENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):488-494
[Objective] To conduct a retrospective statistical comparison of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test values in blood donors prior to blood collection, aiming to analyze the objective characteristics of the population with elevated ALT levels (ALT>50 U/L) and provide reference data for adjusting the screening eligibility threshold for ALT. [Methods] The preliminary ALT screening data of 30 341 blood donor samples collected prior to blood donation from three smart blood donation sites at the Shenzhen Blood Center between 2022 and 2023 were extracted and compared with data from a health examination department of a tertiary hospital in Shenzhen (representing the general population, n=24 906). Both datasets were categorized and statistically described. A retrospective analysis was conducted to examine the associations between ALT test results and factors such as donors' gender, age, ethnicity, donation site, donation season, and frequency of blood donation. [Results] The ALT levels in both blood donors and the general population were non-normally distributed. The 95th percentile of ALT values was calculated as 61.4 U/L (male: 67.8 U/L, female: 39.3 U/L) for blood donors and 58.1 U/L (male: 63.7 U/L, female: 51.2 U/L) for the general population. The non-compliance rates (ALT>50 U/L) were 7.65% (2 321/30 341) in blood donors and 7.08% (1 763/24 906) in the general population. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the ALT failure rate among blood donors based on gender, age, and donation site, but no significant differences (P>0.05) during the blood donation season. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the positive rates of four serological markers (HBsAg, anti HCV, HIV Ag/Ab, anti TP) for blood screening pathogens between ALT unqualified and qualified individuals (2.05% vs 1.5%). If the ALT qualification threshold was raised from 50 U/L to 90 U/L, the non qualification rates of male and female blood donors would decrease from 9.82% (2 074/21 125) to 2.23% (471/21 125) and from 2.70% (249/9 216) to 0.75% (69/9 216), respectively. Among the 154 blood donors who donated blood more than 3 times, 88.31% of the 248 ALT test results were in the range of 50-90 U/L. Among them, 9 cases had ALT>130 U/L, and ALT was converted to qualified in subsequent blood donations. [Conclusion] There are differences in the ALT failure rate among blood donors of different genders and ages, and different blood donation sites and operators can also affect the ALT detection values of blood donors. The vast majority of blood donors with ALT failure are caused by transient and non pathological factors. With the widespread use of blood virus nucleic acid testing, appropriately increasing the ALT qualification threshold for blood donors can expand the qualified population and alleviate the shortage of blood sources, and the risk of blood safety will not increase.
5.Analysis of abnormal ALT in blood donors in five Zang autonomous prefectures of Qinghai Province, China: characteristics and screening strategies
Yingnan DANG ; ; Rong TANG ; Liqin HUANG ; Hailin WU ; Tingting CHEN ; Shengju LI ; Yanli SUN ; Xin ZHENG ; Yanxia LI ; Xianlin YE ; Jinfeng ZENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(4):502-507
[Objective] To investigate the factors associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) abnormalities in multi-ethnic blood donors across five Zang autonomous prefectures in the plateau regions of Qinghai Province, and to provide evidence for ensuring blood safety and formulating screening strategies. [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on the ALT abnormal test results of blood donors in the Zang autonomous prefectures of Qinghai from 2022 to 2024. The correlations between ALT levels and factors including gender, age, altitude, and infectious markers were investigated. [Results] The overall ALT unqualified rate among blood donors in this region was 9.01%. Significant differences in ALT levels were observed across genders and age groups (P<0.05). Variations in ALT abnormality rates were also noted among different plateau regions (P<0.05). Overall, ALT values exhibited an increasing trend with rising altitude. The average ALT unqualified rates were 11.19% in Zang donors, 7.96% in Han donors, and 4.79% in donors from other ethnic groups (P<0.05). No statistically significant association was observed between ALT abnormality and the presence of HBV/HCV infectious markers (P>0.05). [Conclusion] In the plateau areas of Qinghai, multi-ethnic blood donors have a relatively high ALT levels and ALT unqualified rates, showing distinct regional characteristics. ALT elevation in voluntary blood donors is related to non-pathological factors such as gender, age, and dietary habits, but not to infectious indicators.
6.Meta analysis of the effects of different intervention modalities on non suicidal self-injury in adolescents
ZHENG Mengyao, HE Changjiu, LIU Xin, LIANG Fangling, DU Hui
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):533-538
Objective:
To explore the effectiveness of different intervention modalities on nonsuicidal selfinjury (NSSI) in adolescents, so as to provide an evidencebased basis for the intervention strategy of NSSI in adolescents.
Methods:
Randomized controlled trials on interventions for adolescent NSSI were retrieved from databases, such as CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, spanning from the inception of these databases to March 5, 2025. Network Metaanalysis was performed by using Stata 17.0 and Review Manager 5.3 software, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95%CI were used as the effect indicators to compare the differences in the effectiveness of the interventions and rank the effect.
Results:
A total of 26 articles with 2 034 adolescents with NSSI were included in the study, including 10 intervention modalities:dialectical behavior therapy, emotional regulation intervention, mentalizationbased therapy, family therapy, cutting down programme, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, stepped care approach, positive psychological intervention, and acceptance and commitment therapy. The results showed that compared with the treatment as usual, positive psychological intervention [SMD(95%CI)=-2.12(-3.51 to -0.74)], stepped care intervention [SMD(95%CI)=-2.07(-3.43 to -0.71)], and dialectical behavior therapy [SMD(95%CI)=-1.70(-2.60 to -0.80)], cognitive behavioral therapy [SMD(95%CI)=-1.54(-2.61 to -0.48)], and acceptance and commitment therapy[SMD(95%CI)=-1.50(-2.68 to -0.32)] were statistically significant differences in reducing adolescents NSSI behaviors(P<0.05). Positive psychological intervention, stepped care intervention, and dialectical behavior therapy were more effective than the mentalizationbased therapy and the cutting down programme (SMD=-2.08, -2.03, -1.66, -2.06, -2.01, -1.64,P<0.05); the area under the cumulative ranking probability graph revealed that positive psychological intervention may have the best effect in improving NSSI among adolescents (82.5).
Conclusions
Positive psychological interventions show the best results in improving adolescent NSSI among multiple intervention modalities. It is recommended to give priority to positive psychological interventions in clinical interventions.
7.Retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by attenuating inflammation and modulating macrophage polarization through MKP-1/MAPK signaling pathway
Mengyuan XIN ; Hangyu JIN ; Xiangyu GUO ; Liang ZHAO ; Xiangdan LI ; Dongyuan XU ; Long ZHENG ; Lan LIU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):45-56
Macrophages are innate immune cells connected with the development of inflammation. Retinoic acid has previously been proved to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. However, the exact mechanism through which retinoic acid modulates arthritis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by modulating macrophage polarization. This study used retinoic acid to treat mice with adjuvant arthritis and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects by arthritis score, thermal nociceptive sensitization test, histopathologic examination and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, its specific anti-arthritic mechanism was investigated by flow cytometry, cell transfection and inflammatory signaling pathway assays in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Retinoic acid significantly relieved joint pain and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in mice. Furthermore, this treatment modulated peritoneal macrophage polarization, increased levels of arginase 1, as well as decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vitro, we verified that retinoic acid promotes macrophage transition from the M1 to M2 type by upregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression and inhibiting P38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Notably, the therapeutic effects of retinoic acid were inhibited by MKP-1 knockdown. Retinoic acid exerts a significant therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis in mice by regulating macrophage polarization through the MKP-1/MAPK pathway, and play an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
8.Targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 signaling to improve bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis
Haihui HAN ; Lei RAN ; Xiaohui MENG ; Pengfei XIN ; Zheng XIANG ; Yanqin BIAN ; Qi SHI ; Lianbo XIAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1905-1912
BACKGROUND:Although researchers have noted that fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 shows great potential in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction,there is a lack of reviews related to the potential mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction. OBJECTIVE:To comprehensively analyze the mechanism of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by reviewing the relevant literature at both home and abroad. METHODS:We searched the CNKI database using the Chinese search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,bone cells,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,vascular endothelial cells."PubMed database was searched using the English search terms"fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,rheumatoid arthritis,bone destruction,osteocytes,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,chondrocytes,macrophages,synovial fibroblasts,T cells,endothelial cells."The search period focused on April 1992 to January 2024.After screening the literature by reading titles,abstracts,and full texts,a total of 82 articles were finally included for review according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 was found to be widely expressed in bone tissue-associated cells,including osteoblasts,osteoclasts,and osteoclasts.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 affects bone remodeling and homeostasis by regulating the function of these cells,as well as promoting the onset and progression of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 is involved in the inflammatory response of synovial fibroblasts and macrophages and regulates angiogenesis of endothelial cells in synovial tissues.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 promotes bone destruction in several ways.Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 may be a potential causative agent of bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis and provides a reference for further research on its therapeutic targets.
9.Analysis and evaluation of platelet bank establishment strategy from the perspective of donor loss
Zheng LIU ; Yamin SUN ; Xin PENG ; Yiqing KANG ; Ziqing WANG ; Jintong ZHU ; Juan DU ; Jianbin LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):238-243
[Objective] To analyze the loss rate of platelet donors and evaluate the strategies for establishing a platelet donor bank. [Methods] A total of 1 443 donors who joined the HLA and HPA gene donor bank for platelets in Henan Province from 2018 to 2020 were included in this study. Data on the total number of apheresis platelet donations, annual donation frequency, age at enrollment, donation habits (including the number of platelets donated per session and whether they had previously donated whole blood), and enrollment location were collected from the platelet donor information management system. Donor loss was determined based on the date of their last donation. The loss rates of different groups under various conditions were compared to assess the enrollment strategies. [Results] By the time the platelet bank was officially operational in 2022, 421 donors had been lost, resulting in an loss rate of 29% (421/1 443). By the end of 2023, the overall cumulative loss rate reached 52% (746/1 443). The loss rate was lower than the overall level in groups meeting any of the following conditions: total apheresis platelet donations exceeding 50, annual donation frequency of 10 or more, age at enrollment of 40 years or older, donation of more than a single therapeutic dose per session, or a history of whole blood donation two or more times. Additionally, loss rates varied across different enrollment locations, with higher enrollment numbers generally associated with higher loss rates. [Conclusion] Through a comprehensive analysis of donor loss, our center has adjusted its strategies for establishing the donor pool. These findings also provide valuable insights for other blood collection and supply institutions in building platelet donor banks.
10.Analysis of Changes on Volatile Components of Ligusticum sinense cv. Chaxiong Rhizome Before and After Wine Processing Based on Electronic Nose and HS-GC-MS
Wen ZHANG ; Peng ZHENG ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Xiaolin XIAO ; Zaodan WU ; Li XIN ; Wenhui GONG ; Jinlian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):173-181
ObjectiveBy comparing the composition and content of volatile components in raw products, wine-washed products and wine-fried products of Ligusticum sinense cv. Chaxiong rhizome(LSCR), to investigate the influence of wine processing on the volatile components of LSCR, in order to provide a basis for the development of quality standards for LSCR and its processed products. MethodsElectronic nose was used to identify the odors of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR, and their volatile components were detected by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the relative mass fractions of these components were determined by peak area normalization method. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were performed on the obtained sample data by SIMCA 14.1 software, and the differential components of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR were screened according to the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between volatile differential flavor components and electronic nose sensors. ResultsElectronic nose detection results showed that there were significant differences in the odors of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR, mainly reflected in the sensors S2, S4, S5, S6, S11, S12, S13. And a total of 62 compounds were identified from LSCR and its wine-processed products, among which 46, 50 and 51 compounds were identified from LSCR, wine-fried and wine-washed LSCR, respectively. There were 21 differential components between the raw products and wine-fried products, of which 10 components were increased and 11 were decreased after processing. There were 20 differential components between the raw products and wine-washed products, of which 11 constituents increased and 9 decreased after processing. There were 17 differential components between the wine-wash products and wine-fried products. Compared with the wine-washed products, the contents of 13 components in the wine-fried products increased, and the contents of 4 components decreased. The increasing trend of the content of phthalides in the wine-washed products was more obvious than that in the wine-fried products, but the content of total volatile components was higher in the wine-fried products than the wine-washed products. Correlation analysis showed that there were different degrees of correlation between the 7 differential sensors of electronic nose and 24 differential volatile components, mainly phthalides and olefins. ConclusionThe odor and the content of volatile components in LSCR changed obviously after wine processing, and n-butylphthalide, Z-butylidenephthalide and E-ligustilide can be used as the candidate differential markers of volatile components in LSCR before and after wine processing.


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