1.Effect of Dingzhi Xiaowan on PI3K/Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α Pathway in Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment Model Mice
Han ZHANG ; Yu WANG ; Xiaoqin ZHONG ; Zhenqiu NING ; Dafeng HU ; Minzhen DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):1-11
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Dingzhi Xiaowan (DZXW) in post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) model mice. MethodsThe cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model of mice was established by using the middle cerebral artery occlusion method. Forty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose DZXW group (1.43 g·kg-1), and high-dose DZXW group (2.56 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. Both the sham operation group and the model group were treated with equal amounts of normal saline by gavage, and the above four groups of mice were gavaged once a day for 30 consecutive days. Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the learning memory ability of mice. Serum levels of amyloid precursor protein (APP), amyloid 42 (Aβ42), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Deoxyribonucleotide end transferase-mediated nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay was applied to detect the degree of apoptosis in the mouse's hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) homologous structural domain protein (Beclin1), sequestosome 1 (p62), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), Bcl-2, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in hippocampal tissue. Prussian blue staining was used to detect iron deposition in hippocampal tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was taken to observe the ultrastructure of the mouse's hippocampal neurons. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the latency, APP, Aβ42, AChE, TUNEL positivity, ferric ion deposition, HIF-1α, Beclin1, Bax, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01), while the number of crossing platforms, SOD, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, p62, and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the latency, APP, Aβ42, AChE, TUNEL positivity rate, ferric ion deposition, HIF-1α, Beclin1, Bax, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly reduced in the DZXW groups (P<0.05), while the number of crossing platforms, SOD, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, p62, and Bcl-2 were significantly higher (P<0.05). ConclusionDZXW can alleviate cognitive impairment induced by oxidative stress-aggravated hippocampal neuronal damage in PSCI model mice by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α autophagy signalling pathway.
2.Quercetin Attenuates Ferroptosis Against LPS-induced Acute Kidney Injury Rats via Modulating Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Pathway
Haoruo YANG ; Dajun YU ; Yu ZHANG ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):65-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and therapeutic role of quercetin on ferroptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) rats based on the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein-1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, quercetin high-dose (100 mg·kg-1) and low-dose (10 mg·kg-1) groups, ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin 1 (FER1) group (5 mg·kg-1), and quercetin high-dose + Nrf2 inhibitor group (ML385, 30 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, the AKI rat model was established in each group by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg·kg-1). Following successful modeling, each treatment group received the corresponding dose of drug intervention, while the normal and model groups were administered an equal volume of normal saline. The intervention lasted for 3 weeks. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured biochemically to assess renal function. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) in renal tissue were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining were employed to observe pathological morphological changes in renal tissue. Mitochondrial morphological changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in renal tissue were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), transferrin receptor (TFR1), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of SCr, BUN, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Fe2+ and MDA in renal tissue, and significantly reduced SOD and GSH levels (P<0.01). Pathological injury in renal tissue was severe, with evident mitochondrial damage characteristic of ferroptosis and a reduced mitochondrial count. ROS levels in renal tissue were significantly increased. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Keap1, TFR1, and KIM-1 in renal tissue were significantly elevated, while those of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, serum levels of SCr, BUN, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, Fe2+ and MDA in renal tissue in the quercetin dosage groups and FER1 group showed varying degrees of reduction, while SOD and GSH levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathological injury in renal tissue was markedly alleviated, mitochondrial damage improved, and mitochondrial counts increased. ROS levels in renal tissue were significantly reduced. The protein and mRNA levels of Keap1, TFR1, and KIM-1 in renal tissue were significantly decreased, while those of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 were significantly increased, with the most notable improvement in the high-dose quercetin group (P<0.05). In comparison to the high-dose quercetin group, the ML385 group significantly weakened the protective effect of quercetin on AKI rats (P<0.05). ConclusionQuercetin effectively inhibits ferroptosis, improves renal tissue injury, and repairs renal function in AKI rats, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway.
3.Anti-osteoporosis Effect of Isorhamnetin: A Review
Shilong MENG ; Xu ZHANG ; Yawei XU ; Yang YU ; Wei LI ; Yanguang CAO ; Xiaolin SHI ; Wei ZHANG ; Kang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):347-352
Osteoporosis is a common senile bone metabolism disease, clinically characterized by decreased bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility, and easy fracture. It tends to occur in the elderly and postmenopausal women, seriously threatening the quality of life and physical and mental health of the elderly. At present, the treatment of osteoporosis is mainly based on oral western medicines, such as calcium, Vitamin D, and bisphosphonates. Still, there are drawbacks such as a long medication cycle and many adverse reactions. In recent years, due to the advantages of multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target, some traditional Chinese medicines and effective ingredients can regulate the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation process in both directions and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Hippophae rhamnoides is a commonly used herbal medicine, and its fruits are rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, and trace elements, which have been proven to have a good anti-osteoporosis effect. Isorhamnetin is the main effective ingredient of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits, which has many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, anti-aging, and anti-tumor. Studies have shown that isorhamnetin can participate in the regulation of bone metabolism and has a good anti-osteoporosis effect. However, the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, this paper reviewed the pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of isorhamnetin against osteoporosis by referring to relevant literature to provide more basis for the development and application of isorhamnetin.
4.Effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function,intestinal flora and metabolite content in slow transit constipation rat
Ziqi ZHANG ; Hongyun ZHOU ; Qiong ZHAO ; Yuan DENG ; Yu ZHAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):154-159
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function, intestinal flora and the contents of metabolites [γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in slow transit constipation (STC) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (10 rats) and modeling group (30 rats), with half male and half female. The STC model was established by intragastric administration of Compound diphenoxylate tablets in the modeling group. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group [56 g/(kg·d), calculated by crude drug] and positive control group [lactulose 2.09 g/(kg·d)], with 10 rats in each group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine intragastrically, the blank group and model group received an equivalent volume of normal saline, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. During the experiment, the general situation of rats was observed in each group. After the last medication, the body weight was measured, and the Bristol score was used to evaluate the fecal characteristics. The fecal moisture content, intestinal propulsion rate, and the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal content were detected; the diversity of intestinal flora in intestinal contents was investigated, and the correlation between the contents of GABA, 5-HT and relative abundance of microbiota was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, general conditions such as small body shape, sparse and rough fur, and slow movement were all improved in Modified shaoyao gancao decoction body weight, Bristol score, fecal moisture content,intestinal propulsion rate, 5-HT content, Chao1 index and Shannon index were increased significantly, while GABA content and Simpson index were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The intestinal flora of rats in the Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group could be classified as the same as the blank group, but was far from the model group; the relative abundances of Desulfobacterota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in this group showed a tendency of pull back, but the differences were not statistically significant compared to model group (P>0.05). Desulfobacterota was an intergroup differential factor (P<0.05). The content of GABA was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Patescibacteria and Actinobacteriota (P<0.05). The content of 5-HT was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Campilobacterota (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modified shaoyao gancao decoction can improve the fecal properties and intestinal motility of STC rats. Its mechanism may be related to improving intestinal flora and then affecting the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal contents. In addition, the contents of GABA and 5-HT may be significantly correlated with the relative abundance of specific bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota.
5.Reevaluation of systematic evluation of Xianling gubao capsules for knee osteoarthritis
Dongdong CAO ; Jixin CHEN ; Weijie YU ; Tianci GUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Puyu NIU ; Aifeng LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):232-238
OBJECTIVE To conduct a reevaluation of the systematic review (SR)/meta-analysis on the use of Xianling gubao capsules (XLGBC) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and provide evidence-based support for the clinical use of the drugs. METHODS Computerized searches including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were conducted to collect systematic reviews (SR) or meta-analyses of XLGBC for the treatment of KOA from the inception to May 31st, 2024. The report quality, methodological quality, risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed using the PRISMA 2020 statement, AMSTAR 2 scale, ROBIS tool and GRADE tool, respectively. A comprehensive quality analysis of the quantitative results from the SR/meta-analysis was also performed. RESULTS A total of five SR/meta-analyses were included. The evaluation results based on the PRISMA 2020 statement showed that one study report was relatively complete (21 points), while four studies had deficiencies (18-20 points). The assessment using the AMSTAR 2 scale indicated that the methodological quality of all five studies was rated as very low. According to the ROBIS tool evaluation, the risk of comprehensive bias in all five studies was classified as high. GRADE tool evaluation revealed that among 49 outcome indicators, 5 (10.2%) were rated as moderate-quality evidence (10.2%), 12 as low-quality evidence (24.5%), and 32 as very low-quality evidence (65.3%). The results of comprehensive quality analysis showed that the clinical efficacy, visual analogue scale score, pain relief time, comprehensive indexes of knee joint function, the levels of inflammatory factors and the incidence of adverse events in patients with XLGBC combined with conventional treatment were significantly better than conventional treatment alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with conventional treatment, XLGBC in combination with conventional treatment for KOA may have some efficacy and safety advantages. However, due to the low quality of evidence for the outcome indicators included in the studies, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution.
6.The Effect of Fuzheng Huaji Formula (扶正化积方) for Chronic Hepatitis B on Reduction of the Incidence of Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma:A Retrospective Cohort Study
Simiao YU ; Jiahui LI ; Jing JING ; Tingting HE ; Yongqiang SUN ; Liping WANG ; Aozhe ZHANG ; Xiaohe XIAO ; Xia DING ; Ruilin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):268-274
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Fuzheng Huaji Formula (扶正化积方) for chronic hepatitis B to reduce the incidence of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted, collecting medical records of 118 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 234 patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis who visited the hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018. The use of Fuzheng Huaji Formula was designated as the exposure factor. Patients receiving antiviral treatment for hepatitis B without concurrent Fuzheng Huaji Formula therapy were included in the western medicine group, while those receiving antiviral treatment combined with Fuzheng Huaji Formula for a cumulative treatment lasting longer than 3 months were included in the combined treatment group. The follow-up observation period was five years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B and the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to examine the factors influencing the occurrence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. ResultsAmong patients with chronic hepatitis B, there were 55 cases in the combined treatment group and 63 cases in the western medicine group; among patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis, there were 110 cases in the combined treatment group and 124 cases in the western medicine group. Five-year follow-up outcomes for chronic hepatitis B patients showed that the cumulative incidence of cirrhosis was 5.45% (3/55) in the combined treatment group and 17.46% (11/63) in the western medicine group, with a statistically significant difference between groups (Z = 2.003, P = 0.045). Five-year follow-up outcomes for hepatitis B-related cirrhosis patients showed that the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was 8.18% (9/110) in the combined treatment group and 22.58% (28/124) in the western medicine group, also showing a statistically significant difference (Z = 3.007, P = 0.003). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that treatment with Fuzheng Huaji Formula is an independent protective factor in preventing the progression of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and the progression of hepatitis B-related cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (P<0.05). ConclusionCombining Fuzheng Huaji Formula with antiviral therapy for hepatitis B can effectively intervene in the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B, reducing the incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
7.Effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function,intestinal flora and metabolite content in slow transit constipation rat
Ziqi ZHANG ; Hongyun ZHOU ; Qiong ZHAO ; Yuan DENG ; Yu ZHAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):154-159
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of Modified shaoyao gancao decoction on intestinal transit function, intestinal flora and the contents of metabolites [γ aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] in slow transit constipation (STC) rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group (10 rats) and modeling group (30 rats), with half male and half female. The STC model was established by intragastric administration of Compound diphenoxylate tablets in the modeling group. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group [56 g/(kg·d), calculated by crude drug] and positive control group [lactulose 2.09 g/(kg·d)], with 10 rats in each group. Each administration group was given relevant medicine intragastrically, the blank group and model group received an equivalent volume of normal saline, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. During the experiment, the general situation of rats was observed in each group. After the last medication, the body weight was measured, and the Bristol score was used to evaluate the fecal characteristics. The fecal moisture content, intestinal propulsion rate, and the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal content were detected; the diversity of intestinal flora in intestinal contents was investigated, and the correlation between the contents of GABA, 5-HT and relative abundance of microbiota was analyzed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, general conditions such as small body shape, sparse and rough fur, and slow movement were all improved in Modified shaoyao gancao decoction body weight, Bristol score, fecal moisture content,intestinal propulsion rate, 5-HT content, Chao1 index and Shannon index were increased significantly, while GABA content and Simpson index were decreased significantly (P<0.05). The intestinal flora of rats in the Modified shaoyao gancao decoction group could be classified as the same as the blank group, but was far from the model group; the relative abundances of Desulfobacterota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota in this group showed a tendency of pull back, but the differences were not statistically significant compared to model group (P>0.05). Desulfobacterota was an intergroup differential factor (P<0.05). The content of GABA was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Cyanobacteria, Patescibacteria and Actinobacteriota (P<0.05). The content of 5-HT was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Campilobacterota (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Modified shaoyao gancao decoction can improve the fecal properties and intestinal motility of STC rats. Its mechanism may be related to improving intestinal flora and then affecting the contents of GABA and 5-HT in intestinal contents. In addition, the contents of GABA and 5-HT may be significantly correlated with the relative abundance of specific bacterial phyla such as Bacteroidota and Campilobacterota.
8.Reevaluation of systematic evluation of Xianling gubao capsules for knee osteoarthritis
Dongdong CAO ; Jixin CHEN ; Weijie YU ; Tianci GUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Puyu NIU ; Aifeng LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):232-238
OBJECTIVE To conduct a reevaluation of the systematic review (SR)/meta-analysis on the use of Xianling gubao capsules (XLGBC) for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and provide evidence-based support for the clinical use of the drugs. METHODS Computerized searches including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were conducted to collect systematic reviews (SR) or meta-analyses of XLGBC for the treatment of KOA from the inception to May 31st, 2024. The report quality, methodological quality, risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed using the PRISMA 2020 statement, AMSTAR 2 scale, ROBIS tool and GRADE tool, respectively. A comprehensive quality analysis of the quantitative results from the SR/meta-analysis was also performed. RESULTS A total of five SR/meta-analyses were included. The evaluation results based on the PRISMA 2020 statement showed that one study report was relatively complete (21 points), while four studies had deficiencies (18-20 points). The assessment using the AMSTAR 2 scale indicated that the methodological quality of all five studies was rated as very low. According to the ROBIS tool evaluation, the risk of comprehensive bias in all five studies was classified as high. GRADE tool evaluation revealed that among 49 outcome indicators, 5 (10.2%) were rated as moderate-quality evidence (10.2%), 12 as low-quality evidence (24.5%), and 32 as very low-quality evidence (65.3%). The results of comprehensive quality analysis showed that the clinical efficacy, visual analogue scale score, pain relief time, comprehensive indexes of knee joint function, the levels of inflammatory factors and the incidence of adverse events in patients with XLGBC combined with conventional treatment were significantly better than conventional treatment alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with conventional treatment, XLGBC in combination with conventional treatment for KOA may have some efficacy and safety advantages. However, due to the low quality of evidence for the outcome indicators included in the studies, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution.
9.Palpitations, Shortness of Breath, Weakness in Limbs, Edema, and Dyspnea: A Rare Inflammatory Myopathy with Positive Aniti-mitochondrial Antibodies and Cardiac Involvement
Chunsu LIANG ; Xuchang ZHANG ; Ning ZHANG ; Lin KANG ; Xiaohong LIU ; Jiaqi YU ; Yingxian LIU ; Lin QIAO ; Yanli YANG ; Xiaoyi ZHAO ; Ruijie ZHAO ; Na NIU ; Xuelian YAN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(1):248-255
This article presents a case study of a patient who visited the Geriatric Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital due to "palpitations, shortness of breath for more than 2 years, limb weakness for 6 months, edema, and nocturnal dyspnea for 2 months". The patient exhibited decreased muscle strength in the limbs and involvement of swallowing and respiratory muscles, alongside complications of heart failure and various arrhythmias which were predominantly atrial. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of multiple autoantibodies and notably anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with anti-mitochondrial antibody-associated inflammatory myopathy. Treatment involved a combination of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, along with resistance exercises for muscle strength and rehabilitation training for lung function, resulting in significant improvement of clinical symptoms. The case underscores the importance of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches in diagnosing and treating rare diseases in elderly patients, where careful consideration of clinical manifestations and subtle abnormal clinical data can lead to effective interventions.
10.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.

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