1.Diagnostic Techniques and Risk Prediction for Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) Syndrome
Song HOU ; Lin-Shan ZHANG ; Xiu-Qin HONG ; Chi ZHANG ; Ying LIU ; Cai-Li ZHANG ; Yan ZHU ; Hai-Jun LIN ; Fu ZHANG ; Yu-Xiang YANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2585-2601
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and metabolic disorders are the 3 major chronic diseases threatening human health, which are closely related and often coexist, significantly increasing the difficulty of disease management. In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed a novel disease concept of “cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome” in October 2023, which has triggered widespread concern about the co-treatment of heart and kidney diseases and the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders around the world. This review posits that effectively managing CKM syndrome requires a new and multidimensional paradigm for diagnosis and risk prediction that integrates biological insights, advanced technology and social determinants of health (SDoH). We argue that the core pathological driver is a “metabolic toxic environment”, fueled by adipose tissue dysfunction and characterized by a vicious cycle of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which forms a common pathway to multi-organ injury. The at-risk population is defined not only by biological characteristics but also significantly impacted by adverse SDoH, which can elevate the risk of advanced CKM by a factor of 1.18 to 3.50, underscoring the critical need for equity in screening and care strategies. This review systematically charts the progression of diagnostic technologies. In diagnostics, we highlight a crucial shift from single-marker assessments to comprehensive multi-marker panels. The synergistic application of traditional biomarkers like NT-proBNP (reflecting cardiac stress) and UACR (indicating kidney damage) with emerging indicators such as systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and Klotho protein facilitates a holistic evaluation of multi-organ health. Furthermore, this paper explores the pivotal role of non-invasive monitoring technologies in detecting subclinical disease. Techniques like multi-wavelength photoplethysmography (PPG) and impedance cardiography (ICG) provide a real-time window into microcirculatory and hemodynamic status, enabling the identification of early, often asymptomatic, functional abnormalities that precede overt organ failure. In imaging, progress is marked by a move towards precise, quantitative evaluation, exemplified by artificial intelligence-powered quantitative computed tomography (AI-QCT). By integrating AI-QCT with clinical risk factors, the predictive accuracy for cardiovascular events within 6 months significantly improves, with the area under the curve (AUC) increasing from 0.637 to 0.688, demonstrating its potential for reclassifying risk in CKM stage 3. In the domain of risk prediction, we trace the evolution from traditional statistical tools to next-generation models. The new PREVENT equation represents a major advancement by incorporating key kidney function markers (eGFR, UACR), which can enhance the detection rate of CKD in primary care by 20%-30%. However, we contend that the future lies in dynamic, machine learning-based models. Algorithms such as XGBoost have achieved an AUC of 0.82 for predicting 365-day cardiovascular events, while deep learning models like KFDeep have demonstrated exceptional performance in predicting kidney failure risk with an AUC of 0.946. Unlike static calculators, these AI-driven tools can process complex, multimodal data and continuously update risk profiles, paving the way for truly personalized and proactive medicine. In conclusion, this review advocates for a paradigm shift toward a holistic and technologically advanced framework for CKM management. Future efforts must focus on the deep integration of multimodal data, the development of novel AI-driven biomarkers, the implementation of refined SDoH-informed interventions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration to construct an efficient, equitable, and effective system for CKM screening and intervention.
2.Relationship between NFKB1 and LHX2 gene polymorphisms and esophageal cancer susceptibility
ZHANG Wenluo ; ZHU Lin ; WANG Yan ; LIU Guangchao ; WANG Wenxiang ; CAI Yingbin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):350-355
Objective:
To explore the relationship between nuclear factor-kappa B subunit 1 (NFKB1) and LIM-homeobox gene 2 (LHX2) polymorphisms and esophageal cancer susceptibility, so as to provide the reference for the prevention and treatment of esophageal cancer.
Methods:
A total of 100 patients with primary esophageal cancer diagnosed at the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from 2019 to 2023 were selected as the case group, and 100 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination during the same period of time were selected as the control group. Demographic information, disease history and lifestyle data were collected through questionnaire surveys. The single nucleotide polymorphisms at the rs28362491 and rs4648068 loci of NFKB1 gene as well as rs10760310 and rs10121751 loci of LHX2 gene were detected using multiplex high-temperature ligase detection reaction technology. The relationship between these loci and esophageal cancer susceptibility were analyzed using a multivariable conditional logistic regression, linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis. The impact of the interaction between the above-mentioned loci and environmental factors on esophageal cancer susceptibility using the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) method.
Results:
The case group comprised 73 males and 27 females, with a mean age of (64.02±8.90) years. The control group included 73 males and 27 females, with a mean age of (64.54±9.43) years. The genotype distributions of rs28362491, rs4648068, rs10760310 and rs10121751, loci in both groups conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (all P>0.05). Multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis showed that rs10760310 and rs10121751 loci of LHX2 gene were associated with the esophageal cancer susceptibility (both P<0.05). The overdominant model of rs10760310 loci of LHX2 gene had the lowest Akaike information criterion value (OR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.10-0.47). GAA haplotypes at rs4648068, rs10760310 and rs10121751 loci were associated with a lower risk of esophageal cancer susceptibility (OR=0.26, 95%CI: 0.13-0.50). GMDR analysis revealed a statistically significant interaction between rs10760310 loci and smoking on esophageal cancer susceptibility (P<0.05, cross-validation consistency coefficient: 10/10).
Conclusion
The rs10760310 and rs10121751 loci polymorphisms of LHX2 gene may be associated with esophageal cancer susceptibility, and there is an interaction between rs10760310 loci and smoking on the esophageal cancer susceptibility.
3.Gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease.
Lin WANG ; Ying CUI ; Bingyu HAN ; Yitong DU ; Kenish Sirajbhai SALEWALA ; Shiya WANG ; Wenlu ZHAO ; Hongxin ZHANG ; Sichen WANG ; Xinran XU ; Jianpeng MA ; Yan ZHU ; Houzhen TUO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):289-297
Emerging evidence suggests that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in the development and progression of PD, and numerous studies have demonstrated the potential therapeutic benefits of modulations in the intestinal microbiota. This review provides insights into the characterization of the gut microbiota in patients with PD and highlights associations with clinical symptoms and underlying mechanisms. The discussion underscores the increased influence of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of PD. While the relationship is not fully elucidated, existing research demonstrates a strong correlation between changes in the composition of gut microbiota and disease development, and further investigation is warranted to explain the specific underlying mechanisms.
Humans
;
Parkinson Disease/microbiology*
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology*
;
Dysbiosis/microbiology*
4.Utility of the China-PAR Score in predicting secondary events among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Jianxin LI ; Xueyan ZHAO ; Jingjing XU ; Pei ZHU ; Ying SONG ; Yan CHEN ; Lin JIANG ; Lijian GAO ; Lei SONG ; Yuejin YANG ; Runlin GAO ; Xiangfeng LU ; Jinqing YUAN
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(5):598-600
5.Effect of Yuxuebi Tablets on mice with inflammatory pain based on GPR37-mediated inflammation resolution.
Ying LIU ; Guo-Xin ZHANG ; Xue-Min YAO ; Wen-Li WANG ; Ao-Qing HUANG ; Hai-Ping WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU ; Na LIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):178-186
In order to investigate whether the effect of Yuxuebi Tablets on the peripheral and central inflammation resolution of mice with inflammatory pain is related to their regulation of G protein-coupled receptor 37(GPR37), an inflammatory pain model was established by injecting complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) into the paws of mice, with a sham-operated group receiving a similar volume of normal saline. The mice were assigned randomly to the sham-operated group, model group, ibuprofen group(91 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Yuxuebi Tablets(60, 120, and 240 mg·kg~(-1)). The drug was administered orally from days 1 to 19 after modeling. Von Frey method and the hot plate test were used to detect mechanical pain thresholds and heat hyperalgesia. The levels of interleukin-10(IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β) in the spinal cord were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the mRNA and protein expression of GPR37 in the spinal cord was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Additionally, immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of macrosialin antigen(CD68), mannose receptor(MRC1 or CD206), and GPR37 in dorsal root ganglia, as well as the expression of calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), CD206, and GPR37 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The results showed that compared with those of the sham-operated group, the mechanical pain thresholds and hot withdrawal latency of the model group significantly declined, and the expression of CD68 in the dorsal root ganglia and the expression of IBA1 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly increased. The expression of CD206 and GPR37 significantly decreased in the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and IL-10 and TGF-β levels in the spinal cord were significantly decreased. Compared with those of the model group, the mechanical pain thresholds and hot withdrawal latency of the high-dose group of Yuxuebi Tablets significantly increased, and the expression of CD68 in the dorsal root ganglion and IBA1 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly decreased. The expression of CD206 and GPR37 in the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal horn of the spinal cord significantly increased, as well as IL-10 and TGF-β levels in the spinal cord. These findings indicated that Yuxuebi Tablets may reduce macrophage(microglial) infiltration and foster M2 macrophage polarization by enhancing GPR37 expression in the dorsal root ganglia and dorsal horn of the spinal cord of CFA-induced mice, so as to improve IL-10 and TGF-β levels, promote resolution of both peripheral and central inflammation, and play analgesic effects.
Inflammation/genetics*
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Pain/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Animals
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Mice
;
Freund's Adjuvant/pharmacology*
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Ibuprofen
;
Pain Threshold/drug effects*
;
Hyperalgesia/genetics*
;
Ganglia, Spinal
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Interleukin-10/genetics*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics*
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
;
Tablets
;
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
6.Antipyretic effects of ethanol extracts of Arisaematis Rhizoma fermented with bile from different sources.
Run ZOU ; Fa-Zhi SU ; En-Lin ZHU ; Chen-Xi BAI ; Yan-Ping SUN ; Hai-Xue KUANG ; Qiu-Hong WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1781-1791
This study aims to investigate the antipyretic effects and mechanisms of ethanol extracts from Arisaematis Rhizoma fermented with bile from different sources on a rat model of fever induced by a dry-yeast suspension. The rat model of fever was established by subcutaneous injection of 20% dry-yeast suspension into the rat back. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6) in the serum, as well as prostaglandin E_2(PGE_2) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) in the hypothalamus, were determined by ELISA. Metabolomics analysis was then performed on serum and hypothalamus samples based on UPLC-Q-TOF MS to explore the potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways. The results showed that the body temperatures of rats significantly rose 4 h after modeling. After oral administration of high-dose ethanol extracts of Arisaematis Rhizoma fermented with bovine bile(NCH) and porcine bile(ZCH), the body temperatures of rats declined(P<0.05), and the NCH group showed better antipyretic effect than the ZCH group. Additionally, compared with the model group, the NCH and ZCH groups showed lowered levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, PGE_2, and cAMP(P<0.01). The results of serum and hypothalamus metabolomics analysis indicated that both NCH and ZCH exerted antipyretic effects by regulating phenylalanine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Collectively, both NCH and ZCH can play an obvious antipyretic role in the rat model of dry yeast-induced fever, and the underlying mechanism might be closely associated with inhibiting inflammation and regulating metabolic disorders. Moreover, NCH demonstrates better antipyretic effect.
Animals
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Rats
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Male
;
Fermentation
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rhizome/metabolism*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Bile/chemistry*
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Antipyretics/chemistry*
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Fever/metabolism*
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Cattle
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Swine
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Ethanol/chemistry*
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Interleukin-6/blood*
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Interleukin-1beta/blood*
7.Mechanism of Colquhounia Root Tablets against diabetic kidney disease via RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis.
Ming-Zhu XU ; Zhao-Chen MA ; Zi-Qing XIAO ; Shuang-Rong GAO ; Yi-Xin YANG ; Jia-Yun SHEN ; Chu ZHANG ; Feng HUANG ; Jiang-Rui WANG ; Bei-Lei CAI ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1830-1840
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets(CRT) in treating diabetic kidney disease(DKD) by integrating biomolecular network mining with animal model verification. By analyzing clinical transcriptomics data, an interaction network was constructed between candidate targets of CRT and DKD-related genes. Based on the topological eigenvalues of network nodes, 101 core network targets of CRT against DKD were identified. These targets were found to be closely related to multiple pathways associated with type 2 diabetes, immune response, and metabolic reprogramming. Given that immune-inflammatory imbalance driven by metabolic reprogramming is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DKD, and that many core network targets of CRT are involved in this pathological process, receptor for advanced glycation end products(RAGE)-reactive oxygen species(ROS)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(AKT)-nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) signaling axis was selected as a candidate target for in-depth research. Further, a rat model of DKD induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet and streptozotocin was established to evaluate the pharmacological effects of CRT and verify the expression of related targets. The experimental results showed that CRT could effectively correct metabolic disturbances in DKD, restore immune-inflammatory balance, and improve renal function and its pathological changes by inhibiting the activation of the RAGE-ROS-PI3K-AKT-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. In conclusion, this study reveals that CRT alleviates the progression of DKD through dual regulation of metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory responses, providing strong experimental evidence for its clinical application in DKD.
Animals
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Diabetic Nephropathies/metabolism*
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Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics*
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NF-kappa B/genetics*
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Rats
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NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics*
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Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
;
Humans
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Plant Roots/chemistry*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Tablets/administration & dosage*
8.Hypolipidemic effect and mechanism of Arisaema Cum Bile based on gut microbiota and metabolomics.
Peng ZHANG ; Fa-Zhi SU ; En-Lin ZHU ; Chen-Xi BAI ; Bao-Wu ZHANG ; Yan-Ping SUN ; Hai-Xue KUANG ; Qiu-Hong WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1544-1557
Based on the high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia rat model, this study aimed to evaluate the lipid-lowering effect of Arisaema Cum Bile and explore its mechanisms, providing experimental evidence for its clinical application. Biochemical analysis was used to detect serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), triglycerides(TG), and total cholesterol(TC) to assess the lipid-lowering activity of Arisaema Cum Bile. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics techniques were employed to jointly elucidate the lipid-lowering mechanisms of Arisaema Cum Bile. The experimental results showed that high-dose Arisaema Cum Bile(PBA-H) significantly reduced serum ALT, AST, LDL-C, TG, and TC levels(P<0.01), and significantly increased HDL-C levels(P<0.01). The effect was similar to that of fenofibrate, with no significant difference. Furthermore, Arisaema Cum Bile significantly alleviated hepatocyte ballooning and mitigated fatty degeneration in liver tissues. As indicated by 16S rDNA sequencing results, PBA-H significantly enhanced both alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota in the model rats, notably increasing the relative abundance of Akkermansia and Subdoligranulum species(P<0.01). Liver metabolomics analysis revealed that PBA-H primarily regulated pathways involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, vitamin B_6 metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis. In summary, Arisaema Cum Bile significantly improved abnormal blood lipid levels and liver pathology induced by a high-fat diet, regulated hepatic metabolic disorders, and improved the abundance and structural composition of gut microbiota, thereby exerting its lipid-lowering effect. The findings of this study provide experimental evidence for the clinical application of Arisaema Cum Bile and the treatment of hyperlipidemia.
Animals
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
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Rats
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Male
;
Metabolomics
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Hyperlipidemias/microbiology*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Hypolipidemic Agents/pharmacology*
;
Liver/metabolism*
;
Humans
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Alanine Transaminase/metabolism*
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Triglycerides/metabolism*
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Aspartate Aminotransferases/metabolism*
9.Mechanism of Quanduzhong Capsules in treating knee osteoarthritis from perspective of spatial heterogeneity.
Zhao-Chen MA ; Zi-Qing XIAO ; Chu ZHANG ; Yu-Dong LIU ; Ming-Zhu XU ; Xiao-Feng LI ; Zhi-Ping WU ; Wei-Jie LI ; Yi-Xin YANG ; Na LIN ; Yan-Qiong ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2209-2216
This study aims to systematically characterize the targeted effects of Quanduzhong Capsules on cartilage lesions in knee osteoarthritis by integrating spatial transcriptomics data mining and animal experiments validation, thereby elucidating the related molecular mechanisms. A knee osteoarthritis model was established using Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats, via a modified Hulth method. Hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining was employed to detect knee osteoarthritis-associated pathological changes in knee cartilage. Candidate targets of Quanduzhong Capsules were collected from the HIT 2.0 database, followed by bioinformatics analysis of spatial transcriptomics datasets(GSE254844) from cartilage tissues in clinical knee osteoarthritis patients to identify spatially specific disease genes. Furthermore, a "formula candidate targets-spatially specific genes in cartilage lesions" interaction network was constructed to explore the effects and major mechanisms of Quanduzhong Capsules in distinct cartilage regions. Experimental validation was conducted through immunohistochemistry using animal-derived biospecimens. The results indicated that Quanduzhong Capsules effectively inhibited the degenerative changes in the cartilage of affected joints in rats, which was associated with the regulation of Quanduzhong Capsules on the thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP)-NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)-bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2(BMPR2)-fibronectin 1(FN1)-matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2) signal axis in the articular cartilage surface and superficial zones, subsequently inhibiting cartilage matrix degradation leading to oxidative stress and inflammatory diffusion. In summary, this study clarifies the spatially specific targeted effects and protective mechanisms of Quanduzhong Capsules within pathological cartilage regions in knee osteoarthritis, providing theoretical and experimental support for the clinical application of this drug in the targeted therapy on the inflamed cartilage.
Animals
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Osteoarthritis, Knee/metabolism*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Male
;
Humans
;
Capsules
;
Female
;
Disease Models, Animal
10.Integrated multiomics reveal mechanism of Aidi Injection in attenuating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
Yan-Li WANG ; Yu-Jie TU ; Jian-Hua ZHU ; Lin ZHENG ; Yong HUANG ; Jia SUN ; Yong-Jun LI ; Jie PAN ; Chun-Hua LIU ; Yuan LU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2245-2259
The combination of Aidi Injection(ADI) and doxorubicin(DOX) is a common strategy in the treatment of cancer, which can achieve synergistic anti-tumor effects while attenuating the cardiotoxicity caused by DOX. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of ADI in attenuating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by multi-omics. DOX was used to induce cardiotoxicity in mice, and the cardioprotective effects of ADI were evaluated based on biochemical indicators and pathological changes. Based on the results, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics were employed to analyze the changes of endogenous substances in different physiological states. Furthermore, data from multiple omics were integrated to screen key regulatory pathways by which ADI attenuated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and important target proteins were selected for measurement by ELISA kits and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that ADI significantly reduced the levels of cardiac troponin T(cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) and effectively ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and intracellular vacuolization, indicating that ADI showed therapeutic effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The transcriptomics analysis screened out a total of 400 differentially expressed genes(DEGs), which were mainly enriched in inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and myocardial fibrosis. After proteomics analysis, 70 differentially expressed proteins were selected, which were mainly enriched in the inflammatory response, cardiac function, and energy metabolism. A total of 51 differentially expressed metabolites were screened by the metabolomics analysis, and they were mainly enriched in multiple signaling pathways, including the inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism. The integrated data of multiple omics showed that linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and glycerophosphate metabolism pathways played an important role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and ADI may exert therapeutic effects by modulating these pathways. Target validation experiments suggested that ADI significantly regulated abnormal protein levels of cyclooxygenase-1(COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), prostaglandin H2(PGH2), and prostaglandin D2(PGD2) in the model group. In conclusion, ADI may attenuate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and glycerophosphate metabolism, thus alleviating inflammation of the body.
Doxorubicin/toxicity*
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Animals
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Mice
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Cardiotoxicity/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Male
;
Proteomics
;
Metabolomics
;
Injections
;
Humans
;
Multiomics


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