1.Mechanism of Gancao Fuzitang Improving Knee Osteoarthritis in Rats via Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway and Promoting Autophagy
Xiaochao WANG ; Mange LIU ; Jiacong XIAO ; Zehui LI ; Da GUO ; Yulin CAI ; Chunjian ZI ; Xuewei CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):46-58
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the intervention effect and molecular mechanism of Gancao Fuzitang (GCFZT) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to predict the key targets and signaling pathways of GCFZT. Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group (KOA), a low-dose GCFZT group (GCFZT-L, 2.8 g·kg-1), a high-dose GCFZT group (GCFZT-H, 5.6 g·kg-1), and a positive drug celecoxib group (Celecoxib, 20 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the sham group and the model group were given an equal volume of distilled water. Except for the sham group, the other four groups underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection to establish the KOA rat model. After successful modeling, the rats in each group received intragastric administration once a day for eight consecutive weeks. The structural changes of cartilage and subchondral bone were assessed via micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological staining. The levels of inflammatory factors in the serum, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect changes in the expression of autophagy-related proteins such as microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), selective autophagy junction protein 62 (p62), and autophagy key molecule yeast Atg6 homolog (Beclin-1) in articular cartilage, as well as key molecules of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacology analysis suggests that GCFZT may exert anti-osteoarthritic effects through regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In vivo experiment shows that GCFZT can significantly improve cartilage degeneration and attenuate subchondral bone destruction in KOA rats. Detection results of inflammatory factors in the serum reveal that, compared with those in the sham group, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the serum of rats in the KOA group are significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the KOA group, the levels of these three inflammatory factors in the GCFZT-L, GCFZT-H, and Celecoxib groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in these three inflammatory factor levels between the GCFZT-H group and the celecoxib group. These findings suggest that GCFZT can effectively inhibit the systemic inflammatory response in KOA rats. Mechanism research indicates that GCFZT inhibits activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, thereby enhancing autophagic activity and improving chondrocyte function and matrix degeneration. ConclusionGCFZT improves cartilage and subchondral bone damage in KOA rats by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoting autophagy. These findings provide theoretical evidence for the application of GCFZT in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis.
2.Epidemiological and molecular traceability analysis of the first cluster outbreak of D8 genotype measles in Henan Province
Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Binghui DU ; Daxing FENG ; Wenhui WANG ; Jing LI ; Lili LIU ; Hui ZI ; Qihua WAN ; Songtao ZHAO ; Xiaoli WANG ; Xiaobo WU ; Yonghao GUO ; Yanyang ZHANG ; Dongyang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(8):1294-1298
In February 2025, a local cluster outbreak caused by the D8 genotype Measles virus (MV) was first discovered in Henan Province. Epidemiological investigations and laboratory testing were conducted, including the collection of serum and throat swabs for MV IgM antibody and nucleic acid detection, virus isolation and genetic homology analysis. Measures such as close contact tracing, vaccination rate assessment and supplementary immunization activities were implemented, successfully preventing broader community transmission. A total of three cases were reported during the outbreak, including one imported-related adolescent and two secondary local adult cases. All cases presented with typical symptoms such as fever and rash. Both adult cases were complicated by pneumonia, with one case developing into severe pneumonia. MV genotyping showed that the two secondary cases were both the D8 genotype, with the viral sequences being completely homologous to the Kazakhstan strain. Among the close contacts, 98.2% were adults, and 142 individuals received emergency vaccination.
3.Study on Influence of Endogenous Derivatives on Chemical Sensing Performance of Carbon Dots
Ying-Xi QIN ; Yu WANG ; Li-Hua YANG ; Zi-Wei LIU ; Ai-Miao QIN ; Liang FENG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(1):94-103
The blue fluorescent carbon dots(TMCDs)and cyan fluorescent carbon dots(TMCDs-H2O)were synthesized fromm-phenylenediamine and tricarballylic acid through air-assisted melting polymerization and one-step hydrothermal method,respectively.Air purging could effectively inhibit the side reactions and reduce the derivative structures in the carbon dots product.The structure and morphology of these two materials were systematically characterized using liquid nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(NMR),mass spectrometry(MS),and transmission electron microscopy.Compared to TMCDs-H2O((3.12±0.63)nm),TMCDs showed a smaller average particle size(approximately(1.85±0.02)nm).The NMR and MS analysis revealed that although the main structure of both types of carbon dots was similar,TMCDs exhibited a simpler structure with higher degree of polymerization.These results suggested that supramolecular interactions might introduce numerous small molecule derivatives into TMCDs-H2O particles,resulting in lower polymerization degree,multiple substructures,and larger particle size characteristics for this material.When employed as chemical sensors for metal ion detection,in the linear range of 1×10-5-5×10-4 mol/L,the detection limits of Fe3+by TMCDs and TMCDs-H2O were 3.3×10-6 mol/L and 3.8×10-6 mol/L,respectively.The experimental results demonstrated that the recoveries of CDs and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer(ICP-OES)were similarity,whereas TMCDs displayed a considerable relative standard deviation.This study demonstrated that endogenously derived structures in CDs could enhance the performance of metal ion sensing.
4.Fluorescence Method for Determination of Metolazone and Valsartan in Human Serum and Urine:A Comparison from Zero-order to Second-order Calibration Method
Zi-Wei DING ; Hai-Long WU ; Xiao-Zhi WANG ; Tong WANG ; Hao-Ran LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(2):224-234
A second-order calibration method combined with excitation-emission matrix(EEM)fluorescence spectroscopy was presented for simultaneous quantitative analysis of two anti-hypertensive drugs,metolazone(MET)and valsartan(VAL),in human serum and urine,and the quantitative results were compared with the results obtained by zero-and first-order calibration methods.The results indicated that the methods based on zero-and first-order calibration were inadequate for accurately quantifying the components of interest in cases where severe spectral overlap and unknown interferences coexisted.However,it was possible to obtain satisfactory results with the second-order calibration method based on alternating normalization-weighted error(ANWE)algorithm because of its strong"mathematical separation",even when the fluorescence spectra of the target analytes and unknown interferents considerably overlapped.Correlation coefficients for both analytes were greater than 0.99,with mean recoveries of 104.9%±5.7%and 107.8%±9.2%for MET and VAL in human serum,and 103.7%±8.9%and 94.7%±3.8%in human urine,respectively.In addition,the sensitivity,selectivity,limit of detection,limit of quantification,repeatability,and reproducibility of the proposed second-order calibration method were thoroughly examined.All results indicated that the established method was capable of achieving simultaneous and accurate quantification of MET and VAL in human body fluids,which was expected to be applied to analysis of both drugs in clinical settings.
5.The Mechanism of Calcium Handling Proteins and NF-κB in Calcium Dyshomeo-stasis of Cardiomyocytes Caused by Acute MDMA Exposure
Rong-Shuai WANG ; Si-Zhe HUANG ; Yun-Yun WANG ; Yan-Fei DENG ; Zi-Jiao DING ; Jie ZHANG ; Yong LIU ; Liang REN ; Liang LIU
Journal of Forensic Medicine 2025;41(2):144-151,159
Objective To explore the mechanism of myocardial toxicity caused by N-methyl-3,4-methyle-nedioxyamphetamine(MDMA),the changes of intracellular calcium oscillation mode and calcium han-dling proteins during acute exposure to different concentrations of MDMA were detected,and the in-volvement of nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)and its effect on calcium handling proteins were investigated.Methods Primary rat cardiomyocytes were cultured to establish MDMA acute exposure model,and a control group was set up.The MDMA poisoning model was divided into three concentration groups of 10,100 and 1 000 μmol/L.After 1 h of exposure,the morphological changes of cardiomyocytes were ob-served,the cytotoxicity and changes in calcium signals were measured,and the changes in calcium handling proteins RyR2,SERCA2a,PLN,NCX1 and Cav1.2 were detected.The changes of NF-κB activity and the expression of nucleoprotein p-p65(Ser311)and PKCζ after MDMA exposure,and the intervention of NF-κB inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ammonium(PDTC)and protein kinase C(PKC)inhibitor chelerythrine(CHE)were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay(EMSA)and Western blotting.The effects of PDTC intervention on calcium signals,and the expressions of RyR2,SERCA2a,PLN,NCX1 and Cav1.2 after acute MDMA exposure were also observed.Results No obvious changes were observed in the morphology of cardiomyocytes after acute exposure to MDMA,whereas the oscillation waveform of intracytoplasmic calcium ion showed irregular changes with increased oscillation amplitude,intense fluctuations,irregular frequency,and increased fluctuation range of relative optical density values.The expression of RyR2,SERCA2a and NCX1 increased,while the expression of Cav1.2 and PLN de-creased.Acute MDMA exposure could increase NF-κB activity,while PDTC and CHE intervention could inhibit NF-κB activity.In MDMA exposed group,the expression of PKCζ and nucleoprotein p-p65(Ser311)both increased and could be inhibited by CHE.After the intervention of PDTC to block NF-κB,the amplitude of calcium oscillation was lower than that of the MDMA exposed group,and the expres-sion of RyR2,SERCA2a and NCX1 decreased.There was no significant change in PLN,while the ex-pression of Cav1.2 increased.Conclusion MDMA can lead to an increase of calcium ion concentration in cardiomyocytes.Calcium ions are involved in myocardial toxicity of MDMA.The mechanism is re-lated to changes in calcium handling proteins,mainly associated with the increased expression of RyR2.MDMA can up-regulate the intracellular activity of NF-κB through the PKCζ-NF-κB pathway and affect calcium handling proteins,which aggravate intracellular calcium overload during acute MDMA exposure.
6.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.
7.Isolation and application value of Yersinia enterocolitica phage strain in Yunnan Province
Shaogui ZI ; Chunpeng MAO ; Pan LIU ; Fengyi YANG ; Haipeng ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; Youhong ZHONG
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(3):173-178
Objective:To isolate Yersinia enterocolitica phage and study its biological and genomic characteristics, and explore its application value. Methods:Phages were isolated from cecum of Apodemus chevrieri in the plague focus of wild rodent in Lijiang employing Yersinia enterocolitica (CMCC52301) as the host strain. After purification, proliferation and concentration, the morphology was observed by transmission electron microscope, and the host spectrum of the phage was determined by double-layer plate method. Phage DNA was extracted and sequenced, and the raw sequences data were assembled and visually analyzed, also performed genome functional annotation, phage classification status, phylogenetic tree, genome collinearity analysis, etc. Results:One strain of Yersinia enterocolitica phage was isolated and named vB_Yen_YN301-151, which had a head and a contractile tail. The phage only lysed Yersinia enterocolitica, and could not lyse other tested strains. And at a lysis temperature of 37 ℃, more transparent plaques were observed compared to at a lysis temperature of 21 ℃. The gene structure of this phage was double-stranded DNA, with a genome length of 51 176 bp and a GC content of 46.96%, and 95 genes were predicted to encode 15 structural morphological related proteins, 9 proteins involved in replication and metabolism, 3 DNA assembly functional proteins, 1 phage lysis related protein, and 67 hypothetical proteins. It was identified that the phage belong to the Drexlerviridae family of the Caudoviricetes class, clustered with vB_YenM_534, vB_Yen_X1, vB_YenM_281, and vB_YenM_531 in the phylogenetic tree and exhibited good collinearity with PY100, vB_YenM_ 25, and vB_Yen_X1. Conclusions:The successfully isolated vB_Yen_YN301-151 is a novel phage belonging to the Drexlerviridae family, and its gene encoded proteins are mostly hypothetical proteins. It only lyses Yersinia enterocolitica, with host specificity and has the potential to be used as diagnostic phage for screening Yersinia enterocolitica.
8.Advances in DNA methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and depression
Zi-yun LIAO ; Meng-yu WANG ; Jing-yi QIAO ; Run ZHANG ; Pei-dong LIU ; Xin-wang CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):825-829
Depression is a heterogeneous mental disorder in which the interaction between genetic susceptibility and environ-mental factors plays a key role in its pathogenesis.Although the specific mechanisms of the disease still need to be thoroughly studied and elucidated,there is now a broad consensus that epi-genetic markers have a central influence on its mechanism of ac-tion.DNA methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BD-NF)is not only regarded as a promising epigenetic biomarker of pathology,but may also help predict the efficacy of antidepres-sants.In this paper we reviewed the gene structure of BDNF and its DNA methylation regulation mechanism,and also analyzed the changes of DNA methylation of this factor in depression pa-tients and animal models,aiming to provide new ideas and theo-retical support for clinical research.
9.Ligustilide improves demyelination of dMCAO mouse model by inhibiting inflammation through AIM2/caspase-1 signaling pathway
Ya-jie LIANG ; Jian LIU ; Ying CHEN ; Zi-wei ZHANG ; Meng PU ; Yi-bin TANG ; Hai-fei ZHANG ; Guo-bin SONG ; Cun-gen MA ; Qing WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):851-860
Aim To explore the mechanism of ligustil-ide(LIG)improving demyelination by inhibiting in-flammatory response in mice with distal middle cerebral artery occlusion(dMCAO)through AIM2/caspase-1 signal pathway.Methods Thirty C57BL/6N male mice were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group(Sham group,n=10),model group(dMCAO group,n=10)and treatment group(LIG group,n=10).The dMCAO mouse model was estab-lished by electrocoagulation in dMCAO group and LIG group.The mice were scored by Longa after waking up,and the changes of cerebral blood flow were moni-tored by laser speckle blood flow imaging system after dMCAO.One hour after modeling,LIG(30 mg·kg-1·d-1)was injected intraperitoneally in LIG group,and the same amount of normal saline was injected in sham group and dMCAO group for one week until the end of the experiment.The mice in each group were stained with TTC,and the brain injury was observed pathologically.Fatigue turning bar test and open field test were used to evaluate the motor function and anxie-ty degree of mice,and then the brain tissues of mice were taken for black gold staining to compare the chan-ges of myelin sheath in each group.Immunofluores-cence staining was used to detect the average fluores-cence intensity of MBP,IBA1 and GFAP in CC,CPU and CX regions of mouse brains.ELISAwas used to de-tect the contents of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1 β,IL-17A and BDNF in brain tissue proteins of mice.Western blot-ting was used to detect the protein expressions of AIM2,caspase-1 and ASC-in each group.Results Compared with the dMCAO group,the infarct area was reduced,the behavior was significantly improved and the demyelination was reduced in the LIG group.The expression of MBP protein in CC,CPU and CX regions increased(P<0.05),the expression of IBA1 in CX decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of GFAP in-creased in CC,CPU and CX regions(P<0.01).The results of ELISA showed that the levels ofTNF-α(P<0.01),IL-6(P<0.01),IL-1β(P<0.05)and IL-17A(P<0.01)significantly decreased,while the ex-pression of BDNF increased(P<0.05).The protein expression levels of AIM2,caspase-1 and ASC in mouse brain decreased after treatment(P<0.01).Conclusion LIG has a protective effect on demyelina-tion in dMCAO mice,which may be related to the inhi-bition of AIM2/caspase-1 signaling pathway and in-flammation and to the promotion of BDNF secretion.
10.Optimal parameters for physical interventions in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Xun LIU ; Hougan OUYANG ; Rongbin PAN ; Zi WANG ; Fen YANG ; Jiaxuan TIAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(31):6727-6732
BACKGROUND:In recent years,it has been found that physical interventions play a significant role in influencing proliferation,differentiation,and migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.However,the current physical intervention still exists such as basic research data to be strengthened,unified parameter standards need to be further improved and other shortcomings.OBJECTIVE:To review the effects of physical interventions on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.METHODS:PubMed and CNKI databases were searched for relevant articles using"bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSC),bone marrow stromal cells,osteogenesis differentiation,chondrocytes differentiation,electrical stimulation,mechanical stimulation,hypoxia,electromagnetic fields,low intensity pulsed ultrasound"as English and Chinese search terms.A total of 58 articles were selected for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Physical interventions have been applied to regulate the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by altering specific microenvironments,but the parameters have not yet been unified.The future investigation should further optimize and explore the best parameters and conditions of action of the relevant physical factors on the role of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation.(2)It is difficult to carry out the application of certain special physical environmental conditions through low-cost conventional means,pending subsequent research and development to further reduce the difficulty of constructing special physical conditions.(3)The use of physical factors to rationally intervene in differentiation and proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells has not yet been widely applied in the clinic,and further research is needed to promote clinical translation in the future.

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