1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Obesity: A Review
Zijing WU ; Jixin LI ; Linjie QIU ; Yan REN ; Chacha ZOU ; Meijie LI ; Wenjie LI ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):310-318
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and malignant tumors, demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals, the expression of NF-κB is overactivated, which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore, it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors, and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment, aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.
2.Effect of Anmeidan on Cognitive Function and Metabolic Profiling in Insomnia Model Rats Based on Untargeted Metabolomics
Feizhou LI ; Bo XU ; Zijing YE ; Lianyu LI ; Andong ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Linlin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):54-64
ObjectiveTo elucidate the potential mechanisms by which the classic prescription Anmeidan alleviates cognitive impairment in insomnia model rats through metabolic profiling. MethodsA total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups, and the Suvorexant group, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the insomnia model was established in all other groups via intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine. The Suvorexant group was administered Suvorexant solution (30 mg·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, while the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups received Anmeidan decoction (4.55, 9.09, 18.18 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage. The blank group received an equivalent volume of normal saline. The open field test was used to assess spatial exploration and anxiety/depressive-like behaviors in rats. Serum levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Untargeted metabolomics was employed to identify differential metabolites in rat serum, and systematic biological methods were applied to analyze the potential targets and pathways of Anmeidan. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significant reductions in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.01), along with significant decreases in VIP, EGF, and BDNF levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). A total of 100 differential metabolites were identified between the model and blank groups. Compared to the model group, the low-, medium-, and high-dose Anmeidan groups showed significant increases in total distance traveled, average speed, number of entries into the central area, time spent in the central area, and frequency of upright events (P<0.05,P<0.01), as well as a significant increase in VIP levels (P<0.05,P<0.01). Anmeidan significantly reversed abnormal changes in 67 metabolites compared to the model group. A combined analysis identified 134 potential targets of Anmeidan, with network topology analysis suggesting that Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), among others, may serve as key targets of Anmeidan. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed major enriched pathways, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, and IL-17 signaling pathway. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Anmeidan can recalibrate abnormal metabolic profiles in insomnia model rats to mitigate cognitive impairment, with its mechanisms of action potentially involving the regulation of immune-inflammatory responses, energy metabolism, and apoptosis-related pathways.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Farfarae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Tao WANG ; Xiaoying DING ; Hengyang LI ; Qi AN ; Zijing XUE ; Huikang ZHANG ; Yuguang ZHENG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Dan ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):67-76
By consulting ancient and modern literature, the herbal textual research of Farfarae Flos has been conducted to verify the name, origin, producing area, quality evaluation, harvesting and processing methods, so as to provide reference for the development and utilization of the famous classical formulas containing Farfarae Flos. According to the research, the results showed that Farfarae Flos was first described as a medicinal material by the name of Kuandonghua in Shennong Bencaojing(《神农本草经》), and the name was used and justified by later generations. The main origin was the folwer buds of Tussilago farfara, in addition, the flower buds of Petasites japonicus were used as medicine in ancient times. The ancient harvesting time of Farfarae Flos was mostly in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, and the modern harvesting time is in December or before the ground freeze when the flower buds have not been excavated. Hebei, Gansu, Shaanxi are the authentic producing areas with the good quality products. Since modern times, its quality is summarized as big, fat, purple-red color, no pedicel is better. Processing method from soaking with licorice water in the Northern and Southern dynasties to stir-frying with honey water followed by micro-fire in the Ming dynasty, and gradually evolved to the modern mainstream processing method of honey processing. Based on the research results, it is suggested that the dried flower buds of T. farfara, a Compositae plant, should be selected for the development of famous classical formulas containing Farfarae Flos, and the corresponding processed products should be selected according to the specific processing requirements of the formulas, and raw products are recommended for medicinal use without indicating processing requirements.
4.Study on gene therapy for DPOAE and ABR threshold changes in adult Otof-/- mice.
Zijing WANG ; Qi CAO ; Shaowei HU ; Xintai FAN ; Jun LV ; Hui WANG ; Wuqing WANG ; Huawei LI ; Yilai SHU
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;38(1):49-56
Objective:This study aims to analyze the threshold changes in distortion product otoacoustic emissions(DPOAE) and auditory brainstem response(ABR) in adult Otof-/- mice before and after gene therapy, evaluating its effectiveness and exploring methods for assessing hearing recovery post-treatment. Methods:At the age of 4 weeks, adult Otof-/- mice received an inner ear injection of a therapeutic agent containing intein-mediated recombination of the OTOF gene, delivered via dual AAV vectors through the round window membrane(RWM). Immunofluorescence staining assessed the proportion of inner ear hair cells with restored otoferlin expression and the number of synapses.Statistical analysis was performed to compare the DPOAE and ABR thresholds before and after the treatment. Results:AAV-PHP. eB demonstrates high transduction efficiency in inner ear hair cells. The therapeutic regimen corrected hearing loss in adult Otof-/- mice without impacting auditory function in wild-type mice. The changes in DPOAE and ABR thresholds after gene therapy are significantly correlated at 16 kHz. Post-treatment,a slight increase in DPOAE was observeds,followed by a recovery trend at 2 months post-treatment. Conclusion:Gene therapy significantly restored hearing in adult Otof-/- mice, though the surgical delivery may cause transient hearing damage. Precise and gentle surgical techniques are essential to maximize gene therapy's efficacy.
Mice
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Animals
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Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous/physiology*
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Hearing/physiology*
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Ear, Inner
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Hearing Loss/therapy*
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Genetic Therapy
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Auditory Threshold/physiology*
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Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem/physiology*
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Membrane Proteins
5.Herbal Textual Research on Asteris Radix et Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Hengyang LI ; Wenjie LI ; Xiaoying DING ; Dan ZHANG ; Zijing XUE ; Qi AN ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Yuguang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):20-30
By reviewing the ancient and modern literature, the name, origin, scientific name evolution, place of origin, quality, harvesting, processing, efficacy and toxicity of Asteris Radix et Rhizoma(ARR) were systematically sorted out, so as to provide reference for the development and utilization of the relevant famous classical formulas. According to textual research, ARR was first contained in Shennong Bencaojing, all generations are Ziwan for its proper name, and there are still aliases such as Ziyuan, Ziqian and Xiaobianer. Its mainstream origin in successive generations was Aster tataricus, and there are also Ligularia fischeri and others in local area of use. The medicinal parts of ARR are root and rhizome, but in modern times, the rhizome is mostly used for propagation and cultivation, so some of ARR medicinal materials only have the root without the rhizome. The earliest recorded ancient origin of ARR was now Fangxian(Hubei), Zhengding and Handan(Heibei), then the range of production areas gradually expanded, the mainstream production areas from the Song dynasty to the Ming and Qing dynasties included Hebei, Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan and other places, since modern times, two major producing areas have been formed in Anguo, Hebei province and Bozhou, Anhui province. From the quality evaluation, it is clear that from ancient times, flexible roots and purple color are the best. The ancient harvesting was mainly in lunar February or March, and then dried in the shade, and the modern harvesting is mostly in spring and autumn, and the roots are braided into pigtails and then dried in the sun or dried in the sun after 1-2 d. The ancient and modern processing method of ARR are basically the same, mainly honey processing, there are still methods of frying, steaming, vinegar sizzling, etc. Based on the results, it is recommended that the dried roots and rhizomes of A. tataricus should be used in clinical and the development of related famous classical formulas, and those whose original formulas specify the processing requirements can be processed according to the relevant requirements, while whose processing requirements are not specified should be used in the form of raw products.
6.Study on pathogenesis and laboratory diagnosis of a family with von Willebrand disease caused by c.1117C>T/c.7288-9T>G compound heterozygous mutation
Zhongzhou TAN ; Yao LU ; Linzi MIAO ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zijing ZHU ; Yinan SONG ; Yan GONG ; Chenxue QU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science 2024;42(2):121-125
Objective To explore the diagnosis of clinically suspicious von Willebrand disease(vWD)in a family and its pathogene-sis.Methods The pedigree information and the biological specimen were collected from the clinically suspected VWD patient and her family members(4 persons in total)in Peking University First Hospital.The levels of platelet count(PLT),activated partial thrombo-plastin time(APTT),vWF antigen(vWF:Ag),vWF activity(vWF:Ac)and FⅧ activity(FⅧ:C)were detected,and vWF risto-cetin cofactor(vWF:RCo)assay,ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation assay(RIPA)and vWF collagen binding(vWF:CB)assay were performed for phenotype diagnosis.The peripheral blood genomic DNAs were extracted from the proband and her family members to perform whole-exome sequencing for identifying the mutation of vWF gene,The mutation site was analyzed by using bioinformation tools to explore the pathogenesis of the proband.Results The APTT of proband(m 1)was slightly prolonged and her vWF:Ag,vWF:Ac,vWF:RCo and vWF:CB were significantly decreased.There was no obvious aggregation in RIPA assay(1.0 mg/mL and 1.25 mg/mL).In her father(Ⅱ3),APTT,FⅧ:C,vWF:Ag,vWF:Ac and vWF:CB were normal,but vWF:RCo was slightly decreased.In her mother(Ⅱ4),APTT,FⅧ:C,vWF:Ag,vWF:RCo and vWF:CB were all normal,but vWF:Ac significantly decreased.In her brother(Ⅲ2),APTT and FⅧ:C were normal,but vWF:Ag,vWF:Ac,vWF:RCo and vWF:CB were reduced to varying degrees.In all the family members(father,mother and brpther),no apparent aggregation in RIPA(1.0 mg/mL)was shown.Genetic analysis showed that the proband(Ⅲ1)carried a compound heterozygous mutation of vWF gene c.7288-9T>G and c.1117C>T,her father(Ⅱ3)carried vWF gene c.7288-9T>G heterozygous mutation,and vWF gene c.1117C>T heterozygous mutation was presented in both mother(Ⅱ4)and brother(Ⅲ2).Conclusion According to the results of laboratory tests,the proband was diagnosed as type 2A vWD.The hetero-zygous mutation in vWF gene c.1117C>T and c.7288-9T>G may be the molecular mechanism leading to type 2A vWD in the proband.
7.The Chinese guideline for management of snakebites
Lai RONGDE ; Yan SHIJIAO ; Wang SHIJUN ; Yang SHUQING ; Yan ZHANGREN ; Lan PIN ; Wang YONGGAO ; Li QI ; Wang JINLONG ; Wang WEI ; Ma YUEFENG ; Liang ZIJING ; Zhang JIANFENG ; Zhou NING ; Han XIAOTONG ; Zhang XINCHAO ; Zhang MAO ; Zhao XIAODONG ; Zhang GUOQIANG ; Zhu HUADONG ; Yu XUEZHONG ; Lyu CHUANZHU
World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2024;15(5):333-355
In 2009,the World Health Organization included snakebite on the list of neglected tropical diseases,acknowledging it as a common occupational hazard for farmers,plantation workers,and others,causing tens of thousands of deaths and chronic physical disabilities every year.This guideline aims to provide practical information to help clinical professionals evaluate and treat snakebite victims.These recommendations are based on clinical experience and clinical research evidence.This guideline focuses on the following topics:snake venom,clinical manifestations,auxiliary examination,diagnosis,treatments,and prevention.
8.Reducing language barriers, promoting information absorption, and communication using fanyi
Difei WANG ; Guannan CHEN ; Lin LI ; Shaodi WEN ; Zijing XIE ; Xiao LUO ; Li ZHAN ; Shuangbin XU ; Junrui LI ; Rui WANG ; Qianwen WANG ; Guangchuang YU
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(16):1950-1956
Interpreting genes of interest is essential for identifying molecular mechanisms, but acquiring such information typically involves tedious manual retrieval. To streamline this process, the fanyi package offers tools to retrieve gene information from sources like National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), significantly enhancing accessibility. Additionally, understanding the latest research advancements and sharing achievements are crucial for junior researchers. However, language barriers often restrict knowledge absorption and career development. To address these challenges, we developed the fanyi package, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI)-driven online translation services to accurately translate among multiple languages. This dual functionality allows researchers to quickly capture and comprehend information, promotes a multilingual environment, and fosters innovation in academic community. Meanwhile, the translation functions are versatile and applicable beyond biomedicine research to other domains as well. The fanyi package is freely available at https://github.com/YuLab-SMU/fanyi.
9.Analgesic effects and mechanisms of Hegu acupoint catgut embedding in a rat model of labor
Zijing ZHANG ; Minli HUANG ; Hongfei DAI ; Jiaxin LI ; Zuen LIN ; Feng SUN ; Ruiping PANG ; Lingling WU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(10):1943-1949
AIM:This study aimed to observe the analgesic effects of Hegu acupoint catgut embedding in a rat model of labor and investigate its influence on biomarkers such as calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)signals at the Hegu acupoint.METHODS:Thirty-six pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups:control group,Hegu acu-puncture group,and Hegu catgut embedding group.Pain threshold changes were assessed using the tail immersion test and paw withdrawal thermal latency at four time points:pre-induction,before the onset of labor,at the onset of labor,and at the mid-stage of labor.Tissue samples from the Hegu acupoint were collected at the mid-stage of labor to detect the ex-pression of CGRP,substance P(SP),and mast cells using immunofluorescence.The concentrations of ATP and ade-nosine were measured using ELISA.RESULTS:Before labor induction,there was no significant difference in tail immer-sion test and paw withdrawal thermal latency among the three groups(P>0.05).Before the onset of labor,both the acu-puncture and catgut embedding groups exhibited significantly higher tail-flick times and paw withdrawal latencies com-pared to the control group(P<0.05).At labor initiation and mid-labor,the catgut embedding group had significantly higher tail-flick times and paw withdrawal latencies compared to both the control and acupuncture groups(P<0.05).During mid-labor,the expression of CGRP,SP,mast cells,ATP,and adenosine concentrations in the catgut embedding group was significantly higher than that in the control and acupuncture groups(P<0.05),with co-expression of CGRP,SP,and mast cells observed.CONCLUSION:Hegu acupoint catgut embedding effectively alleviates labor pain,and its mechanism may involve increased local expression of CGRP and SP,promoting mast cell degranulation,and increasing ATP release and its conversion to adenosine.
10.Improvement effect of active ingredients of Anemarrhena asphodeloides on sepsis-induced myocardial injury model mice
Qian LI ; Xiangming CHEN ; Xinxin CHANG ; Wenhua CUI ; Yang LI ; Zijing XUE ; Yuguang ZHENG ; Junna SONG
China Pharmacy 2023;34(1):29-33
OBJECTIVE To provide reference for clarifying improvement effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides on sepsis- induced myocardial injury and potential material basis. METHODS Water extract of A. asphodeloides was extracted by thermal reflux method. Total xanthone and total saponins in A. asphodeloides were separated by macroporous adsorption resin. The mice model of sepsis-induced myocardial injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide. The effects of the location of three extraction fractions and the monomers of A. asphodeloides as mangiferin, timosaponin AⅢ and timosaponin BⅡ on the survival rate of the model mice were explored. HE staining was used to observe the effects of mangiferin, timosaponin AⅢ and timosaponin BⅡ on myocardial morphology in model mice. The effects of mangiferin on mRNA expressions of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in myocardial tissue of model mice were detected. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the survival rate of mice in the intervention group of total xanthone, total saponins and water extract was increased to different extents, especially total xanthone fraction. Mangiferin, timosaponin AⅢ and timosaponin BⅡcould improve the degree of myocardial cell swelling and muscle bundle arrangement disorder in model mice, especially mangiferin. Compared with model group, mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL- 1β and TNF- α, ROS level in myocardium of mice after mangiferin intervention were decreased to different extents. CONCLUSIONS The different extraction fractions of A. asphodeloides can improve survival rate of mice with sepsis-induced myocardial injury, especially total xanthone fraction. Mangiferin is the best among the three monomers of A. asphodeloides to improve sepsis-induced myocardial injury, which may play a role in anti-sepsis myocardial injury by anti-inflammation and antioxidantion.

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