1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervening Mitochondrial Dysfunction for Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review
Xiaochen WEN ; Ying WANG ; Ruoshi LIU ; Ziying LIU ; Xiaoyan MA ; Chengjun GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):300-311
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a microvascular complication of diabetes, with a complex pathogenesis, in which mitochondrial dysfunction is considered to be the core of DKD development. Taking mitochondria as a target to regulate mitochondrial energy metabolism, mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitophagy, and mitochondrial dynamic function represents a promising strategy for the DKD prevention and treatment, with good prospects in clinical application. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has great potential to mediate mitochondrial dysfunction in the DKD prevention and treatment. This article deeply explores the intrinsic relationship between various forms of mitochondrial dysfunction and DKD, and summarizes the current research status of various Chinese herbal compounds and Chinese herbal formulas in targeting mitochondrial dysfunction for the DKD prevention and treatment. This article aims to provide new targets and strategies for the DKD prevention and treatment, and the research and development of TCM.
2.The effect and mechanism of Saponin Ⅰ of Schizocapsa plantaginea Hance on nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HONE-1 in vitro
Xinyi GUO ; Ziying LIANG ; Jinni WANG ; Xiaolian DING ; Yanxue WANG ; Gang LIANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):628-635
ObjectiveTo explore the inhibitory effect and related molecular mechanisms of Saponin of Schizocapsa plantaginea HanceⅠ (SSPHⅠ) on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE-1 cells. MethodsThe effect of SSPHⅠ on HONE-1 cell viability was detected using the CCK-8 assay. Its inhibitory effect on cell proliferation was evaluated through a colony formation assay. Changes in cell invasion ability were analyzed using the Transwell assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using the DHE fluorescent probe. The extent of intracellular content release was reflected by the LDH release assay. The rate of cell pyroptosis was detected using the Annexin-V/PI double staining method. Changes in the expression of proteins related to the classical pyroptosis pathway were examined by Western Blot. ResultsCCK-8 assay showed that treatment with SSPHⅠ for 24 hours reduced HONE-1 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 3.383 μmol/L. In the colony formation assay, the number of HONE-1 cell colonies gradually decreased with increasing concentrations of SSPHⅠ (P<0.01). The Transwell assay revealed that the number of cells migrating through the chamber was reduced following SSPHⅠ treatment (P<0.01). DHE fluorescence probe detection indicated that intracellular ROS fluorescence intensity increased after SSPHⅠ treatment (P<0.001). The LDH release assay showed that LDH activity in the cell supernatant increased with higher concentrations of SSPHⅠ (P<0.001). Annexin-V/PI double staining demonstrated that the proportion of Annexin-V/PI-positive cells increased after SSPHⅠ treatment (P<0.001). Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of cleaved-Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N-terminal were upregulated in SSPHⅠ-treated cells (P<0.05), and NLRP3 protein expression levels also increased (P<0.05). ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the cells increased with higher concentrations of SSPHⅠ (P<0.05). ConclusionSSPHⅠ can induce pyroptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE-1 cells by regulating the ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling axis, thereby exerting an anti-nasopharyngeal carcinoma effect. This suggests that SSPHⅠ may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
3.Comparative study on the pharmacological activities of Angelica sinensis and its fractions in tonifying blood and moistening intestines
Yucun SHI ; Xuemei HOU ; Xiaoli DONG ; Qianqian YANG ; Ziying MENG ; Guotai WU
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(10):28-38
Objective To compare differences in the pharmacological activities of Angelica sinensis and its components on hematopoietic and laxative effects.Methods Kunming mice were randomly divided into eight groups,with 12 mice in each group consisting of equal numbers of males and females.These groups included a normal group,a model group,a positive group,a Angelica sinensis(AS)group,an Angelica sinensis water-soluble(AW)group,an Ethanol extract of Angelicae sinensis(AE)group,and an Angelica sinensis essential oil(AO)group.Except for the normal group,all other groups were established as blood deficiency constipation mouse models through subcutaneous injection of N-acetylphenylhydrazine combined with oral administration of loperamide hydrochloride.On the 7th day of modeling,each group received oral administration of the respective test substance once daily for three consecutive days.General condition and body weight changes of the mice were observed,peripheral blood cells were counted,stool morphology and fecal output were recorded,fecal moisture content and colonic tissue moisture content were determined,small intestine propulsion rate was assessed by a charcoal meal method,and serum levels of β-endorphin(β-EP),cholecystokinin octapeptide(CCK-8),substance P(SP),and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)were determined by ELISA.Differences in the pharmacological activities of Angelica sinensis and its components on hematopoietic and laxative effects were analyzed.Results Compared with the normal group,model group mice showed significantly reduced white blood cell(WBC),red blood cell(RBC),hemoglobin(HGB),hematocrit(HCT),and platelet(PLT)counts,and body weight(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Additionally,fecal moisture content,colon moisture content,and small intestine propulsion rate were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01)and serum CCK-8 and SP levels were also lower(P<0.01),while serum β-EP and VIP levels increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,AS and AW groups had higher WBC,RBC,HGB,HCT,and PLT counts,defecation volume,fecal moisture content,and colon moisture content(P<0.05 or P<0.01).The AE group showed increased WBC,RBC,HGB,HCT,and PLT counts,and colon moisture content(P<0.05 or P<0.01),but defecation volume and fecal moisture content were not significantly altered.The AO group exhibited increased fecal moisture content,colon moisture content,and defecation volume(P<0.05 or P<0.01),but no significant changes in WBC,RBC,HGB,HCT,and PLT counts.The AE group showed no significant changes in defecation volume,fecal moisture content,and colon moisture content.The AS and AO groups had increased small intestine propulsion rates(P<0.01),while there was no significant difference in small intestine propulsion rate between the AW and AE groups.The AS group had elevated serum CCK-8 and SP levels(P<0.01)and decreased serum β-EP and VIP levels(P<0.01).The AO group had increased serum CCK-8 and SP levels(P<0.05),but no significant change in serum β-EP and VIP levels.The AW group had decreased serum VIP levels(P<0.05),but no statistically significant difference in serum CCK-8 and SP levels.Compared with the AS group,the AW group had higher WBC,RBC,HGB,HCT,and PLT counts,while the AO and AE groups had lower levels of these parameters(P<0.05).Both AW and AO groups had increased fecal moisture content(P<0.05),and both AW and AE groups had increased colon moisture content(P<0.05).AO,AE,and AW groups had elevated serum CCK-8 and SP levels and decreased serum β-EP and VIP levels(P<0.05).In summary,the groups were ordered as follows:AE>AO>AS>AW in terms of blood replenishment,AO>AS>AW>AE in terms of promoting bowel movements,and AO>AS>AE>AW in terms of intestinal motility.Conclusions Angelica sinensis and its components have varying degrees of blood replenishing and bowel-promoting activities.The AE component has strong blood replenishing activity,while the AO component has strong bowel-promoting and defecation-stimulating activity.These findings provide a reference for the development of traditional Chinese medicines based on Angelica sinensis components.
4.Advances in the role and mechanisms of proton beam therapy in tumor immune modulation
Yarui CHEN ; Ziying DAI ; Hongxin SU ; Juntao RAN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(12):1245-1250
The role of radiotherapy in activating antitumor immune responses has attracted growing attention. Proton beam therapy (PBT), owing to its unique physical and biological properties, holds great potential in cancer immunotherapy. PBT not only directly kills tumor cells but also induces immunogenic cell death, remodels the tumor microenvironment, and modulates immune cell functions. Moreover, PBT shows distinct advantages in inducing systemic immune responses and establishing immune memory. Recent studies have demonstrated that PBT offers unique benefits over conventional photon radiotherapy in activating antitumor immunity and exhibits marked synergistic effects when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review systematically summarizes recent advances in understanding the role and mechanisms of PBT in tumor immune modulation, discusses the prospects of its combination with immunotherapy, and provides new insights and theoretical evidence for comprehensive cancer treatment.
5.Research porgress on intergrating multimodal research models to study cardiotoxicity of air pollution
Tengyue ZHAO ; Jingjing GUO ; Bingjie WANG ; Ziying CHEN ; Sheng JIN ; Yuming WU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(11):1392-1399
The research on the cardiovascular toxicity of air pollutants is in urgent need of collaborative innovation across multiple models. This paper systematically reviewed the advantages and limitations of four principal research models of cardiotoxicity, including epidemiological model, mammalian model, zebrafish model, and in vitro model. Epidemiological models have been used to demonstrate a significant correlation between exposure to PM2.5 and both the incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases within populations; however, these models face challenges in establishing causal inferences and interpreting individual mechanisms. Mammalian models have been applied to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of PM2.5 at both the systemic and organ-specific levels, yet they encounter difficulties related to interspecies differences and throughput constraints. Zebrafish models, with their transparent embryos and observable development, offer a distinctive opportunity for high-throughput screening and mechanistic investigation of PM2.5-induced cardiac developmental toxicity. Nonetheless, their cardiac physiological structure diverges from that of mammals, limiting their capacity to accurately model chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease. In vitro models, particularly human heart organoids and chip technologies, have provided profound insights into the direct toxic mechanisms of PM2.5, including disruptions in calcium homeostasis, cellular senescence, and electrophysiological irregularities at the cellular and molecular levels. Despite these advancements, the complexity and developmental maturity of these models present challenges to their broader application. This paper proposed that the key to overcoming the bottlenecks of single models lies in the construction of an integrated evaluation system that combines “epidemiological studies, mammalian models, zebrafish models, and in vitro models”. By focusing on three aspects, namely model integration, technological convergence, and policy support, it is intended to collaboratively address issues such as standardization of multi-model data, simulation of complex exposure scenarios and susceptible life stages, and transformation pathways. This will provide innovative methodological support for the analysis of the cardiotoxic mechanisms of air pollutants, the assessment of environmental health impacts, and the formulation of precise prevention and control strategies.
6.In vitro experimental study on the upregulation of cellular lactylation modification caused by HiAlc Kpn metabolites via the initiation of cell lipid peroxidation in liver cells
Ziying XU ; Zhijie TANG ; Yagang GAO ; Jing YUAN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):222-229
Objective:To investigate the impact of High Alcohol-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (HiAlc Kpn) on hepatocyte function and explore its regulatory mechanism from the perspective of epigenetic modifications. Methods:Using the HepG2 cell line as the research model, the study involved exposing the cells to alcohol and three different HiAlc Kpn strains in vitro, dividing them into a control group, alcohol-treated group, W8 group, 3-24 group, and 4-26 group. The effect of HiAlc Kpn on liver cell proliferation was investigated using the Incucyte live cell imaging system, and the apoptotic level of liver cells was determined using flow cytometry. The fluorescence confocal microscopy combined with live cell probes was used to detect lipid accumulation and intracellular ROS levels in liver cells. The amount of mitochondrial damage was determined using flow cytometry combined with the seahorse cell metabolism analyzer, and changes in protein levels undergoing global lactylation modification were investigated using Western blotting. Results:Compared with the control group, HiAlc Kpn strains W8, 3-24 and 4-26 could decrease the proliferation rate and increase the ratio of apoptosis of hepatocyte HepG2 cells. The results of high-content cell imaging showed that the fluorescence points of ROS enrichment in HepG2 cells were increased after HiAlc Kpn treatment. The lipid accumulation was significantly increased by oil red O and BODIPY staining. The number of oil droplets and fluorescence points was higher than those in the control group and alcohol treatment group. The results of flow cytometry showed that the ratio of JC-1 monomer/polymer was significantly increased after alcohol and three kinds of HiAlc Kpn were treated and the W8 treatment group was about six times higher than the control group ( P<0.05). Seahorse Energy Metabolism System′s mitochondrial pressure test results showed that the extracellular acidification degree and oxygen consumption rate were significantly reduced by the HiAlc Kpn 4-26 strain. Western blot analysis showed that the pan-lactylation modification level increased after high-concentration alcohol treatment and the increased rate of pan-lactylation modification in the 1 000 mmol/L alcohol group was about three times that of the control group. HiAlc Kpn W8 and 3-24 strains resulted in four or two-times pan-lactylation modification increases compared with the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:HiAlc Kpn can induce lipid peroxidation in hepatic cells by regulating the increase in histone pan-lactylation modification levels, leading to mitochondrial damage, impaired cell proliferation capacity and increased apoptosis levels.
7.Study on the Suitability Regionalation of Codonopsis pilosula in Shanxi Province Based on MaxEnt and ArcGIS
Lei HOU ; Zihao XU ; Ziying LEI ; Yanhui WU ; Jun ZHANG ; Chenhui DU ; Runli HE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(4):7-13
Objective To analyze the ecological suitability of Codonopsis pilosula;To provide theoretical reference for expanding the planting scale of Codonopsis pilosula in Shanxi Province.Methods Information on the distribution of Codonopsis pilosula samples through the fourth survey of TCM resources in Shanxi Province and literature review;the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS 10.8 geographic information system software were used to analyze the ecological factors affecting the distribution of Codonopsis Radix in Shanxi Province,and the suitable distribution areas of Codonopsis pilosula in Shanxi Province were predicted.Results The predicted distribution areas of Codonopsis pilosula in Shanxi Province by the model were highly consistent with the actual distribution area;the AUC of the training set was 0.945,indicating good prediction results.The predominant ecological factors(contributing)impacting the distribution of Codonopsis pilosula included vegetation type(31.1%),the standard deviation of seasonal temperature fluctuations(25.0%),slope(8.3%),mean January precipitation(5.3%),mean May precipitation(5.0%),and elevation(4.9%)etc.The optimal vegetation types conducive to the proliferation of Codonopsis pilosula were identified as temperate deciduous shrubs,temperate grasslands,temperate coniferous forests,and temperate deciduous broad-leaved forests.The standard deviation of seasonal temperature change was within the range of 92 to 108,the slope gradient was from 14° to 30°,mean January precipitation was of 4 to 6.8 mm,mean May precipitation was of 33.5 to 58 mm,and elevation ranged from 1 100 to 2 800 meters.Codonopsis pilosula was mainly distributed in Lucheng,Qinxian and Qinyuan counties in the eastern part of Taiyue Mountain in Changzhi City;Pu County,Fenxi County,Fenyang City of Lyuliang City in the Lyuliang Mountain Range and Yushe County of Jinzhong City in the northern part of Taiyue Mountain.The most suitable area in Shanxi Province was 14 109.67 km2,the suitable area encompassed 22 837.62 km2,the relatively suitable area covered 41 982.96 km2,while the unsuitable area extended over 77 769.75 km2.Conclusion The geographical distribution data of Codonopsis pilosula resources in Shanxi Province may serve as a basis for further examination of regional zoning,with the establishment of wild cultivation bases for Codonopsis pilosula in proximity to various mountain ranges,such as the Taihang Mountains.Moreover,the artificial cultivation conditions can be modified in accordance with the optimal growth environment of Codonopsis pilosula,thereby optimizing the management of Codonopsis resources.
8.Clinical research progress of stem cell therapy for decompensated cirrhosis and liver failure
Yanhu WANG ; Yunbo XIE ; Ziying ZHANG ; Yuefei PAN ; Fusheng WANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2025;33(2):103-107
Chronic liver disease remains a severe threat to human health. Furthermore, if left untreated promptly and effectively, it may gradually develop into end-stage liver disease, including decompensated cirrhosis and liver failure. Currently, mesenchymal stem cell technology is acting as a kind of an emerging treatment method, and multiple clinical trials have confirmed its promising application prospects in the treatment of decompensated cirrhosis and liver failure. Hence, stem cell therapy may offer a novel therapeutic option for these patients. This article summarizes the clinical research progress of stem cell therapy for decompensated cirrhosis and liver failure and analyzes present challenges and application prospects.
9.Latent profile analysis and influencing factors of depression in mild cognitive impairment patients
Xi ZHANG ; Chunxia WANG ; Daojun HONG ; Xiaobing LI ; Xiaojiao GONG ; Ziying ZOU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(16):1214-1221
Objective:To explore the categories and influencing factors of depression in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, so as to provide a reference for formulating precise interventions for depression in MCI patients.Methods:A cross-sectional investigation was conducted. Patients with MCI admitted to the Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from December 2022 to December 2023 were selected as the investigation objects by convenience sampling method. The general data questionnaire, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale and Lubben Social Network Scale-6 were used to conduct a survey. Latent profile analysis and multiple Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the categories and influencing factors of depression.Results:A total of 537 patients with MCI were included, including 335 females and 202 males, aged (65.72 ± 9.53) years old. MCI patients scored (22.67 ± 4.68) points on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, (13.27 ± 5.73) points on the Lubben Social Network Scale-6, and 9.00 (5.00, 13.00) points on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17. The depression in MCI patients could be divided into three categories: low risk depression (67.8%, 364/537), low depression-sleep disorder (20.1%, 108/537), and high depression-anxiety (12.1%, 65/537). The multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that gender, education, living style, social isolation and cognitive function were the influencing factors for different categories of depression ( OR values were 0.443-2.921, all P<0.05). Conclusions:There are individual differences in depression in patients with MCI, and precise intervention should be implemented according to the characteristics of different categories of depression.
10.Research progress on the application of nanozyme materials in the treatment of orthopaedic diseases
Chenguang LIN ; Ziying SUN ; Dongquan SHI ; Nirong BAO
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(16):1089-1096
Nanomaterials can be used in drug delivery systems to enhance drug targeting and efficacy, and reduce adverse reactions. At the same time, they can also be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to promote bone tissue repair and regeneration. Nanozymes are special nanomaterials with the catalytic activity of biological enzymes, which can mediate efficient biochemical reactions and provide a new strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of orthopaedic diseases. In the treatment of tendon-related diseases, the enzymatic nanohybrid encapsulated by extracellular vesicles can effectively mimic catalase to remove reactive oxygen species, continuously release zinc ions, and induce immune regulation through extracellular vesicles. It can significantly promote functional recovery and matrix reconstruction, restore tendon morphology, and inhibit scar formation and adhesion around the tendon. In the treatment of bone and joint diseases, photothermal nanozymes with bionic characteristics can generate thermal energy under near-infrared radiation, enhance joint lubrication performance, reduce cartilage wear in early osteoarthritis, effectively remove reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, increase the production of hyaluronic acid inside and outside the cells, and help to restore the lubrication and function of articular cartilage. Hollow Prussian blue nanoenzyme prepared by template-free hydrothermal synthesis can inhibit osteoclast formation and bone resorption, inhibit intracellular reactive oxygen species production and mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathways, thereby improving osteoporosis. In the treatment of spinal diseases, Prussian blue nanozymes can not only remove excessive reactive oxygen species, maintain the normal Redox level of nucleus pulposus cells, but also escape lysosomal phagocytosis, achieve more effective mitochondrial targeting, and effectively alleviate intervertebral disc degeneration.

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