1.Mechanism of puerarin in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and animal experimental verification
Yue Gao ; Fang Tang ; Wukai Ma ; Weiya Lan ; Zong Jiang ; Zexu Jin
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):22-31
Objective :
To investigate the mechanism of puerarin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by network pharmacology and animal experiments.
Methods :
Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmcolog Database(TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction database were used to collect puerarin targets, and the targets of RA were obtained from GeneCards database and OMIM database. The PPI network was established by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyotoencyclopedia of genes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed through the Metascape database. RA rat-collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model was reproduced using type Ⅱ collagen emulsion, 49 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: control group, CIA model group, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose puerarin group, methotrexate group, Tripterysium Glycosides Tablets group. Except for the control group, the other groups were given continuous gavage for 28 days after the CIA in rats model were prepared. The redness and swelling of the joints and ankle joint pathological changes were observed in each group. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Glycogen synthase kinase3β(GSK-3β), beta-catenin(β-catenin) proteins in the synovium. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to detect the expression of GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in the synovium.
Results :
Puerarin had 134 targets genes, RA had 5 821 target genes, and there were 102 overlapping target genes of puerarin and RA. It involved 184 signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, et al. The results of animal experiments showed that after the intervention of M-puerarin and MTX, the symptoms of redness and swelling of the hind foot were alleviated, the inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovium of the joint was significantly reduced, and the damage of cartilage and bone tissue was reduced. Compared with CIA group, the expressions of GSK-3β, β-catenin protein and GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in synovial tissue of rats after M-puerarin intervention decreased(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Puerarin has the characteristic of multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathway intervention in RA. Puerarin may alleviate synovial hyperplasia, reduce articular cartilage erosion and bone destruction in CIA in rats by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.Application and prospect of artificial intelligence and population pharmacokinetics in personalized medication after organ transplantation
Shuai HE ; Huiying ZONG ; An’an LI ; Penglin ZHOU ; Rui GAO ; Xichao WU ; Yanjiao ZHU ; Yan LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1813-1818
Artificial intelligence (AI) and population pharmacokinetics (PPK) technologies have demonstrated significant potential in the personalized medication of immunosuppressants after organ transplantation, enabling precise prediction of drug dosages. This article provides a comprehensive review of the application status of AI and PPK in the individualized administration of immunosuppressants after organ transplantation, focuses on monitoring blood drug concentration, predicting efficacy/adverse reactions, and establishing individualized dosing models for organ transplant recipients after immunosuppressant administration, and analyzes and compares the application characteristics of different methods in different organ transplant patients as well as the integration and future development of AI and PPK technologies. AI and PPK technologies can not only significantly reduce the dependence on human resources, but also greatly improve the level of individualized treatment of immunosuppressants after organ transplantation, and reduce the discomfort and burden caused by frequent blood concentration monitoring to patients.
3.Research progress on the lipid-lowering mechanisms and clinical application of GLP-1 receptor agonists
Yanjiao ZHU ; Rui GAO ; Huiying ZONG ; An’an LI ; Penglin ZHOU ; Shuai HE ; Xichao WU ; Yan LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(20):2615-2620
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a novel class of antidiabetic drugs that also possess lipid- lowering and cardiovascular protective effects, with liraglutide and semaglutide being their representative medications. Based on a systematic literature search, this review summarizes the lipid-lowering mechanisms by which liraglutide and semaglutide exert direct effects on the liver and kidney (regulating autophagy, key lipid metabolism pathways, reverse cholesterol transport, etc.), direct actions on adipose tissue (affecting adipocyte proliferation and differentiation, expression of lipid metabolism proteins, and gene transcription), activation of sympathetic pathways through the central nervous system, and modulation of the gut microbiota. Additionally, it summarizes the clinical evidence of their lipid-lowering effects in populations with type 2 diabetes mellitus, overweight individuals, and others. These findings indicate that GLP-1 receptor agonists exert lipid-lowering effects by acting on multiple tissues or systems, providing crucial evidence for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of these drugs in lipid regulation and exploring potential new ideas for their clinical applications.
4.Modified Sini Powder in treating mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder in patients with syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire: a single-center, randomized, double-blind, dose-controlled trial.
Jia-Xin XU ; Hong-Jun YANG ; Hong-Wei WU ; Li-Jun MAO ; Jian-Xin WANG ; Zong-Liang YU ; Yang ZHAO ; Xiao-Nan HAO ; Rui GAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4063-4070
A single-center, randomized, double-blind, dose-controlled trial of modified Sini Powder in treating mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) in the patients with syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire was conducted at Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. A total of 80 patients with mild to moderate GAD and the syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire were included. Patients were assigned by the central randomization system at a ratio of 3∶1 into an observation group(n=60, receiving a conventional-dose of granules of modified Sini Powder) and a control group(n=20, receiving low-dose granules with the active ingredients being 50% of that in observation group). Assessments were conducted before treatment(baseline), after 2 weeks of introduction, after 2/4/8 weeks of treatment, and after 4 weeks of follow-up. The results were summarized as follows. In terms of primary outcome indicators, the observation group(62.2%) showed higher total response rate than the control group(26.6%)(P<0.05), and greater Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA) score reduction after 8 weeks of treatment(P<0.05). In terms of secondary outcome indicators, the HAMA score(somatic anxiety score), traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome scores, Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) scale, and clinical global impression(CGI) scale score in the observation group showed a significant compared to the control group at each visit points(P<0.05). Adverse events occurred in 10 cases, including 9(16.9%) cases in the observation group and 1(6.6%) case in the control group. No adverse reaction was observed. In conclusion, conventional-dose modified Sini Powder demonstrated superior efficacy and favorable safety for mild and moderate GAD in the patients with the syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire over low-dose treatment.
Humans
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Male
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Female
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Adult
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Middle Aged
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Double-Blind Method
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Anxiety Disorders/drug therapy*
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Treatment Outcome
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Young Adult
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Powders
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Aged
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Liver/drug effects*
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
5.The protein arginine methyltransferase PRMT1 ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by suppressing RIPK1-mediated necroptosis and apoptosis.
Tengfei LIU ; Gan HUANG ; Xin GUO ; Qiuran JI ; Lu YU ; Runzhe ZONG ; Yiquan LI ; Xiaomeng SONG ; Qingyi FU ; Qidi XUE ; Yi ZHENG ; Fanshuo ZENG ; Ru SUN ; Lin CHEN ; Chengjiang GAO ; Huiqing LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4014-4029
Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) plays an essential role in regulating the necroptosis and apoptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the regulation of RIPK1 kinase activity after cerebral I/R injury remains largely unknown. In this study, we found the downregulation of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) was induced by cerebral I/R injury, which negatively correlated with the activation of RIPK1. Mechanistically, we proved that PRMT1 directly interacted with RIPK1 and catalyzed its asymmetric dimethylarginine, which then blocked RIPK1 homodimerization and suppressed its kinase activity. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of PRMT1 aggravated I/R injury by promoting RIPK1-mediated necroptosis and apoptosis, while PRMT1 overexpression protected against I/R injury by suppressing RIPK1 activation. Our findings revealed the molecular regulation of RIPK1 activation and demonstrated PRMT1 would be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
6.Prevention and treatment of monkeypox in pregnant women
Yeqin DENG ; Ying HONG ; Bin ZHANG ; Yang GAO ; Yanming WAN ; Ronghua XU ; Yaling ZONG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(5):130-133
Using China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and PubMed database, literature search was conducted with the keywords “pregnancy” and “monkeypox”, and 27 related research articles were selected for analysis. Through a comprehensive review of the related literature, we aim to improve our knowledge of this viral disease, better our prevention, treatment and responses to future monkeypox outbreaks in China, so as to better protect the safety of mothers and infants. Maternal monkeypox can be prevented and controlled, if active and effective measures are taken in time. Drawing on the experience and lessons from monkeypox outbreaks at home and abroad, it is suggested that hospitals and public health agencies at all levels should raise awareness, and establish an effective emergency preparedness system for the prevention and control of potential future outbreaks.
7.Correlation between enlarged perivascular space and cerebral venous reflux in recent small subcortical infarcts within the lenticulostriate artery territory
Zhengrong WU ; Ke ZHANG ; Ce ZONG ; Hongbing LIU ; Kai LIU ; Yanhong WANG ; Yuming XU ; Yuan GAO
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(3):241-247
Objective:To summarize the incidence of cerebral venous reflux (CVR) in patients with recent small subcortical infarct (RSSI) and explore its correlation with enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS).Methods:Patients with RSSI in the lenticulostriate artery admitted to the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to December 2022 were included. The baseline demographic data, medical history, and laboratory results of the patients were collected. CVR was assessed by time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the presence (CVR group) or absence of CVR (non-CVR group), and baseline characteristics as well as laboratory test results were compared between the 2 groups. The location and number of EPVS were evaluated using a visual grading scale, with EPVS with higher scores defined as high-grade EPVS (HEPVS). Simultaneous evaluation of cerebral white matter hyperintensities and lacunar infarctions was conducted, followed by intergroup comparisons. The relationship between EPVS and CVR was studied using multiple Logistic regression analysis.Results:A total of 571 patients with RSSI in the lentiform artery area were ultimately included, including 180 females (31.5%). Their age was (59.37±12.87) years. Among them, 73 patients (12.8%) exhibited CVR based on imaging findings, so the incidence of CVR was 12.8%. In comparison between the CVR group ( n=73) and the non-CVR group ( n=498), the proportion of females [21.9% (16/73) vs 32.9% (164/498), χ 2=3.578, P=0.059] was lower and the proportion of history of smoking [38.4% (28/73) vs 27.7% (138/498), χ 2=3.499, P=0.061] was higher in the CVR group, but without statistical significance. Additionally, the history of alcohol consumption [34.2% (25/73) vs 21.7% (108/498), χ 2=5.621, P=0.018] and the proportion of patients with concomitant HEPVS in the basal ganglia area [41.1% (30/73) vs 25.3% (126/498), χ 2=7.999, P=0.005] was higher in the CVR group with statistical significance. Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that HEPVS in the basal ganglia region remained independently associated with CVR ( OR=1.988, 95% CI 1.190-3.320, P=0.009). Conclusion:EPVS in the basal ganglia region is significantly associated with CVR in the RSSI population, suggesting that venous dysfunction may be closely related to the formation of EPVS.
8.Effects of bunched cognitive behavior intervention on disease fear and psychological security in glioma patients
Bo GAO ; Xuerong ZONG ; Yan SHENG ; Liping YANG ; Wei WANG ; Bo LI
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science 2024;33(3):252-258
Objective:To investigate the effects of bunched cognitive behavior intervention on disease fear and psychological security in patients with glioma.Methods:A total of 92 patients with glioma who underwent surgical treatment from January 2022 to June 2023 were selected.According to the order of enrollment, all subjects were divided into research group( n=44)and control group( n=48). The patients in control group received routine medical and nursing intervention, and patients the research group adopted glioma bunched cognitive behavior intervention on the basis of routine medical and nursing intervention, including 4 intervention cycles.At enrollment, 2 weeks after intervention, and 4 weeks after intervention, all subjects were evaluated by the fear of progression questionnaire-short form (FoP-Q-SF), safety questionnaire (SQ), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS). All the data in this study were processed by SPSS 26.0 statistical software.The scores of FoP-Q-SF, SQ, SAS and SDS before and after intervention were compared by repeated measures ANOVA between the two groups. Results:(1)The total FoP-Q-SF score, physiological health dimension scores, and social family dimension scores of the two groups showed significant interaction effects before and after intervention ( F=254.839, 52.738, 12.237, all P<0.05). Further simple effect analysis showed that after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the FoP-Q-SF scores of the research group (2 weeks after intervention: 33.80±4.94, 36.48±4.04; 4 weeks after intervention: 31.25±4.55, 35.94±4.47) and social family dimensions (2 weeks after intervention: 15.32±2.56 points, 17.06±2.14; 4 weeks after intervention: 14.05±2.59, 16.96±1.99) were lower than those of the control group (all P<0.05). The physiological health dimension score of the research group was lower than that of the control group after 4 weeks of intervention (4 weeks after intervention: 17.30±2.92, 19.06±2.38) ( P<0.05). After 4 weeks of intervention, the FoP-Q-SF score, physiological health dimension score, and social family dimension score of the research group were all lower than those at 2 weeks after intervention and before intervention (all P<0.05). (2)The total SQ score, interpersonal security dimension score and the determined control score of the two groups showed significant interaction effects before and after intervention( F=193.129, 54.706, 44.015, all P<0.05). Further simple effect testing showed that after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the total SQ score and interpersonal security score of the research group were higher than those of the control group (all P<0.05). The determined control score of the research group was higher than that of the control group after 4 weeks of intervention ( P<0.05). After 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the total SQ score, interpersonal security score, and determination control score of the research group were higher than before intervention (all P<0.05), and the total SQ score and interpersonal security score of the research group were higher than 2 weeks after intervention (both P<0.05). (3)The SAS score and SDS score of the two groups showed significant interaction effects before and after intervention( F=237.867, 282.882, both P<0.05). Further simple effect analysis showed that after 2 and 4 weeks intervention, the SAS and SDS scores of the research group were lower than those of the control group (all P<0.05). The SAS and SDS scores of the research group were lower after 2 weeks and 4 weeks intervention than before intervention (all P<0.05). The SAS and SDS scores of the research group at 4 weeks after intervention were lower than those at 2 weeks after intervention (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Bundled cognitive behavioral intervention can improve disease fear and negative emotions in patients with glioma, and enhance psychological security.
9.Effects of PIM1 Gene on Proliferation,Apoptosis and JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway of Acute Myeloid Leukemia U937 Cells
Xin GAO ; Li-Jing CHU ; Zong-Hai YAN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(3):663-669
Objective:To investigate the effects of the serine/threonine kinase family member 1(PIM1)gene on the proliferation and apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia(AML)U937 cells,and the regulation effect on Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)pathway.Methods:Bone marrow mononuclear cells from newly diagnosed adult AML patients and patients with iron deficiency anemia were collected and PIM1 mRNA expression was detected by RT-qPCR.AML cell line U937 cells were divided into U937 group(U937 cells were cultured normally),Si-PIM1 group(U937 cells were transfected with low expression adenovirus vector containing PIM1 mRNA),Si-NC group(U937 cells were transfected with low expression adenovirus vector without PIM1 mRNA),coumermycin A1(CoA1)group(JAK2 activator CoA1 was added to U937 cells at a concentration of 20 μ mol/L),and Si-PIM1+CoA1 group(U937 cells were transfected with adenoviral vector containing low expression of PIM1 mRNA and added with CoA1 at a concentration of 20 μ mol/L).After culture for 24 h,the expressions of PIM1 mRNA and protein,JAK2/STAT3 pathway,cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins in U937 cells were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot,the cell proliferation activity was detected by MTT assay,and flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle changes and apoptosis rate.Results:The PIM1 mRNA expression level in bone marrow mononuclear cells in AML patients was higher than that in patients with iron deficiency anemia(P<0.05).Compared with U937 group,PIM1 mRNA and protein,phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2)/JAK2,phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)/STAT3,Cyclin D1,cyclin-dependent kinase 2(CDK2)protein,cell proliferation activity,S phase and G2/M phase proportions were decreased in Si-PIM1 group(all P<0.05),while p27,Caspase-3 protein,G0/G,phase proportion and apoptosis rate were increased(all P<0.05).However,the changes of above indicators in CoA1 group were just opposite to those in Si-PIM1 group,indicating that CoA1 could reverse the effect of Si-PIM1 on U937 cells.There were no significant differences in above indexes of U937 cells between U937 group,Si-PIM1+CoA1 group and Si-NC group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Knockdown of PIM1 gene expression can inhibit U937 cell proliferation and promote apoptosis,in order to alleviate ALM process,which may be related to the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation.
10.Effect of moxibustion on PTEN/mTOR signalling pathway and myocardial fibrosis in rats with chronic heart failure
Tiantian GONG ; Bing GAO ; Ling ZHU ; Lan LI ; Yanping ZONG ; Jing HU ; Jing WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(4):562-569
Objective To observe the effects of moxibustion on myocardial pathological morphology,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and chromosome 10 deletion phosphatase and tensin homologous protein(PTEN)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signalling pathway in rats with chronic heart failure(CHF),and to explore the possible mechanism of moxibustion in attenuating myocardial fibrosis in rats with CHF.Methods According to the random number table method,60 male SD rats were divided into the normal group(n=10)and the surgery group(n=50),and the rats in the surgery group were ligated the left coronary artery to replicate the CHF model.According to the random number table method,40 successfully modelled rats were divided into the model group,the moxibustion group,the bpV(phen)group,and the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group,with 10 rats in each group.The normal and model groups were not given any intervention;in the moxibustion group,customized moxa sticks were used to moxibrate the bilateral"Feishu"(BL13)and"Xinshu"(BL15)on the back of the rats for 30 min at each point once a day;the bpV(phen)group was injected intraperitoneally with the bpV(phen)solution(0.15 mg/kg)twice a week;the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group was based on the bpV(phen)group,and moxibustion was applied according to the moxibustion group.The intervention was carried out for 4 weeks.The general conditions of rats,such as feeding and activity were observed;HE staining was used to detect morphological changes of the cardiomyocytes;Masson staining was used to detect myocardial fibrosis;the cardiac echocardiography was used to detect ejection fraction(EF)and fractional shortening(FS);real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of PTEN and mTOR in the cardiac muscle tissues;protein expressions of PTEN,mTOR,α-SMA in rat myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the normal group,rats in the model group had altered cardiomyocyte morphology,severe damage to myocardial fiber structure,significantly lower EF,FS,and mTOR mRNA and protein expressions,and significantly higher PTEN,α-SMA protein expressions and PTEN mRNA expression(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,myocardial ultrastructural damage was attenuated in the moxibustion group,bpV(phen)group,and moxibustion+ bpV(phen)group,and EF,FS,and mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR were significantly higher,α-SMA protein expression was significantly lower,and mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN were significantly lower(P<0.05).Compared with the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group,myocardial ultrastructural damage was worsen in the moxibustion and bpV(phen)groups,with significantly lower EF,FS,and mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR,significantly higher α-SMA protein expression,and significantly higher mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN(P<0.05).Conclusion Moxibustion can improve the pathological morphology and function of cardiomyocytes and attenuate myocardial fibrosis in rats with CHF,and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of PTEN expression,and then the up-regulation of mTOR expression.


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