1.Diabetes-associated sleep fragmentation impairs liver and heart function via SIRT1-dependent epigenetic modulation of NADPH oxidase 4.
Yuanfang GUO ; Jie WANG ; Dongmei ZHANG ; Yufeng TANG ; Quanli CHENG ; Jiahao LI ; Ting GAO ; Xiaohui ZHANG ; Guangping LU ; Mingrui LIU ; Xun GUAN ; Xinyu TANG ; Junlian GU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1480-1496
Although clinical evidence suggests that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an established major risk factor for heart failure, it remains unexplored whether sleep disorder-caused hepatic damage contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, our findings revealed that sleep fragmentation (SF) displayed notable hepatic detrimental phenotypes, including steatosis and oxidative damage, along with significant abnormalities in cardiac structure and function. All these pathological changes persisted even after sleep recovery for 2 consecutive weeks or more, displaying memory properties. Mechanistically, persistent higher expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) in the liver was the key initiator of SF-accelerated damage phenotypes. SF epigenetically controlled the acetylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27ac) enrichment at the Nox4 promoter and markedly increased Nox4 expression in liver even after sleep recovery. Moreover, fine coordination of the circadian clock and hepatic damage was strictly controlled by BMAL1-dependent Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) transcription after circadian misalignment. Accordingly, genetic manipulation of liver-specific Nox4 or Sirt1, along with pharmacological intervention targeting NOX4 (GLX351322) or SIRT1 (Resveratrol), could effectively erase the epigenetic modification of Nox4 by reducing the H3K27ac level and ameliorate the progression of liver pathology, thereby counteracting SF-evoked sustained CVD. Collectively, our findings may pave the way for strategies to mitigate myocardial injury from persistent hepatic detrimental memory in diabetic patients.
2.Melatonin receptor 1a alleviates sleep fragmentation-aggravated testicular injury in T2DM by suppression of TAB1/TAK1 complex through FGFR1.
Xiaohui ZHANG ; Xinyu TANG ; Ting GAO ; Yuanfang GUO ; Guangping LU ; Qingbo LIU ; Jiahao LI ; Jie WANG ; Mingrui LIU ; Dongmei ZHANG ; Yufeng TANG ; Junlian GU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3591-3610
A major obstacle in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is sleep fragmentation (SF), which negatively affects testicular function. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that SF induces testicular damage through a mechanism involving lipid metabolism, specifically mediated by melatonin (MEL) receptor 1a (MT1). T2DM mice with SF intervention displayed several deleterious phenotypes such as apoptosis, deregulated lipid metabolism, and impaired testicular function. Unexpectedly, sleep recovery (SR) for 2 consecutive weeks could not completely abrogate SF's detrimental effects on lipid deposition and testicular function. Interestingly, MEL and MT1 agonist 2-iodomelatonin (2IM) effectively improved lipid homeostasis, highlighting MEL/2IM as a promising therapeutic drug for SF-trigged testicular damage. Mechanistically, MEL and 2IM activated FGFR1 and sequentially restrained the crosstalk and physical interaction between TAB1 and TAK1, which ultimately suppressed the phosphorylation of TAK1 to block lipid deposition and cell apoptosis caused by SF. The ameliorating effect of MEL/2IM was overtly nullified in Fgfr1 knockout (Fgfr1-KO +/- ) diabetic mice. Meanwhile, testicular-specific overexpression of Tak1 abolished the protective effect of FGF1mut on diabetic mouse testis. Our findings offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the testicular pathogenesis associated with SF and propose a novel therapeutic approach for addressing male infertility in T2DM.
3.Occurrence of hyperactivity behavior and its relationship with neuropsychological development in children aged 3-6 in Yunnan Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(8):1106-1110
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of hyperactivity behavior in children aged 3-6 in Yunnan Province, to explore its relationship with neuropsychological development, so as to provide clues for early prevention and intervention of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.
Methods:
A total of 1 321 children aged 3 to 6 from 10 kindergartens in 5 prefectures (cities) of Yunnan Province were selected by stratified random sampling method from October 2022 to May 2023. Teacher Rating Scale (TRS) was used to investigate childrens hyperactive behavior and coexistent behavior. A qualified evaluator applied the Developmental Scale for Children Aged 0-6 Years to assess the development of 5 ability areas of gross motor movement,fine movement,adaptive ability,language and social behavior. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon rank sum test and χ2 test. Binary Logistic regression was applied to analyze the score of their hyperactivity behavior and its relationship with other behavior problems and neuropsychological development.
Results:
The detection rate of hyperactivity behavior was 8.6% in children aged 3 to 6 years, 12.8% in boys and 4.1% in girls (χ2=31.53, P<0.01). The detection rate of hyperactivity in 3yearold children was 13.9%, which was higher than that in 4yearold (9.2%) and 5yearold children (7.0%) (χ2=8.73, P<0.05). The detection rate of inattentionpassivity of rural children (14.6%) was higher than that of urban children (5.9%) (χ2=22.23, P<0.01). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the higher the level of adaptive development, the lower the risk of hyperactivity (OR=0.58, 95%CI=0.39-0.86), the higher the risk of hyperactivity (OR=0.57, 95%CI=0.35-0.91), the higher the risk of conduct problems (OR=0.57, 95%CI=0.37-0.87), inattentionpassivity (OR=0.49, 95%CI=0.33-0.74) were also at lower risk (P<0.05). Children with higher levels of fine motor development had a lower risk of inattentionpassivity (OR=0.59, 95%CI=0.37-0.93, P<0.05).
Conclusions
Hyperactivity in boys and inattentionpassivity in rural children requires more attention. It is necessary to strengthen childrens early adaptive ability and fine motor training to prevent hyperactive behavior and inattention.
4.Mechanism of Nephrotoxicity Induced by Ecliptasaponin A Based on Computational Toxicology
Han LI ; Ling SONG ; Yunhang GAO ; Tengfei CHEN ; Suzhen MU ; Weiya CHEN ; Guangping ZHANG ; Wang HUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):72-80
ObjectiveTo predict the potential nephrotoxic components in traditional Chinese medicine health food products based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Toxicity Alert System and Basic Toxicology Database (TCMTAS-BTD), screen and validate the predicted components by cell and animal experiments, and decipher the mechanism of nephrotoxicity by network pharmacology. MethodTCMTAS-BTD was utilized to predict the toxicity of 3 540 compounds found in the catalogue of traditional Chinese health food ingredients. In the cell experiment, the top 5 compounds with high toxicity probability were screened by measurement of cell proliferation and viability (CCK-8) and high-content screening. ICR mice were randomized into a control group, a low-dose (2.91 mg·kg-1·d-1) ecliptasaponin A, and a high-dose (29.1 mg·kg-1·d-1) ecliptasaponin A group, with 10 mice in each group, and treated continuously for 28 days. During the experiment, the general conditions of the rats were observed, and the kidney index was calculated. The levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the serum as well as the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the renal tissue were measured. The pathological changes of the kidney were observed. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential pathways of nephrotoxicity. Finally, the pathway-associated proteins were validated by Western blot. ResultThe top 5 compounds with high probability of nephrotoxicity were ecliptasaponin A, chrysophanol, rutaecarpine, tanshinoneⅠ, and geniposidic acid. In the cell experiment, CCK-8 results showed that 10 μmol·L-1 ecliptasaponin A, 60 μmol·L-1 chrysophanol, 40 μmol·L-1 rutaecarpine, and 20 μmol·L-1 tanshinone I altered the viability of HK-2 cells. High-content analysis showed that 10 μmol·L-1 ecliptasaponin A, chrysophanol, rutaecarpine, and tanshinone Ⅰ reduced the cell number (P<0.05, P<0.01). The animal experiment showed that the mice in the high-dose ecliptasaponin A group presented slow movement, slow weight gain (P<0.01), increased kidney index (P<0.01), elevated SCr, BUN, and MDA levels (P<0.01), and lowered SOD level (P<0.01). Mild histopathological changes were observed in the high-dose ecliptasaponin A group. The network pharmacology results showed that the key targets of nephrotoxicity induced by ecliptasaponin A were mainly enriched in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, prostatic cancer and lipid and atherosclerosis pathways. Western blot results verified that high dose of ecliptasaponin A raised the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt (P<0.01). ConclusionOn day 28 of administration, 29.1 mg·kg-1 ecliptasaponin A was found to induce renal injury in rats. The mechanism may be related with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which implied that excessive and prolonged usage of Ecliptae Herba may increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions.
5.16S rDNA Sequencing Reveals Effect of Tanreqing Injection on Pulmonary Flora in Rat Model of COPD
Qian LUO ; Rui FU ; Bo PENG ; Weiya CHEN ; Xiaolu WEI ; Tengfei CHEN ; Ling SONG ; Yunhang GAO ; Guangping ZHANG ; Hongping HOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):98-103
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Tanreqing injection (TRQ) on the pulmonary flora in the rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MethodWistar rats were randomized into control, model, and TRQ groups. The rats in other groups except the control group were treated by smoking combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide for the modeling of COPD. The TRQ group was intraperitoneally injected with TRQ (2 g·kg-1). At the end of the experiment, after blood collection from the abdominal aorta of the rats, the lung tissue was collected for hematoxylin-eosin and picric sirius red staining to reveal the pathological changes. The lung lavage fluid was collected, and the diversity and relative abundance of lung flora in different groups were analyzed by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. ResultThe lungs of the control group were normal, and those of the model group showed neutrophil infiltration, telangiectasia, lung hemorrhage and emphysema in individual cases, and thickening of collagen fibers in the trachea. Compared with the model group, the TRQ group showed significantly improved lungs and recovered collagen fibers. The MLI analysis showed that compared with the control group, the model group showcased increased alveolar space (P<0.01), which was reduced in the TRQ group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group showed increased wall thickness (P<0.01), and the increase was attenuated in the TRQ group (P<0.01). TRQ increased the Simpson index and altered the α diversity of pulmonary flora. The results of principal co-ordinate analysis showed that TRQ changed the β diversity and reduced the β diversity index of pulmonary flora. At the genus level, the model group showed increased relative abundance of g_Bacillus and g_Brevundimonas and decreased relative abundance of g_Pseudomonas, compared with the control group. After treatment with TRQ, the relative abundance of g_Stenotrophomonas increased, and that of g_Bacillus decreased. The LEfSe of differential taxa between groups showed that the modeling increased the relative abundance of g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and TRQ treatment increased the relative abundance of g_Rhodococcus and g_Stenotrophomonas. ConclusionTRQ can regulate the diversity of pulmonary flora and restore the balance of bacterial genera in the rat model of COPD, which may be one of the mechanisms of the prevention and treatment of COPD with TRQ.
6.Ganmai Dazao Tang Treats Breast Cancer-related Depression via MAPK/NF-κB Signling Pathway
Jieyuan LIU ; Yanli WANG ; Delian NIU ; Mengting LI ; Lijinchuan DONG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hongping HOU ; Guangping ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Bo PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):170-178
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Ganmai Dazao Tang on breast cancer-related depression and explore the mechanism of the decoction in regulating immune inflammation and neurotransmitters via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. MethodBALB/c mice were randomized into control, model, fluoxetine (5 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low- and high-dose (crude drug 20 and 40 g·kg-1, respectively) Ganmai Dazao Tang groups (n=10). The mouse model of 4T1 orthotopic transplantation-induced breast cancer-related depression-like behavior was established. The depression-like behavior of mice was assessed by the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test. RT-qPCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, forkhead box P3 (FoxP3),IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cerebral cortex. Flow cytometry was employed to measure the proportions of immune cell subsets in the spleen and thymus. HPLC-MS/MS was employed to measure neurotransmitter levels in the cerebral cortex. Western blotting was employed to detect the activation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. ResultCompared with the model group, administration of Ganmai Dazao Tang at a dose of 40 g crude drug·kg-1 continuously for 4 weeks shortened the immobility time of modeled mice in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests (P<0.05), down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α (P<0.05), increased the proportions of T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, helper T 17 (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells, and reduced the proportion of CD8+ T cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, it lowered the levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and kynurenine (Kyn), decreased the kynurenine/tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) ratio (P<0.05), increased the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and down-regulated the protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (P<0.05). ConclusionGanmai Dazao Tang can down-regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α, restore 5-HT metabolism and Kyn/Trp balance, increase the 5-HT content, and reduce the activation of p38 MAPK, ERK, and the MAPK-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammation in the treatment of cancer-related depression.
7.Construction and Experimental Validation of Chemically-induced Cough Model Based on Cough Waveforms
Yunhang GAO ; Ling JIA ; Han LI ; Ling SONG ; Cong GUO ; Tengfei CHEN ; Hongping HOU ; Weiya CHEN ; Guangping ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):230-236
ObjectiveTo construct a cough model induced by chemical stimuli by whole-body plethysmography (WBP) for counting coughs based on cough waveforms, and use this model to explore the antitussive effect of GK-A. MethodDifferent chemical stimuli were used to induce coughs in mice or guinea pigs. Respiratory waveforms were monitored by WBP, and the recognizable and typical cough waveforms were selected for cough counting. Guinea pigs were induced to cough with different concentrations of citric acid or capsaicin, and cough waveforms were used to optimize the stimulation conditions. The optimized guinea pig model of cough was validated with dextromethorphan, and the optimized guinea pig model of capsaicin-induced cough was used to evaluate the antitussive effect of GK-A. ResultWBP could count the coughs induced by capsaicin and citric acid in guinea pigs by recognizable and typical respiratory waveforms. The optimized stimulation conditions were capsaicin concentration of 100 µmol·L-1 and nebulization for 2 min. The validation results showed that compared with the model group, the dextromethorphan group of guinea pigs had reduced coughs (P<0.05) and prolonged cough latency (P<0.01). GK-A prolonged the cough latency (P<0.05) and reduced coughs (P<0.05) in the mouse model of ammonia-induced cough. In the guinea pig model of capsaicin-induced cough, GK-A prolonged cough latency (P<0.05), reduced coughs (P<0.05), and decreased substance P (SP) content in the guinea pig serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionA guinea pig model of capsaicin-induced cough was successfully established based on cough waveform counting, which provided an objective and accurate cough counting method. GK-A has antitussive effects, possibly by inhibiting the neuropeptide SP.
8.Hemolytic diseases of the fetus and newborn caused by anti-Dib: a case report and related research
Zhijian LIAO ; Shuangshuang JIA ; Jizhi WEN ; Chunyan MO ; Yuan SHAO ; Runqing ZHANG ; Guangping LUO ; Yanli JI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2024;37(2):158-164
【Objective】 To identify the specificity of alloantibody against high-frequency antigens in one case suffering with severe hemolytic diseases of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and to screen for matching blood for transfusion. 【Methods】 The HDFN test and the antibody serological identification tests in the mother were performed. Several common high frequency antigens of maternal red blood cells (RBCs) were determined. IgG subtype coated on the RBCs of the newborn was determined. The phagocytic efficiency of the antibody was tested using the monocyte phagocytosis of sensitized erythrocyte by flow cytometry in vitro. Sanger sequencing of DI gene was performed in the mother, father and mother’s brother. The diluted maternal plasma was used for large scale screening of matching blood using IAT in Coomb’s gel card. 【Results】 Di(b-) phenotype was identified in the mother of the newborn and anti-Dib (titer: 512) related HDN was detected in the newborn. IgG1 and IgG2 subtypes of anti-Dib were detected and the rate of monocyte phagocytosis was 88.83%(74.7/84.09). The compatible blood was not detected in the maternal relatives. Subsequently, the newborn received the matching RBCs of two Di(b-) donors identified from 5 520 blood donors and discharged from the hospital. We screened out 17 Di(b-) donors out of 51 334 blood donors, indicating that the distribution frequency of Di(b-) among blood donors in Guangzhou was about 0.033% (17/51 334). 【Conclusion】 By serology and molecular biology methods, the newborn was identified with HDFN caused by anti-Dib, and an effective large-scale screening method for Di (b -) rare blood types was established to find matching blood, which supported the establishment of rare Di(b-) blood database.
9.Preparation and characterization of curcumin nanomicelles and evaluation of in vitro hepatoprotective activity against alcohol liver disease
Luhui LI ; Guangping GENG ; Lei XU ; Zhikun ZHANG ; Xiaohui PU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(10):1203-1208
OBJECTIVE To prepare and characterize curcumin nanomicelles (hereinafter referred to as Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles), and to evaluate the in vitro hepatoprotective activity against alcohol liver disease (ALD). METHODS Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles were prepared with the dialysis method using methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(β-benzyl-L-aspartate) (mPEG-PLGA) as the carrier. The appearance and microscopic morphology of Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles were observed, and particle size, polydispersity index, Zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading content were all detected. The in vitro release, pH stability, thermal stability, dilution stability, storage stability, plasma stability tests, and hemolysis experiments were all performed. The cell model of ALD was established with anhydrous ethanol intervention using human liver cancer cells and normal liver cells as objects, Cur reference solution as reference, to evaluate in vitro preventive and ameliorative effects of Cur/mPEG- PBLA micelles on ALD. RESULTS The prepared Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles exhibited a pale-yellow milky light, with a spherical shape and uniform distribution. The average particle size was about 140 nm, and the polydispersity index was less than 0.3. Zeta potential was (-8.15±0.05) mV; the encapsulation efficiency was (73.26±3.16)%, and the drug loading content was (4.87± 0.42)%. The cumulative release of Cur reference substance was close to 80% at 10 h; the cumulative release of Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles at 8 h was 28.94% and only 48.25% at 48 h. pH stability and thermal stability of Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles were better than those of Cur reference solution; Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles showed good dilution stability, storage stability and plasma stability, and would not cause hemolysis. Cur reference solution and Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles had varying degrees of in vitro preventive and ameliorative effects on ALD in two types of cells; after 48 h of application, the above effects of Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles were significantly better than those of Cur reference solution at the same mass concentration (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cur/mPEG-PBLA micelles can improve pH stability and thermal stability of Cur, delayits degradation rate, and have better in vitro hepatoprotective activity against ALD.
10.Study on Mechanism of Xiaojin Pills in Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Delian NIU ; Dongyin LIAN ; Qin HU ; Lihua SUN ; Ying CHEN ; Hongping HOU ; Guangping ZHANG ; Jianrong LI ; Zuguang YE ; Bo PENG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(2):41-49
Objective To explore the molecular mechanism of Xiaojin Pills in the treatment of breast cancer using an integrated network pharmacology and experimental verification.Methods The chemical components and potential targets of Xiaojin Pills were obtained from TCMSP,TCM-ID,ETCM and SwissTargetPrediction databases.Breast cancer related targets were collected from GeneCards,OMIM and KEGG databases.The overlapped targets were imported into STRING database to analysis a protein-protein interaction(PPI).The key targets of PPI networks were screened based on node topology parameter values through Cytoscape 3.8.0.DAVID database was used to analyze the GO and KEGG pathway enrichment to build drug-chemical components-key targets-signaling pathway network.The breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and SK-BR-3 were used to study the effects of Xiaojin Pills extract on cell apoptosis,migration and invasion,and to verify the key pathway obtained by enrichment analysis.Results Totally 181 chemical components in Xiaojin Pills were obtained,including quercetin,myricetin,pinocembrin and β-sitosterol.615 potential targets were identified for the anti-breast cancer effects of Xiaojin Pills.After overlapping,170 key targets against breast cancer were identified based on the topological analysis,which included SRC,ERK1/2,AKT1,EGFR,etc.KEGG analysis enriched pathways including pathways in cancer,MAPK signaling pathway,endocrine resistance,PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance,apoptosis,and HIF-1 signaling pathway,which may play important roles in the therapeutic effects of Xiaojin Pills against breast cancer.GO enrichment was involved in protein phosphorylation,inflammatory response,negative regulation of apoptosis,and positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascades.Cell experiments showed that Xiaojin Pills further induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways.At the same time,the expressions of ZO-1 and β-catenin increased,and the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation process was reversed to inhibit the metastasis of breast cancer cells.Conclusion The key targets and signaling pathways of Xiaojin Pills in the treatment of breast cancer are studied through network pharmacology combined with in vitro experiments,which provided a basis for further study of its pharmacodynamic material basis,mechanism of action and clinical application.


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