1.Experience of Using Charcoal-Processed Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Gynecological Hemorrhagic Disorders
Xiaolan WU ; Zhaoling YOU ; Guiyun WANG ; Kailing WANG ; Xiaojuan YE ; Lingyu LIAO ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):308-311
Charcoal-processed traditional Chinese herbal medicine has various therapeutic effects, including astringing, hemostasis, anti-diarrhea, clearing heat, tonifying, and warming the interior. This paper summarizes the clinical application features, compatible experiences, dosages, and precautions for over 20 types of charcoal-processed herbal medicine in the treatment of gynecological bleeding disorders caused by dysfunctions such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, endometriosis, uterine incision pseudocavity, and vaginal bleeding resulting from threatened miscarriage. The charcoal-processed herbal medicine include Huangqin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) Charcoal, Dahuang (Rheum Palmatum) Charcoal, Cebai (Platycladus Orientalis) Charcoal, Diyu (Sanguisorba Officinalis) Charcoal, Daji (Cirsium Setosum) Charcoal, Xiaoji (Cirsium Japonicum) Charcoal, Shengdi (Rehmannia Glutinosa) Charcoal, Aiye (Artemisia Argyi) Charcoal, Paojiang (Zingiber Officinale) Charcoal, Xuduan (Dipsacus Asper) Charcoal, Duzhong (Eucommia Ulmoides) Charcoal, Qiancao (Rubia Cordifolia) Charcoal, Puhuang (Typha Angustifolia) Charcoal, Shanzha (Crataegus Pinnatifida) Charcoal, Jingjie (Schizonepeta Tenuifolia) Charcoal, Xueyu (Carthamus Tinctorius) Charcoal, Zonglyu (Areca Catechu) Charcoal, Wumei (Prunus Mume) Charcoal, Shudahuang (Rheum Officinale) Charcoal, Lianfang (Nymphaea Alba) Charcoal, Mianmaguanzhong (Clematis Armandii) Charcoal, and Oujie (Nelumbo Nucifera) Charcoal.
2.Factors influencing repeat blood donor lapsing in Guangzhou: based on the zero-inflated poisson regression model
Rongrong KE ; Guiyun XIE ; Xiaoxiao ZHENG ; Yingying XU ; Xiaochun HONG ; Shijie LI ; Yongshi DENG ; Jinyu SHEN ; Jinyan CHEN ; Jian OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):73-78
[Objective] To analyze the influencing factors of repeat blood donor lapsing using a zero-inflated poisson regression model (ZIP). [Methods] The blood donation behavior of 12 498 whole blood donors from 2020 was tracked until December 31, 2023. The factors influencing the frequency of blood donations in a given year was analyzed using ZIP, and donors with 0 blood donation in that year were considered to have lapsed. The changes in relevant influencing factors associated with each blood donation were measured and modeled for analysis. [Results] The zero-inflated part of ZIP showed that the risk of lapsing of male blood donors was 2.24 times that of female blood donors (OR 95% CI:1.864-2.696, P<0.001); the risk of lapsing of the 35-44 age group and over 45 age group was respectively 40% (OR 95% CI:0.455-0.790, P<0.001) and 61%(OR 95% CI:0.268-0.578, P<0.001) lower than that of the under 25 age group; the risk of lapsing for those who have donated blood twice and ≥3 times was respectively 50% (OR 95% CI:0.405-0.609, P<0.001) and 81% (OR 95% CI:0.154-0.225, P<0.001) lower than that of first-time donors; the risk of lapsing of those with junior high or high school education was 1.2 times that of those with a college degree or higher (OR 95% CI:1.033-1.384, P<0.05); the risk of lapsing for the divorced group was 2.02 times that of the married group (OR 95% CI:1.445-2.820, P<0.001); the risk of lapsing for those with an income (Yuan) of 10 000 to 50 000, 50 000 to 100 000 and more than 100 000 was respectively 0.67 (OR 95% CI:0.552-0.818, P<0.001), 0.72 (OR 95% CI:0.591-0.884, P=0.002) and 0.67 (OR 95% CI:0.535-0.834, P<0.001) times that of those with an income (Yuan) of less than 10 000. The results of the Poisson part are consistent with the results of the zero-inflated part in terms of age and education level. [Conclusion] Blood donor lapsing is overall related to factors such as gender, age, donation frequency, education, marital status and family income. It's essential to care for those blood donors prone to lapse to retain more regular blood donors.
3.Analysis on Quality Standard of Sennae Folium(Cassia angustifolia) Dispensing Granules Based on Standard Decoctions
Jinxin LI ; Xue DONG ; Shuai DUAN ; Guiyun CAO ; Jinghua ZHANG ; Yongfu LUAN ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):192-200
ObjectiveTo establish the quality standards for Sennae Folium(Cassia angustifolia) dispensing granules based on standard decoctions. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatograms were established for 15 batches of Sennae Folium(C. angustifolia) standard decoctions and 10 of Sennae Folium(C. angustifolia) dispensing granules from different manufacturers, and the similarity evaluation, hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA) and principal component analysis(PCA) were performed. Linear calibration with two reference substances(LCTRS) and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS) were established for the common peaks in the specific chromatograms to determine the contents of main components in the decoction pieces, standard decoctions and dispensing granules, and to calculate their transfer rates from decoction pieces to standard decoctions and dispensing granules. ResultsThe similarities of specific chromatograms of 15 batches of Sennae Folium(C. angustifolia) standard decoctions and 10 batches of Sennae Folium(C. angustifolia) dispensing granules were all greater than 0.95, and a total of 8 characteristic peaks were calibrated, and five of them were identified, including kaempferol-3,7-O-diglucoside, apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-gentianoside, sennoside B and sennoside A. HCA and PCA results showed that there were certain differences in the composition of different batches of standard decoctions, but no clustering was observed in the production area. As the standard decoctions, the extract rate of 15 batches of samples was 26.54%-45.38%, the contents of kaempferol-3,7-O-diglucoside, apigenin-6,8-di-C-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-gentianoside, sennoside B and sennoside A were 12.16-19.26, 2.57-4.94, 3.27-5.11, 6.75-11.39, 4.69-7.79 mg·g-1, and their transfer rates from decoction pieces to standard decoctions were 45.41%-79.02%, 29.12%-55.07%, 40.52%-67.90%, 24.72%-49.12%, 27.54%-49.34%, respectively. The extract rates of Sennae Folium(C. angustifolia) dispensing granules(C8-C10) were 38.10%-39.50%, the transfer rates of the above five components from decoction pieces to dispensing granules were 72.85%-73.58%, 53.43%-53.94%, 40.19%-40.74%, 24.62%-25.00%, 28.65%-29.11%, respectively, which were generally consistent with the transfer rates from decoction pieces to standard decoctions. ConclusionCompared with the relative retention time method, LCTRS has higher prediction accuracy and is more suitable for chromatographic columns. The established quality control standard of Sennae Folium(C. angustifolia) dispensing granules based on standard decoction is reasonable and reliable, and all indicators of samples from different manufacturers are within the range specified based on the standard decoction, which can provide reference for the quality control and process research of this dispensing granules.
4.Meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy and safety of Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in children
Ping RONG ; Guiyun PAN ; Juan WEI ; Tengda LI ; Xilian ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):867-873
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid in the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) in children, and provide evidence-based basis for clinical use of the drug. METHODS Retrieved from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, CBM, Cochrane Library and PubMed, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid in the treatment of FD in children were collected from the inception to Apr. 2024. The control group was treated with conventional western drugs (including gastrointestinal motion-promoting, antacids or acid-suppressing drugs), and the trial group was treated with Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid alone or combined with conventional Western drugs (drug dosage and course of treatment were the same as the control group). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software after quality evaluation with the Cochrane risk bias assessment tool 6.1. RESULTS Totally 16 literature were employed which included 1 962 patients. The results of meta-analysis showed that the total clinical effective rate of Jianwei xiaoxi oral liquid in the treatment of FD in children of trial group was significantly higher than that of the control group [RR=1.18, 95%CI (1.13, 1.22), P<0.000 01]. In this study, subgroup analysis was conducted on the usage and dosage, course of treatment, and combination or not in trial group, as well as the type of conventional Western drugs. The results showed that the total clinical effective rate of trial group was significantly higher than that of control group; the relief time of abdominal distension and abdominal pain in trial group [MD=-2.54, 95%CI (-3.10, -1.98)], loss of appetite relief time [MD=-2.12, 95%CI (-2.63, -1.61)], nausea and vomiting relief time [MD=-1.70, 95%CI (-2.27, -1.14)], and belching relief time [MD=-1.61, 95%CI (-2.44, -0.78)] were shorter than that of the control group significantly (P<0.05). In addition, compared with control group, the levels of gastrin [SMD=1.63, 95%CI (0.98, 2.29)] and motilin [SMD=2.06, 95%CI (1.58, 2.54)] as well as gastric antral emptying rate [MD=5.99, 95%CI (2.78, 9.21)] in trial group were increased significantly, while the level of somatostatin was decreased significantly [SMD=-1.30, 95%CI (-1.57, -1.02)] (P≤0.000 3). CONCLUSIONS Jianwei xiaoshi oral liquid, whether used alone or in combination with other medications, and regardless of the treatment course or dosage and usage, is effective in treating FD in children, with good safety.
5.Analysis on Quality Standard of Hedyotis Herba Dispensing Granules Based on Standard Decoction
Jinghua ZHANG ; Nana WU ; Yanan LYU ; Guiyun CAO ; Jiacheng XU ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Jinxin LI ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):210-217
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS) based on linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), explore the consistency between Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules and standard decoction, and evaluate the quality of the dispensing granules. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatogram was established based on 15 batches of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction and 10 batches of the dispensing granules, and LCTRS was used to locate chromatographic peaks. The actual retention times of 7 characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram was measured on 24 different types of C18 columns, taking deacetyl asperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid as the dual standard compounds, the retention times of the other 5 characteristic peaks were predicted and validated. Based on this, QAMS was developed to determine the contents of four components(deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, asperulosidic acid, and p-coumaric acid). Then, the relative correction factors of deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester and p-coumaric acid were calculated using the reference peak of asperulosidic acid in the dual standard compounds, and each component was quantified accordingly. Finally, the consistency between the dispensing granules and standard decoction was assessed by taking extract rate of the standard decoction, consistency of the specific chromatograms, contents and transfer rates of the indicator components as indexes, and the quality of the dispensing granules was evaluated. ResultsThere were 7 common peaks in the characteristic chromatogram of samples of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction and the dispensing granules, and four of them were identified by reference standards, namely deacetyl asperulosidic acid(peak 1), deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester(peak 3), asperulosidic acid(peak 6) and p-coumaric acid(peak 7). The similarity between the dispensing granules and the standard decoction was >0.9. The absolute deviation in the predicted retention time for each component by LCTRS was lower than that of the relative retention time method. The extract rate of the 15 batches of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction ranged from 7.89% to 14.60%, the contents of deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, asperulosidic acid and p-coumaric acid were 6.62-19.70, 3.83-17.99, 1.57-6.69, 1.62-4.52 mg·g-1, and the transfer rates of these components from decoction pieces to the standard decoction were 22.89%-39.60%, 34.03%-62.24%, 24.25%-43.70%, and 40.58%-73.71%, respectively. The extract rate, index component contents and transfer rates from decoction pieces to the three batches of Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules(P1-P3), produced by manufacturer A, were similar to those of the standard decoction prepared from the same batch of decoction pieces, and all fell within the specified range. The contents of the 4 indicator components in 7 batches of the dispensing granules(P4-P10) from manufacturers B-E were all within the range of the content converted from the standard decoction based on the quantity of the dispensing granules. ConclusionThe established specific chromatogram and QAMS based on LCTRS are reasonable and reliable. Based on the evaluation indicators of standard decoction yield, consistency of specific chromatograms, contents and transfer rates of the four index components, the 10 batches of Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules from various manufacturers have exhibited good consistency with the standard decoction, indicating that the current production process is relatively reasonable.
6.Quality Evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Dispensing Granules Based on HPLC Specific Chromatogram and Two Reference Substances for Determination of Multiple Components
Jinxin LI ; Xue DONG ; Shuai DUAN ; Guiyun CAO ; Jinghua ZHANG ; Yongfu LUAN ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):246-253
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram of Chuanxiong Rhizoma dispensing granules(CRdg), and to evaluate its quality by chemometrics and two reference substances for determination of multiple components(TRSDMC). MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatograms were established using 13 batches of CRdg from 7 manufacturers, and preliminary quality evaluation was performed by similarity evaluation and chemometrics analysis. Eight characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram of CRdg were measured on 22 different types of C18 columns, and the actual retention times were recorded. Taking chlorogenic acid(peak 1) and senkyunolide A(peak 8) as double standard compounds, the retention times of the eight characteristic peaks were predicted by linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), and the method was validated on three other columns of different brands. Taking chlorogenic acid as reference peak, the relative correction factor method(RCFM) was used to quantify cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide A, and the results were compared with the external standard method(ESM). ResultsThe similarities of specific chromatograms of 13 batches of CRdg were all >0.90, and a total of 8 characteristic peaks were calibrated, and six of them were identified, including chlorogenic acid(peak 1), cryptochlorogenic acid(peak 2), caffeic acid(peak 3), ferulic acid(peak 5), senkyunolide I(peak 6) and senkyunolide A(peak 8). Through chemometric analysis, it was found that ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, senkyunolide I and cryptochlorogenic acid were the main components causing quality difference in CRdg, and the accuracy of LCTRS in predicting the retention time of 8 characteristic peaks was superior to that of the relative retention time method(RRT). Further comparison of the results obtained from RCFM and ESM showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. ConclusionA quality evaluation method for CRdg based on HPLC specific chromatogram and TRSDMC is established, its qualitative accuracy is better than that of RRT, the quantitative accuracy is similar to that of ESM, and 4 quality-differentiated components among different manufacturers are found. This method is stable and reliable, and has reference value for the quality evaluation of other dispensing granules.
7.Quality Evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Dispensing Granules Based on HPLC Specific Chromatogram and Two Reference Substances for Determination of Multiple Components
Jinxin LI ; Xue DONG ; Shuai DUAN ; Guiyun CAO ; Jinghua ZHANG ; Yongfu LUAN ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):246-253
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram of Chuanxiong Rhizoma dispensing granules(CRdg), and to evaluate its quality by chemometrics and two reference substances for determination of multiple components(TRSDMC). MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatograms were established using 13 batches of CRdg from 7 manufacturers, and preliminary quality evaluation was performed by similarity evaluation and chemometrics analysis. Eight characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram of CRdg were measured on 22 different types of C18 columns, and the actual retention times were recorded. Taking chlorogenic acid(peak 1) and senkyunolide A(peak 8) as double standard compounds, the retention times of the eight characteristic peaks were predicted by linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), and the method was validated on three other columns of different brands. Taking chlorogenic acid as reference peak, the relative correction factor method(RCFM) was used to quantify cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide A, and the results were compared with the external standard method(ESM). ResultsThe similarities of specific chromatograms of 13 batches of CRdg were all >0.90, and a total of 8 characteristic peaks were calibrated, and six of them were identified, including chlorogenic acid(peak 1), cryptochlorogenic acid(peak 2), caffeic acid(peak 3), ferulic acid(peak 5), senkyunolide I(peak 6) and senkyunolide A(peak 8). Through chemometric analysis, it was found that ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, senkyunolide I and cryptochlorogenic acid were the main components causing quality difference in CRdg, and the accuracy of LCTRS in predicting the retention time of 8 characteristic peaks was superior to that of the relative retention time method(RRT). Further comparison of the results obtained from RCFM and ESM showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. ConclusionA quality evaluation method for CRdg based on HPLC specific chromatogram and TRSDMC is established, its qualitative accuracy is better than that of RRT, the quantitative accuracy is similar to that of ESM, and 4 quality-differentiated components among different manufacturers are found. This method is stable and reliable, and has reference value for the quality evaluation of other dispensing granules.
8.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription in Regulating PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Rat Model of Premature Ovarian Failure
Kailing WANG ; Yichen JING ; Guiyun WANG ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):150-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) in regulating premature ovarian failure in rats through the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkinson's protein (Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsA total of 48 rats were randomly divided into a blank group consisting of eight rats, while the remaining 40 rats underwent modeling. The modeling group was intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg·kg-1 cisplatin solution, followed by a second injection one week later, for a total of two injections. The estrous cycle was observed through vaginal smears for 14 consecutive days to determine whether the modeling was successful. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP at 9.72, 19.44, and 38.88 g·kg-1·d-1 (BSHXP-L, BSHXP-M, and BSHXP-H groups), and a positive control group treated with estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1·d-1), for 21 consecutive days. The body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the final administration, rats were anesthetized, and their blood and ovaries were collected. The ovarian weight was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Assay kits were used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect microtubule autophagy-related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B) protein expression in ovarian tissue, and electron microscopy was employed to examine the mitochondrial and autophagosome changes in the rat ovaries. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, and ovarian weight (P<0.01), along with decreased serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01), while FSH and LH levels were increased (P<0.01). Serum MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The ovarian tissue structure was disordered, and the zona pellucida was wrinkled into an irregular acidophilic annular object, accompanied by an increased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, unclear structure, and no obvious autophagosomes and autolysosome structures. The proteins and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in the ovarian tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increases in body weight and ovarian weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP-L group, all treatment groups showed increased body weight gain (P<0.01). All treatment groups showed significantly increased serum AMH and decreased FSH levels (P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increase and decrease in serum E2 and LH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed reduced serum MDA levels (P<0.01), while the BSHXP-M, BSHXP-H, and the positive control groups demonstrated improved serum SOD levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed an increased number of follicles at all stages, visible mature follicles, and a decreased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed relieved mitochondrial swelling, morphology close to normal, clear structure, and visible formation of autolysosomes in all treatment groups. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSHXP may improve ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, activating mitochondrial autophagy, and reducing oxidative damage.
9.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Prescription in Regulating PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Rat Model of Premature Ovarian Failure
Kailing WANG ; Yichen JING ; Guiyun WANG ; Yueheng LI ; Huiping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):150-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) in regulating premature ovarian failure in rats through the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkinson's protein (Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy. MethodsA total of 48 rats were randomly divided into a blank group consisting of eight rats, while the remaining 40 rats underwent modeling. The modeling group was intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg·kg-1 cisplatin solution, followed by a second injection one week later, for a total of two injections. The estrous cycle was observed through vaginal smears for 14 consecutive days to determine whether the modeling was successful. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of BSHXP at 9.72, 19.44, and 38.88 g·kg-1·d-1 (BSHXP-L, BSHXP-M, and BSHXP-H groups), and a positive control group treated with estradiol valerate (0.09 mg·kg-1·d-1), for 21 consecutive days. The body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the final administration, rats were anesthetized, and their blood and ovaries were collected. The ovarian weight was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2). Assay kits were used to measure the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the rat serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes in the ovaries. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect microtubule autophagy-related protein 1 light chain 3B(LC3B) protein expression in ovarian tissue, and electron microscopy was employed to examine the mitochondrial and autophagosome changes in the rat ovaries. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant reductions in body weight, weight gain, and ovarian weight (P<0.01), along with decreased serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01), while FSH and LH levels were increased (P<0.01). Serum MDA levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), and SOD levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The ovarian tissue structure was disordered, and the zona pellucida was wrinkled into an irregular acidophilic annular object, accompanied by an increased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed mitochondrial swelling, unclear structure, and no obvious autophagosomes and autolysosome structures. The proteins and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in the ovarian tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increases in body weight and ovarian weight (P<0.05, P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP-L group, all treatment groups showed increased body weight gain (P<0.01). All treatment groups showed significantly increased serum AMH and decreased FSH levels (P<0.01). Except for the BSHXP group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of increase and decrease in serum E2 and LH levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed reduced serum MDA levels (P<0.01), while the BSHXP-M, BSHXP-H, and the positive control groups demonstrated improved serum SOD levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All treatment groups showed an increased number of follicles at all stages, visible mature follicles, and a decreased number of closed follicles. Electron microscopy showed relieved mitochondrial swelling, morphology close to normal, clear structure, and visible formation of autolysosomes in all treatment groups. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, LC3B, and p62 in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSHXP may improve ovarian function in rats with premature ovarian failure by regulating the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway, activating mitochondrial autophagy, and reducing oxidative damage.
10.Exploring Mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway to Improve Learning and Memory Ability of Insomnia Rats with Liver Depression Syndrome Based on Transcriptomics
Jiamin LIU ; Yale WANG ; Hai HUANG ; Yue LI ; Xin FAN ; Pengpeng LIANG ; Shizhao ZHANG ; Mei YAN ; Guiyun LI ; Hongyan WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):114-125
ObjectiveBased on transcriptomics, to explore the mechanism of Hei Xiaoyaosan regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway to improve the learning and memory ability of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome. MethodsSixty 8-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, eszopiclone group (0.09 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan (3.82, 7.65, 15.30 g·kg-1), with ten rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were induced insomnia rat model with liver depression by chronic restraint, tail clamping stimulation and intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Each treatment group received intragastric administration according to the specified dosage, once a day for 14 consecutive days. The pentobarbital sodium cooperative sleep test, open field test, and Morris water maze test were used to test the sleep quality, depressive-like behavior, and learning and memory abilities of rats. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe pathological changes of the hippocampal tissue, while terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to evaluate apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Transcriptomic sequencing technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes in hippocampus between the model group and the blank group, as well as between the medium-dose group of Hei Xiaoyaosan and the model group. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed on the intersecting genes. Subsequently, the enriched key genes and signaling pathways were analyzed and verified. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was utilized to assess the mRNA expression levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-like protein 11 (BCL2L11), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) in hippocampus, and Western blot was employed to evaluate the protein expressions of PI3K, phosphorylation (p)-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), and cleaved Caspase-3 in the same tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited a reduction in body weight, an increase in sleep latency, and a decrease in sleep duration (P<0.01). Additionally, rats showed obvious depression-like behavior, and their learning and memory abilities decreased. Furthermore, the contents of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in hippocampus decreased (P<0.01). Histological examination revealed a disorganized cell arrangement in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, characterized by irregular cell shapes, a reduced cell count, deeply stained and pyknotic nuclei, increased vacuolar degeneration, and an elevated apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body weight of the high and medium dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan increased, the sleep latency shortened and the sleep time prolonged (P<0.05, P<0.01). Additionally, depression-like behavior and learning and memory abilities of rats were significantly improved, the levels of 5-HT, GABA, NO, BDNF and GDNF in the hippocampus increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). These interventions also ameliorated pathological damage in the hippocampal CA1 area and reduced the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons (P<0.01). Transcriptomic sequencing results indicated that Hei Xiaoyaosan might exert a therapeutic effect by regulating PI3K/Akt pathway through key mRNAs such as PTEN, BCL2L11, and MAPK1. The roles of these key mRNAs and proteins within PI3K/Akt pathway were further validated. In comparison to the blank group, the expression levels of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNA in the hippocampus of rats in the model group were increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 were decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the high-dose and medium-dose groups of Hei Xiaoyaosan could down-regulate the expressions of PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1 mRNAs (P<0.01), up-regulate the expressions of p-PI3K, p-Akt and Bcl-2 proteins (P<0.01), and down-regulate the protein expressions of PTEN, Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHei Xiaoyaosan may regulate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by down-regulating expressions of key genes such as PTEN, BCL2L11 and MAPK1, and thus improve the learning and memory abilities of insomnia rats with liver depression syndrome.

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