1.Effect of targeted silencing of DNMT3A on collagen deposition, proliferation and migration activity of mouse lung fibroblasts
Xianchen Wang ; Junbo You ; Hui Ling ; Jiahao Fan ; Qi Chen ; Hui Tao ; Jiming Sha
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):66-72
Objective:
To investigate the effect of targeted silencing of DNA methyltransferase 3A(DNMT3A) on collagen deposition, proliferation and migration activity of mouse lung fibroblasts(PFs).
Methods:
In order to ensure the proliferation and migration activity of primary fibroblasts, the lung tissues of neonatal C57 suckling mice were taken, PFs were extracted after being sheared, and the morphology was observed and identified under the microscope. PFs cells were activated by 5 ng/ml TGF-β1for 24 h after cell attachment, and DNMT3A silencing model was constructed by small interfering RNA; The experiment was divided into control group, TGF-β1group, TGF-β1+ siRNA-NC group and TGF-β1+ siRNA-DNMT3A group. The protein expressions of DNMT3A, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) and Collagen Ⅰ were detected by Western blot; Real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression changes ofDNMT3A,α-SMAandCollagenⅠ. The proliferation ability of PFs was detected by CCK-8 and EdU staining; the migration ability of PFs was detected by scratch test and Transwell migration test.
Results:
Compared with the control group, TGF-β1induced the increase of DNMT3A in the activated PFs cell group(P<0.01), the protein and mRNA levels of fibrosis and proliferation related indicators α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ also increased(allP<0.05), and the proliferation and migration ability of PFs increased(allP<0.000 1). Compared with the siRNA-NC group, the protein expression levels of DNMT3A(P<0.000 1) and related indicators α-SMA(P<0.01) and Collagen Ⅰ(P<0.01) significantly decreased in the DNMT3A silencing group by Western blot, and the mRNA levels ofDNMT3A,α-SMAandCollagenⅠby RT-qPCR also decreased(allP<0.001), and the proliferation(P<0.01) and migration ability(P<0.05) of PFs cells decreased compared with the control group.
Conclusion
Silencing DNMT3A can inhibit the deposition of collagen and the proliferation of PFs. DNMT3A can promote the proliferation and migration of PFs, and then promote the activation of PFs and the development of pulmonary fibrosis. This process may be regulated by DNA methylation modification.
2.Correlation Analysis Between Microbial Community Changes and Medicinal Quality Formation During Processing of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix
Xiaoyan CHEN ; Xinglong ZHU ; Qingxia GAN ; Jiahao WANG ; Guangqin AN ; Qinghua WU ; Jin PEI ; Yuntong MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):198-207
ObjectiveTo compare the differences in color, odor, coumarin content and microbial community composition of Angelicae Dahuricae Radix(ADR) during different drying processes, and to explore the correlation between changes in microbial community composition and changes in quality indexes of ADR. MethodsThe fresh ADR was processed at three drying temperatures(50, 70, 100 ℃) by drying and steaming cutting, semi-fresh cutting and drying, fresh cutting and drying, and sulfur fumigation methods. The color values of samples were extracted by Adobe Photoshop 2022 software and subjected to principal component analysis(PCA), electronic nose was used to identify the odor information of medicinal powders and subjected to loadings analysis, PCA, and linear discriminant analysis(LDA), and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to determine the contents of five coumarins(bergapten, oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, phellopterin, isoimperatorin). The samples for microbial detection were taken from fresh dried samples, 50 ℃(dried and steamed cut, sulfur fumigated) samples, and 100 ℃(dried and steamed cut) samples when the water content was 50% and 14%, respectively. And the changes of microbial community composition during processing were determined by high-throughput sequencing method. The relationship between the changes of microbial community composition and the changes of odor, color and active component content of ADR during drying process was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. ResultsThe color quantification results showed that an increase in drying temperature led to the decrease of brightness value(L), and the increases of red-green value(a) and yellow-blue value(b), and the change of processing method had no obvious effect on the color of medicinal materials. The results of odor quantification showed that W1S, W2S, W5S, W2W and W1W sensor were sensitive to the odor changes of ADR and could be used to distinguish ADR decoction pieces from different processing methods. The results of HPLC showed that the coumarin content of ADR decreased with the increase of drying temperature and the delay of processing time, the optimal processing method was drying and steaming cutting method, and the optimal temperature was 50 ℃. High-throughput sequencing results showed that the dominant bacteria in ADR during processing were Achromobacter, Agrobacterium, Nocardioides, Mycobacterium and Enterobacter, the dominant fungi were Coprinopsis, Meyerozyma and Apiotrichum. The results of correlation analysis showed that the quality indexes of ADR were positively correlated with Agrobacterium, Mycobacterium in bacteria, Candida in fungi, and negatively correlated with Bacillus in bacteria. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the color, odor, coumarin content and microbial community composition of ADR in different drying processes, and the best drying method is drying and steaming cutting at 50 ℃. The relative abundance changes of 9 bacterial genera and 4 fungal genera are closely related to the quality formation of ADR during the drying process.
3.Textural Research on Key Information of Liuhetang
Jiaxin GAO ; Jiahao WANG ; Renshou CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):234-244
Liuhetang is one of the classic prescriptions included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Prescriptions (the Second Batch). This study adopts the method of literature review to systematically sort out the ancient literature about Liuhetang and obtained a total of 127 effective data records, involving 82 ancient books (including 2 Japanese books). The origin, medicinal composition, compatibility, original plants and their processing methods, dosage, decocting method, usage, and indications of Liuhetang were analyzed. Liuhetang is first recorded in the Formulary of the Bureau of Taiping People's Welfare Pharmacy in the Song Dynasty, consisting of Amomi Fructus, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Armeniacae Semen Amarum, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, red Poria, Pogostemonis Herba, Lablab Semen Album, Chaenomelis Fructus, Moslae Herba, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and Jujubae Fructus. The original plants of these herbal medicines follow those in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. The raw materials of Amomi Fructus, Armeniacae Semen Amarum, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, red Poria, Pogostemonis Herba, Chaenomelis Fructus, Moslae Herba, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and Jujubae Fructus are used in this prescription. Pinelliae Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Lablab Semen Album, and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex are processed with alum, stir-fried, processed with Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and processed with Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, respectively. The recommended formula is composed of 0.79 g Amomi Fructus, 0.79 g Pinelliae Rhizoma, 0.79 g Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 0.79 g Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 0.79 g Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1.57 g red Poria, 1.57 g Pogostemonis Herba, 1.57 g Lablab Semen Album, 1.57 g Chaenomelis Fructus, 3.15 g Moslae Herba, and 3.15 g Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex. The above medicines should be pulverized to reach 10 meshes, mixed with 450 mL water, 3 g Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and 3 g Jujubae Fructus, and decocted to reach a volume of 240 mL. The filtrate should be taken three times a day. In ancient times, Liuhetang was mainly used to treat cholera, vomiting, diarrhea, phlegm, dyspnea, cough, chest distension, dizziness and pain in the head, swelling in the limbs, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficult urination and dark urine caused by heat and dampness damage to the spleen and disharmony between spleen and stomach. In modern times, Liuhetang is mainly used to treat the digestive system diseases such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis, stomach pain, and diarrhea. The above research confirmed the key information of Liuhetang, providing a basis for the clinical application of this prescription.
4.Research progress on the pathogenesis of myopia
Qihang DIAO ; Ling WANG ; Jiahao WANG ; Mengjun FU
International Eye Science 2025;25(8):1302-1307
In recent years, the prevalence of myopia has shown a significant upward trend characterized by earlier onset and accelerated progression rates. This epidemic not only imposes an increasing socioeconomic burden but also leads to severe vision impairment through high myopia-related complications that profoundly affect daily life. Current research on the pathogenesis of myopia primarily focuses on four mechanistic theories, including scleral remodeling, choroidal hemodynamic abnormalities, dopamine synthesis and metabolism, and inflammatory responses. The advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies has revolutionized our investigative approaches, enabling deeper exploration into myopia development through multi-omics strategies encompassing genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. These cutting-edge methodologies have provided novel insights for myopia prevention and control, while simultaneously identifying potential therapeutic targets for precision intervention. This review focuses on summarizing the aforementioned research findings.
5.Regulation of Oxidative Stress by Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury: A Review
Haosen ZHAO ; Weijie REN ; Jiahao LI ; Peili WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):268-276
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a major complication following coronary revascularization. Studies indicate that its pathophysiological mechanisms of MIRI are closely associated with oxidative stress, iron overload, inflammatory responses, and lipid peroxidation. Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance in redox homeostasis under pathological conditions, characterized by the abnormal accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disrupts the dynamic balance between pro-oxidant systems and antioxidant defense networks. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of MIRI due to its multi-target and multi-pathway antioxidant properties. Research reveals that TCM primarily exerts protective effects against oxidative stress-induced MIRI by regulating signaling pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3), and protein kinase C beta Ⅱ/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2/reactive oxygen species (PKCβⅡ/NOX2/ROS). This article reviews recent literature on TCM monomers, compound formulas, and their active components, which alleviate oxidative stress to prevent and treat MIRI by modulating the aforementioned signaling pathways. It summarizes a concise overview of the molecular mechanisms by which oxidative stress-related signaling pathways lead to MIRI, discusses how TCM regulates these pathways to reduce oxidative stress-induced MIRI, and explores clinical application prospects and research challenges, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for the research and clinical management of MIRI.
6.Evaluation of dietary intervention in patients with hypertensive nephropathy
WANG Qikai ; MI Yanan ; LIU Hao ; LIN Jiahao ; YANG Xinyuan ; WANG Yue ; JIN Qianjing ; SONG Zhaomeng
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):373-377
Objective:
To evaluate the effects of dietary intervention on blood pressure and renal function in patients with hypertensive nephropathy, so as to provide dietary and nutritional guidances for this population.
Methods:
Hypertensive nephropathy patients who were treated at Zhucheng People's Hospital from March 2023 to February 2024 were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group. The control group received routine antihypertensive treatment and health lifestyle guidance. On the basis of the treatment and guidance received by the control group, the intervention group implemented dietary intervention in accordance with the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Nutritional Therapy of Chronic Kidney Disease in China (2021 edition) for a period of 3 months. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured before and after the intervention, and serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), cystatin and β2-microglobulin were detected. Differences of indicators before and after intervention between the two groups were compared using generalized estimation equation.
Results:
A total of 83 patients with hypertensive nephropathy were followed up, including 43 cases in the intervention group and 40 cases in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, body mass index, duration of hypertension, family history of hypertension, hypertension grade, physical activity index, or smoking status between the two groups (all P>0.05). The differences in SBP, DBP, Scr, BUN, and UA between the two groups, as well as the differences before and after the intervention, were statistically significant, and there was an interaction between the groups and the intervention time (all P<0.05). After intervention, the levels of SBP, DBP, Scr, BUN, and UA in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). The differences in cystatin and β2-microglobulin between the two groups and before and after the intervention were not statistically significant, and there was no interaction between the groups and the intervention time (all P>0.05).
Conclusion
Dietary intervention has a certain effect on reducing blood pressure and improving renal function indicators in patients with hypertensive nephropathy.
7.Effect of Osteoking on Inflammatory Injury and NF-κB/NFATc1 Signaling Pathway in Model Mice with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Tiantian YU ; Ruibing FENG ; Qing WANG ; Chaowen LI ; Jiahao CHEN ; Ruixuan JIANG ; Yinshuai DING ; Yong HUANG ; Hao HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(10):62-69
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Osteoking (OK) on postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP). MethodForty adult female mice were randomly divided into a sham operation (Sham) group, osteoporosis model (OVX) group, estradiol intervention (E2) group, and OK group, with 10 mice in each group. The modeling was completed by conventional back double incision ovariectomy, and the corresponding drugs were given one week later. After 12 weeks, the body mass and uterine index of mice were measured, and the pathological changes of bone tissue and the number of osteoclasts (OCs) were determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and bone volume fraction (BV/TV) were measured by microcomputed tomography (Micro-CT). The maximum load of the femur was detected by a three-point bending test. The contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and bone resorption marker C-terminal telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen (CTX-1) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (p-NF-κB p65), nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor alpha (IκBα), phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1), and proto-oncogene (c-Fos) were detected by Western blot. The mRNA expressions of OCs-related specific genes matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), NFATc1, TRAP, cathepsin K (CTSK), and c-Fos were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the Sham group, the uterine index decreased significantly in the OVX group, and the body mass (BMI) increased significantly. The structure of bone trabeculae was completely damaged, and the number of OCs increased. BMD, Tb.N, BV/TV, and maximum load decreased, while Tb.Sp was up-regulated. The levels of TNF-α and CTX-1 in serum were up-regulated. The protein expressions of c-Fos, p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, NFATc1, and p-IκBα/IκBα were increased. The mRNA expressions of NFATc1, c-Fos, CTSK, TRAP, and MMP-9 were up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the OVX group, the body mass of the OK and E2 groups decreased, and the uterine index increased. The bone trabeculae increased, and the number of OCs decreased. BMD, Tb.N, BV/TV, and maximum load increased, while Tb.Sp decreased. The levels of TNF-α and CTX-1 in serum were decreased. The protein expressions of c-Fos, p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, NFATc1, and p-IκBα/IκBα were decreased, and the mRNA expressions of NFATc1, c-Fos, CTSK, TRAP, and MMP-9 were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionOK can inhibit the NF-κB/NFATc1 signaling pathway and reduce bone mass loss by reducing the level of inflammatory injury factors in PMOP mice, which is one of the mechanisms for treating PMOP.
8.Inhibition of M2-type macrophage-mediated migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition in colorectal cancer by bufalin
Donghao TANG ; Jinbao CHEN ; Linlin JIA ; Dongxiao SHEN ; Jing SHANG ; Yuejiao FENG ; Jiahao LU ; Zengyou XIAO ; Yujie HE ; Jie WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(2):310-315
Objective To investigate the role of bufalin(BU)in inhibiting M2-type macrophage-mediated colorec-tal cancer metastasis.Methods Human acute leukemia mononuclear cells(THP-1)were differentiated into M0 macrophages using phorbol ester induction(PMA)for 48 hours.The M0 macrophages were then treated with IL-4 and IL-13 medium.Surface markers and morphological changes were observed through ELISA,morphology,and RT-qPCR experiments.RT-PCR and ELISA experiments were conducted to detect the surface markers TGF-β and IL-10 of M2 macrophages.The secretion level of IL-6 in the supernatant of M2 macrophages and colorectal cancer cells HCT116 was compared using ELISA.Additionally,the effect of conditioned medium on colorectal cancer cell HCT116 was assessed through Transwell,Wound healing,RT-qPCR,and Western blot experiments.Subsequent-ly,bufalin was added to the conditioned medium and the changes in AKT/PI3K protein,migration,and epithelial-mesenchymal transition ability in HCT116 were observed using Western blot,Transwell,Wound healing and RT-qPCR experiments.Results THP-1 were successfully differentiated into M2 macrophages.The activation of AKT/PI3K protein in HCT116 cells was induced by the secretion of IL-6 from M2 macrophages,which in turn promoted the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition ability of the HCT116 cells.The migration and epithelial-mes-enchymal transition mediated by M2 macrophages in HCT116 cells were effectively inhibited by Bufalin.Conclu-sion The release of IL-6 from M2 macrophages activates the AKT/PI3K signaling pathway in colorectal cancer cells,thereby promoting their migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition capacity.Moreover,bufalin exhibits inhibitory effects on this effect.
9.Exploration on theoretical basis and approach of "Chinese materia medica transformation" of Indian natural medicine
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;46(1):19-23
In history, there were frequent medical exchanges between China and foreign countries. After the introduction of foreign drugs, they are endowed with the properties of Chinese materia medica and undergo a process of utility evolution, which can be called "Chinese materia medica transformation". This article took natural drugs introduced from India as the research object and found that the common understanding between Ayurvedic medicine and TCM theory is the theoretical basis for the Chinese materia medica transformation" of natural drugs in India. Indian drugs need to complete the process of "Chinese materia medica transformation" through two approaches: the attribution of Chinese materia medica attributes based on the corresponding relationship between the two medical theories, and the supplementation of properties and effects beyond the common understanding. The case of "Chinese materia medica transformation" of natural drugs in India can provide a theoretical and practical basis for the research of "Chinese materia medica transformation" of more foreign new drugs.
10.Research Progress in Tong Du Tiao Shen of Mental Disorders
Jiahao ZHANG ; Cheng CHI ; Mengyue FAN ; Lin YAN ; Feixue WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Yongjun CHEN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(1):61-68
Mental disorders are characterized by disturbances in behavior,volition,emotion,and cognition and are considered emotional diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.Acupuncture is one of the most widely used complementary alternative therapies for the treatment of mental disorders.Recently,there has been growing interest in the use of the Tong Du Tiao Shen(Dredging Du meridian to regulate the spirit)as a primary treatment.However,a comprehensive summary of the establishment and related acupuncture methods of Tong Du Tiao Shen is lacking.This paper aims to address this gap by exploring the origin and development of Tong Du Tiao Shen,its application in treating mental disorders,and the modern biological mechanisms involved.Ultimately,this paper seeks to expand the clinical application of Tong Du Tiao Shen acupuncture and provide a scientific basis for future research in this field.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail