1.Research on The Role of Dopamine in Regulating Sleep and Wakefulness Through Exercise
Li-Juan HOU ; Ya-Xuan GENG ; Ke LI ; Zhao-Yang HUANG ; Lan-Qun MAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):88-98
Sleep is an instinctive behavior alternating awakening state, sleep entails many active processes occurring at the cellular, circuit and organismal levels. The function of sleep is to restore cellular energy, enhance immunity, promote growth and development, consolidate learning and memory to ensure normal life activities. However, with the increasing of social pressure involved in work and life, the incidence of sleep disorders (SD) is increasing year by year. In the short term, sleep disorders lead to impaired memory and attention; in the longer term, it produces neurological dysfunction or even death. There are many ways to directly or indirectly contribute to sleep disorder and keep the hormones, including pharmacological alternative treatments, light therapy and stimulus control therapy. Exercise is also an effective and healthy therapeutic strategy for improving sleep. The intensities, time periods, and different types of exercise have different health benefits for sleep, which can be found through indicators such as sleep quality, sleep efficiency and total sleep time. So it is more and more important to analyze the mechanism and find effective regulation targets during sleep disorder through exercise. Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter in the nervous system, which not only participates in action initiation, movement regulation and emotion regulation, but also plays a key role in the steady-state remodeling of sleep-awakening state transition. Appreciable evidence shows that sleep disorder on humans and rodents evokes anomalies in the dopaminergic signaling, which are also implicated in the development of psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia or substance abuse. Experiments have shown that DA in different neural pathways plays different regulatory roles in sleep behavior, we found that increasing evidence from rodent studies revealed a role for ventral tegmental area DA neurons in regulating sleep-wake patterns. DA signal transduction and neurotransmitter release patterns have complex interactions with behavioral regulation. In addition, experiments have shown that exercise causes changes in DA homeostasis in the brain, which may regulate sleep through different mechanisms, including cAMP response element binding protein signal transduction, changes in the circadian rhythm of biological clock genes, and interactions with endogenous substances such as adenosine, which affect neuronal structure and play a neuroprotective role. This review aims to introduce the regulatory effects of exercise on sleep disorder, especially the regulatory mechanism of DA in this process. The analysis of intracerebral DA signals also requires support from neurophysiological and chemical techniques. Our laboratory has established and developed an in vivo brain neurochemical analysis platform, which provides support for future research on the regulation of sleep-wake cycles by movement. We hope it can provide theoretical reference for the formulation of exercise prescription for clinical sleep disorder and give some advice to the combined intervention of drugs and exercise.
2.Chemical consitituents and hypoglycemic activity of Qinhuai No. 1 Rehmannia glutinosa
Meng YANG ; Zhi-you HAO ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Chao-yuan XIAO ; Jun-yang ZHANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Xiao-ke ZHENG ; Wei-sheng FENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):205-210
Eight compounds were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate part of 70% acetone extract of
3.Research progress on the mechanism of action of rosmarinic acid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Ke CAI ; Sheng-ru HUANG ; Fang-fang GAO ; Xiu-juan PENG ; Sheng GUO ; Feng LIU ; Jin-ao DUAN ; Shu-lan SU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):12-21
With the rapid development of social economy and the continuous improvement of human living standard, the incidence, fatality and recurrence rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasing year by year, which seriously affects people's life and health. Conventional therapeutic drugs have limited improvement on the disability rate, so the search for new therapeutic drugs and action targets has become one of the hotspots of current research. In recent years, the therapeutic role of the natural compound rosmarinic acid (RA) in CVD has attracted much attention, which is capable of preventing CVD by modulating multiple signalling pathways and exerting physiological activities such as antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, as well as anti-coagulation and endothelial function protection. In this paper, the role of RA in the prevention of CVD is systematically sorted out, and its mechanism of action is summarised and analysed, with a view to providing a scientific basis and important support for the in-depth exploration of the prevention value of RA in CVD and its further development as a prevention drug.
4.Neuroplasticity Mechanisms of Exercise-induced Brain Protection
Li-Juan HOU ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Wei CHEN ; Ke LI ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Yin-Hao WANG ; Zi-Zheng YANG ; Tian-He WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1435-1452
Neuroscience is a significant frontier discipline within the natural sciences and has become an important interdisciplinary frontier scientific field. Brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body, and its structural and functional analysis is considered the “ultimate frontier” of human self-awareness and exploration of nature. Driven by the strategic layout of “China Brain Project”, Chinese scientists have conducted systematic research focusing on “understanding the brain, simulating the brain, and protecting the brain”. They have made breakthrough progress in areas such as the principles of brain cognition, mechanisms and interventions for brain diseases, brain-like computation, and applications of brain-machine intelligence technology, aiming to enhance brain health through biomedical technology and improve the quality of human life. Due to limited understanding and comprehension of neuroscience, there are still many important unresolved issues in the field of neuroscience, resulting in a lack of effective measures to prevent and protect brain health. Therefore, in addition to actively developing new generation drugs, exploring non pharmacological treatment strategies with better health benefits and higher safety is particularly important. Epidemiological data shows that, exercise is not only an indispensable part of daily life but also an important non-pharmacological approach for protecting brain health and preventing neurodegenerative diseases, forming an emerging research field known as motor neuroscience. Basic research in motor neuroscience primarily focuses on analyzing the dynamic coding mechanisms of neural circuits involved in motor control, breakthroughs in motor neuroscience research depend on the construction of dynamic monitoring systems across temporal and spatial scales. Therefore, high spatiotemporal resolution detection of movement processes and movement-induced changes in brain structure and neural activity signals is an important technical foundation for conducting motor neuroscience research and has developed a set of tools based on traditional neuroscience methods combined with novel motor behavior decoding technologies, providing an innovative technical platform for motor neuroscience research. The protective effect of exercise in neurodegenerative diseases provides broad application prospects for its clinical translation. Applied research in motor neuroscience centers on deciphering the regulatory networks of neuroprotective molecules mediated by exercise. From the perspectives of exercise promoting neurogenesis and regeneration, enhancing synaptic plasticity, modulating neuronal functional activity, and remodeling the molecular homeostasis of the neuronal microenvironment, it aims to improve cognitive function and reduce the incidence of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. This has also advanced research into the molecular regulatory networks mediating exercise-induced neuroprotection and facilitated the clinical application and promotion of exercise rehabilitation strategies. Multidimensional analysis of exercise-regulated neural plasticity is the theoretical basis for elucidating the brain-protective mechanisms mediated by exercise and developing intervention strategies for neurological diseases. Thus,real-time analysis of different neural signals during active exercise is needed to study the health effects of exercise throughout the entire life cycle and enhance lifelong sports awareness. Therefore, this article will systematically summarize the innovative technological developments in motor neuroscience research, review the mechanisms of neural plasticity that exercise utilizes to protect the brain, and explore the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of major neurodegenerative diseases. This aims to provide new ideas for future theoretical innovations and clinical applications in the field of exercise-induced brain protection.
5.Determination of milrinone nitrogen oxides in milrinone by HPLC-MS/MS
Lan SHEN ; Jieli LI ; Ke SHI ; Shunli JI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(3):336-340
In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tantrum mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) technology was employed to determine milrinone nitrogen oxides in milrinone. An ACCHROM XCharge-C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 5 μm) was used with a mobile phase consisting of A phase (methanol) and B phase (5 mmol/L NH4FA, pH3 adjusted by formic acid). Agilent 6410B triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used for HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Detection was performed using positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode to analyze the limit of milrinone nitrogen oxides in milrinone, and the quantitative transition for the ion pair was from m/z 228.01 to m/z 181.90. Experimental results showed that the method exhibited good specificity, and that neither blank solvent nor blank samples interfered with the determination of milrinone nitrogen oxides of milrinone. The method demonstrated high sensitivity, with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.0076 μg/mL and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0038 μg/mL. The linear range spanned from 20% to 200% of the LOQ concentration, and a good linear relationship between concentration and peak area was observed within this range. Additionally, the recovery rates were consistently within the range of 80% to 120%, and the RSD for repeatability tests was 12.0%. These results indicated that the precision and accuracy of this method meet the required standards. In summary, the method developed in this study can effectively and accurately determine the content of milrinone nitrogen oxides in milrinone.
6.The Regulatory Mechanisms of Dopamine Homeostasis in Behavioral Functions Under Microgravity
Xin YANG ; Ke LI ; Ran LIU ; Xu-Dong ZHAO ; Hua-Lin WANG ; Lan-Qun MAO ; Li-Juan HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2087-2102
As China accelerates its efforts in deep space exploration and long-duration space missions, including the operationalization of the Tiangong Space Station and the development of manned lunar missions, safeguarding astronauts’ physiological and cognitive functions under extreme space conditions becomes a pressing scientific imperative. Among the multifactorial stressors of spaceflight, microgravity emerges as a particularly potent disruptor of neurobehavioral homeostasis. Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in regulating behavior under space microgravity by influencing reward processing, motivation, executive function and sensorimotor integration. Changes in gravity disrupt dopaminergic signaling at multiple levels, leading to impairments in motor coordination, cognitive flexibility, and emotional stability. Microgravity exposure induces a cascade of neurobiological changes that challenge dopaminergic stability at multiple levels: from the transcriptional regulation of DA synthesis enzymes and the excitability of DA neurons, to receptor distribution dynamics and the efficiency of downstream signaling pathways. These changes involve downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra, reduced phosphorylation of DA receptors, and alterations in vesicular monoamine transporter expression, all of which compromise synaptic DA availability. Experimental findings from space analog studies and simulated microgravity models suggest that gravitational unloading alters striatal and mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, resulting in diminished motor coordination, impaired vestibular compensation, and decreased cognitive flexibility. These alterations not only compromise astronauts’ operational performance but also elevate the risk of mood disturbances and motivational deficits during prolonged missions. The review systematically synthesizes current findings across multiple domains: molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and gravitational physiology. It highlights that maintaining DA homeostasis is pivotal in preserving neuroplasticity, particularly within brain regions critical to adaptation, such as the basal ganglia, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. The paper also discusses the dual-edged nature of DA plasticity: while adaptive remodeling of synapses and receptor sensitivity can serve as compensatory mechanisms under stress, chronic dopaminergic imbalance may lead to maladaptive outcomes, such as cognitive rigidity and motor dysregulation. Furthermore, we propose a conceptual framework that integrates homeostatic neuroregulation with the demands of space environmental adaptation. By drawing from interdisciplinary research, the review underscores the potential of multiple intervention strategies including pharmacological treatment, nutritional support, neural stimulation techniques, and most importantly, structured physical exercise. Recent rodent studies demonstrate that treadmill exercise upregulates DA transporter expression in the dorsal striatum, enhances tyrosine hydroxylase activity, and increases DA release during cognitive tasks, indicating both protective and restorative effects on dopaminergic networks. Thus, exercise is highlighted as a key approach because of its sustained effects on DA production, receptor function, and brain plasticity, making it a strong candidate for developing effective measures to support astronauts in maintaining cognitive and emotional stability during space missions. In conclusion, the paper not only underscores the centrality of DA homeostasis in space neuroscience but also reflects the authors’ broader academic viewpoint: understanding the neurochemical substrates of behavior under microgravity is fundamental to both space health and terrestrial neuroscience. By bridging basic neurobiology with applied space medicine, this work contributes to the emerging field of gravitational neurobiology and provides a foundation for future research into individualized performance optimization in extreme environments.
7. Study on the mechanism of astragalus glycyrrhiza decoction regulating SIRT1 / FOXO1 pathway to prevent QT interval prolongation induced by arsenic trioxide based on metabolomics
Lan XU ; Ke REN ; Yarong ZHANG ; Haoshi CAO ; Dongling LIU ; Yang HAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(2):130-138
AIM: To explore the protective effect of astragalus glycyrrhiza decoction (AGD) on arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced QT interval prolongation and its mechanism based on metabonomics. METHODS: The model of ATO-induced QT interval prolongation in rats was established, and ECG, blood routine, and metabonomics were detected, and the key targets were collected combined with network pharmacology. The possible candidate genes and pathways for the protective effect of AGD were screened by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis and then verified by experiments in vitro. RESULTS: AGD could significantly alleviate the ATO-induced QT interval of SD rats. GO enrichment analysis was mainly related to inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, inner cell vesicles, folds, inner cell vesicles, SMAD binding, R-SMAD binding, and signal receptor activator activity. KEGG analysis showed that it was mainly concentrated in the PI3K-Akt signal pathway, lipid and arteriosclerosis, FOXO signal pathway, TNF signal pathway, HIF-1, and other signal pathways. Through the H9c2 cell model in vitro, it was verified that AGD could reverse the expression of SIRT1 and FOXO1 proteins. CONCLUSION: AGD may improve the ATO-induced QT interval prolongation and reduce the cardiotoxicity of ATO by regulating the SIRT1 / FOXO1 signal pathway.
8.A new suberin from roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf
Bo-wen ZHANG ; Meng LI ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Ying YANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Si-qi TAO ; Meng YANG ; Deng-hui ZHU ; Ya-tong XU ; Wei-sheng FENG ; Xiao-ke ZHENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(3):661-666
Six compounds were isolated from the roots of
9.Hereditary pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and associated syndromes:a clinical and genetic study
Peng TANG ; Weihua LAN ; Yao ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Zehua SHU ; Ke LI ; Zaoming HUANG ; Yiqiang HUANG ; Qiuli LIU ; Jun JIANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(4):377-383
Objective To summarize and analyze the clinical phenotypes,hereditary features and treatment and follow-up strategies of different hereditary pheochromocytoma/paragangliomas(PCC/PGL)and related syndromes.Methods Forty-four clinically diagnosed PCC/PGL patients admitted in our hospital from January 2000 to August 2022 were enrolled,and the clinical data of them and their family members were collected.Second-generation sequencing was performed on 43 patients for genetic detection,and Sanger sequencing was applied to verify the mutation of the probands and family members.Results There were 15 patients diagnosed with hereditary PCC/PGL,including 7 cases of von Hippel-Lindau(VHL)syndrome,3 cases of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2(MEN2),and 5 cases of familial paraganglioma syndrome.Seven VHL syndrome families were diagnosed as VHL2A(c.500G>A),VHL2B(c.239G>T and c.444_457del),and VHL2C(c.293A>G)according to their clinical manifestations.All probands received surgical treatment,and 2 cases of recurrent PCC and the patients with multiple renal cancer also received targeted therapy with sunitinib.Three MEN2 families carried c.1901G>C,c.1832G>A,and c.1901G>A missense mutations,respectively,and were diagnosed with MEN2A clinically.All of them underwent adrenalectomy and thyroidectomy,including one for preventive thyroidectomy.Among the 5 familial paraganglioma syndrome families,4 patients carried SDHB mutations(SDHB:c.343C>T,c.541-2A>G,c.575G>A,c.268C>T)and 1 patient carried an SDHD mutation(SDHD:c.337_340del).Sporadic retroperitoneal PGL were most common.Conclusion More than 1/3 of PCC/PGL patients carry germline gene mutations,showing obvious genotype-phenotype correlation.Genetic diagnosis technology plays an important guidance role for clinical precision treatment and follow-up,and genetic counseling.
10.Detection of Amantadine by Label-free Fluorescence Method Based on Truncated Aptamer and Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheet Signal Enhancement Strategy
Yi-Feng LAN ; Bo-Ya HOU ; Zhi-Wen WEI ; Wen LIU ; Chao ZHANG ; Ya-Hui ZUO ; Ke-Ming YUN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(2):208-219,中插4-中插7
Amantadine(AMD)residue can accumulate in organisms through the food chain and cause serious harm to human body.AMD can specifically bind to AMD specific aptamer and cause its conformation to change from a random single strand to a stem-loop structure.To avoid the influence of excess nucleotides on binding of aptamer to AMD,the truncation of the AMD original aptamer J was optimized by retaining an appropriate stem-loop structure,and a new type of truncation aptamers was developed in this work.By comparing the truncated aptamer with the original aptamer,it was found that the truncated aptamer J-7 had better affinity and specificity with AMD.The detection limit of AMD was 0.11 ng/mL by using J-7 as specific recognition element and molybdenum disulfide nanosheet(MoS2Ns)as signal amplification element.The developed method base on truncated aptamer J-7 was used for detection of AMD in milk,yogurt and SD rat serum samples for the first time with recoveries of 86.6%-108.2%.This study provided a reference for truncating other long sequence aptamers and provided a more sensitive detection method for monitoring AMD residues in food.

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