1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Depression Based on Signaling Pathway Regulation: A Review
Jinjiang XU ; Li WU ; Qi ZHANG ; Yasheng DENG ; Jingjing XIE ; Haobin CHEN ; En ZHAO ; Man ZHANG ; Jianye DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):319-328
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent low mood or mental disorders. Current treatments primarily focus on regulating neurotransmitter levels, but their effectiveness is limited. The mechanisms underlying its onset are complex, and there is no unified consensus. Abnormal signaling pathway transmission plays a crucial role in the development of depression, involving multiple pathways, including Toll-like receptor 4/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (TLR4/NLRP3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK), brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B (BDNF/TrkB), cyclic AMP/protein kinase A/cAMP response element-binding protein (cAMP/PKA/CREB), and others. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is based on a holistic approach and the principle of treatment based on the differentiation of syndromes, regulating the balance of multiple systems and organ functions from a macroscopic perspective. This approach has shown unique advantages in the treatment of depression. TCM attributes the onset of depression to dysfunction of the organ systems, involving liver Qi stagnation, heart spirit deficiency, kidney essence depletion, and spleen dysfunction. TCM compound treatments focus on soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, calming the heart, and replenishing essence, with formulas such as Xiaoyaosan, Zishui Qinggan Yin, and Chahu Jia Guizhi Longgu Muli Tang. The active components of Chinese herbs mainly aim to tonify and regulate Qi, such as salidroside, ginsenoside Rb1, astragaloside, and muscone. External TCM treatments, primarily acupuncture, aim to open the orifices and invigorate the spirit. Acupoints such as Baihui, Shenting, and Yintang are commonly used. Additionally, massage and moxibustion therapy can intervene in depression by regulating signaling pathways. This article reviews the core role of signaling pathways in the development of depression and the mechanism of TCM regulation of signaling pathways to intervene in depression, aiming to discover new therapeutic approaches that can improve the symptoms of depressed patients.
2.Structure and Function of GPR126/ADGRG6
Ting-Ting WU ; Si-Qi JIA ; Shu-Zhu CAO ; De-Xin ZHU ; Guo-Chao TANG ; Zhi-Hua SUN ; Xing-Mei DENG ; Hui ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):299-309
GPR126, also known as ADGRG6, is one of the most deeply studied aGPCRs. Initially, GPR126 was thought to be a receptor associated with muscle development and was primarily expressed in the muscular and skeletal systems. With the deepening of research, it was found that GPR126 is expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs, and is involved in many biological processes such as embryonic development, nervous system development, and extracellular matrix interactions. Compared with other aGPCRs proteins, GPR126 has a longer N-terminal domain, which can bind to ligands one-to-one and one-to-many. Its N-terminus contains five domains, a CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, Bmp1) domain, a PTX (Pentraxin) domain, a SEA (Sperm protein, Enterokinase, and Agrin) domain, a hormone binding (HormR) domain, and a conserved GAIN domain. The GAIN domain has a self-shearing function, which is essential for the maturation, stability, transport and function of aGPCRs. Different SEA domains constitute different GPR126 isomers, which can regulate the activation and closure of downstream signaling pathways through conformational changes. GPR126 has a typical aGPCRs seven-transmembrane helical structure, which can be coupled to Gs and Gi, causing cAMP to up- or down-regulation, mediating transmembrane signaling and participating in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. GPR126 is activated in a tethered-stalk peptide agonism or orthosteric agonism, which is mainly manifested by self-proteolysis or conformational changes in the GAIN domain, which mediates the rapid activation or closure of downstream pathways by tethered agonists. In addition to the tethered short stem peptide activation mode, GPR126 also has another allosteric agonism or tunable agonism mode, which is specifically expressed as the GAIN domain does not have self-shearing function in the physiological state, NTF and CTF always maintain the binding state, and the NTF binds to the ligand to cause conformational changes of the receptor, which somehow transmits signals to the GAIN domain in a spatial structure. The GAIN domain can cause the 7TM domain to produce an activated or inhibited signal for signal transduction, For example, type IV collagen interacts with the CUB and PTX domains of GPR126 to activate GPR126 downstream signal transduction. GPR126 has homology of 51.6%-86.9% among different species, with 10 conserved regions between different species, which can be traced back to the oldest metazoans as well as unicellular animals.In terms of diseases, GPR126 dysfunction involves the pathological process of bone, myelin, embryo and other related diseases, and is also closely related to the occurrence and development of malignant tumors such as breast cancer and colon cancer. However, the biological function of GPR126 in various diseases and its potential as a therapeutic target still needs further research. This paper focuses on the structure, interspecies differences and conservatism, signal transduction and biological functions of GPR126, which provides ideas and references for future research on GPR126.
3.Optimization of Processing Technology of Honey Bran-fried Rosae Laevigatae Fructus and Analysis of Its Mechanism in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Bin LIU ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Hongbing LUO ; Qi DENG ; Fuyu XU ; Simin ZHONG ; Ying ZHOU ; Xide YE ; Feipeng GONG ; Yuncheng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):216-224
ObjectiveTo optimize the processing technology of honey bran-fried Rosae Laevigatae Fructus(h-RLF), formulate relevant quality standards, and explore its improving effect and mechanism on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate(DSS). MethodsTaking the content of polysaccharides and water-soluble extract as the indexes, L9(34) orthogonal test was used to optimize parameters of the amount of honey bran, frying time and frying temperature. The quality of 15 batches of h-RLF decoction pieces was evaluated according to the optimized process, and the inspection limit standard was preliminarily drawn up. Eighty SPF male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 8 groups, including the blank group, model group, mesalazine group(0.13 g·kg-1), RLF group(3.77 g·kg-1), bran-fried RLF group(3.77 g·kg-1), h-RLF low, medium and high dose groups(1.89, 3.77, 7.54 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. The mice in the blank group were free to drink pure water, and the other groups were free to drink 3% DSS solution for 7 days to prepare UC mouse model. Each treatment group was given corresponding drugs by intragastric administration, and the blank and model groups were given equal volume of normal saline. The body weight of mice was recorded daily and the disease activity index(DAI) was calculated. After the administration, the colon tissues of mice were collected to observe the pathological changes by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in the colon of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of phosphorylation nuclear transcription factor-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-p38 MAPK), p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK) and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK) proteins in colon tissues. ResultsThe optimum processing technology of h-RLF was 20 g honey bran per 100 g RLF, and stir-frying at 200 ℃ for 8 min. The limit standard under the examination of h-RLF was preliminarily formulated as follows:the polysaccharide content should not be less than 25% based on anhydrous glucose(C6H12O6), the content of water-soluble extract should not be less than 38%, the moisture content should not be more than 12.0%, the total ash content should not be more than 5.0%, and the acid-insoluble ash content should not be more than 1.0%. The cluster heat map analysis showed that the quality of RLF from Huanggang, Hubei province was better. Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the DAI score of the model group was significantly increased, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the colon tissue were significantly increased, the IL-10 level was significantly decreased, the colonic mucosa was seriously damaged, accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue congestion and a significant reduction in glands, and the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group could alleviate the symptoms of colonic ulcer, the structure of colonic crypt was basically intact, and the glands were arranged in an orderly manner. Among them, the high-dose group of h-RLF had a better effect, which could significantly reduce the DAI score and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in colon tissue(P<0.01), and significantly increase the level of IL-10(P<0.01), alleviate the colonic mucosal injury, and effectively inhibit the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK proteins(P<0.01). ConclusionThe key parameters of the processing technology of h-RLF are determined, and the optimized technology is stable and feasible. The established quality standard is simple and reliable, and can be used for the quality control. h-RLF can effectively alleviate DSS-induced UC, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of NF-κB/TLR4/MAPK pathway.
4.Targeting FAPα-positive lymph node metastatic tumor cells suppresses colorectal cancer metastasis.
Shuran FAN ; Ming QI ; Qi QI ; Qun MIAO ; Lijuan DENG ; Jinghua PAN ; Shenghui QIU ; Jiashuai HE ; Maohua HUANG ; Xiaobo LI ; Jie HUANG ; Jiapeng LIN ; Wenyu LYU ; Weiqing DENG ; Yingyin HE ; Xuesong LIU ; Lvfen GAO ; Dongmei ZHANG ; Wencai YE ; Minfeng CHEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(2):682-697
Lymphatic metastasis is the main metastatic route for colorectal cancer, which increases the risk of cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. The properties of the lymph node metastatic colorectal cancer (LNM-CRC) cells are poorly understood, and effective therapies are still lacking. Here, we found that hypoxia-induced fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) expression in LNM-CRC cells. Gain- or loss-function experiments demonstrated that FAPα enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and lymphangiogenesis via activation of the STAT3 pathway. In addition, FAPα in tumor cells induced extracellular matrix remodeling and established an immunosuppressive environment via recruiting regulatory T cells, to promote colorectal cancer lymph node metastasis (CRCLNM). Z-GP-DAVLBH, a FAPα-activated prodrug, inhibited CRCLNM by targeting FAPα-positive LNM-CRC cells. Our study highlights the role of FAPα in tumor cells in CRCLNM and provides a potential therapeutic target and promising strategy for CRCLNM.
5.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
6.Meta-analysis on efficacy and safety of thalidomide combined with CAG regimen in the treatment of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Xiaojing LI ; Qi HU ; Jiahui LU ; Min LIU ; Jianqing DENG ; Wenwen JIANG ; Jizhang BAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(9):1139-1144
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of thalidomide combined with aclacinomycin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and cytarabine (CAG) regimen in the treatment of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP, Sino Med, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched comprehensively from the inception to Aug. 27th, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about thalidomide combined with CAG regimen (trial group) versus CAG regimen (control group) in the treatment of elderly AML patients were collected, and RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis of included studies. RESULTS Finally, 7 RCTs were included, with a total of 601 patients, including 307 patients in the trial group and 294 patients in the control group. Meta-analysis results showed that the trial group was superior to the control group in enhancing the overall response rate [Z=4.75, P<0.000 01, OR=2.80, 95%CI (1.83,4.28)], complete remission rate [Z=2.82, P=0.005, OR=1.61, 95%CI (1.16, 2.25)], and improving platelet count [Z=2.70, P=0.007, MD=64.02, 95%CI (17.53, 110.51)], vascular endothelial growth factor [Z=13.63,P<0.000 01, MD=-65.17, 95%CI(-74.54, -55.80)], vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [Z=12.03, P< 0.000 01, MD=-499.01, 95%CI (-580.31, -417.71)] and basic fibroblast growth factor [Z=4.17, P<0.000 1,MD=-0.23, 95%CI(-0.35, -0.12)]. And there was no statistical difference between the trial group and the control group in the incidence of adverse drug reaction [Z=0.99, P=0.32, OR=0.52, 95%CI(0.14,1.89)], nausea and vomiting [Z= 1.06, P=0.29, OR=0.66, 95%CI (0.30,1.43)], constipation or diarrhea [Z=0.92, P=0.36, OR=0.65, 95%CI(0.26, 1.63)], drowsiness [Z=1.38, P=0.17, OR=0.57, 95%CI(0.26, 1.27)] or myelosuppression [Z=0.88,P=0.38,OR=0.68,95%CI(0.28, 1.62)]. CONCLUSIONS The combination of thalidomide and CAG regimen in the treatment of elderly AML patients can significantly improve clinical efficacy and has high safety.
7.Etiology and outcome of new-onset status epilepticus in older patients
Binlu DENG ; Qi WANG ; Jie YANG
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2024;37(2):91-96
Objective To investigate the etiology and outcome of elderly patients with new-onset status epilepticus(NOSE).Methods According to the electronic medical record,the keywords"Epilepsy"and"Status epilepticus"were searched for elderly patients with status epilepticus admitted to Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2018 and June 2023.Elderly patients with NOSE were strictly screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,and etiology were analyzed according to medical history and ancillary examinations,and factors related to prognosis of epilepsy were analyzed by Logistic regression.Results There were 63 elderly NOSE patients,including 38 males and 25 females,with an average age of(72.71±7.45)years old.Cerebrovascular disease(21%)was determined as the major cause of NOSE in elderly patients,followed by central nervous system infection(17%).Logistic regression analysis of prognostic factors showed that co-infection(OR = 11.67,95%CI:1.391-97.850,P =0.024)and renal insufficiency(OR =18.90,95%CI:3.522-101.43,P = 0.001)were associated with poor patient prognosis.Conclusions Cerebrovascular disease is the main known cause of NOSE in elderly patients.Prevention of infection and improvement of renal function may improve prognosis.
8.Origin,Processing Method and Quality Standard of Fermentum Rubrum: A Review
Fuyu XU ; Hongbing LUO ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Songhong YANG ; Qi DENG ; Bin LIU ; Simin ZHONG ; Ying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):267-274
Fermentum Rubrum(FR) is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine with dual-use functions of medicine and food, which has been used for more than 1 000 years. By referring to the ancient herbal classics and modern laws and regulations, the author sorted out the origin of FR, sorted out the development of processing, and analyzed the problems existing in the quality standard, aiming to provide a basis for further research and development of FR. There are many theories about the origin of FR. After summarizing and sorting out the relevant literature, three viewpoints are mainly drawn, including Han dynasty origin theory, Wei and Jin origin theory and Tang dynasty origin theory. After synthesizing the views of various schools, it is believed that the origin of FR should be no later than the Eastern Han dynasty. FR is made from rice by fermentation, which has the effect of strengthening the spleen, eliminating food, promoting blood circulation and removing stasis after fermentation. Although the natural fermentation in ancient times has been able to pay attention to the influence of temperature, humidity and strain on the quality of FR, due to the low level of science and technology, there are still problems such as complicated and cumbersome process, large workload and high labor cost. To the pure fermentation in modern times, the fermentation processing method of FR has been evolved, gradually improved and perfected. However, due to the lack of standardized research, there is no unified standard for the fermentation process of FR in various regions, and the quality standard lags behind seriously, which leads to the unstable product quality on the market. Among the 15 specifications for the preparation of FR, only 6 have been published in the past 5 years, and most of them have not been revised in a timely manner, and some of them have not been included in the updated version. Based on this, it is recommended to carry out a systematic study on processing technology of FR, and the best process is selected to accelerate the revision and improvement of its standardization, so as to improve the quality of FR sold in the market and promote its stable and sustainable development.
9.Mechanism of icariin regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome against cerebral ischemia reperfusion
Qi ZENG ; Yachen WU ; Maohua HU ; Xiaoyun DA ; Yang LIU ; Xin YANG ; Ying DENG ; Ming LIU
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(1):25-32
Objective To investigate the mechanism of icariin regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.Methods A rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was induced using the thread embolism method.At 24 hours post-operation,the rats were randomly allocated into a sham operation group,model group,butylphthalide group(70 mg/kg),ICA-low dose(20 mg/kg),ICA-middle dose(40 mg/kg),and ICA-high dose(80 mg/kg)groups.The corresponding drugs were administered by gavage at 10 mL/kg once a day for 13 consecutive days.One hour after the last administration,neurological function was scored.The cerebral cortex was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Expression of interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 in the cerebral cortex was determined by immunohistochemistry.Expression of NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 in the cerebral cortex was determined by Western Blot.Results In contrast to the sham operation group,there was a notable increase in neural function scores within the model group.The ischemic area around the visible cerebral cortex showed neuron necrosis at various level or glial cell proliferation,and the number of intact neurons was significantly reduced.IL-1β and IL-18 positive cells were significantly increased.Expression of NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 was significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).After treatment with icariin,the neural function score was decreased significantly.The degree of neuronal necrosis in the peri-ischemic area was significantly reduced,and the number of intact neurons was significantly increased.IL-1 β and IL-18-positive cells were decreased significantly.Expressions of NLRP3,ASC,and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusions Treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by icariin may be related to regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
10.Efficacy on the Acute Lumen Gain Post Excimer Laser Combined With Drug-coated Balloon for Instent Restenosis and the Relationship With Different Neointimal Tissues Defined by Optical Coherence Tomography
Pan HE ; Junjie YANG ; Haiwei CHEN ; Anping DENG ; Zhigeng JIN ; Lei GAO ; Jun GUO ; Yundai CHEN ; Qi WANG
Chinese Circulation Journal 2024;39(2):133-139
Objectives:To compare the efficacy of the combination of excimer laser coronary angioplasty(ELCA)and drug-coated balloon(DCB)for in-stent restenosis(ISR)and to evaluate the impact of neointimal tissue characteristics on treatment outcomes. Methods:A total of 96 ISR lesions from 86 patients who underwent optical coherence tomography(OCT)evaluation and DCB with or without ELCA treatment at The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.ISR lesions were divided into ELCA+DCB group(n=30)and DCB group(n=66).Additionally,ISR lesions were classified as homogeneous and non-heterogeneous patterns based on the OCT characteristics of the neointimal tissue,and the impact on acute lumen gains was compared between different ISR patterns.Acute lumen gain(ΔMLA)was defined as the changes in minimum lumen area before and after the intervention. Results:The ELCA+DCB group had a significantly greater ΔMLA than the DCB group([3.2±0.8]mm2 vs.[2.6±1.4]mm2,P=0.015).Among the ISR with a homogeneous pattern,the ΔMLA of the ELCA+DCB group was significantly greater than that of the DCB group([3.0±0.9]mm2 vs.[2.2±1.1]mm2,P=0.030).There was no significant difference in ΔMLA between the two ISR groups with the non-homogeneous pattern([3.4±0.7]mm2 vs.[3.2±1.5]mm2,P=0.533).There was no death,the rate of target lesion revascularization was similar between the patients with lesions receiving DCB treatment and patients receiving ELCA +DCB treatment(7.4%vs.4.2%,P>0.05). Conclusions:The combination of ELCA and DCB is an effective strategy for treating ISR,which can achieve greater acute lumen gain compared to DCB treatment alone,especially for the treatment of homogenous ISR pattern characterized by OCT.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail