1.Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification Unraveled The Mechanism of Pachymic Acid in The Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Hang LIU ; Yu-Xin ZHU ; Si-Lin GUO ; Xin-Yun PAN ; Yuan-Jie XIE ; Si-Cong LIAO ; Xin-Wen DAI ; Ping SHEN ; Yu-Bo XIAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2376-2392
ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB.
2.Pathophysiological Evolution and Syndrome-Based Stratified Treatment of Qi Deficiency with Stagnation in Chemotherapy-Induced Myelosuppression
Jing LONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Wenbo HUANG ; Feng YU ; Yifang JIANG ; Zhuoling DAI ; Chong XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(11):1109-1113
The concept of "qi deficiency with stagnation" refers to a pathological state characterized by the depletion of primordial qi, impaired qi transformation, and the development of internal stagnation. Under the cyclic chemotherapy regimen in oncology, chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression follows a progressive pathological course from qi deficiency to increasing stagnation. This sequential evolution from mild to severe myelosuppression closely aligns with the dynamic syndrome differentiation and treatment framework of "qi deficiency with stagnation". "Qi deficiency" reflects the gradual depletion of qi, blood, and essence, while "stagnation" refers to the accumulation of phlegm, turbid dampness, and blood stasis. These two components interact reciprocally, forming a vicious cycle where deficiency leads to stagnation, and stagnation further damages the healthy qi. In the early stage of mild myelosuppression, chemotoxicity begins to accumulate in the bone marrow, leading to qi consumption, blood deficiency, yin injury, and the gradual formation of turbid phlegm and damp stagnation. In the advanced stage of severe myelosuppression, the accumulation of toxicity causes qi sinking, exhaustion of essence, and marrow depletion, along with blood stasis obstructing the collaterals. Treatment strategies should be based on syndrome differentiation, with an emphasis on assessing the severity of the condition, balancing deficiency and excess, and achieving both symptomatic relief and root cause resolution.
3.Spinal infection caused by Prevotella intermedia:analysis of misdiagnosis and literature review
Chong WANG ; Yi YANG ; Dai-Jun LI ; Hua-Hua FAN ; Jia-Qiang YAN ; Rui-Chun WANG ; Xiao-Jun CAI ; Yu-Qiang CAI ; Hou-Jie SUN
Chinese Journal of Infection Control 2024;23(1):86-94
Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment scheme of patients with spinal infection caused by Prevotella intermedia(P.intermedia).Methods Clinical diagnosis and treatment processes of a patient with spinal infection caused by P.intermedia admitted to the spinal surgery department of a hospital were summa-rized,and relevant literature was retrieved from database for reviewing.Results The patient,a 50 year old male,was admitted to the hospital due to"lumbago pain complicated with pain in double lower extremities for 2 months".The lesion tissue was taken for metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)detection,which detected P.in-termedia,and the patient was diagnosed with P.intermedia spondylitis.After treatments with open lesion clea-rance,tube rinsing+autologous bone transplantation fusion internal fixation,intravenous drip of ceftriaxone sodium and metronidazole,as well as metronidazole rinsing,infection was under control.A total of 16 available papers were retrieved,together with this case,a total of 17 patients were included,with 7 males and 10 females.The main risk factors were diabetes and history of corticosteroid use(35.3%).The most common invasion sites were lumbar ver-tebra(n=12)and thoracic vertebra(n=6).13 cases were positive for pathogen culture,3 cases were positive for molecular detection,and 1 case was positive for staining microscopy.17 patients received anti-anaerobic bacteria treatment,with 14 cases receiving combined surgical treatment.One case died,with a mortality of 5.9%;5 cases had partial neurological impairment,with a disability rate of 29.4%.The survival rate of patients who received treatment of anti-anaerobic bacteria combined with surgery was 92.8%,3 patients only with anti-anaerobic bacteria treatment but without surgery were all cured.Conclusion P.intermedia is an opportunistic pathogeanic bacteria which often causes infection in immunocomprised individuals and is prone to be misdiagnosed.It is recommended to perform mNGS detection to identify the pathogen as early as possible and seize the opportunity for treatment to reduce mortality.
4.Advance on research of Flash-RT technology
Xiangkun DAI ; Shaojuan WU ; Jinyuan WANG ; Wei YU ; Lehui DU ; Changxin YAN ; Shilei ZHANG ; Na MA ; Xiao LEI ; Baolin QU
China Medical Equipment 2024;21(1):2-8
At present,precise radiotherapy has been widely used through the development with many years,but the existing technique still is limited by the limitation of tolerance dose of normal tissues,which cannot achieve the optimal goal of treating tumor.Flash radiotherapy(Flash-RT)is one kind of radiotherapy technique that uses the beam with ultra-high dose rate(UHDR)to conduct irradiation,which can furthest treat tumors while significantly reduce radiation injury of normal tissues.But until now,the biological mechanism,key physical parameters and triggering mechanism of Flash-RT are still unclear,and its principle and clinical translational application are still in the stage of research.This review clarified the technological advance and clinical translational application of Flash-RT research through summarized the relevant research of Flash-RT.
5.Analysis of the therapeutic effect of trochanteric flip osteotomy combined with Kocher-Langenbeck approach for high acetabular posterior wall fracture
Xiao-Pan WANG ; Xiao-Tian CHEN ; Ren-Jie LI ; Le-Yu LIU ; Xiu-Song DAI ; Jian-Zhong GUAN ; Min WU ; Xiao-Dong CHEN
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(7):706-712
Objective Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of f trochanteric flip osteotomy combined with Kocher-Langen-beck approach for high acetabular posterior wall fracture.Methods Between January 2020 and December 2022,20 patients with high acetabular posterior wall fractures were retrospectively analyzed,including 12 males and 8 females,aged 18 to 75 years old.They were divided into two groups according to the different surgical methods.Ten patients were treated with greater trochanteric osteotomy combined with Kocher-Langenbeck approach as the observation group,including 5 males and 5 fe-males,aged from 18 to 75 years old.Ten patients were treated with Kocher-Langenbeck approach alone as the control group,including 7 males and 3 females,aged from 18 to 71 years old.Matta reduction criteria were used to evaluate the reduction quality of the two groups,and Harris score was used to compare the hip function of the two groups at the latest follow-up.The operation time,blood loss and postoperative complications of the two groups were analyzed.Results All patients were followed up for 10 to 24 months.According to the Matta fracture reduction quality evaluation criteria,the observation group achieved anatomical reduction in 6 cases,satisfactory reduction in 3 cases,and unsatisfactory reduction in 1 case,while the control group only achieved anatomical reduction in 3 cases,satisfactory reduction in 3 cases,and unsatisfactory reduction in 4 cases.At the final follow-up,the Harris hip score ranged from 71.4 to 96.6 in the observation group and 65.3 to 94.5 in the control group.According to the results of Harris score.The hip joint function of the observation group was excellent in 6 cases,good in 3 cases,and fair in 1 case.The hip joint function of the control group was excellent in 2 cases,good in 3 cases,fair in 3 cases,and poor in 2 cases.In the observation group,the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 300 to 700 ml,and the operation dura-tion ranged from 120 to 180 min;in the control group,the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 300 to 650 ml,and the opera-tion duration ranged from 100 to 180 min.Complications in the observation group included 1 case of traumatic arthritis and 1 case of heterotopic ossification,while complications in the control group included 3 cases of traumatic arthritis,3 cases of het-erotopic ossification and 1 case of hip abduction weakness.Conclusions Trochanteric flip osteotomy combined with the Kocher-Langenbeck approach significantly improved anatomical fracture reduction rates,enhanced excellent and good hip joint function outcomes,and reduced surgical complication incidence compared to the Kocher-Langenbeck approach alone.Clinical application of this combined approach is promising,although larger studies are needed for further validation.
8.Rosmarinic acid ameliorates acute liver injury by activating NRF2 and inhibiting ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signal pathway
Jun-fu ZHOU ; Xin-yan DAI ; Hui LI ; Yu-juan WANG ; Li-du SHEN ; DU Xiao-bi A ; Shi-ying ZHANG ; Jia-cheng GUO ; Heng-xiu YAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(6):1664-1673
Acute liver injury (ALI) is one of the common severe diseases in clinic, which is characterized by redox imbalance and inflammatory storm. Untimely treatment can easily lead to liver failure and even death. Rosmarinic acid (RA) has been proved to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, but it is not clear how to protect ALI through antioxidation and inhibition of inflammation. Therefore, this study explored the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of RA on ALI through
9.Binary Logistic Regression Analysis Based on Macro-,Meso-,and Micro-Levels of the Factors Associated with the Pre-Existing Evidence of Coronary Heart Disease Blood Stasis Evidence
Yuwei DAI ; Kaili WANG ; Jianping ZHU ; Yu XIAO ; Zihan TANG ; Ming XIANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(5):1370-1376
Objective To explore the relevant protective/risk factors during the development of coronary heart disease blood stasis evidence in the process of pre-existing evidence based on the macro-,meso-,and micro-health state characterization parameter system of Chinese medicine state science.Methods 253 cases of coronary heart disease to be investigated were collected from the outpatient and inpatient departments of the Department of Cardiology in the hospitals affiliated to Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and questionnaires were formulated according to the three dimensions of macro,meso,and micro,and the collected parameters were categorized with Python software,and the patients were diagnosed as pre-coronary heart disease blood stasis evidence(150 cases)and coronary heart disease blood stasis evidence(100 cases),and statistical analyses were performed with frequency analysis,χ2 test,and Logistic regression and other methods for statistical analysis.Results ①The results of univariate analysis showed that:age,BMI,history of smoking,history of alcohol consumption,history of hypertension,history of diabetes mellitus,average monthly high temperature,air quality,season,type of occupation,social environment,coronary artery angiographic stenosis,diastolic blood pressure,systolic blood pressure,creatinine,uric acid and total cholesterol differed between patients diagnosed as pre-Coronary artery disease blood stasis evidence and those diagnosed as Coronary artery disease blood stasis evidence,and all the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).② Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age,BMI,history of alcohol consumption,type of occupation,coronary angiographic stenosis,diastolic blood pressure,creatinine,and dark red tongue were independent risk factors.A prediction model was established:P=1/[1+exp(16.522-1.427×age-0.975×BMI-3.55×drinking history+1.982×monthly average high temperature+0.709×season-1.827×occupational type-1.1×coronary angiographic stenosis-0.072×diastolic blood pressure-0.076×creatinine+2.398×dizziness-4.108×dark red tongue+4.169×pulse asthenia)],the model prediction rate was 90.5%.Conclusion The logistic regression model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis evidence is good with clinical diagnosis,which lays the foundation for the exploration of the state between the already diseased and undiseased of coronary heart disease,and provides important basic data for the theory of subhealth.
10.Mechanism study on treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding by Taohong Siwu Tang based on lipidomics
Meng-Yu SU ; Yan-Yan ZHANG ; Rong HUANG ; Yao CHENG ; Shan-Shan QIAN ; Can PENG ; Dai-Yin PENG ; Xiao-Chuang LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1649-1657
Aim To study the effects of Taohong Siwu Tang(TSD)on serum lipid metabolites in rats with abnormal uterine bleeding(AUB),and to analyze the mechanism of action of TSD in improving lipid metabo-lism disorders in AUB.Methods The rat model of AUB was replicated by the method of incomplete abor-tion with drugs,and the lipid metabolites of serum were detected by applying UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS technology,and combined with the principal com-ponent analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis to screen for differential lipids,the changes of lipids in serum before and after the in-tervention of TSD were clarified.Results A total of 11 differential lipids were screened,mainly phosphati-dyl inositol,phosphatidic acid,phosphatidyl ethanola-mine,phosphatidyl serine,sterol lipids,ceramide,acrylolipids and fatty acids.The screened differential lipids all tended to regress to normal after the adminis-tration of TSD intervention.Conclusion Improvement of AUB by TSD may be related to lipid metabolism such as phosphatidic acid,phosphatidyl inositol,phos-phatidyl ethanolamine,phosphatidyl serine,and ce-ramide.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail