1.Mitochondrial Quality Control Regulating Pathogenesis of Sarcopenia and Its Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Ting DAI ; Yan CHEN ; Changsheng GUO ; Jing GAO ; Xiaodong FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):279-286
Sarcopenia is a clinical syndrome characterized by a decrease in skeletal muscle strength and quality, often accompanied by adverse outcomes such as falls, loss of function and weakness. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia is complex, and studies have shown that dysfunction due to impaired mitochondrial quality control is an important pathological factor in the occurrence and development. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has been widely favoured for regulating mitochondrial homeostasis and preventing sarcopenia by virtue of its multi-target and multi-pathway advantages. They can play a role in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia by regulating the mitochondrial quality control system to inhibit the occurrence of mitochondrial oxidative stress, regulate the balance of mitochondrial dynamics, inhibit mitochondrial autophagy, promote mitochondrial biosynthesis, resist the occurrence of mitochondrial apoptosis, and maintain the mitochondrial calcium and protein homeostasis. Based on this, the paper reviewed the relationship between mitochondrial quality control and sarcopenia, as well as the mechanism of TCM in intervening the mitochondrial quality control system to treat sarcopenia, in order to provide a new idea for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia by TCM and to a theoretical basis for the clinical research on TCM intervention in sarcopenia.
2.Effects of long-term administration of nicotiflorin on neurological function in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury
Yifan FENG ; Xiaodong YAN ; Wenbin ZHANG ; Bingfeng LI ; Meili GUO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(5):228-234
Objective To explore the promoting effect of long-term administration of nicotiflorin on the recovery of neurological function in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI). Methods The CIRI model was established and nicotiflorin was injected intraperitoneally after 1 hour of obstruction for 8 weeks. Tail suspension deflection experiment, balance beam experiment and water maze test were performed in the 2nd, 4th and 8th weeks. After 8 weeks, TTC staining was used to observe the volume of infarct atrophy, transcriptome sequencing was employed to screen differential expressed genes (DEGs) and highly enriched pathways were analyzed, Western-bloting and Elisa were used to assess proteins expression related to the pyroptosis pathway and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Results By long-term administration of nicotiflorin, the contralateral deflection rate was significantly reduced and beam experiment score of CIRI rats was balanced, the number of crossing the platform in water maze test was increased (P<0.05), the volume of cerebral infarction atrophy was decreased (P<0.01), which significantly promoted the recovery of neurological function in rats. Transcriptome sequencing found that the expression of genes in the pyroptosis-related signaling pathways in the brain tissue of rats in the nicotiflorin group was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). Western-blot and Elisa experiments showed that nicotiflorin reduced the expression levels of Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N and other pyroptosis-related proteins, and at the same time, the release of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 was significantly reduced (P<0.05), indicating that nicotiflorin could inhibit the inflammatory process of pyroptosis. Conclusion Nicotiflorin exhibited a significant long-term promotion effect on the recovery of neurological function in CIRI rats, which potentially attributed from its ability to inhibit pyroptosis.
3.Regulation of Ferroptosis by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Colorectal Cancer Intervention: A Review
Xiangchen LIU ; Weihan ZHAO ; Feixue FENG ; Xiaodong YANG ; Zhilong ZHAO ; Dezhen YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):276-286
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract with high morbidity and mortality. Although existing treatments can prolong the survival of patients, problems such as low quality of life, obvious side effects, and unsatisfactory clinical efficacy still exist, which cannot fully satisfy the overall needs of patients. For this reason, it is crucial to explore the mechanism underlying the development of CRC and to identify new treatment strategies. In recent years, with the deepening of research, ferroptosis has been gradually proven to effectively inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells, overcome tumor drug resistance, enhance anti-tumor efficacy, and prevent tumor progression and recurrence. Therefore, regulating ferroptosis is expected to become a new strategy for the treatment of CRC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in CRC treatment due to its advantages of multiple components, multiple targets, low drug resistance, and few side effects, and has gradually become a current research hotspot. Extensive studies have shown that TCM active ingredients and compound formulae can regulate ferroptosis-related pathways, such as iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc- (System Xc-)/glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1)/coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H], tumor protein 53 (p53), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and non-coding RNA pathways to inhibit the growth and proliferation of CRC, thereby exerting anti-tumor effects. This review systematically summarized the mechanisms of ferroptosis related to CRC, therapeutic targets and prognosis-related markers associated with ferroptosis in CRC, and research progress on TCM targeting and regulating ferroptosis for CRC intervention, aiming to provide new perspectives and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of CRC with TCM.
4.Regulation of Ferroptosis by Traditional Chinese Medicine for Colorectal Cancer Intervention: A Review
Xiangchen LIU ; Weihan ZHAO ; Feixue FENG ; Xiaodong YANG ; Zhilong ZHAO ; Dezhen YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):276-286
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract with high morbidity and mortality. Although existing treatments can prolong the survival of patients, problems such as low quality of life, obvious side effects, and unsatisfactory clinical efficacy still exist, which cannot fully satisfy the overall needs of patients. For this reason, it is crucial to explore the mechanism underlying the development of CRC and to identify new treatment strategies. In recent years, with the deepening of research, ferroptosis has been gradually proven to effectively inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of CRC cells, overcome tumor drug resistance, enhance anti-tumor efficacy, and prevent tumor progression and recurrence. Therefore, regulating ferroptosis is expected to become a new strategy for the treatment of CRC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in CRC treatment due to its advantages of multiple components, multiple targets, low drug resistance, and few side effects, and has gradually become a current research hotspot. Extensive studies have shown that TCM active ingredients and compound formulae can regulate ferroptosis-related pathways, such as iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc- (System Xc-)/glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1)/coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H], tumor protein 53 (p53), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and non-coding RNA pathways to inhibit the growth and proliferation of CRC, thereby exerting anti-tumor effects. This review systematically summarized the mechanisms of ferroptosis related to CRC, therapeutic targets and prognosis-related markers associated with ferroptosis in CRC, and research progress on TCM targeting and regulating ferroptosis for CRC intervention, aiming to provide new perspectives and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of CRC with TCM.
5.A Randomized Controlled,Double-Blind Study on Huaban Jiedu Formulation (化斑解毒方) in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris with Blood-Heat Syndrome
Xuewen REN ; Yutong DENG ; Huishang FENG ; Bo HU ; Jianqing WANG ; Zhan CHEN ; Xiaodong LIU ; Xinhui YU ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(16):1679-1686
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Huaban Jiedu Formulation (化斑解毒方, HJF) in treating psoriasis vulgaris with blood-heat syndrome. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group, with 30 cases in each. The treatment group received HJF granules orally, one dose a day, combined with topical Qingshi Zhiyang Ointment (青石止痒软膏), while the control group received placebo granules, one dose a day, combined with the same topical ointment. Both groups were topically treated twice daily of 28 days treatment cours. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), visual analogue scale for pruritus (VAS), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and psoriasis life stress inventory (PLSI) were assessed before treatment and on day 14 and day 28. Response rates for PASI 50 (≥50% reduction) and PASI 75 (≥75% reduction), as well as overall clinical efficacy, were compared between groups. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) were measured before and after 28 days of treatment. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. ResultsAfter 28 days of treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in PASI total score, lesion area score, erythema, scaling, and infiltration scores, pruritus VAS score, TCM syndrome score, DLQI, PLSI, and serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group had significantly greater improvements in PASI total score and erythema score, TCM syndrome score, serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels, and PASI 50 response rate after 28 days (P<0.05). Between-group comparisons of score differences before and after 28-day treatment revealed that the treatment group showed significantly better improvements in PASI total, lesion area score, erythema score, TCM syndrome score, DLQI, PLSI, and inflammatory markers (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The total effective rate on day 14 and day 28 was 40.00% (12/30) and 83.33% (25/30) in the treatment group, versus 6.90% (2/29) and 41.38% (12/29) in the control group, respectively. The clinical efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). Mild gastric discomfort occurred in 3 patients in the treatment group and 1 in the control group. ConclusionHJF can effectively improve skin lesions and TCM symptoms relieve pruritus, enhance quality of life, and reduce inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-17, in patients with blood-heat syndrome of psoriasis vulgaris, with a good safety profile.
6.Advances on Exercise-mediated Regulation of Programmed Cell Death in the Management of Sarcopenia
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):737-746
With the acceleration of global population aging, sarcopenia, characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function, has become a major public health issue that seriously threatens the health and quality of life in older adults. The development and progression of sarcopenia involve complex, multi-level, and cross-system cellular and molecular mechanisms. Recent studies have highlighted the central role of programmed cell death (PCD) in maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis, regulating metabolism, and mediating tissue repair. The classic forms of PCD-apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis-interact through critical nodes such as reactive oxygen species(ROS) accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and iron homeostasis disruption, ultimately driving muscle fiber loss, functional decline, and chronic inflammation. These processes underpin the pathology of sarcopenia. Exercise, the most effective non-pharmacological intervention to date, has been shown to precisely regulate multiple PCD pathways. It improves muscle mass, strength, and metabolic stability, and delays the progression of sarcopenia. Specifically, appropriate exercise could inhibit excessive apoptosis, activate protective autophagy, alleviate NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, and suppress ferroptosis by enhancing antioxidant defenses and maintaining iron homeostasis. This review systematically summarizes the roles and mechanisms of apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis in sarcopenia. It particularly focuses on the molecular targets and physiological effects of exercise-mediated PCD regulation. The aim is to provide theoretical and practical support for developing personalized and precision exercise interventions targeting PCD pathways for the prevention and management of sarcopenia.
7.Relationship Between Peripheral Blood T Lymphocyte Subsets and Prognosis of Patients with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Camrelizumab
Changhong DONG ; Yan FENG ; Yanting JIANG ; Jie GAO ; Xiaodong JIANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2024;51(3):185-190
Objective To explore the relationship between peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and prognosis of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received treatment with camrelizumab. Methods We retrospectively collected data from 88 patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent camrelizumab treatment. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were collected from patients before and two months after treatment. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were employed to investigate the relationship between peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and PFS and OS. Results Compared with non-responder group, the baseline peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ ratio was higher (
8.Research progress of the endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial interactions in post-stroke cognitive impair-ment
Lulu CHEN ; Meng LUO ; Kaiqi SU ; Jing GAO ; Xiaodong FENG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(7):1023-1028
Post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI),refers to a range of clinical syndromes of cognitive impairment caused by stroke.Although its specific pathogenesis is still unclear,many studies have confirmed that endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria interaction has become a key hub for intracellular signal transduction and substance metabolism,and its regulation of various biological processes,such as Ca2+ balance,lipid metabolism,mitochondrial dynamics,autophagy,and neuroinflammation,is closely related to the development of PSCI.There-fore,in this paper,we will review the various functions of endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial interactions and explore their specific roles in PSCI,in order to discover new therapeutic targets and provide new theoretical basis and references for the development of PSCI-targeted drugs in the future.
9.3D printing process of gelatin/oxidized nanocellulose skin scaffold with high elastic modulus and high porosity
Xiaodong XU ; Jiping ZHOU ; Qi ZHANG ; Chen FENG ; Mianshun ZHU ; Hongcan SHI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(3):398-403
BACKGROUND:In the treatment of skin trauma with active repair,tissue engineering techniques are needed to generate new tissue to replace necrotic tissue.Skin scaffolds have a good application prospect in the field of wound repair.Skin scaffolds need to present three-dimensional porous structures with certain mechanical strength to meet the needs of cell proliferation and division.However,the mechanical strength of the currently used gelatin-based biomaterials is weak and cannot meet the requirements of the use of skin scaffolds. OBJECTIVE:To study the 3D printing process used in the preparation of tissue engineering skin scaffolds by gelatin/oxidized nanocellulose composites,and focus on the relationship between the porosity and mechanical strength of the scaffolds prepared under different process parameters. METHODS:Oxidized nanocellulose whiskers at 10%concentration were extracted from Humulus scandens and then compounded with 5%gelatin to obtain gelatin/oxidized nanocellulose composites.The elastic modulus of gelatin and gelatin/oxidized nanocellulose composite was determined.Skin scaffolds were prepared by 3D printing extrusion molding using gelatin/oxidized nanocellulose composite as the base material.Mechanical and rheological properties of the composite were tested to determine extrusion molding parameters(filling gap 1.5-2.5 mm,uniform distribution of 0.1 mm;air pressure of 160-200 kPa),and the skin scaffold with a three-dimensional porous structure was prepared.The compressive performance of the skin scaffold was tested and compared with the finite element analysis results.The relationship between the filling gap and the porosity and mechanical strength of the scaffold was demonstrated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The elastic modulus of 5%gelatin was increased by 8.84 times by adding 10%oxidized nanocellulose whisker.A gel filament with a diameter of 1 mm was obtained by extrusion at the air pressure of 160 kPa.When the filling gap increased from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm,the theoretical porosity of the scaffold increased from 33%to 60%,but the compressive strength decreased from 230 000 Pa to 95 000 Pa.(2)These findings showed that the skin scaffold with theoretical porosity of 50%and elastic modulus of 160 000 Pa was prepared by using 2 mm filling gap.The scaffold had a clear three-dimensional porous structure.
10.Effects of governor vessel electroacupuncture on oxidative stress in rats with post-stroke limb spasm based on the glutathione antioxidant system
Jianyun ZHANG ; Jinjin MEI ; Shuaidi ZHANG ; Changyu GU ; Jingjing LI ; Jian GUO ; Xiaodong FENG ; Ruiqing LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(1):124-132
Objective To evaluate the mechanism of governor vessel electroacupuncture in rats with post-stroke limb spasm by observing the changes of glutathione antioxidant system-related factors.Methods A total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group(n=12),sham operation group(n=12)and modeling group(n=36).The middle cerebral artery obstruction model was prepared by thread approach method in the modeling group,and 24 rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into the model group and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 rats in each group.At the 3rd day after modeling,the electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at three acupoints of the governor vessel,namely,"Dazhui"(GV14),"Jizhong"(GV6)and"Houhui"(anteromedial of the transverse process of the sixth lumbar vertebra),for 30 min each time,once a day for 7 days.The neurological function of rats was assessed by Zea Longa neurological deficit score.The muscle tension of rats was detected by modified Ashworth dystonia rating and electrophysiological tracing method.The brain tissue water content was measured by the dry-wet weight method.The volume of cerebral infarction of rats was measured by the TTC staining method.The contents of glutathione(GSH),catalase(CAT),oxidized glutathione(GSSG),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)in the cortex of rats were detected by colorimetry.The protein and mRNA expressions of glutathione reductase(GR),glutamate cysteine ligase(GCL)C,GCLM,and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4)in the cortex of rats were measured by Western blotting and real-time PCR,respectively.Results Compared with rats in the normal and sham operation groups,the Zea Longa neurological deficit score,modified Ashworth dystonia rating,the volume of cerebral infarction,brain tissue water content,and GSSG and MDA contents in cortex were increased in the model group,the tension signal value and the proteins and mRNA expressions of GR,GCLC,GCLM,and GPX4 in cortex were decreased,and the contents of GSH,CAT,and SOD in cortex were decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the Zea Longa neurological deficit score,modified Ashworth dystonia rating,the volume of cerebral infarction,brain tissue water content,and GSSG and MDA contents in cortex were decreased in the electroacupuncture group,the tension signal value and the proteins and mRNA expressions of GR,GCLC,GCLM,and GPX4 in cortex were increased,and the contents of GSH,CAT,and SOD in cortex were increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Governor vessel electroacupuncture can improve the severity of post-stroke limb spasm in rats,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of glutathione antioxidant system in cerebral cortex.

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