1.Exploring mechanism of Porana racemosa Roxb. in treating rheumatoid arthritis based on integration of network pharmacology and molecular docking combined with experimental validation
Chen-yu YE ; Ning LI ; Yin-zi CHEN ; Tong QU ; Jing HU ; Zhi-yong CHEN ; Hui REN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):117-129
Through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, combined with
2.Case analysis of occupational disease diagnosis appraisal in Shanghai from 2012 to 2024
Ran ZHUANG ; Tingting DOU ; Jing QU ; Tongning GAO ; Lili PU ; Yan YIN
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):822-826
Background Occupational disease diagnosis appraisal is an appeal procedure initiated when a party disagrees with the occupational disease diagnosis conclusion. It is a legal procedure to safeguard the health rights of employees and the legitimate rights and interests of employers. Objective To analyze the data of occupational disease diagnosis appraisal in Shanghai, identify existing problems, and provide suggestions for improving. Methods Statistical analysis was conducted on basic situation, characteristics of workers and employers, disease classification, and consistency between diagnosis and appraisal conclusions of all occupational disease diagnosis appraisal cases from 2012 to 2024. All diagnosis conclusions were named in accordance with the Classified Catalogue of Occupational Diseases included employers were classified according to the Measures for the Statistical Classification of Large, Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises" and the Notice on Adjusting the Provisions for Classifying Enterprise Registration Types; industry classification followed the Industrial Classification for National Economic Activities (GB/T 4754-2017). Results From 2012 to 2024, a total of 260 cases of occupational diseases diagnosis appraisal were closed. The main diagnosis were 138 cases of ear, nose, throat, and oral diseases (53.1%), chemical poisoning (18.8%), and pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases (16.2%). The proportion of ear, nose, throat, and oral diseases gradually increased (2022 excluded). The incidence of annual municipal and provincial cases decreased by 76.3% and 85.0% respectively (2024 vs 2012). The consistency rate of conclusions between appraisal and diagnosis gradually increased. The total consistency rates between final appraisals and diagnostic conclusions were 81.5%, and 79.7%, 87.8%, 100.0%, 85.0% for ear, nose, throat, and oral diseases, chemical poisoning, and pneumoconiosis and other respiratory system diseases, respectively. Specifically, the consistency rates were 80.1% and 80.0% for noise-induced deafness and chronic benzene poisoning. In terms of inconsistency reasons, "inconsistent interpretation of standards and excessive discretion in standard application" accounted for 43.8%, followed by "failure to correctly apply standards" (31.3%) and and "discrepancies in occupational exposure history recognition" (15.6%). Conclusion The revisions and improvements of the legal system for occupational disease diagnosis appraisal have played a positive role in improving the consistency of conclusions between appraisal and diagnosis of occupational diseases in Shanghai. It is suggested to further strengthening the publicity and training of occupational disease diagnosis standards to improve the quality of occupational disease diagnosis.
3.Active Ingredients of Chinese Medicines Induce Ferroptosis in Tumor Cells: A Review
Huizhong ZHANG ; Yibo ZHANG ; Jing FU ; Huating HUANG ; Yidan RUAN ; Xingbin YIN ; Changhai QU ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):245-253
Ferroptosis, a new form of programmed cell death different from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, is closely associated with a variety of physiological and pathological processes. Iron-mediated accumulation of reactive oxygen species is the main inducement of ferroptosis, the mechanism of which is related to intracellular lipid metabolism, iron metabolism, and antioxidant defense pathways. Multiple signaling axes and regulators jointly regulate the occurrence and disruption of ferroptosis. Studies have demonstrated that ferroptosis regulates the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. Inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells can control the growth, metastasis, and multi-drug resistance of tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of ferroptosis on tumor cells have become a hot topic in anti-cancer research. As the research advances, a variety of ferroptosis inducers has been used in the clinical chemotherapy for cancers and demonstrate significant efficacy. Accordingly, the development of ferroptosis-inducing anticancer drugs has become a new research direction for tumor treatment. Some active ingredients such as lycorine, oleanolic acid, dihydroartemisinin, pseudolaric acid B, and ophiopogonin B of Chinese medicines can induce ferroptosis in tumor cells via lipid metabolism, iron metabolism, system Xc-, and GPX4/GSH to regulate the development of tumors, demonstrating a promising prospect in clinical treatment. Based on the theory of the mechanism of ferroptosis, this paper reviews the research progress in ferroptosis induced by active ingredients of Chinese medicines in tumor cells and describes the metabolic regulatory network of ferroptosis from signaling pathways and regulatory factors, providing new strategies for applying active ingredients of Chinese medicines in the treatment of tumors.
4.Effects of treadmill exercise on osteoporosis and wnt/beta-catenin signal pathway in aged rats
Linwei YIN ; Xiarong HUANG ; Mengjian QU ; Lu YANG ; Jinling WANG ; Feiyang JIA ; Yang LIAO ; Jun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(2):231-236
BACKGROUND:Exercise training can improve osteoporosis,but its effects and mechanisms on senile osteoporosis are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of treadmill exercise on osteoporosis and wnt/β-catenin signal pathway in aged rats. METHODS:Sixteen 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into osteoporosis group(n=8)and treadmill group(n=8)and eight 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as young control group.The model of senile osteoporosis was replicated by natural aging and the rats in the treadmill group were treated with treadmill exercise once a day,5 days a week,for 8 weeks.Levels of bone metabolic markers such as type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide,tartrate resistant acid phosphatase,osteocalcin and bone specific alkaline phosphatase were detected by ELISA;bone mineral density of the left femur and L5 was measured by dual energy X-ray;bone scanning and bone microstructure quantitative analysis were performed by bone micro-CT;and the mRNA and protein expression levels of wnt3a,β-catenin,LRP5,DKK1 and GSK3β were detected by RT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the young control group,the osteoporosis group showed a reduction in serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels(P<0.05),bone mineral density of the femur and L5,the number of tibia and L4 bone trabeculae,bone volume,bone volume fraction(P<0.05),and mRNA and protein expression of wnt3a,β-catenin,and LRP5 in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05)as well as an increase in serum levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide(P<0.05),the intertrabecular space between the tibia and L4,structural model index(P<0.05),and mRNA and protein expression of DKK1 and GSK3 β in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05).In addition to the reduced number of trabeculae in the tibia and L4 vertebrae,the trabeculae were structurally disturbed and sparsely aligned and fractured.Compared with the osteoporosis group,the treadmill group showed an increase in serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels(P<0.05),bone mineral density of the femur and L5(P<0.05),the number of tibial trabeculae,bone volume,bone volume fraction(P<0.05),mRNA and protein expression of wnt3a,β-catenin,and LRP5 in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05)but a reduction in the serum levels of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase and type I collagen cross-linked C-terminal peptide,L4 trabecular space,tibial trabecular space,structural model index,and mRNA and protein expression of DKK1 and GSK3 β in bone marrow tissue(P<0.05).In addition to the increased number of tibial and L4 trabeculae,the trabeculae were arranged in a regular and dense pattern and were connected to a network.To conclude,treadmill exercise may improve osteoporosis in aged rats by activating the wnt/β-catenin signal pathway.
5.Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of P53 and P21 in articular cartilage and subchondral bone of aged rats with knee osteoarthritis
Xiarong HUANG ; Lizhi HU ; Guanghua SUN ; Xinke PENG ; Ying LIAO ; Yuan LIAO ; Jing LIU ; Linwei YIN ; Peirui ZHONG ; Ting PENG ; Jun ZHOU ; Mengjian QU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(8):1174-1179
BACKGROUND:There are many treatment methods for knee osteoarthritis,among which electroacupuncture,as an important non-drug treatment,is effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis,but its exact mechanism is not clear. OBJECTIVE:Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of p53 and P21 in articular cartilage and subchondral bone of aged rats with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS:Eight 6-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the young group and sixteen 24-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into old group(n=8)and electroacupuncture group(n=8).The rats in the electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture stimulation once a day,5 days a week,for 8 continuous weeks,and the other two groups did not do any treatment.Eight weeks later,the level of type Ⅱ collagen C-terminal peptide in peripheral blood was detected by ELISA,the morphology of left knee cartilage and subchondral bone was observed by safranin O-fast green staining,the degree of knee cartilage degeneration was evaluated by modified Mankin's score,the microstructure of left knee cartilage and subchondral bone was detected by micro-CT,and the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 13,P53,P21 Mrna and protein were detected by RT-PCR and western blot respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the young group,the level of C-terminal peptide of type Ⅱ collagen in the peripheral blood was increased in the old group(P<0.05).The micro-CT results showed that the bone volume fraction,bone mineral density and the number of bone trabeculae were decreased in the old group compared with the young group(P<0.05),while the trabecular separation increased(P<0.05).Safranin O-fast green staining showed that in the old group,the surface layer of cartilage was uneven with fissures,the morphology of chondrocytes was irregular and stained unevenly,the boundary between the cartilage and subchondral bone was blurred,and the matrix loss was serious.The Mankin's score was higher in the old group than the young group(P<0.05).The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 13,P53,P21 at Mrna and protein levels increased in the old group compared with the young group(P<0.05).Compared with the old group,electroacupuncture decreased the level of C-terminal peptide of type Ⅱ collagen(P<0.05),increased the bone volume fraction,bone mineral density and the number of bone trabeculae(P<0.05),and decreased the trabecular separation(P<0.05).Safranin O-fast green staining showed that in the electroacupuncture group,the surface of cartilage was smooth and red staining was uniform,and the cell morphology and structure were between the young group and the old group.Following electroacupuncture treatment,the Mankin's score(P<0.05),matrix metalloproteinase 13 and P21 Mrna expression(P<0.05),and matrix metalloproteinase 13 and P53 protein expression decreased(P<0.05),while there was a decreasing trend of P53 Mrna and P21 protein expression,but with no statistical significance(P>0.05).To conclude,electroacupuncture may delay articular cartilage degeneration and subchondral osteoporosis in aged rats by inhibiting the expression of P53 and P21,so as to protect joints and delay joint aging.
6.Total Saponins in Paridis Rhizoma: A Review
Yibo ZHANG ; Huizhong ZHANG ; Jing FU ; Yidan RUAN ; Aina YAO ; Pingzhi ZHANG ; Xingbin YIN ; Changhai QU ; Jian NI ; Xiaoxu DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):232-243
Paridis Rhizoma possesses the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, alleviating swelling and relieving pain, cooling the liver and calming the convulsion. Saponins are the main active components of Paridis Rhizoma. Studies have shown that total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma have obvious inhibitory effect on solid tumors such as breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, and liver cancer and non-solid tumors such as leukemia. The saponins may exert the anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells, regulating cell cycle, inducing apoptotic and non-apoptotic death pathways, and regulating metabolism and tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hemostatic, and uterus-contracting activities. At the same time, they may induce apoptosis of normal cells, inflammation and oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders. In recent years, the reports of liver injury, reproductive injury, gastrointestinal injury, hemolysis, and other adverse reactions caused by total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma have been increasing. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that there are significant differences in the metabolism of total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma administrated in different ways. Injection has a fast clearance rate, while oral administration may have hepatoenteric circulation. Meanwhile, due to the low solubility and activation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) molecular pump, the prototype absorption, intestinal permeability, and recovery rate of total saponins in Paridis Rhizoma are poor, which affects the bioavailability. The bioavailability can be improved to some extent by preparing new dosage forms or new drug delivery systems with advanced technology. This paper reviews the pharmacological effect, pharmacokinetics, and adverse reactions of Rhizoma Paridis total saponins by searching the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, and Web of Science with ''Rhizoma Paridis total saponins'' as the keywords, hoping to provide references for the research, development, and clinical application of such components.
7.Exploring the Ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Prevention and Treatment of Tumour Metastasis Exacerbated by Chronic Stress:from the Perspective of Abnormal Tumour Cell Adhesion
Fan ZHAO ; Gang YIN ; Feng TAN ; Fang WEN ; Rong QU ; Decai TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(9):898-903
Abnormal tumour cell adhesion is a key step in tumour metastasis, in which weakened homologous and enhanced heterologous adhesion of tumour cells is an important cause of tumour metastasis. Chronic stress can activate the sympathetic nervous system to link and regulate the homologous and heterologous adhesion of tumour cells and exacerbate tumour metastasis. Combining the understanding of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine on tumour metastasis, it is believed that the mechanism of "qi constraint and stagnation, tumor toxin transmission and retention" in TCM theory is highly related to the abnormal adhesion of tumour cells triggered by chronic stress. Qi constraint and stagnation is closely related to chronic stress and its activation of the sympathetic nervous system, and transmission and retention of tumor toxin explained the mechanism of tumour metastasis due to abnormal adhesion of tumour cells from the perspective of TCM. By regulating the key link of sympathetic nervous system-tumour cell adhesion, application of the formulas of regulating qi and resolving toxin can improve chronic stress and inhibit tumour metastasis.
8.Simultaneous content determination of twelve constituents in Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules by HPLC
Ji-Yao YIN ; Jing HU ; Xia SHEN ; Xiao-Min CUI ; Hui REN ; Tong QU ; Ning LI ; Wen-Jin LU ; Zhi-Yong CHEN ; Kai QU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(1):1-6
AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of gallic acid,protocatechuic acid,morroniside,loganin,sweroside,paeoniflorin,hypericin,astragalin,salvianolic acid B,salvianolic acid A,epimedin C and icariin in Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 30℃thermostatic Agilent 5 TC-C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.RESULTS Twelve constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 8),whose average recoveries were 97.11%-101.14%with the RSDs of 0.60%-2.65%.CONCLUSION This simple,accurate and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.
9.Expression of m6 A-modified methyltransferase-like 14 in the hippocampus of depression-like mice
Lin YANG ; Zhi QU ; Yuan WANG ; Wenxue YI ; Jin XIN ; Xiaonuan YIN ; Dongxiao DUAN
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2024;44(10):1376-1382
Objective To investigate the expression of m6 A methyltransferase-like protein 14(METTL14)in the hippocampus of depression-like mice,and to provide a theoretical basis for further study of the molecular mecha-nism of depression and new drug targets.Methods 1)Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were divided into con-trol group and depression model group.The control group was fed normally,and the model group was kept in single animal cage for 4 months and added with Chronic Unpredictable Animal Stress(CUMS)to establish the depression-like model.2)After modeling,depression-like behaviors in model group were tested using forced swimming test(FST),sucrose preference test(SPT)and tail suspension test(TST).3)Twenty-four hours after completion of behavioral test,the hippocampus tissues of mice were collected,and the expression of m6 A methyltransferase-like protein METTL14 in the hippocampus of mice was detected by molecular biology experiments.Results 1)The mice in the model group showed significant depression-like behavior;2)The expression of MET-TL14 in the hippocampus of the model group showed an increased mRNA expression with the increased m6 A modifi-cation.3)In the model group,the expression of METTL14 in hippocampal CA1,CA3 and DG districts increased and there was neuronal damage found.Conclusions m6 A methylation function has been proved to be more active in the hippocampus of depressed mice.
10.Gut microbiome-based thiamine metabolism contributes to the protective effect of one acidic polysaccharide from Selaginella uncinata(Desv.)Spring against inflammatory bowel disease
Hui HAOCHEN ; Wang ZHUOYA ; Zhao XUERONG ; Xu LINA ; Yin LIANHONG ; Wang FEIFEI ; Qu LIPING ; Peng JINYONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(2):177-195
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is a serious disorder,and exploration of active compounds to treat it is necessary.An acidic polysaccharide named SUSP-4 was purified from Selaginella uncinata(Desv.)Spring,which contained galacturonic acid,galactose,xylose,arabinose,and rhamnose with the main chain structure of →4)-α-D-GalAp-(1 → and →6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → and the branched structure of →5)-α-L-Araf-(1 →.Animal experiments showed that compared with Model group,SUSP-4 significantly improved body weight status,disease activity index(DAI),colonic shortening,and histopathological damage,and elevated occludin and zonula occludens protein 1(ZO-1)expression in mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS).16S ribosomal RNA(rRNA)sequencing indicated that SUSP-4 markedly downregulated the level of Akkermansia and Alistipes.Metabolomics results confirmed that SUSP-4 obviously elevated thiamine levels compared with Model mice by adjusting thiamine metabolism,which was further confirmed by a targeted metabolism study.Fecal transplantation experiments showed that SUSP-4 exerted an anti-IBD effect by altering the intestinal flora in mice.A mechanistic study showed that SUSP-4 markedly inhibited macrophage activation by decreasing the levels of phospho-nuclear factor kappa-B(p-NF-κB)and cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2)and elevating NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)levels compared with Model group.In conclusion,SUSP-4 affected thiamine metabolism by regulating Akker-mania and inhibited macrophage activation to adjust NF-κB/Nrf2/COX-2-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress against IBD.This is the first time that plant polysaccharides have been shown to affect thiamine metabolism against IBD,showing great potential for in-depth research and development applications.

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