1.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
2.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Diabetic Nephropathy Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Miao XU ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; You WANG ; Yuzhuo CHANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):90-97
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a renal disorder induced by prolonged hyperglycemia, with major pathological features including persistent albuminuria, progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate, and elevated arterial blood pressure. As one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes, the pathogenesis of DN is complex and multifactorial. Without timely and effective treatment, DN may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently available therapeutic options are often associated with significant adverse effects and high costs, and a large number of patients still progress to ESRD due to delayed treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safer and more effective treatment strategies to improve the living standards and enhance the survival and quality of life of patients with DN. Modern studies have demonstrated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway plays a critical role in oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, autophagy, and glycolysis, and is closely associated with the pathophysiological progression of DN. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved remarkable progress in the prevention and treatment of DN, supported by rich clinical experience and confirmed therapeutic efficacy. With its characteristics of multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway actions, along with minimal side effects, TCM can delay the progression of DN and alleviate patient symptoms. Among these mechanisms, the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of DN based on extensive literature research, summarizes the latest research advances on the precise modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by Chinese medicine monomers, active constituents, Chinese patent medicines, and herbal compound formulas in the treatment of DN, aiming to provide a strong theoretical reference for the development of clinically effective agents for DN prevention and treatment.
3.Inhibition of Angiogenesis by Sanguisorbae Radix and Sophorae Flos in Ulcerative Colitis Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Yuzhuo WEI ; Li LIU ; Shu BU ; Yongqi WANG ; Zhiwei MIAO ; Yi XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):40-50
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of action of the combination of Sanguisorbae Radix-Sophorae Flos (DH) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) using network pharmacology methods and molecular docking technology. MethodsNetwork pharmacology analysis was utilized to predict the potential targets of DH for the treatment of UC. The therapeutic effects were experimentally validated by inducing a UC model in mice with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental groups were the normal group, the model group, the salazosulfapyridine group (100 mg·kg-1), and the low, medium, and high dose groups of DH (1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 g·kg-1). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed through the general condition of the mice, histopathological examination, and the expression levels of inflammatory markers in the colon. The effect of DH on angiogenesis was explored by messenger RNA (mRNA) detection of colonic angiogenesis-related mediators, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunohistochemistry, microvessel density (MVD) detection, and transmission electron microscopy. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins were quantitatively analyzed through Western blot to assess whether the suppression of pathological angiogenesis by DH is associated with this pathway. ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis yielded 112 potential core therapeutic targets for the treatment of UC with DH, of which the core targets were tumor protein 53 (TP53), JUN, interleukin (IL)-6, Akt1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed significant weight loss, colon shortening, and high DAI score, increased expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as increased mRNA expression levels of angiogenesis-related mediators VEGF, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), angiotensin 1 (Ang1), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9. The positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue increased, and the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway was increased (P<0.05). The endothelial cells of the colonic mucosa and the colonic vasculature were severely damaged. Compared with the model group, mice in the DH groups had significantly reduced weight loss and colon shortening, lower DAI scores, and a significant decrease in mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and angiogenesis-related mediators. In addition, there was decreased positive expression of CD31 and VEGF in colonic tissue and decreased protein expression of the PI3K/Akt pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation are applied to explore the mechanism of action of DH in the treatment of UC, and it is found that DH is able to improve the symptoms of colitis and inhibit the pathological angiogenesis in UC mice. Its action might be related to affecting the PI3K/Akt pathway.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Diabetic Nephropathy Based on PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Miao XU ; Xiaolei JIA ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; You WANG ; Yuzhuo CHANG ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):90-97
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a renal disorder induced by prolonged hyperglycemia, with major pathological features including persistent albuminuria, progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate, and elevated arterial blood pressure. As one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes, the pathogenesis of DN is complex and multifactorial. Without timely and effective treatment, DN may eventually progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Currently available therapeutic options are often associated with significant adverse effects and high costs, and a large number of patients still progress to ESRD due to delayed treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safer and more effective treatment strategies to improve the living standards and enhance the survival and quality of life of patients with DN. Modern studies have demonstrated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway plays a critical role in oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, autophagy, and glycolysis, and is closely associated with the pathophysiological progression of DN. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved remarkable progress in the prevention and treatment of DN, supported by rich clinical experience and confirmed therapeutic efficacy. With its characteristics of multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway actions, along with minimal side effects, TCM can delay the progression of DN and alleviate patient symptoms. Among these mechanisms, the regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper systematically reviews the role and mechanisms of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the onset and progression of DN based on extensive literature research, summarizes the latest research advances on the precise modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway by Chinese medicine monomers, active constituents, Chinese patent medicines, and herbal compound formulas in the treatment of DN, aiming to provide a strong theoretical reference for the development of clinically effective agents for DN prevention and treatment.
5.Study on the mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides inhibiting the proliferation,migration and immune escape of oral cancer cells
Jinyu LI ; Xiaoyu XU ; Yuzhuo WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2134-2140
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on the proliferation, migration, and immune escape of oral cancer cells by regulating the T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3)/ galectin-9 (Gal-9) signaling pathway. METHODS Human oral cancer cells KB and CAL27 were assigned to control group, L. barbarum polysaccharides low-concentration group (200 μg/mL), L. barbarum polysaccharides high-concentration group (400 μg/mL), pcDNA-NC group (transfection of pcDNA-NC plasmid), pcDNA-TIM3 group (transfection of pcDNA-TIM3 plasmid), high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-NC group (400 μg/mL L. barbarum polysaccharides + transfection of pcDNA-NC plasmid), and high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-TIM3 group (400 μg/mL L. barbarum polysaccharides + transfection of pcDNA-TIM3 plasmid). The proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of the cells, T cell killing rate as well as the levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the cell supernatant were measured. mRNA expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 and protein expressions of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), TIM3 and Gal-9 in the cells were also determined. RESULTS Compared with control group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of L. barbarum polysaccharide low- and high-concentration groups were decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, and the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with control group and pcDNA-NC group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, and protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of the pcDNA-TIM3 group were all significantly increased (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, IFN-γ and IL-2 levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with L. barbarum polysaccharides high-concentration group and high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-NC group, the clone formation rate, scratch healing rate, the number of invasive cells, and protein expressions of IDO1 and PD-L1, mRNA and protein expressions of TIM3 and Gal-9 in both cell types of high concentration of L. barbarum polysaccharides+pcDNA-TIM3 group were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the proliferation inhibition rate, T cell killing rate, and the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. barbarum polysaccharides may inhibit the proliferation, migration, and immune escape of oral cancer cells by suppressing TIM3/Gal-9 signaling pathway.
6.Elemene as a binding stabilizer of microRNA-145-5p suppresses the growth of non-small cell lung cancer.
Meirong ZHOU ; Jiayue WANG ; Yulin PENG ; Xiangge TIAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Junlin CHEN ; Yue WANG ; Yu WANG ; Youjian YANG ; Yongwei ZHANG ; Xiaokui HUO ; Yuzhuo WU ; Zhenlong YU ; Tian XIE ; Xiaochi MA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101118-101118
Elemene is widely recognized as an effective anti-cancer compound and is routinely administered in Chinese clinical settings for the management of several solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, its detailed molecular mechanism has not been adequately demonstrated. In this research, it was demonstrated that elemene effectively curtailed NSCLC growth in the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. Mechanistically, employing high-throughput screening techniques and subsequent biochemical validations such as microscale thermophoresis (MST), microRNA-145-5p (miR-145-5p) was pinpointed as a critical target through which elemene exerts its anti-tumor effects. Interestingly, elemene serves as a binding stabilizer for miR-145-5p, demonstrating a strong binding affinity (dissociation constant (K D) = 0.39 ± 0.17 μg/mL) and preventing its degradation both in vitro and in vivo, while not interfering with the synthesis of the primary microRNA transcripts (pri-miRNAs) and precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs). The stabilization of miR-145-5p by elemene resulted in an increased level of this miRNA, subsequently suppressing NSCLC progression through the miR-145-5p/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3)/nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) pathway. Our findings provide a new perspective on revealing the interaction patterns between clinical anti-tumor drugs and miRNAs.
7.Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Communication Strategies for Vaccination Decision-Making Facilitation
Yuwei ZHANG ; Yuzhuo XIE ; Yazhou WANG ; Jiajun SHI ; Jingzhi WANG ; Jiaqi GUO ; Baijun TENG ; Mingli JIAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):66-69
In recent years,public hesitancy to vaccinate has come to the fore and can hinder the advancement of immunization programs.It is important to increase public confidence in vaccines and to rationally and effectively promote the immunization behavior of the population.Based on behavioral economics theory,it combines the anchoring effect,loss aversion,two-systems theory,and the herd effect to explore the irrational factors and decision-making preferences behind the public's vaccination decisions,and then proposes discourse strategies for effective boosting to increase the public's confidence in vaccination.
8.Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Communication Strategies for Vaccination Decision-Making Facilitation
Yuwei ZHANG ; Yuzhuo XIE ; Yazhou WANG ; Jiajun SHI ; Jingzhi WANG ; Jiaqi GUO ; Baijun TENG ; Mingli JIAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):66-69
In recent years,public hesitancy to vaccinate has come to the fore and can hinder the advancement of immunization programs.It is important to increase public confidence in vaccines and to rationally and effectively promote the immunization behavior of the population.Based on behavioral economics theory,it combines the anchoring effect,loss aversion,two-systems theory,and the herd effect to explore the irrational factors and decision-making preferences behind the public's vaccination decisions,and then proposes discourse strategies for effective boosting to increase the public's confidence in vaccination.
9.Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Communication Strategies for Vaccination Decision-Making Facilitation
Yuwei ZHANG ; Yuzhuo XIE ; Yazhou WANG ; Jiajun SHI ; Jingzhi WANG ; Jiaqi GUO ; Baijun TENG ; Mingli JIAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):66-69
In recent years,public hesitancy to vaccinate has come to the fore and can hinder the advancement of immunization programs.It is important to increase public confidence in vaccines and to rationally and effectively promote the immunization behavior of the population.Based on behavioral economics theory,it combines the anchoring effect,loss aversion,two-systems theory,and the herd effect to explore the irrational factors and decision-making preferences behind the public's vaccination decisions,and then proposes discourse strategies for effective boosting to increase the public's confidence in vaccination.
10.Behavioral Economics Perspectives on Communication Strategies for Vaccination Decision-Making Facilitation
Yuwei ZHANG ; Yuzhuo XIE ; Yazhou WANG ; Jiajun SHI ; Jingzhi WANG ; Jiaqi GUO ; Baijun TENG ; Mingli JIAO
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(8):66-69
In recent years,public hesitancy to vaccinate has come to the fore and can hinder the advancement of immunization programs.It is important to increase public confidence in vaccines and to rationally and effectively promote the immunization behavior of the population.Based on behavioral economics theory,it combines the anchoring effect,loss aversion,two-systems theory,and the herd effect to explore the irrational factors and decision-making preferences behind the public's vaccination decisions,and then proposes discourse strategies for effective boosting to increase the public's confidence in vaccination.

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