1.Exploring Multi-target Effect of Erzhiwan on Improving Myocardial Injury in Ovariectomized Mice Based on Non-targeted Metabolomics
Ying YANG ; Jing HU ; Pei LI ; Ruyuan ZHU ; Zhiguo ZHANG ; Haixia LIU ; Yanjing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):74-84
ObjectiveTo explore the target of Erzhiwan in reducing myocardial injury in ovariectomized mice through non-targeted myocardial metabolomics combined with experimental verification. MethodsOvariectomized mouse model was selected, 40 female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, estrogen group(estradiol valerate, 1.3×10-4 g·kg-1), Erzhiwan low and high dose groups(3.12, 9.36 g·kg-1), with 8 mice in each group. Each administration group was given the corresponding dose of Erzhiwan by gavage, and the sham operation group and model group were given equal volume of distilled water by gavage for 12 weeks. Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe myocardial morphological changes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of estrogen, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), hypersensitive troponin T(hs-TnT), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). The non-targeted metabolomics of mouse myocardium were analyzed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS), and the differential metabolites and corresponding metabolic pathways were obtained. The mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt) in mouse myocardial tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR), and the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated(p)-Akt were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed abnormal cardiac function, increased myocardial fiber space, cardiomyocyte atrophy, sarcoplasmic aggregation, and occasional dissolution or rupture of muscle fiber, the level of estrogen in the serum was decreased, the levels of NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, TG, TC and LDL-C were increased, and the level of HDL-C was decreased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Erzhiwan could increase the level of estrogen, improve the abnormal cardiac function, reduce the pathological injury of myocardial tissue, decrease the levels of myocardial injury markers(NT-proBNP, hs-TnT) and inflammatory factors(IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α), decrease the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, and increased the level of HDL-C(P<0.01). The results of non-targeted myocardial metabolomics showed that 31 of the 162 differential metabolites between the model group and sham operation group were significantly adjusted after administration of Erzhiwan, which were mainly glycerol phospholipid metabolites. Pathway enrichment results showed that Erzhiwan mainly affected glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, PI3K-Akt pathway, cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)-protein kinase G(PKG) pathway and other metabolic pathways. Compared with the sham operation group, the levels of phosphatidylcholine(PC, 11 types) and phosphatidylethanolamine(PE, 5 types) in mouse myocardial tissue of the model group were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of PC(11 types) and PE(5 types) were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01) in myocardial tissue of Erzhiwan group, the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and p-Akt were elevated(P<0.01). ConclusionErzhiwan can alleviate the pathological injury of myocardium in ovariectomized mice, improve the abnormal cardiac function, improve lipid metabolism disorder, and reduce the levels of myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors, which involves a number of signaling and metabolic pathways in the heart, among which glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and PI3K/Akt pathway may have key roles.
2.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes.
3.Effect of Wenpi tongluo kaiqiao formula against neuronal necroptosis in mice with Alzheimer’s disease and its mechanism
Xiaomin ZHU ; Wei CHEN ; Yulan FU ; Guifeng ZHUO ; Yingrui HUANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Lin WU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1046-1051
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanism of Wenpi tongluo kaiqiao formula (WPTL) against neuronal necroptosis in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mice based on the Z-DNA binding protein 1 (ZBP1)/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) signaling pathway. METHODS Forty APP/PS1 transgenic AD mice were randomly divided into model group, WPTL low-dose (WPTL-L) group (10.4 g/kg, calculated by the raw medicine), WPTL high-dose (WPTL-H) group (20.8 g/kg, calculated by the raw medicine) and donepezil hydrochloride group (3 mg/kg), with 10 mice in each group; another 10 C57BL/6J mice were selected as normal control group. Intragastric administration, once a day, for 30 consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate learning and memory abilities; the pathological morphology of hippocampal tissues was observed; the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were determined; the expressions of amyloid precursor protein (APP), Tau protein, and ZBP1/MLKL signaling pathway-related proteins in hippocampal tissues were detected; the positive expression of phosphorylated receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (p-RIPK3) in the neurons of hippocampal tissues and mRNA expression of ZBP1 were measured in hippocampal tissues. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the escape latency of mice in model group was prolonged significantly on day 3 to 5 (P<0.05), the times of crossing platform reduced significantly (P<0.05), and obvious pathological changes were observed in the hippocampal tissue. The level of TNF- α, the expressions of APP, p-Tau and ZBP1, the phosphorylation levels of RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL, the fluorescence intensity of p-RIPK3 as well as the mRNA expression of ZBP1 were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the serum level of IL-4 was decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, above indexes were reversed significantly in administration groups (P<0.05), and pathological damage of hippocampal tissue was alleviated. CONCLUSIONS WPTL can inhibit the ZBP1/MLKL signaling pathway, reduce neuronal necroptosis in AD mice, and inhibit inflammatory responses, thereby improving learning and spatial memory abilities in AD mice.
4.Anti-vascular dementia effect of Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula by inhibiting mitochondrial fission
Yulan FU ; Wei CHEN ; Guifeng ZHUO ; Xiaomin ZHU ; Yingrui HUANG ; Jinzhi ZHANG ; Fucai YANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Lin WU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(15):1859-1865
OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect and its potential mechanism of Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula by inhibiting mitochondrial fission in a vascular dementia (VaD) model rats. METHODS VaD rat model was established by bilateral common carotid artery ligation. The experimental animals were randomly divided into sham operation group (SHAM), model group (MOD),Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula low-dose group (YFXF-L), Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula high-dose group (YFXF-H), and Donepezil hydrochloride group (positive control), with 9 animals in each group. After 30 days of intervention, the spatial learning memory ability was assessed by Morris water maze experiment; HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes in CA1 area of hippocampus; ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-4]; Western blot was used to detect the expressions of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90)/mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)/dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) pathway-related proteins, mitochondrial fusion proteins (MFN1, MFN2), and adenosine triphosphate synthase 5A (ATP5A) in hippocampal tissues. The immunohistochemistry was used to detect the level of phosphorylated MLKL (p-MLKL); real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was adopted to detect mRNA expressions ofHSP90, MFN1, MFN2 and ATP5A. RESULTS Compared with SHAM group, the escape latency of rats in the MOD group was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the platform was significantly reduced, and the hippocampal tissues showed typical neuronal damage characteristics, the positive expression level of p-MLKL and the serum level of IL-1β significantly increased, while the serum level of IL-4 significantly decreased, the protein and mRNA expression of HSP90, as well as the protein expressions of p-MLKL/MLKL and p-Drp1(Ser616)/Drp1 were all significantly increased in hippocampal tissue, the protein and mRNA expressions of MFN1, MFN2 and ATP5A, and protein expression of p-Drp1(Ser637)/Drp1 were all significantly decreased (P<0.05). After the intervention of Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula, above indicators in each treatment group were all significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Yifei xuanfei jiangzhuo formula may alleviate neuronal damage and neuroinflammatory responses in VaD rats by regulating the HSP90/MLKL/Drp1 signaling pathway, inhibiting mitochondrial fission, thereby maintaining mitochondrial dynamic balance and improving mitochondrial function.
5.Postoperative Stage-based Functional Protection Strategies for Lung Cancer Based on Theory of "Lungs Governing Qi"
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Wei HOU ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):86-93
Lung cancer (LC) is a significant global public health issue, with both its incidence and mortality rates ranking among the highest worldwide. The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually, posing a serious threat to the life and health of LC patients. Radical surgical resection is the primary treatment for malignant lung tumors. However, postoperative multidimensional functional impairments, including respiratory, mucosal, and psychological functions, are common. These impairments not only reduce patients' quality of life and affect their treatment tolerance and duration, but also negatively correlate with prognosis, facilitating disease recurrence and metastasis. At present, postoperative functional dysfunction after LC surgery remains a key clinical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed. There is a lack of standardized and regulated postoperative rehabilitation treatment management and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differentiation and treatment strategies for LC. Focusing on the core underlying pathogenesis of "Qi sinking" after LC surgery, and guided by the classical TCM theory of "lungs governing Qi", this study, based on the core concept of the "five perspectives on treatment" theory, innovatively proposes the respiratory dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking in the chest" during the rapid rehabilitation phase, mucosal dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Yin deficiency and Qi sinking" during the postoperative adjuvant treatment phase, and the psychological dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking with emotional constraint" during the consolidation phase. Accordingly, stage-specific dynamic functional protection strategies are constructed. In the rapid rehabilitation phase, the strategy emphasizes tonifying Qi and uplifting sinking Qi, with differentiation and treatment based on the principle of ''descending before ascending''. In the adjuvant treatment phase, the approach focuses on nourishing Yin and uplifting Qi, with prescription combinations that integrate unblocking and tonification. In the consolidation phase, the strategy aims to resolve constraint and uplift Qi, with clinical treatment emphasizing a combination of dynamic and static methods. At each stage of functional rehabilitation, clinical differentiation and treatment should support healthy Qi and eliminate pathogenic factors simultaneously. This study is the first to propose the concept of postoperative functional protection in TCM, offering a new approach for TCM differentiation and treatment in the full-cycle, stage-based, and dynamic protection of postoperative function in LC patients. It is expected to contribute to the construction and development of an integrated TCM-Western medicine comprehensive program for cancer prevention and treatment in China.
6.A Hierarchical Strategy for Differentiation and Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Oral Ulcers Related to Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer Based on Yin Deficiency and Qi Collapse
Luchang CAO ; Guanghui ZHU ; Ruike GAO ; Manman XU ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Ming LIN ; Ying ZHANG ; Jie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):116-125
Tumor treatment-related adverse reactions are a major focus of clinical concern, among which recurrent aphthous oral ulcers (RAU) associated with targeted therapy for lung cancer (LC) are among the most painful and distressing for patients. Currently, modern medical interventions show limited efficacy, and there is an urgent need for more effective treatment strategies. This study differentiates RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC from chemotherapy-related and ordinary oral ulcers, elucidates the pathophysiological basis of such ulcers, and traces the theoretical origin of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse". Based on the new system of "five perspectives on diagnosis and treatment" for tumor prevention and treatment, with a focus on the core and symptom perspectives and rooted in the traditional concept of "lung dominating Qi", we innovatively propose the concept of "medicine-induced ulcer" and are the first to introduce the theory of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" into the syndrome differentiation and treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC (i.e., medicine-induced ulcer). We propose that "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" is the core pathogenesis of medicine-induced ulcers, in which the collapse of formless Qi is the key to their onset, while the deficiency and stasis of tangible Yin and blood constitute the root of recurrence. A hierarchical strategy for syndrome differentiation and treatment is established: first treating the collapse of formless Qi, then replenishing tangible deficiencies, and concurrently preventing recurrence. We emphasize that treatment should address both root and manifestation, with appropriate prioritization. In the acute phase, while relieving symptoms and promoting ulcer healing by nourishing Qi, uplifting collapse, and generating body fluids, attention should also be paid to nourishing spleen Yin, facilitating the circulation of nutritive Qi, and alleviating stasis to target the root pathogenesis and reduce recurrence. A verified case is presented to support this approach. This study enriches the theoretical framework and clinical methods of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC, promotes symptom management of treatment-related adverse reactions through integrated TCM and Western medicine, and provides theoretical support for the construction and development of a comprehensive differentiation and treatment system for lung cancer prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
7.Association between intergenerational parent-child separation and allergic diseases among rural preschool children
ZHU Min, MA Kai, ZHANG Anhui, YU Min, WANG Yufen, SUN Ying
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1333-1336
Objective:
To investigate the impact of intergenerational parent-child separation (PCS) on allergic diseases among rural preschool children, providing theoretical guidance for developing targeted public health interventions.
Methods:
From March to June 2024, 10 kindergartens were selected from Nanling, Wuhu City, Anhui Province. A total of 2 279 children aged 3-6 years and their parents/primary caregivers participated in the survey by a combination of convenience sampling and cluster sampling method. Children s fathers and mothers reported the experiences of PCS during their childhood. The children s PCS experiences and allergies were reported by their primary caregivers. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was used to supplement the allergies (allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi square tests were used to compare differences between children in different PCS groups. Logistic regression models assessed the association between PCS and the risk of allergic diseases in preschool children.
Results:
Among the preschoolers enrolled, the prevalence of allergic diseases in only parent-child separation group in childhood, only child separation group, and the intergenerational continuity of PCS groups were significantly higher than those of the none separation group (38.0%, 41.8%, 48.1%,30.4%; χ 2=40.45, P < 0.01 ). After adjusting for covariates including child age, sex and body mass index, Logistic regression model revealed that compared to children in the group without PCS, those in the only parent-child separation in childhood( OR =1.43, 95% CI =1.06-1.94), only child separation ( OR =1.82, 95% CI =1.22-2.71), and intergenerational continuity of PCS ( OR =2.33, 95% CI =1.68-3.24) exhibited higher allergic disease risk (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Intergenerational continuity of PCS is related to the increased risk of allergies in preschool children. The multigenerational accumulation of adverse effects from PCS underscores the importance of breaking the cycle of disadvantage across generations.
8.Impact of rigid container material type and loading volume on the sterilization of thoracoscopic instruments
Xue'e FANG ; Yanjun MAO ; Qiuping ZHU ; Yanni CAI ; Jing SHU ; Guifen ZHANG ; Yichun JIN ; Minye TANG ; Ying TAO ; Huiting HU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(8):697-699
ObjectiveTo explore the impacts of material type and loading volume of rigid containers on the hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma sterilization of thoracoscopic instruments, to identify the best rigid containers and loading volume of thoracoscopic instruments. MethodsThoracoscopic instruments sterilized by STERRAD® 100NX hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma in Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital affiliated to Tongji University from August to September 2024 were selected as the research items. According to the material of rigid containers, the instruments were divided into polyethylene case group (A), stainless steel case group (B) and silicone resin case group (C). In terms of the loading volume, the rigid containers were divided into (loading capacity <80%) groups of 8, 10 and 12 instruments. The results of physical monitoring, the first type of chemical indicator card monitoring, and the five types of card luminal chemical process challenge device (PCD) monitoring of the 9 groups of A8, A10, A12, B8, B10, B12, C8, C10 and C12 were compared and evaluated. ResultsCompared to A8, A10 A12, C8, C10 or C12 groups, the thoracoscope instruments in the stainless steel containers in B8, B10 or B12 group had higher hydrogen peroxide concentrations and shorter elapsed time in the pressure check phases 1 and phases 2, with the differences statistically significant (P<0.05), followed by the silicone resin case group and the polyethylene case group. The nine groups of physical parameter monitoring, the first type of chemical indicator monitoring, and the five types of chemical PCD monitoring for lumen sterilization achieved 100% qualification rates, and there were no significant differences in the qualified rates of sterilization among the 9 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionWhen using hydrogen peroxide low temperature plasma to sterilize thoracoscopic instruments, it is recommended to use stainless steel or silicone resin rigid containers with a controlled loading capacity (≤12) to ensure optimal sterilization quality.
9.Efficacy of Differential Dosage of Pueraria in Gegen Qinliantang on Acute Enteritis Model in Mice
Ruiying ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Di ZHANG ; Hongfa CHENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhu DENG ; Hui FENG ; Min LIU ; Yang TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):197-204
ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis (AE) model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group,model group,single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group (regular dose group),half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group, with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 (a protein in the tight junction) and Occludin in the colon tissue, as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group,the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher (P<0.05),and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage,glandular atrophy,disordered arrangement,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration,and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly (P<0.05),with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration,the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α (P<0.05) and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein (P<0.05). The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein (P<0.01),and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration,the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α (P<0.01). Meanwhile,the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein (P<0.01). The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein (P<0.05) and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression (P<0.05). ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue, protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells, and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents, Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.
10.Efficacy of Differential Dosage of Pueraria in Gegen Qinliantang on Acute Enteritis Model in Mice
Ruiying ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Di ZHANG ; Hongfa CHENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Zhu DENG ; Hui FENG ; Min LIU ; Yang TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):197-204
ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are differences in the efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang with different contents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on the acute enteritis (AE) model mice and provide a scientific basis for the interpretation of Gegen Qinliantang in the treatment of "Xie Re Li". MethodsA total of 112 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group,model group,single Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,regular dose Gegen Qinliantang group (regular dose group),half-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group,and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group, with 16 mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the colon tissue. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of ZO-1 (a protein in the tight junction) and Occludin in the colon tissue, as well as the changes of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group,the DAI scores of the mice in the model group were significantly higher (P<0.05),and the histopathological sections of their colon tissues showed mucosal damage,glandular atrophy,disordered arrangement,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration,and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins in their colon tissues was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β was significantly up-regulated (P<0.05,P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the DAI scores of mice in all dosing groups decreased significantly (P<0.05),with the most significant effect in the regular dose group. After 7 d of drug administration,the regular dose group had the best impact on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model. The regular dose group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α (P<0.05) and significantly up-regulated the expression of ZO-1 protein (P<0.05). The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of IL-1β protein (P<0.01),and there was no significant difference between all dosing groups and the model group in terms of the expression of Occludin protein. After 14 d of drug administration,the best effect on the repair of colonic mucosa in the AE mouse model was observed in the doubled dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group. All groups except the non-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly down-regulated the expression of TNF-α (P<0.01). Meanwhile,the regular dose group and doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group significantly elevated the expression level of Occludin protein (P<0.01). The doubled-dose Puerariae Lobatae Radix group also significantly inhibited the expression of IL-1β protein (P<0.05) and up-regulated ZO-1 protein expression (P<0.05). ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can reduce the pathological damage of colon tissue, protect the barrier function and structure of intestinal epithelial cells, and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, so as to achieve the therapeutic effect of AE model mice. When comparing the therapeutic efficacy of Gegen Qinliantang containing different Gegen contents, Gegen Qinliantang with the proportion of the original formula of Zhongjing was the most effective in AE model mice.


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