1.Research on The Construction and Application of Multiple Fluorescence Amplification System for Three Kinds of Stains
Yi-Fan BAI ; He-Miao ZHAO ; Jing CHEN ; Hong-Di LIU ; Rui-Qin YANG ; Chong WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):982-994
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveA multiplex amplification system was constructed based on the capillary electrophoresis platform for simultaneous detection of saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions using tissue-specific RNA markers. The aim of this study is to identify the tissue origin of suspicious body fluid stains found at crime scenes and determine whether the body fluid stains at the crime scene are one or several types among saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. MethodsThirty saliva samples, forty semen samples, and forty vaginal secretion samples (half from 2015 and half from 2024) were collected from healthy adult volunteers. Through primer designing, system formulation, and PCR condition optimization, a multiplex fluorescent amplification system was constructed. The specificity, sensitivity, and detection ability for mixed samples of this system were investigated, and it was tested using real crime scene materials. In the primer design stage, to reduce the requirements for RNA template quality, the amplification products were set within 80-300 bp. In the system formulation stage, dominant and subordinate primers were mainly considered. By reducing the concentration of dominant primers and increasing that of subordinate primers, a capillary electrophoresis spectrum with an appropriate peak height ratio was finally obtained. Additionally, gradient experiments were designed to adjust the concentrations of PCR reagents and PCR amplification conditions, and multiple versions of DNA amplification enzymes were optimized to achieve the best experimental results. ResultsThrough statistical analysis, there was no significant difference in the capillary electrophoresis of the 3 types of body fluid samples from the two years (2015 and 2024), demonstrating that the sample preservation method in this study can preserve samples for a relatively long time. The composite amplification system constructed in this study exhibited high specificity for all 3 types of body fluid, with no cross-reactions between the markers of each type of body fluid. The minimum detection thresholds for the 3 types of body fluid reached 0.002 9, 0.001 5, and 0.42 mg/L, respectively. This system also had a high degree of discrimination for mixed samples, especially for semen-saliva mixtures, where each body fluid marker could still be successfully detected when the concentration ratio of semen to saliva was 100:1. Meanwhile, in the two actual cases presented in this article, the application of this composite amplification system performed outstandingly. ConclusionThe composite amplification detection system constructed in this study can achieve the correct screening of saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions, overcoming the problems such as low specificity and sensitivity of marker tests and unbalanced RFU values of each marker in previous studies. The specificity and sensitivity meet the practical work requirements, and the operation is simple. It provides an analytical and identification method for body fluid stains in actual case and is applicable to the identification of the tissue origin of biological evidence at crime scenes involving sexual assault, indecent assault, and other criminal acts. In the future, more types of body fluid markers will be screened to expand the types of body fluids detected by the system, and body fluid-specific cSNP and cInDel genetic markers will be introduced to infer the sources (individuals and types) of mixed and complex stains more accurately. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Inhibition of Oxidative Stress of Sciatic Nerve in Diabetic Rats by Tangbikang Granules Regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Signaling Pathway
Gang LIU ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Lingling QIN ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Qiue ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Yi ZHAO ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(6):75-82
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Tangbikang granules on oxidative stress of sciatic nerve in diabetic rats by regulating adenylate activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α/mitochondrial Sirtuins 3 (AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3) signaling pathway. MethodThe spontaneous obesity type 2 diabetes model was established using ZDF rats. After modeling, they were randomly divided into high, medium, and low dose Tangbikang granule groups (2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g·kg-1·d-1) and lipoic acid group (0.026 8 g·kg-1·d-1), and the normal group was set up. The rats were administered continuously for 12 weeks after modeling. The blood glucose of rats was detected before intervention and at 4, 8, 12 weeks after intervention. At the 12th week, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), nerve blood flow velocity, mechanical pain threshold, and thermal pain threshold were detected. The sciatic nerve was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the tissue morphology. The ultrastructure of the sciatic nerve was observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in sciatic nerve were determined by enzyme-related immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 in sciatic nerve were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the normal group, fasting blood glucose in the model group was increased at each time point (P<0.01). The mechanical pain threshold was decreased (P<0.05), and the incubation time of the hot plate was extended (P<0.01). MNCV, SNCV, and nerve blood flow velocity decreased (P<0.05). The expression level of SOD was decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α were increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 were decreased (P<0.01). The structure of sciatic nerve fibers in the model group was loose, and the arrangement was disordered. The demyelination change was obvious. Compared with the model group, the fasting blood glucose of rats in the high dose Tangbikang granule group was decreased after the intervention of eight weeks and 12 weeks (P<0.01). The mechanical pain threshold increased (P<0.05). The incubation time of the hot plate was shortened (P<0.01). MNCV, SNCV, and Flux increased (P<0.05). The expression level of SOD was increased (P<0.01). The expression levels of MDA, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, and SIRT3 were increased (P<0.01). The sciatic nerve fibers in the high-dose Tangbikang granule group were tighter and more neatly arranged, with only a few demyelinating changes. The high, medium, and low dose Tangbikang granule groups showed a significant dose-effect trend. ConclusionTangbikang granules may improve sciatic nerve function in diabetic rats by regulating AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway partly to inhibit oxidative stress. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.Electroacupuncture Combined with Point Bloodletting and Cupping for Idiopathic Facial Palsy in Acute Stage of 40 Cases:A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yi'nan QIN ; Lihong YANG ; Yang BAI ; Tianyu XU ; Nana ZHAO ; Zhimei LI ; Yuanhao DU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(14):1458-1463
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore the influence of electroacupuncture combined with point bloodletting and cupping for facial nerve function recovery in acute stage of idiopathic facial palsy (IFP). MethodsEighty patients with IFP in the acute stage were randomly divided into 40 cases each in the treatment group and the control group. In the control group, oral prednisone acetate tablets were administered during the acute stage when the disease duration was less than 10 days; and electroacupuncture and flash cupping were provided during the recovery stage when the disease duration was more than 10 days, five times a week. For treatment group in acute stage, the stellate ganglion, vagus nerve stimulation point in the auricular cavity, Yifeng (TE 17) and Tinghui (GB 2) were needled on the affected side on the basis of the treatment of control group, with Yifeng and Tinghui connecting to electroacupuncture apparatus, once a day; point bloodletting and then cupping in Yifeng 2 times a week; in recovery stage, the treatment was the same as that of the control group. Both groups were treated until the 45th day from onset. The primary outcome was the Toronto facial grading system (SFGS), and the secondary outcomes included house-brackmann (H-B) grade, facial disability index (FDI) score, and number of H-B grade-Ⅰ cases. Adverse events were recorded in both groups. ResultsThe SFGS scores of the patients in both groups were higher on the 10th, 30th and 45th days after onset of disease compared with those before the treatment (P<0.05); the H-B grade was lower on the 30th and 45th days after the onset of the disease compared with those before the treatment (P<0.05); and the facial disability index physical function (FDIP) and facial disability index social function (FDIS) scores were higher on the 30th and 45th days after onset of disease (P<0.05). SFGS scores of patients in the treatment group were significantly higher than those of the control group on the 30th and 45th days after onset (P<0.05); H-B grade was significantly lower than that of the control group on the 30th and 45th days after onset (P<0.05); and FDIP scores on the 45th day after onset, and FDIS scores on the 30th and 45th days after onset were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). At the end of treatment, 77.50% (31 cases) achieved H-B grade-Ⅰ in the treatment group, which was more than 55.00% (22 cases) in the control group (P<0.05). No adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionElectroacupuncture combined with point bloodletting and cupping for IFP in acute stage can improve the recovery degree of facial nerve function, improve effectiveness, and show a high degree of safety. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine: Perimenopausal Syndrome
Shiwan HU ; Haiyan LIANG ; Kun MA ; Xiaona MA ; Zihan FANG ; Wenpei BAI ; Xinmin LIU ; Hongtian LI ; Fengmei LIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Lihua QIN ; Min SHANG ; Ailuan LAI ; Xiuxiang TENG ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):234-242
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Perimenopausal syndrome (MPS), a common endocrine system disease, is one of the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The China Association of Chinese Medicine organized experts in endocrinology, gynecology, and interdisciplinary fields of both Western and Chinese medicine to discuss the advantages and challenges of diagnosing and treating MPS with Western medicine, TCM, and integrative medicine. Experts at the conference believe that MPS is initiated by estrogen decline and rooted in deficiency, with the pathogenesis being imbalance between Yin and Yang in the kidney. The hormone replacement therapy in Western medicine for menopause can rapidly alleviate related symptoms by quickly restoring the estrogen level and timely detect and delay complications of menopause, whereas such a therapy has certain risks, necessitating close monitoring of adverse reactions. Moreover, the various contraindications and precautions limit the clinical application of the hormone replacement therapy. TCM has advantages in synergistically alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, sleep disorders, and emotional abnormalities of MPS without causing obvious adverse reactions. However, its efficacy is slower than the hormone replacement therapy, and the TCM evidence for preventing and treating complications of menopause remains unclear. Three suggestions were proposed for the future development of both Western and TCM for ameliorating MPS. First, an integrated diagnosis and treatment system for MPS with both Western and Chinese medicine should be established. Second, high-quality evidence-based interventions for MPS should be developed with TCM alone or in combination with Western medicine. Third, efforts should be made to promote the new TCM drug development and the interdisciplinary cooperation for treating MPS. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Chinese expert consensus on targeted and immunotherapy combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer
Ping JIANG ; Zi LIU ; Lichun WEI ; Yunyan ZHANG ; Fengju ZHAO ; Xiangkun YUAN ; Yipeng SONG ; Jing BAI ; Xiaofan LI ; Baosheng SUN ; Lijuan ZOU ; Sha LI ; Yuhua GAO ; Yanhong ZHUO ; Song GAO ; Qin XU ; Xiaohong ZHOU ; Hong ZHU ; Junjie WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2024;33(10):893-901
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) refers to the simultaneous treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and the effect of radiotherapy is enhanced with low-dose chemotherapy, which can reduce tumor recurrence and metastasis and improve clinical prognosis of patients. At present, the main factors for the increase of radiosensitivity of concurrent chemotherapy is that concurrent chemotherapy prevents the repair of tumor cells, and chemotherapy and radiotherapy act on different cell cycles and have synergistic effects. However, even for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) who have undergone CCRT, the 5-year survival rate is only 60%, which is still not ideal. In order to improve the efficacy, researchers have conducted a series of exploratory studies, which consist of the combination of targeted drugs and immunodrugs, and neoadjuvant regimens before CCRT, etc. Although targeted or immunologic drugs are effective treatment of LACC, in view of the lack of large-scale evidence-based medical evidence, multi-center prospective and randomized phase III clinical trials and high-level articles are needed to improve the level of evidence-based medicine. This consensus summarizes several key evidence-based medical studies published recently, especially the clinical research progress in targeted and immunological therapies, providing reference for domestic peers.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Establishment of a genetically diverse mouse model of hypertension and analysis of gene transcription regulation
Zhibin HUANG ; Jirong PAN ; Lingyan ZHANG ; Dalu ZHAO ; Qian WANG ; Chengzhi WEI ; Xu MA ; Lin BAI ; Chuan QIN
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2024;32(5):576-584
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the differences in blood pressure phenotypes,renal pathological changes,and related pathogenic pathways in genetically diverse hypertensive mice obtained from 13 strains.Methods The genotypes of Cckbr+/+,Cckbr+/-and Cckbr-/-were obtained by hybridization of 13 strains of genetically diverse mice with Cckbr-/-mice.Blood pressure was measured with a noninvasive blood pressure analysis system(BP-2000).The expression of CCKBR protein in mouse kidney tissue was detected by Western Blot,and the pathological changes in mouse kidney tissue were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and immunohistochemistry(IHC).The pathogenic pathways related to essential hypertension were screened by RNA sequencing.Results In three specific mouse strains(A/J,LOT,and FIM),the systolic blood pressure(SBP)was significantly different between the Cckbr-/-and Cckbr+/+groups.HE staining and IHC showed that hypertension caused a certain degree of renal injury in the mice.Gene Ontology(GO)and pathway enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in metabolic processes and circadian rhythm regulation.Conclusions Genetically diverse mice can effectively simulate the genetic background of the population and provide a new resource for studying the pathogenic genes related to essential hypertension.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Construction and Evaluation of Theranostic Near-infrared Fluorescent Probe for Targeting Inflammatory Brain Edema
Jing QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Caiqin ZHANG ; Bing BAI ; Changhong SHI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2024;44(3):243-250
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective A novel compound based on near-infrared fluorescence(NIRF)probe was prepared to achieve dynamic monitoring of an inflammatory brain edema model in mice and real-time evaluation of therapeutic effects through in vivo imaging.Methods The NIRF probe IR-783 was chemically linked with clinical brain edema therapeutic drug furosemide(FSM)to obtain the new compound,IR-783-FSM.The ultraviolet fluorescence properties of the compound were evaluated using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer.The uptake of the compound by mouse macrophage cells RAW 264.7 was detected with in vitro cellular experiments.Its cytotoxicity was evaluated through CCK8 assays.A brain edema model was established in BALB/c mice via intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide(LPS),confirmed by HE staining and dry-wet weight methods for brain tissues.The mice in the brain edema model were divided into control group,IR-783,and IR-783-FSM treatment groups,receiving intraperitoneal injections of PBS,IR-783,and IR-783-FSM,respectively.Real-time in vivo fluorescence imaging was then performed.The mice in each group were euthanized after 10 hours.Ex vivo brain imaging and dry-wet weight measurements were performed to observe the NIRF imaging characteristics and therapeutic effects of IR-783-FSM on brain edema model.Results The newly synthesized compound,IR-783-FSM,retained the excellent near-infrared fluorescence characteristics of IR-783.It could target mouse macrophages with an IC50 of 48.82 μmol/L.A brain edema model could be successfully constructed with intraperitoneal injection of LPS,with significantly higher brain tissue water content compared to the control group(P<0.01).In vivo imaging showed that IR-783-FSM had a significantly stronger fluorescence signal in the brain edema model than IR-783.Compared to the control group,the brain water content was significantly reduced in the 2,5,and 8 mmol/L IR-783-FSM treatment groups(P<0.01).Conclusion The newly synthesized NIRF probe IR-783-FSM facilitates dynamic monitoring of brain edema and real-time evaluation of therapeutic effects.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Effect of Tangbikang Granules on PI3K Pathway in Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus Rats with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Yaqi ZHANG ; Lingling QIN ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Qiue ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Gang LIU ; Xinwei ZUO ; Yi ZHAO ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(9):71-80
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect of Tangbikang granules(TBK) on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. MethodT2DM and NAFLD were induced in ZDF rats, which were then respectively treated (ig) with low-dose (0.625 g·kg-1), medium-dose (1.25 g·kg-1), and high-dose (2.5 g·kg-1) TBK for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body mass were recorded every 4 weeks during the treatment. One week before sampling, the feed intake of rats was detected, and after 12 h night fasting, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate glucose tolerance, and the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Blood in abdominal aorta and liver were collected for determination of blood glucose and lipid metabolism indexes: Fasting serum insulin (FINS), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). The liver was weighed to calculate the liver index, and the liver tissue morphology was observed and analyzed based on hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. The protein levels of insulin receptor substrate (IRS), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated IRS and Akt were detected by Western blotting. All data were analyzed by SPSS 20.0. ResultThe feed intake of the model group was higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01), and the feed intake the administration groups was lower than that in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). At the 8th and 12th week, the body mass in the model group was lower than that in the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TBK reduced FBG in a concentration-dependent manner. The blood glucose level in OGTT and AUC in the model group were higher/larger than those in the normal group (P<0.01). The blood glucose value in OGTT was decreased in TBK groups and the metformin group compared with that in the model group, and AUC in the administration groups was significantly different from that in the model group (P<0.01). The serum level of FINS and HOMA-IR in the model group were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01), and they were lower in the TBK groups than in the model group (P<0.01). Serum levels of TG, TC, HDL-C, NEFA (P<0.05, P<0.01), and LDL-C were higher in the model group than in the normal group. Serum levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, and NEFA in the TBK groups were lower than those in the model group, and the levels of TG, LDL-C, and NEFA in TBK groups were concentration-dependent (lowest levels in high-dose TBK group). Compared with the model group, high-dose TBK significantly increased the level of HDL-C (P<0.05). Liver index of the model group was higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01). The liver index of the administration groups showed a decreasing trend with no significant difference from that in the model group. As for the HE staining result of liver, the model group had unclear structure of liver lobule, enlarged cells of different sizes, and obvious steatosis of hepatocytes. TBK of all doses alleviated liver injury, particularly the high dose. For the PAS staining, compared with the normal group, the model group demonstrated significant fat vacuoles and significant reduction in purplish red glycogen granules in the cytoplasm. The staining results of high- and medium-dose groups of TBK were more similar to the normal group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of liver tissue. The expression of PI3K protein, p-IRS1/IRS1, and p-Akt/Akt in the model group were lower than those in the normal group (P<0.01), and they were higher in the high-dose TBK group than in the model group (P<0.01). ConclusionTBK exerts therapeutic effect on T2DM combined with NAFLD in ZDF rats by activating the typical PI3K signaling pathway. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Molecular Mechanism of Tangbikang Granules Against Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification
Yaqi ZHANG ; Lingling QIN ; Huizhong BAI ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Qiue ZHANG ; Xinwei ZUO ; Shengyuan JIANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(9):81-90
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Tangbikang granules (TBK) against diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) based on network pharmacology and in-vivo experiment. MethodThe active components in medicinals of TBK and their target genes were searched from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The active components of the medicinals which are not included in TCMSP were searched from previous research. After the analysis of drug-likeness by SwissADME, the target genes of them were predicted with SwissTargetPrediction. DPN-related target genes were retrieved from GeneCards. The common targets of the disease and the prescription were the hub genes of TBK against DPN, which were uploaded to Metascape for Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. High-sugar and high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ, ip) were employed to induce diabetes in rats, and then the model rats were respectively treated with low-dose (0.625 g·kg-1), medium-dose (1.25 g·kg-1), and high-dose (2.5 g·kg-1) TBK for 12 weeks. Sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) was evaluated. After hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, the sciatic nerve was observed under light microscope to examine the nerve damage. Real-time PCR was performed to detect the gene expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway-related targets in rat sciatic nerve, and Western blot to measure the protein expression of AMPK and phosphorylated (p)-AMPK in rat sciatic nerve. ResultThe main active components of TBK, such as quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol, leech pteridine A, stigmasterol, and baicalein were screened out, mainly acting on interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B (Akt), JUN, and HSP90AA1 and signaling pathways such as AMPK, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT). Molecular docking results showed that β-sitosterol and stigmasterol had high binding affinity with IL-6, TNF, JUN, and HSP90AA1. As for the animal experiment, compared with the normal group, model group had low SNCV of sciatic nerve (P<0.01), disordered and loose myelinated nerve fibers with axonotmesis and demyelinization, low mRNA expression of AMPKα, AMPKβ, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), Sirtuin 3 (SirT3), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and low p-AMPK/AMPK ratio in sciatic nerve (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TBK of the three doses raised the SNCV (P<0.01), restored nerve morphology and nerve compactness, and increased the mRNA expression of AMPKα, AMPKβ, PGC-1α, SirT3, and TFAM (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ratio of p-AMPK/AMPK in the high-dose and medium-dose TBK groups was higher than that in the model group (P<0.01), while the protein expression in the low-dose TBK group was insignificantly different from that in the model group. ConclusionTBK exerts therapeutic effect on DPN through multiple pathways and targets. The mechanism is that it activates and regulates AMPK/PGC-1α/SirT3 signaling, which lays a basis for further study of TBK in the treatment of DPN. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Tangbikang Granules Modulates AMPK/NF-κB Pathway to Alleviate Sciatic Nerve Inflammation in Diabetic Rats
Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Chengfei ZHANG ; Qiue ZHANG ; Xinwei ZUO ; Gang LIU ; Yu ZHAO ; Yi ZHAO ; Tonghua LIU ; Xiaohong MU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(9):91-98
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Tangbikang granules (TBK) on sciatic nerve inflammation in diabetic rats through modulation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. MethodSD rats were fed with high-fat and high-sugar diet for 8 weeks and then treated with streptozotocin (STZ, ip) at 35 mg·kg-1 for modeling. Then the rats were randomized into diabetes group, low-dose (0.625 g·kg-1), medium-dose (1.25 g·kg-1), and high-dose (2.5 g·kg-1) TBK groups, and lipoic acid group (0.026 8 g·kg-1) according to body weight and blood glucose level, and a normal group was designed. After modeling, administration began and lasted 12 weeks. The body mass, blood glucose level, and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of the rats were detected before treatment and at the 4th, 8th, and 12th week of administration. At the 12th week, the sciatic nerve was collected for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining, and the structural changes of sciatic nerve were observed under scanning electron microscope. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in sciatic nerve were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the levels of AMPK, phosphorylated (p)-AMPK, and NF-κB proteins in the sciatic nerve were measured by Western blot. ResultThe blood glucose concentration and TWL in the model group were higher than those in the normal group at each time point (P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB protein in sciatic nerve in the model group were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01), and the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio was smaller than that in the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TBK of the three doses lowered the TWL (P<0.05, P<0.01) and the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB protein in sciatic nerve of rats (P<0.05, P<0.01), and high-dose and medium-dose TBK raised p-AMPK/AMPK (P<0.05, P<0.01). The sciatic nerve fibers were orderly and compact with alleviation of demyelination in rats treated with TBK compared with those in the model group. ConclusionTBK improves the function of sciatic nerve and alleviates neuroinflammation in diabetic rats. The mechanism is the likelihood that it up-regulates the expression of AMPK in the AMPK/NF-κB pathway and inhibits the expression of downstream NF-κB, thereby alleviating the neuroinflammation caused by high levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and TNF-α due to NF-κB activation. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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