1.Mechanism of Action of Guishenwan in Treatment of Ovarian Insufficiency Diseases: A Review
Yao CHEN ; Sainan TIAN ; Bin'an WANG ; Shengyu WANG ; Wen'e LIU ; Lei LEI ; Li TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):317-324
Guishenwan (GSW), originating from Jingyue Quanshu (Zhang Jingyue's Complete Works), is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula with a history of over 400 years. Designed for kidney essence deficiency syndrome, it is clinically applied to treat diseases associated with essence-blood deficiency, such as ovarian insufficiency diseases in women, oligospermia-induced infertility in men, and lumbar disc herniation. Numerous studies have confirmed its significant efficacy and advantages in managing ovarian insufficiency diseases, including diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), and premature ovarian failure (POF). According to recent literature, the therapeutic mechanisms of GSW in treating ovarian insufficiency diseases involve regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA) function, ameliorating reproductive endocrine disorders, improving ovarian function, modulating relevant signaling pathways, and exerting immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. A review of GSW in clinical treatment revealed that clinical applications of GSW, particularly in combination with Western medicine, not only alleviate symptoms but also compensate for the limitations of hormone replacement therapy, thereby reducing recurrence, minimizing adverse reactions, and enhancing safety. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the rational clinical use of GSW in ovarian insufficiency diseases, offer innovative TCM strategies for developing novel ovarian-protective drugs, promote the integration of TCM and Western medicine in reproductive medicine, and ultimately contribute a Chinese approach to global management of ovarian insufficiency diseases.
2.Staged Characteristics of Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism in Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Yang Deficiency Syndrome and Prescription Intervention from Theory of Reinforcing Yang
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Peng LUO ; Jiahao YE ; Kun LIAN ; Siyuan HU ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):129-138
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by ventricular dysfunction, with mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder being a critical factor in disease progression. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, as the core pathogenesis of CHF, persists throughout the disease course. Insufficiency of heart-Yang leads to weakened warming and propelling functions, resulting in the accumulation of phlegm-fluid, blood stasis, and dampness. This eventually causes Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction and blood stasis with water retention, forming a vicious cycle that exacerbates disease progression. According to the theory of reinforcing Yang, the clinical experience of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) master Tang Zuxuan in treating CHF with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome, and achievements from molecular biological studies, this study innovatively proposes an integrated research framework of "TCM syndrome differentiation and staging-mitochondrial metabolism mechanisms-intervention with Yang-reinforcing prescriptions" which is characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Heart-Yang deficiency syndrome is classified into mild (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ), severe (Stage Ⅲ), and critical (Stage Ⅳ) stages. The study elucidates the precise correlations between the pathogenesis of each stage and mitochondrial metabolism disorders from theoretical, pathophysiological, and therapeutic perspectives. The mild stage is characterized by impaired biogenesis and substrate-utilization imbalance, corresponding to heart-Yang deficiency and phlegm-fluid aggregation. Linggui Zhugantang and similar prescriptions can significantly improve the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1α(PGC-1α)/silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) and ATPase activity. The severe stage centers on oxidative stress and structural damage, reflecting Yang deficiency with water overflow and phlegm-blood stasis intermingling. At this stage, Zhenwu Tang and Qiangxin Tang can effectively mitigate oxidative stress damage, increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content, and repair mitochondrial structure. The critical stage arises from calcium overload and mitochondrial disintegration, leading to the collapse of Yin-Yang equilibrium. At this stage, Yang-restoring and crisis-resolving prescriptions such as Fuling Sini Tang and Qili Qiangxin capsules can inhibit abnormal opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate, and protect mitochondrial function. By summarizing the characteristics of mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders at different stages of CHF, this study explores the application of the theory of reinforcing Yang in treating heart-Yang deficiency syndrome and provides new insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CHF.
3.Danhong Injection Regulates Ventricular Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure with Heart-Blood Stasis Syndrome via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Zizheng WU ; Xing CHEN ; Jiahao YE ; Lichong MENG ; Yao ZHANG ; Junyu ZHANG ; Zhixi HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):149-159
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of ventricular remodeling mediated by the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the rat model of chronic heart failure (CHF) with heart-blood stasis syndrome, as well as the intervention effect of Danhong injection. MethodsIn vivo experiment: SPF-grade male SD rats were assigned via the random number table method into 4 groups: Sham operation, model, captopril (8.8 mg·kg-1), and Danhong injection (6.0 mL·kg-1). The model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome was established by abdominal aortic constriction, and the sham operation group only underwent laparotomy without constriction. All the groups were treated continuously for 15 days. The tongue color of rats was observed. Echocardiography, hemorheology, heart mass index (HMI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the pathological and fibrotic changes of the myocardial tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Creactive protein (CRP) in the serum, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to quantify the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue. In vitro experiment: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were treated with 1×10-6 mol·L-1 AngⅡ to establish a model of myocardial hypertrophy. H9C2 cardiomyocytes were allocated into normal, model, inhibitor + Danhong injection, Danhong injection (20 mL·L-1), and inhibitor (SB203580, 5 μmol·L-1) groups. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Rhodamine-labeled phalloidin staining was used to reveal the area of cardiomyocytes. Real-time PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Western blot was used to assess the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65. ResultsIn vivo experiment: Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed purplish-dark tongue with decreased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.01), increased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.01), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01), increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVIDs), and left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (LVPWd) (P<0.01), raised LVMI and HMI (P<0.01), and elevated levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). The HE and Masson staining of the myocardial tissue showed compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration in the model group. Additionally, the model group presented up-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed increased R, G, B values of the tongue surface (P<0.05, P<0.01), decreased whole blood viscosity (at low, medium, and high shear rates) (P<0.05, P<0.01), increased LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01), decreased LVIDd, LVIDs, and LVPWd (P<0.05, P<0.01), declined LVMI and HMI (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lowered levels of NT-proBNP, TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP in the serum and MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). HE and Masson staining showed alleviated compensatory myocardial hypertrophy, reduced fibrosis, and decreased expression of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in the myocardial tissue (P<0.01). In vitro experiment: When the concentration of Danhong injection reached 20 mL·L-1, the survival rate of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was the highest (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), increased relative cell surface area (P<0.01), and raised protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of ANP and BNP (P<0.01), reduced relative cell surface area (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhong injection can regulate ventricular remodeling through the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thereby exerting a protective effect on the rat model of CHF with heart-blood stasis syndrome.
4.Effect of Wenyang Shengji Ointment (温阳生肌膏) on MGO Content and HIF-1a/VEGF Pathway in Wound Tissue of Diabetic Wound Model Rats with Yin Syndrome
Xinyu HUANG ; Li CHEN ; Yarong DING ; Jun WANG ; Shuihua FENG ; Zhongzhi ZHOU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):382-389
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Wenyang Shengji Ointment (温阳生肌膏, WSO) in the treatment of diabetic wounds with yin syndrome. MethodsA total of 24 SD rats were randomly divided into a group (n=6) and modeling group (n=18). The modeling group rats were fed with high-fat diet for 14 days and then were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin to induce diabetic model. After steroid injection, full-thickness skin defects were created on the back of the rats to establish a diabetic wound with yin syndrome model. The normal group was fed with regular diet, and full-thickness skin defects were created surgically on the back of the rats. The 18 successfully modeled rats were further divided into three groups, the model group, the WSO group, and the Beifuxin (Recombinant Bovine Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Gel, BX) group, 6 rats in each group. The WSO group was given the ointment to the wound, the Beifuxin group was givne BX gel, and the normal group and model group was disinfected and treated with saline. All groups had their dressings changed once daily for 14 days. Wound healing was recorded on days 0, 3, 7, and 14, and the wound healing rate was calculated on day 3, 7, and 14. On day 14 after treatment, HE staining was performed to observe the pathological morphology of the wound tissue. Western Blot was used to detect the relative protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Immunofluorescence was used to measure the fluorescence intensity of HIF-1α in the wound tissue, and ELISA was used to detect the methylglyoxal (MGO) content in the wound tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed poor wound healing on day 3, 7, and 14, with a low wound healing rate (P<0.01). HE staining showed scab coverage on the wound, with inflammatory cell infiltration and disorganized collagen arrangement. The relative protein levels of VEGF were significantly reduced, while the relative protein levels of HIF-1α and the MGO content significantly increased (P<0.01), and the fluorescence intensity of HIF-1α was enhanced. Compared to the model group, the WSO group and Beifuxin group showed better wound healing on day 3, 7, and 14, with an increased wound healing rate (P<0.01). The wound tissue showed clear and complete epithelial structure, reduced inflammatory cells, mature granulation tissue, and organized collagen arrangement. MGO content was significantly reduced (P<0.01). The relative protein levels of HIF-1α and VEGF both significantly increased in the WSO group, while only VEGF increased in the Beifuxin group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the Beifuxin group, the WSO group had a thicker epidermal layer, prominent collagen formation, significantly increased HIF-1α fluorescence expression, reduced MGO content in the wound tissue, and higher relative protein levels of HIF-1α (P<0.05). ConclusionWSO can reduce the accumulation of MGO in diabetic wound tissue with yin syndrome and activate the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway, which could be one of the mechanisms for promoting wound healing.
5.Mechanism of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata in Treatment of Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure Based on Bioinformation Analysis and Experimental Validation
Xiaoling TIAN ; Yu ZHANG ; Shan DU ; Mengsi WU ; Nianhua TAN ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):156-165
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of action of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (CSFZ) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experiments. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was used to identify potential targets and related signaling pathways for the treatment of ACLF with CSFZ. Molecular docking was used to examine the binding activity of the core components with corresponding key targets. An ACLF rat model was established by subcutaneous and tail vein injections of bovine serum albumin combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + D-galactosamine (D-GalN) intraperitoneal injection. A normal control group (NC), a model group, a CSFZ group (CSFZ, 5.85 g·kg-1), and a hepatocyte growth-promoting granule group (HGFG, 4.05 g·kg-1) were set up in this study. Pathological changes in rat liver tissue were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Caspase-3, and albumin (ALB). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt). ResultsNetwork pharmacology screening identified 49 active ingredients of CSFZ, 103 action targets, and 3 317 targets related to ACLF. Among these, 74 targets overlapped with CSFZ drug targets. Key nodes in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network included Akt1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-6, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. Gene Ontology (GO) functional analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified multiple signaling pathways, with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway being the most frequent. Molecular docking showed that the core components of the drug exhibited good binding activity with the corresponding key targets. Animal experiments confirmed that CSFZ significantly improved liver tissue pathological damage in ACLF rats, reduced the release of inflammatory factors and liver cell apoptosis, and upregulated the expression levels of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. ConclusionThrough network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experiments, this study confirms the effect of CSFZ in reducing liver cell inflammatory damage and inhibiting liver cell apoptosis. The specific mechanism may be related to its involvement in regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
6.Development of Electrospinning Setup for Vascular Tissue-Engineering Application with Thick-Hierarchical Fiber Alignment
Shen CHEN ; Chao XIE ; Xiaoxi LONG ; Xianwei WANG ; Xudong LI ; Peng LIU ; Jiabin LIU ; Zuyong WANG
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2025;22(2):195-210
BACKGROUND:
Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge.
METHODS:
A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility.
RESULTS:
The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.
7.Aerobic Exercise Improves Cognitive Function of Aging Mice by Regulating Intestinal Flora-metabolite Network
An-Feng WANG ; Tong WU ; Hu ZHANG ; Ji-Ling LIANG ; Ning CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1484-1498
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function in aging mice and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which aerobic exercise ameliorates cognitive decline through the regulation of gut microbiota-metabolite network. By providing novel insights into the interplay between exercise, gut microbiota, and cognitive health, this research seeks to offer a robust theoretical foundation for developing anti-aging strategies and personalized exercise interventions targeting aging-related cognitive dysfunction. MethodsUsing naturally aged C57BL/6 mice as the experimental model, this study employed a multi-omics approach combining 16S rRNA sequencing and wide-targeted metabolomics analysis. A total of 18 mice were divided into 3 groups: young control (YC, 4-month-old), old control (OC, 21-month-old), and old+exercise (OE, 21-month-old with 12 weeks of moderate-intensity treadmill training) groups. Behavioral assessments, including the Morris water maze (MWM) test, were conducted to evaluate cognitive function. Histopathological examinations of brain tissue sections provided morphological evidence of neuronal changes. Fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota and metabolite profiling via 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS). Data were analyzed using a combination of statistical and bioinformatics tools to identify differentially abundant microbial taxa and metabolites and to construct interaction networks between them. ResultsBehavioral tests revealed that 12 weeks of aerobic exercise significantly improved spatial learning and memory capacity of aged mice, as evidenced by reduced escape latency and increased target area exploration and platform crossings in the MWM. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that exercise mitigated aging-related neuronal damage in the hippocampus, enhancing neuronal density and morphology. 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that exercise increased gut microbiota α‑diversity and enriched beneficial bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, and Rikenella. Metabolomics analysis identified 32 differentially regulated metabolites between OC and OE groups, with 94 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated in the OE group when compared with OC group. These metabolites were primarily involved in energy metabolism reprogramming (e.g., L-homocitrulline), antioxidant defense (e.g., L-carnosine), neuroprotection (e.g., lithocholic acid), and DNA repair (e.g., ADP-ribose). Network analysis further revealed strong positive correlations between specific bacteria and metabolites, such as Parabacteroides with ADP-ribose and Bifidobacterium with lithocholic acid, suggesting potential neuroprotective pathways mediated by the gut microbiota-metabolite axis. ConclusionThis study provides comprehensive evidence that aerobic exercise elicits cognitive benefits in aging mice by modulating the gut microbiota-metabolite network. These findings highlight three key mechanisms: (1) the proliferation of beneficial gut bacteria enhances metabolic reprogramming to boost DNA repair pathways; (2) elevated neuroinflammation-inhibiting factors reduce neurodegenerative changes; and (3) enhanced antioxidant defenses maintain neuronal homeostasis. These results underscore the critical role of the “microbiota-metabolite-brain” axis in mediating the cognitive benefits of aerobic exercise. This study not only advances our understanding of the gut-brain axis in aging but also offers a scientific basis for developing personalized exercise and probiotic-based interventions targeting aging-related cognitive decline. Future research should further validate these mechanisms in non-human primates and human clinical trials to establish the translational potential of exercise-induced gut microbiota-metabolite modulation for combating neurodegenerative diseases.
8.Effect of Yinchenhao Tang Combined with Yinchen Zhufu Tang on Treg/Th17 Cells in Vitro from Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure
Menghui ZENG ; Shan DU ; Nianhua TAN ; Jie PENG ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):43-51
ObjectiveTo study the regulatory effects of Yinchenhao Tang combined with Yinchen Zhufu Tang on the expression of regulatory T (Treg)/helper T 17 (Th17) cells cultured in vitro from the patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF). MethodsFresh peripheral blood was collected from the patients with HBV-ACLF for the separation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunomagnetic beads were used to isolate primary Treg and naive CD4+ T cells. After in vitro expansion, naive CD4+ T cells were induced to differentiate into Th17 cells. Rats were treated with the clearing method (Yinchenhao Tang), warming method (Yinchen Zhufu Tang), and combination of clearing method with warming method (Yinchenhao Tang combined with Yinchen Zhufu Tang, also known as Wenyang Jiedu Huayu Prescription), respectively, and then the medicated plasma samples were collected. Meanwhile, blank plasma was collected from the rats treated with normal saline. Cells were classified into blank, clearing method (5.04 g·kg-1), warming method (6.21 g·kg-1), and combination of clearing method with warming method (17.1 g·kg-1) groups and treated with corresponding plasma. The frequency of Treg/Th17 cells was detected by flow cytometry. The level of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cytometric bead array (CBA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-23 (IL-23). The mRNA and protein levels of Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-gamma t (ROR-γt) were determined by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the combination of clearing method with warming method group showed decreased frequency of Treg and Th17 cells, lowered levels of Treg cytokines (TGF-β and IL-10) and Th17 cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23), and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of FoxP3 and ROR-γt (P<0.01). Compared with the clearing method group, the combination of clearing method with warming method group showed decreased Treg cell frequency and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of FoxP3. Meanwhile, the combination group showed decreased Th17 cell frequency, lowered levels of TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ROR-γt (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the warming method group, the combination of clearing method with warming method group showed decreased frequency of Treg cells and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of FoxP3. Meanwhile, the combination group showed decreased Th17 cell frequency, declined levels of TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of ROR-γt (P<0.05). ConclusionThe combination of clearing method with warming method can down-regulate the expression of specific cytokines of Treg and Th17 cells, inhibit the over activation of Treg and Th17 cells, and reduce the secretion of cytokines such as TGF-β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-23, thereby alleviating inflammation and improving the prognosis of the patients with liver failure.
9.Mechanism of Xiayuxue Tang in Inhibiting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Regulating YAP1/SIRT5 Signaling Axis to Mediate Succinate Metabolism and Succinylation
Linzhu LU ; Qianqian GUO ; Xuefei TIAN ; Bin CHEN ; Nianhua TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):52-61
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Xiayuxue Tang (XYXT) on hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the regulation of succinate metabolism and succinylation modification. MethodsXYXT-medicated serum was prepared. The effects of different concentrations of succinate on the proliferation of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells were observed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and the experimental concentrations for subsequent tests were determined. Further CCK-8 assays were performed to evaluate the effects of XYXT-medicated serum of different concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) on cell proliferation. Flow cytometry, scratch test, and Transwell assay were employed to analyze the effect of 10% XYXT-medicated serum on the cell cycle, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. The changes in succinate metabolism and succinylation modification were examined based on succinate content assays, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity detection, and western blot. The expressions of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) were detected via Real-time PCR and western blot. Molecular docking was applied to validate the binding between XYXT’s main components and target proteins. ResultsCompared with the control group, 1-2 mmol·L-¹ succinate significantly promoted HepG2 and MHCC97H cell proliferation (P<0.01). XYXT-medicated serum (5%, 10%, and 15%) markedly inhibited the proliferation of both cell lines compared with the blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Treatment with 10% XYXT-medicated serum arrested the cell cycle at the stage prior to DNA synthesis (G0/G1) (P<0.01), suppressed migration (P<0.01) and invasion (P<0.05, P<0.01), and promoted apoptosis of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (P<0.01). Co-treatment with XYXT and succinate reversed the inhibitory effects of XYXT on proliferation, migration, and invasion of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (P<0.05, P<0.01). The proportion of cells at G0/G1 phase decreased (P<0.01), and the apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.01). In terms of succinate metabolism, compared with the blank serum group, the 10% XYXT-medicated serum reduced succinate levels of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (P<0.05, P<0.01), enhanced SDH activity (P<0.01), and downregulated succinylation modification. In terms of YAP1/SIRT5 pathway, compared with the blank serum group, the 10% XYXT-medicated serum significantly downregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of YAP1 in HepG2 and MHCC97H cells (P<0.05, P<0.01) while significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions of SIRT5 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Molecular docking confirmed that there was a good binding ability between YAP1 and SIRT5, as well as between XYXT's main active components and YAP1 and SIRT5. ConclusionXYXT suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cells by modulating the YAP1/SIRT5 signaling axis to intervene in succinate metabolism and succinylation modification.
10.Differences in Expression of Intestinal Flora in Patients with Different TCM Syndrome Types of "Yang Huang-Yin-Yang Huang-Yin Huang" in Hepatitis B Virus-related Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure
Shan DU ; Menghui ZENG ; Nianhua TAN ; Jie PENG ; Bin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):62-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the differential expression of intestinal flora in patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types (Yang Huang syndrome, Yin-Yang Huang syndrome, and Yin Huang syndrome) of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and clarify the biological basis of jaundice and Yin Huang syndrome in liver failure. MethodsA total of 20 cases of HBV-ACLF patients were included in the Yang Huang group, 20 cases in the Yin-Yang Huang group, 16 cases in the Yin Huang group, and 20 healthy adult volunteers. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to detect the diversity, species distribution, and differences of the subjects' intestinal flora, and bioinformatics analysis was conducted. ResultsCompared with those in the healthy control group, the species richness and diversity of intestinal flora in the HBV-ACLF Yang Huang group, Yin-Yang Huang group, and Yin Huang group were significantly reduced, and there were significant differences in the composition of intestinal flora compared with healthy volunteers. However, there were no significant differences in the species richness, diversity, and composition of intestinal flora among the three groups. LEfSe analysis showed that compared with the healthy control group, the HBV-ACLF Yang Huang group showed significant enrichment of Staphylococcus aureus(P<0.01). Yin-Yang Huang group showed significant enrichment of s_Ileibacterium valens(P<0.05,P<0.01), and the Yin Huang group showed significant enrichment of Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus sali varius(P<0.05). These strains may be biomarkers between the three groups of patients and the healthy control group. Compared with that in the Yin-Yang Huang group, Tyzzerella_nexilis was significantly enriched in the Yang-Huang group, and Streptococcus lactiae was significantly enriched in the Yin-Yang Huang group. Compared with that in the Yang-Huang group and the Yin-Yang Huang group, Enterococcus faecalis was significantly enriched in the Yin Huang group. The above strains may be biomarkers among the three groups of patients, and Enterococcus faecium may be a biomarker for the transition from the Yang Huang group to the Yin Huang group. ConclusionsThere are significant differences in the intestinal flora between patients with HBV-ACLF Yang Huang syndrome, Yin-Yang Huang syndrome, and Yin Huang syndrome. Enterococcus faecium is significantly enriched in the Yin Huang syndrome group, suggesting that dysbiosis of the intestinal flora may be the biological basis for jaundice and Yin Huang syndrome in liver failure.

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