1.Exploring Therapeutic Effect of Yuejuwan on Depressed Mice Based on Lipidomics
Zhentao ZHANG ; Dan SU ; Huizhen LI ; Yonggui SONG ; Huanhua XU ; Meixizi LAI ; Zhifu AI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):85-94
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice based on lipidomics, and to explore the potential pathways for improving lipid metabolism to prevent depression. MethodsSeven-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Yuejuwan group(3.6 g·kg-1) and fluoxetine group(10 mg·kg-1), and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) was used to establish the depression model. After 3 weeks of modeling, each administration group was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution according to the dose, and mice in the blank and model groups were given an equal volume of deionised water by gavage, one time/d for 2 weeks. After administration, the antidepressant effect of Yuejuwan was evaluated by neurobehavioral indices such as sucrose preference test, open field test, tail suspension test and forced swimming test. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure contents of total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase(AST) and alanine aminotransferase(ALT) in mouse serum. Lipidomic analysis of mouse serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was performed based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS), and the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), ribosomal protein S6 kinase(S6K), phosphorylation(p)-mTOR, p-S6K in gastric tissues of mice was detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly increased(P<0.01), and serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly elevated(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Yuejuwan group showed a significant increase in the sucrose preference rate and center movement time in the open field test(P<0.01), the immobility times in the tail suspension test and forced swimming test were significantly reduced(P<0.01), and the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST and ALT were significantly decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). Lipidomic analysis revealed that Yuejuwan had a significant effect on lipid metabolism in serum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed mice, and The differential lipid metabolites were mainly enriched in the metabolic pathways of glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid signaling, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein biosynthesis, among which the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway was the most significant. Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the relative expression levels of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-S6K/S6K in the gastric tissues of mice in the Yuejuwan group were significantly decreased(P<0.01). ConclusionThe intervention of Yuejuwan on lipid metabolism is one of the potential pathways for its antidepressant effect, which may be related to the regulation of mTOR/S6K signaling pathway upstream of lipid metabolism in the gastric tissues.
2.Proteomics combined with bioinformatics analysis of protein markers of dry eye
Yanting YANG ; Yajun SHI ; Guang YANG ; Haiyang JI ; Jie LIU ; Jue HONG ; Dan ZHANG ; Xiaopeng MA
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):104-111
AIM:To analyze differential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of dry eye(DE)using bioinformatics methods, in order to reveal their potential molecular mechanisms.METHODS: Articles published in PubMed and EMBASE databases from the inception of the database to August 31, 2023, that used proteomic methods to detect protein expression in clinical samples of dry eye were searched. Differential proteins were selected and further analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software for hub gene screening and module analysis. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis, gene ontology(GO)functional annotation, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed.RESULTS: A total of 21 articles were included, identifying 74 differentially expressed proteins. The most frequently occurring differential proteins were calgranulin A(SA1008), lipocalin-1(LCN1), lysozyme C(LYZ), mammaglobin-B(SCGB2A1), proline-rich protein 4(PRR4), transferrin(TF), and calgranulinB(S100A9). The top 10 hub genes were serum albumin(ALB), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin 6(IL6), IL1B, IL8, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), alpha-1-antitrypsin(SERPINA1), IL10, complement component 3(C3), and lactotransferrin(LTF). Module analysis suggested MMP9 and PRR4 as seed genes. KEGG analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly enriched in the IL17 signaling pathway(61.9%).CONCLUSION: The results reveal potential molecular targets and pathways for DE and confirm the association between the pathogenesis of DE and inflammation. Further in-depth research is needed to confirm the significance of these biomarkers in clinical practice.
3.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
4.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
5.Pathways Related to Osteoporosis Treatment with Active Ingredients of Scutellaria Baicalensis: A Review
Jianqiang DU ; Wenxiu QIN ; Xuesong YIN ; Dan ZHAO ; Zhicheng PAN ; Qi ZHANG ; Enpeng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):325-330
With the aging of the global population, osteoporosis (OP) is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Currently, the commonly used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice have limited application due to many side effects. Therefore, developing more effective and safer strategies for the prevention and treatment of OP has become a research focus in this field. In recent years, the clinical efficacy and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating OP have been gradually recognized. With the deepening pharmacological research on TCM for OP prevention and treatment, it is found that the active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis can promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption by regulating signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, osteoprotegerin (OB)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK (OPG/RANKL/RANK), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However, existing research on active ingredients of S. baicalensis for OP treatment is scattered, making it difficult for scholars to gain a systematic understanding of its research and application. This review summarized the literature on the active ingredients of S. baicalensis in OP treatment worldwide, clarified their mechanisms of action, and explored some issues, providing references for the integration of TCM in OP prevention and treatment.
6.Pathways Related to Osteoporosis Treatment with Active Ingredients of Scutellaria Baicalensis: A Review
Jianqiang DU ; Wenxiu QIN ; Xuesong YIN ; Dan ZHAO ; Zhicheng PAN ; Qi ZHANG ; Enpeng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):325-330
With the aging of the global population, osteoporosis (OP) is becoming a major public health concern worldwide. Currently, the commonly used anti-osteoporosis drugs in clinical practice have limited application due to many side effects. Therefore, developing more effective and safer strategies for the prevention and treatment of OP has become a research focus in this field. In recent years, the clinical efficacy and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating OP have been gradually recognized. With the deepening pharmacological research on TCM for OP prevention and treatment, it is found that the active ingredients of Scutellaria baicalensis can promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption by regulating signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, osteoprotegerin (OB)/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK (OPG/RANKL/RANK), and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). However, existing research on active ingredients of S. baicalensis for OP treatment is scattered, making it difficult for scholars to gain a systematic understanding of its research and application. This review summarized the literature on the active ingredients of S. baicalensis in OP treatment worldwide, clarified their mechanisms of action, and explored some issues, providing references for the integration of TCM in OP prevention and treatment.
7.Pharmacokinetic study of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland
Yu ZHANG ; Jiaming LI ; Dan PENG ; Ruoqiu FU ; Yue MING ; Zhengbi LIU ; Jingjing WANG ; Shiqi CHENG ; Hongjun XIE ; Yao LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):680-685
OBJECTIVE To explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 3 blood-absorbed components of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid in rats with hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG). METHODS Female SD rats were divided into control group and HMG group according to body weight, with 6 rats in each group. The HMG group was given estrogen+progesterone to construct HMG model. After modeling, two groups were given 1.485 g/kg of Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid (calculated by crude drug) intragastrically, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected before the first administration (0 h), and at 5, 15, 30 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours after the last administration, respectively. Using chlorzoxazone as the internal standard, the plasma concentrations of ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in rats were detected by UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The pharmacokinetic parameters [area under the drug time curve (AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞), mean residence time (MRT0-∞), half-life (t1/2), peak time (tmax), peak concentration (cmax)] were calculated by the non-atrioventricular model using Phoenix WinNonlin 8.1 software. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞ and cmax of ferulic acid in the HMG group were significantly increased (P<0.05); the AUC0-24 h, AUC0-∞ , MRT0-∞ , t1/2 and cmax of paeoniflorin increased, but there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05); the AUC0-24 h and MRT0-∞ of rosmarinic acid were significantly increased or prolonged (P<0.05). C ONCLUSIONS In HMG model rats, the exposure of ferulic acid, paeoniflorin and rosmarinic acid in Xiangshao sanjie oral liquid all increase, and the retention time of rosmarinic acid is significantly prolonged.
8.Construction of evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):438-442
Objective:
To construct a scientific and perfect evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities, so as to provide reference tools for colleges and universities to effectively respond to infectious disease.
Methods:
The initial framework of the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was constructed by using literature analysis method. Experts familiar with infectious disease prevention and control or school health work were selected to conduct two rounds( n =16,18) of Delphi expert consultation for determining the evaluation index system. Analytical hierarchy process was used to calculate the index weights and combined weights. About 198 prevention and control personnel were conveniently selected from 3 universities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to comprehensively evaluate the evaluation indicators by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method.
Results:
After two rounds of Delphi consultation questionnaire, the effective recovery rates were 80.0% and 90.0%, the expert authority levels were 0.89 and 0.86, the expert harmony coefficients for Kendall W were 0.166 and 0.310, and the variation coefficient of each index was <0.25. Finally, the evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability of colleges and universities included 4 first level indicators, 14 second level indicators and 75 third level indicators. The weights of prevention and monitoring and early warning, organizational system guarantee, emergency management, rehabilitation and summary were 0.176, 0.476, 0.268 and 0.080, respectively. The top 3 weights of the secondary indexes were 0.623 for infectious disease surveillance and early warning, 0.595 for loss assessment and 0.370 for emergency response. The score of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities was 79.148, suggesting a high level.
Conclusion
The established evaluation index system of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities is scientific and reasonable, which is conducive to provide tool reference for the evaluation of infectious disease prevention and control ability in colleges and universities.
9.Construction of management index system for rational drug use of key monitoring drugs
Mingxiong ZHANG ; Wanying QIN ; Jian HUANG ; Dan WANG ; Li LI ; Yinghui BU ; Ming YAN ; Kejia LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):784-788
OBJECTIVE To establish management index system for rational drug use of key monitoring drugs, and provide reference for the management of key monitoring drugs in the hospitals. METHODS First, the management index system for rational drug use of key monitoring drugs was drafted by collecting the evidence from related medical literature. Next, using a modified Delphi method, twenty experienced experts from the fields of pharmacy, medical practice, healthcare insurance, and finance were selected to participate in two rounds of questionnaire consultations. Based on the expert enthusiasm coefficient, authority coefficient, degree of opinion concentration, and degree of coordination, the final indicators were determined to establish a management index system for rational drug use of key monitored drugs in medical institutions. RESULTS The expert enthusiasm coefficients reached 100% in both rounds of consultation. In first-level, second-level and third-level indicators, the authority coefficients of experts were 0.89, 0.86 and 0.87, and coordination coefficients of the experts in importance score were 0.300 (P< 0.05), 0.125 (P<0.05) and 0.139 (P<0.05), respectively. The average score for the importance of all indicators reached over 3.5, in which the full score ratio ranged from 35% to 100%. Except that the variation coefficient of a third-level indicator “number of specifications purchased for key monitored drugs” was 0.26, the variation coefficients of rest indicators were less than or equal to 0.25. Based on the results of expert consultation, final version of the management index system established in this study, including two first-level indicators (drug procurement and use, and rational drug use), five second-level indicators (such as the accessibility, cost-effectiveness) and twenty third-level indicators (such as the number of specifications purchased for key monitored drugs, the increase in the cost of key monitored drugs). CONCLUSIONS The management index system established in this study possesses high reliability and strong operability, and may provide a reference for the management of key monitoring drugs in the hospitals.
10.Bufei Tongbi Decoction Inhibits Pulmonary Fibrosis in Diabetic Rats via TGF-β1/p-Smad3 Signaling Pathway
Gang WANG ; Rensong YUE ; Qiyue YANG ; Dan ZHANG ; Xin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):176-184
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Bufei Tongbi decoction on pulmonary fibrosis in diabetic rats via the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/phosphorylated Smad family member 3 (p-Smad3) signaling pathway. MethodsStreptozotocin (60 mg·kg-1) and bleomycin (24.80 U·kg-1) were used to prepare the rat model of diabetes with pulmonary fibrosis by intratracheal injection. Sixty rats were randomly assigned into blank, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (3.98, 7.95, and 15.90 g·kg-1, respectively) Bufei Tongbi decoction, and pirfenidone (0.36 mg·kg-1) groups (n=10). The successfully modeled rats in each group were administrated with corresponding agents once per day for four consecutive weeks. After drug administration, fasting blood glucose and lung function indicators were measured. Chemical immunoassay was employed to determine the serum levels of hydroxyproline (Hyp), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN). The lung index was determined by the wet and dry methods. The pathological changes in the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and the degree of fibrosis was detected by Masson staining. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad3, Smad3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 (Col1A1), and fibronectin were determined by PCR and Western blotting, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed alveolar septa thickening, obvious thickening of the basement membrane of pulmonary blood vessels, severe destruction of the alveolar structure, structural disarrangement of the lung parenchyma, and an increase in the proportion of inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissue, together with a large amount of blue collagen deposition and a large amount of collagen fibroplasia in the bronchial wall, vessel wall, interstitium, and alveolar wall, which indicated severe fibrosis. Bufei Tongbi decoction groups and the pirfenidone group showed lower fasting blood glucose level (P<0.05) and higher forced vital capacity (FVC), cytoplasmic dynein (Cydn), FEV0.3/FEV ratio, and lung index (P<0.05) than the model group. Moreover, these groups demonstrated alleviated lung fibrosis, elevated Hyp, HA, and LN levels, down-regulated mRNA levels of α-SMA, Col1A1, and fibronectin, and down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1, Smad3, p-Smad3, α-SMA, Col1A1, and fibronectin (P<0.05). ConclusionBufei Tongbi decoction can inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in diabetic rats by inhibiting the TGF-β1/p-Smad3 signaling pathway.


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