ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction on the clearance of amyloid β-protein （Aβ） and neuronal damage in the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease （AD）. MethodsA total of 36 SPF-grade 2-month-old C57BL/6J mice were used in this study， and the modeling was performed by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ oligomers in C57BL/6J mice. The experiment was conducted with a blank group， a sham operation group， a model group， low- and high-dose （3.27，6.54 g·kg^-1， respectively） Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction groups， and a positive control （donepezil hydrochloride， 0.65 mg·kg^-1） group. At the end of the drug intervention， the learning and memory abilities and the activities of mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze and open field tests. Brain histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. Additionally， in vivo imaging was employed to measure the metabolism of fluorescent Aβ in the cerebrospinal fluid， and staining of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 （Iba-1） was employed to assess microglial activation in the hippocampal tissue. Additionally， neurotrophin-3 （NT-3） and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） levels in the brain tissue and serum were determined by the immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was conducted to determine the expression of inflammation and pathway-related proteins in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group and the sham operation group， the escape latency of the mice in the model group was prolonged， the platform residence time was shortened， the hippocampal tissue showed pathological manifestations such as neuronal pyknosis， Nissl body dissolution， and microglia activation. The metabolic rate of fluorescent Aβ through cerebrospinal fluid was slowed down， and the expression levels of BDNF， NT-3， and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in the hippocampus were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88） and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB （p-NF-κB p65） in hippocampus were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the escape latency of mice in the low and high dose groups of Chinese medicine and donepezil group was shortened， and the platform residence time was prolonged. Neuronal karyopyknosis， Nissl body dissolution and microglia activation in hippocampus were improved. Fluorescence Aβ was metabolized faster by cerebrospinal fluid. The expression of BDNF and NT-3 in hippocampus was increased （P<0.01）， and the expression of TLR4， MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65 was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression of TNF-α in the hippocampus of the high-dose group was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the expression of IL-10 was significantly increased （P<0.05）. The expression of TNF-α， IL-6 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of the donepezil group was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionShenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction may mitigate neuronal damage and enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow in the mouse model of AD， thereby promoting the clearance of Aβ and improving the learning and memory abilities. These beneficial effects are likely mediated through the inhibition of microglial activation， reduction of inflammation， and modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction on the clearance of amyloid β-protein （Aβ） and neuronal damage in the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease （AD）. MethodsA total of 36 SPF-grade 2-month-old C57BL/6J mice were used in this study， and the modeling was performed by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ oligomers in C57BL/6J mice. The experiment was conducted with a blank group， a sham operation group， a model group， low- and high-dose （3.27，6.54 g·kg^-1， respectively） Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction groups， and a positive control （donepezil hydrochloride， 0.65 mg·kg^-1） group. At the end of the drug intervention， the learning and memory abilities and the activities of mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze and open field tests. Brain histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. Additionally， in vivo imaging was employed to measure the metabolism of fluorescent Aβ in the cerebrospinal fluid， and staining of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 （Iba-1） was employed to assess microglial activation in the hippocampal tissue. Additionally， neurotrophin-3 （NT-3） and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） levels in the brain tissue and serum were determined by the immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was conducted to determine the expression of inflammation and pathway-related proteins in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group and the sham operation group， the escape latency of the mice in the model group was prolonged， the platform residence time was shortened， the hippocampal tissue showed pathological manifestations such as neuronal pyknosis， Nissl body dissolution， and microglia activation. The metabolic rate of fluorescent Aβ through cerebrospinal fluid was slowed down， and the expression levels of BDNF， NT-3， and interleukin-10 （IL-10） in the hippocampus were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）， myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88） and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB （p-NF-κB p65） in hippocampus were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the escape latency of mice in the low and high dose groups of Chinese medicine and donepezil group was shortened， and the platform residence time was prolonged. Neuronal karyopyknosis， Nissl body dissolution and microglia activation in hippocampus were improved. Fluorescence Aβ was metabolized faster by cerebrospinal fluid. The expression of BDNF and NT-3 in hippocampus was increased （P<0.01）， and the expression of TLR4， MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65 was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expression of TNF-α in the hippocampus of the high-dose group was significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the expression of IL-10 was significantly increased （P<0.05）. The expression of TNF-α， IL-6 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of the donepezil group was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionShenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction may mitigate neuronal damage and enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow in the mouse model of AD， thereby promoting the clearance of Aβ and improving the learning and memory abilities. These beneficial effects are likely mediated through the inhibition of microglial activation， reduction of inflammation， and modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease(AD).Methods:The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacology methods,the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways enriching analysis was performed.The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblastoid cell lines(LCL)were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established.MTT and CCK-8 methods were used to quantify SKNMC/LCL cells,2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS),and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in a co-cultured model.Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model.The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress,normal state,and heat stress;ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes.The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay,and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S staining.Results:Through network pharmacology,15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were identified.PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin,Akt1,tumor necrosis factor,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),amyloid precursor protein(APP)and other related targets.KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease,endocrine resistance,insulin resistance;and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications,neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others.The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42(both P<0.01),inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1(BACE1),APP and Aβ1-42 proteins(all P<0.05),up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells(all P<0.05).The in vivo studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C.elegans under stress and normal conditions,reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.Conclusion:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress,which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease(AD).Methods:The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacology methods,the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways enriching analysis was performed.The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblastoid cell lines(LCL)were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established.MTT and CCK-8 methods were used to quantify SKNMC/LCL cells,2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS),and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in a co-cultured model.Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model.The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress,normal state,and heat stress;ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes.The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay,and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S staining.Results:Through network pharmacology,15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were identified.PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin,Akt1,tumor necrosis factor,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),amyloid precursor protein(APP)and other related targets.KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease,endocrine resistance,insulin resistance;and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications,neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others.The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42(both P<0.01),inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1(BACE1),APP and Aβ1-42 proteins(all P<0.05),up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells(all P<0.05).The in vivo studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C.elegans under stress and normal conditions,reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.Conclusion:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress,which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease(AD).Methods:The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacology methods,the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways enriching analysis was performed.The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblastoid cell lines(LCL)were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established.MTT and CCK-8 methods were used to quantify SKNMC/LCL cells,2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS),and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in a co-cultured model.Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model.The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress,normal state,and heat stress;ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes.The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay,and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S staining.Results:Through network pharmacology,15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were identified.PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin,Akt1,tumor necrosis factor,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),amyloid precursor protein(APP)and other related targets.KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease,endocrine resistance,insulin resistance;and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications,neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others.The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42(both P<0.01),inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1(BACE1),APP and Aβ1-42 proteins(all P<0.05),up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells(all P<0.05).The in vivo studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C.elegans under stress and normal conditions,reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.Conclusion:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress,which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease(AD).Methods:The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacology methods,the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways enriching analysis was performed.The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblastoid cell lines(LCL)were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established.MTT and CCK-8 methods were used to quantify SKNMC/LCL cells,2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS),and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in a co-cultured model.Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model.The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress,normal state,and heat stress;ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes.The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay,and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S staining.Results:Through network pharmacology,15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were identified.PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin,Akt1,tumor necrosis factor,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),amyloid precursor protein(APP)and other related targets.KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease,endocrine resistance,insulin resistance;and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications,neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others.The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42(both P<0.01),inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1(BACE1),APP and Aβ1-42 proteins(all P<0.05),up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells(all P<0.05).The in vivo studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C.elegans under stress and normal conditions,reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.Conclusion:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress,which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease(AD).Methods:The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacology methods,the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways enriching analysis was performed.The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblastoid cell lines(LCL)were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established.MTT and CCK-8 methods were used to quantify SKNMC/LCL cells,2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS),and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in a co-cultured model.Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model.The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress,normal state,and heat stress;ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes.The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay,and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S staining.Results:Through network pharmacology,15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were identified.PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin,Akt1,tumor necrosis factor,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),amyloid precursor protein(APP)and other related targets.KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease,endocrine resistance,insulin resistance;and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications,neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others.The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42(both P<0.01),inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1(BACE1),APP and Aβ1-42 proteins(all P<0.05),up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells(all P<0.05).The in vivo studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C.elegans under stress and normal conditions,reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.Conclusion:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress,which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease(AD).Methods:The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacology methods,the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways enriching analysis was performed.The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblastoid cell lines(LCL)were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established.MTT and CCK-8 methods were used to quantify SKNMC/LCL cells,2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS),and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in a co-cultured model.Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model.The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress,normal state,and heat stress;ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes.The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay,and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S staining.Results:Through network pharmacology,15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were identified.PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin,Akt1,tumor necrosis factor,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),amyloid precursor protein(APP)and other related targets.KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease,endocrine resistance,insulin resistance;and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications,neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others.The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42(both P<0.01),inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1(BACE1),APP and Aβ1-42 proteins(all P<0.05),up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells(all P<0.05).The in vivo studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C.elegans under stress and normal conditions,reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.Conclusion:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress,which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease(AD).Methods:The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacology methods,the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways enriching analysis was performed.The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblastoid cell lines(LCL)were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established.MTT and CCK-8 methods were used to quantify SKNMC/LCL cells,2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS),and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in a co-cultured model.Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model.The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress,normal state,and heat stress;ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes.The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay,and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S staining.Results:Through network pharmacology,15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were identified.PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin,Akt1,tumor necrosis factor,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),amyloid precursor protein(APP)and other related targets.KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease,endocrine resistance,insulin resistance;and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications,neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others.The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42(both P<0.01),inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1(BACE1),APP and Aβ1-42 proteins(all P<0.05),up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells(all P<0.05).The in vivo studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C.elegans under stress and normal conditions,reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.Conclusion:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress,which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma in treatment of Alzheimer's Disease(AD).Methods:The active ingredients and targets of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma for treatment of AD were screened with network pharmacology methods,the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed and the core targets were analyzed.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathways enriching analysis was performed.The peripheral blood lymphocytes were extracted and lymphoblastoid cell lines(LCL)were constructed and an in vitro cell model of LCL-SKNMC was established.MTT and CCK-8 methods were used to quantify SKNMC/LCL cells,2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA)probe was used to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS),and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the generation of Aβ1-42 in a co-cultured model.Western blotting was used to detect protein expression in the co-culture model.The lifespan of N2 nematodes was observed under oxidative stress,normal state,and heat stress;ROS generated by N2 nematodes was detected by DCFH-DA probes.The paralysis time of CL4176 N2 nematodes was evaluated by paralysis assay,and Aβ deposition in the pharynx was detected by Thioflavin S staining.Results:Through network pharmacology,15 potential active ingredients and 103 drug-disease targets were identified.PPI analysis showed that the Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might play anti-AD roles through albumin,Akt1,tumor necrosis factor,epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),amyloid precursor protein(APP)and other related targets.KEGG analysis showed that the pharmacological effects of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma might involve the biological processes of Alzheimer's disease,endocrine resistance,insulin resistance;and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway,calcium signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetes complications,neurotrophic factor signaling pathway and others.The in vitro cell experiments showed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma was able to reduce the production of ROS and Aβ1-42(both P<0.01),inhibit the expression of β-secretase 1(BACE1),APP and Aβ1-42 proteins(all P<0.05),up-regulate the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-GSK3β/GSK3β in SKNMC cells(all P<0.05).The in vivo studies further confirmed that Anemarrhenae Rhizoma prolonged the lifespan of C.elegans under stress and normal conditions,reduced the accumulation of ROS and the toxicity of Aβ deposition.Conclusion:Anemarrhenae Rhizoma may reduce the production of Aβ in AD and inhibit its induced oxidative stress,which may be achieved by regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.