1.Effect and mechanism of compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix on ferroptosis in T2DM insulin resistance rats
Shuang WEI ; Feng HAO ; Wenchun ZHANG ; Zhangyang ZHAO ; Ji LI ; Dongwei HAN ; Huan XING
China Pharmacy 2025;36(1):57-63
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and potential mechanism of the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix on ferroptosis of liver cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) insulin resistance (IR) rats. METHODS Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (12 rats) and modeling group (48 rats). The modeling group was fed with a high- fat diet for 4 consecutive weeks and then given a one-time tail vein injection of 1% streptozotocin to establish T2DM IR model. The model rats were randomly divided into model group, the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix group [QG group, 4.05 g/(kg·d), intragastric administration], ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 group [Fer-1 group, 5 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, once every other day], the compatibility of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix+ferroptosis inducer erastin group [QG+erastin group, 4.05 g/(kg·d) by intragastric administration+erastin 10 mg/(kg·d), intraperitoneal injection]. After 4 weeks of intervention, serum fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting insulin (FINS) were measured in each group of rats, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the natural logarithm of insulin action index(IAI) were calculated; the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), Fe2+ and Fe content, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, NADP+/NADPH ratio and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined. The pathological morphology of its liver tissue was observed; the protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3 (ACSL3), ACSL4, ferritin mitochondrial (FTMT), and cystine/glutamate anti-porter (xCT) in the liver tissue of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with control group, the liver cells in the model group of rats showed disordered arrangement, swelling, deepened nuclear staining, and more infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as a large number of hepatocyte vacuoles and steatosis; FBG (after medication), the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, AST, ALT, FINS, MDA and ROS, HOMA-IR, Fe2+ and Fe content, NADP+/NADPH ratio and protein expression of ACSL4 were significantly increased or up-regulated, while the levels of HDL-C, GSH and SOD, IAI, protein expressions of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL3, FTMT and xCT were significantly reduced or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both QG group and Fer-1 group showed varying degrees of improvement in pathological damage of liver tissue and the levels of the above indicators, the differences in the changes of most indicators were statistically significant (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with QG group, the improvement of the above indexes of QG+erastin group had been reversed significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The compatibility decoction of Astragali Radix-Puerariae Lobatae Radix can reduce the level of FBG in T2DM IR rats, and alleviate IR degree, ion overload and pathological damage of liver tissue. The above effects are related to the inhibition of ferroptosis.
2.Etiology and Management of Astronaut Low Back Pain Induced by Space Flight or Simulated Microgravity
Yan-Feng LIU ; Jing LEI ; Hao-Jun YOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):133-146
It has been demonstrated that long-term space flights have a significantly greater impact on the cardiovascular, skeletal, and nervous systems of astronauts. The structural and functional alterations in the skeletal and muscular systems resulting from exposure to weightlessness can lead to the development of low back pain, significantly impairing the ability of astronauts to perform tasks and respond to emergencies. Both space flight and simulated microgravity have been shown to result in low back pain among astronauts, with the following factors identified as primary contributors to this phenomenon. The occurrence of intervertebral disc (IVD) edema results in the stimulation of type IV mechanoreceptors, which subsequently activate nociceptive afferents. The protrusion of an IVD causes compression of the spinal nerve roots. Furthermore, the elongation of the vertebral column and/or the diminished lumbar curvature of the spine exert traction on the dorsal root nerves. Paravertebral muscle degeneration leads to the inhibition of decreased nociceptive activity of the wide-dynamic range neurons of the spinal dorsal horn. Moreover, endogenous pain descending facilitation triggered by conditioning stimulation can be enhanced via the thalamic mediodorsal nuclei, while endogenous pain descending inhibition triggered by conditioning stimulation can be weakened via the thalamic ventromedial nuclei. Psychological factors may contribute to the development of low back pain. The mechanisms governing the generation, maintenance, and alleviation of low back pain in weightlessness differ from those observed in normal gravitational environments. This presents a significant challenge for space medicine research. Therefore, the elucidation of the occurrence and development mechanism of low back pain in weightlessness is important for the prevention and treatment during space flight. To reduce the incidence of low back pain during long-term missions on the space station, astronauts may choose to wear specialized space clothing that can provide axial physiological loads, designed to stimulate both musculature and skeletal structures, mitigating potential increases in vertebral column length, diminished lumbar curvature, and intervertebral disc edema and/or muscular atrophy. Additionally, assuming a “fetal tuck position” described as the knees to chest position may increase lumbar IVD hydrostatic pressure, subsequently reducing disc volume, rectifying diminished lumbar curvature, and alleviating dorsal root nerve tensions. Moreover, this position may reduce type IV mechanoreceptor facilitation and nerve impulse propagation from the sinuvertebral nerves of the annulus fibrosus. Elongated posterior soft tissues (apophyseal joint capsules and ligaments) with spinal flexion may potentially stimulate type I and II mechanoreceptors. It is also recommended to exercise the paraspinal muscles to prevent and alleviate the decrease in their cross-sectional area and maintain their structure and function. Photobiomodulation has been proved to be an effective means of activating the pain descending inhibition pathway of the central nervous system. In addition, astronauts should be encouraged to participate in mission-related activities and strive to avoid psychological problems caused by the long-term confinement in a small space station. The article presents a concise review of potential causes and targeted treatment strategies for low back pain induced by space flight or simulated microgravity in recent years. Its objective is to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying the occurrence and development of low back pain in weightless environments while providing scientific evidence to inform the development of guidelines for preventing, treating, and rehabilitating low back pain during long-term space flights.
3.Effect and mechanism of Prunus mume against hepatic fibrosis
Feng HAO ; Ji LI ; Jing DU ; Yuchen OUYANG ; Yichun CUI ; Shuang WEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):172-178
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Prunus mume against hepatic fibrosis (HF). METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10) and modeling group (n=50). The modeling group established HF model using carbon tetrachloride. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), positive control group [colchicine, 0.09 mg/(kg·d)], and P. mume low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups [1.35, 2.70, 5.40 g/(kg·d)], with 9 rats in each group. They were given the corresponding drug/normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the liver index was calculated, while liver function indexes, liver fiber indexes, oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors of rats were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in liver tissue of rats; Masson staining was used to observe the degree of HF in liver tissue of rats; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of liver tissue in rats; TUNEL staining was used to detect liver cell apoptosis in each group of rats. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in liver tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the levels of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, malondialdehyde, procollagen type Ⅲ protein, Ⅳ-type pre collagenase, laminin, hyaluronic acid, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as the protein expressions of TGF-β1 and PDGF in model group were increased significantly, while the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly reduced (P<0.01); the HE, Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy observation results showed obvious HF characteristics in rats of model group. Compared with model group, varying degrees of improvement in above indexes were observed in P. mume groups, and the above 2021BSZR011) indicators of rats in P. mume medium-dose and high-dose groups were reversed significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS P. mume has an anti-HF effect, which may be achieved through mechanisms such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, reduction of collagen production, inhibition of PDGF protein expression, and regulation of TGF- β1 signaling pathway.
4.Effect and mechanism of Prunus mume against hepatic fibrosis
Feng HAO ; Ji LI ; Jing DU ; Yuchen OUYANG ; Yichun CUI ; Shuang WEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):172-178
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of Prunus mume against hepatic fibrosis (HF). METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10) and modeling group (n=50). The modeling group established HF model using carbon tetrachloride. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group (normal saline), positive control group [colchicine, 0.09 mg/(kg·d)], and P. mume low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups [1.35, 2.70, 5.40 g/(kg·d)], with 9 rats in each group. They were given the corresponding drug/normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 8 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the liver index was calculated, while liver function indexes, liver fiber indexes, oxidative stress indicators and inflammatory factors of rats were measured. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes in liver tissue of rats; Masson staining was used to observe the degree of HF in liver tissue of rats; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of liver tissue in rats; TUNEL staining was used to detect liver cell apoptosis in each group of rats. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in liver tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, the levels of alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, malondialdehyde, procollagen type Ⅲ protein, Ⅳ-type pre collagenase, laminin, hyaluronic acid, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, as well as the protein expressions of TGF-β1 and PDGF in model group were increased significantly, while the levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly reduced (P<0.01); the HE, Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy observation results showed obvious HF characteristics in rats of model group. Compared with model group, varying degrees of improvement in above indexes were observed in P. mume groups, and the above 2021BSZR011) indicators of rats in P. mume medium-dose and high-dose groups were reversed significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS P. mume has an anti-HF effect, which may be achieved through mechanisms such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, reduction of collagen production, inhibition of PDGF protein expression, and regulation of TGF- β1 signaling pathway.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Spatholobi Caulis in Famous Classical Formulas
Yajie XIANG ; Yangyang LIU ; Jian FENG ; Chun YAO ; Erwei HAO ; Wenlan LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):238-248
Through consulting herbal medicine, medical books, and local chronicles from past dynasties to modern times, this paper systematically researched Spatholobi Caulis from name, origin, producing areas, harvesting, processing, usage, quality evaluation, functions and indications, providing a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Spatholobi Caulis. According to the research, Spatholobi Caulis was first recorded in the Annals of Shunning Prefecture from the Qing dynasty. It was originally a medicinal herb commonly used in Shunning, Yunnan, and was named from the red juice resembling chicken blood that flowed out after the vein was cut off. The mainstream original plants of each dynasty were Kadsura heteroclita and Spatholobus suberectus. Among them, K. heteroclita mainly focused on dispersing blood stasis and unblocking meridians, mainly treating rheumatic pain and injuries caused by falls or blows, and it is mostly used as the raw material of Jixueteng ointments. S. suberectus was commonly used as decoction pieces in decoction, which had the functions of promoting blood circulation and replenishing blood, activating meridians and collaterals, and mainly used for treating anemia, irregular menstruation, and rheumatic bone pain. The production area of Spatholobi Caulis recorded in the Qing dynasty was Yunnan. Currently, the main production area of S. suberectus is Guangxi, while the main production area of K. interior is Yunnan. In the Qing dynasty, the usage of Spatholobi Caulis was an individual prescription with other herbs before making ointments, which was usually composed of the juice of it, safflower, angelica, and glutinous rice. But in modern times, Spatholobi Caulis is mostly sliced and dried for use. The quality of Spatholobi Caulis is often determined by the number of reddish-brown concentric circles on the cut surface, with a higher number indicating better quality. Additionally, the presence of resinous secretions is also considered desirable. Based on the research findings, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing Spatholobi Caulis, the choice of the primary source should be S. suberectus or K. heteroclita, taking into consideration the therapeutic effects of the formula. It is also recommended that the latest plant classification be referenced in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, adjusting the primary source of Kadsurae Caulis to K. heteroclita to avoid confusion caused by inconsistent original names, and the functions adjust to promote Qi circulation and relieve pain, disperse blood stasis and unblock collaterals, treating injuries caused by falls and bruises.
6.Study on secondary metabolites of Penicillium expansum GY618 and their tyrosinase inhibitory activities
Fei-yu YIN ; Sheng LIANG ; Qian-heng ZHU ; Feng-hua YUAN ; Hao HUANG ; Hui-ling WEN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):427-433
Twelve compounds were isolated from the rice fermentation extracts of
7.Chemical consitituents and hypoglycemic activity of Qinhuai No. 1 Rehmannia glutinosa
Meng YANG ; Zhi-you HAO ; Xiao-lan WANG ; Chao-yuan XIAO ; Jun-yang ZHANG ; Shi-qi ZHOU ; Xiao-ke ZHENG ; Wei-sheng FENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):205-210
Eight compounds were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate part of 70% acetone extract of
8.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
9.Isolated coronary arteritis secondary to Behçet’s disease: a case report
Yang ZHANG ; Lei XU ; Xinying HU ; Hao JIANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Junbo GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(2):300-305
A 36-year-old male patient presented with repeated myocardial infarction. Despite regular dual-antiplatelet therapy and intensive lipid-lowering therapy, he still experienced restenosis after coronary stent implantation. He then transferred to the Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. According to the disease history, combined with coronary artery inflammation observed by PET/CT and effective anti-inflammatory treatment, he was finally diagnosed with Behçet’s disease (BD) combined with isolated coronary arteritis. BD has been included in the Chinese Second Catalog of Rare Diseases, and the disease that only involves the coronary arteries is even rarer, which makes it very easy to misdiagnose and underdiagnosis in clinical practice. Strengthening the understanding of the complex clinical phenotypes of various vasculitis, attaching importance to multidisciplinary consultation, and dynamically following up are of great value for the early diagnosis of this disease.
10.Correlation between the individual body constitution in traditional medicine and some biochemical parameters
Xilinqiqige ; Tserentsoo B ; Tsend-Ayush D ; Delgerekhzaya E ; Nomin-Erdene U ; Hao Feng ; Chang Qing ; Dorjbat S ; Siqin
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):159-163
Background:
From the perspective of traditional medicine, researchers believe that the individual’s innate quality has
a reciprocal effect on the physiological level. The study of body-specific quality differences is important for improving
disease risk prediction, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Therefore, explaining the features of traditional medicine
with some physiological parameters and establishing the relationship between them is clinically significant and important
for predicting disease risk and developing individualized treatment methods, which is the basis of this research.
Aim:
To establish the correlation between an individual’s innate unique constitution and specific biochemical indicators.
Materials and Methods:
The innate unique constitution of individuals was determined using electronic data, and the
relationships between their characteristics and levels of uric acid, creatinine, urea, and glucose in the blood were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 102 participants were included in the study. Among them, the Shar-Khi constitution was the most prevalent, with 28 cases (27.45%), while the Khi-Badgan constitution was the least common, with 13 cases (12.75%). Individuals with the Khi-Shar constitution exhibited the highest urea level at 4.47 ммоль/л, whereas those with the Badgan-Shar
constitution had the lowest at 4.15 ммоль/л. The uric acid level was highest in individuals with the Shar-Khi constitution
at 316.15 µmol/L and lowest in those with the Badgan-Shar constitution at 261.36 µmol/L (p<0.001).
Furthermore, individuals with the Badgan-Khi constitution had the highest creatinine level at 73.51 µmol/L, while those
with the Badgan-Shar constitution had the lowest at 63.97 µmol/L (p<0.001). The blood glucose level was highest in
individuals with the Khi-Badgan constitution at 4.59 ммоль/л and lowest in those with the Khi-Shar constitution at 4.21
ммоль/л. Kidney function indicators, particularly creatinine, significantly correlated with blood glucose levels (r=0.67,
p<0.01). Higher uric acid and creatinine levels were associated with elevated blood glucose levels. These findings suggest
that variations in urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels among different unique constitutions could be utilized to predict
the risk of kidney disease or diabetes.
Conclusion
Depending on the individual characteristics of traditional medicine, kidney and blood sugar parameters
are different and related to each other, and can assess the state of diabetes and kidney disease. Determining the inherent
characteristics of an individual is considered important for improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes
and kidney disease.

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