1.Characteristic Analysis of Effective Components and Compounds of TCM for Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer Based on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway Targeting
Haoyang WANG ; Lin GUO ; Hui ZHAO ; Lihua CAO ; Na LI ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):282-290
Breast cancer is a kind of malignant tumor with a complex mechanism, and its morbidity and mortality are increasing year by year, which seriously threatens women's health. At present, the main clinical treatments are surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and drug therapy, but they are often accompanied by side effects and adverse reactions, which affect the therapeutic effect. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the advantages of multi-component and multi-target treatment in the fight against breast cancer. The wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the classic pathways in cancer research. Abnormally activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibits β-catenin degradation by blocking the formation of Axin/glycogen synthase kinase 3β/adenomatous polyposis coli complex, thus promoting β-catenin nuclear metastasis, and it binds to T cell transcription factor/lymphoenhancer factor-1 to initiate downstream target genes and further interfere with the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumor cells to affect the tumor process. Previous studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds can mediate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit the malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells, thus playing an anti-breast cancer role, and the biochemical process involved in the regulation of therapeutic drugs has not been systematically combed. By analyzing and collating Chinese and foreign literature at the present stage, this paper discussed the association mechanism between Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and breast cancer and analyzed the internal mechanism of TCM monomers and compounds in mediating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to exert anti-breast cancer effect. The statistical results showed that the flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids in TCM monomers could target the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and block the further development of malignant phenotype of breast cancer cells. TCM compounds with functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and tonifying kidney and liver were commonly used to intervene in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to prevent breast cancer. Compared with the current inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the application of TCM monomers and compounds is expected to bring low-toxicity and high-efficiency breast cancer treatment drugs to the clinical practice, and the existing results provide a reference for the subsequent screening, research, and development of TCM small-molecule compounds and TCM compounds against breast cancer.
2.Mechanism of inhibitory effect of total flavonoids from Taraxacum mongolicum on obesity in mice by regulating intestinal flora
Yixue GAO ; Lin GUO ; Linyan LANG ; Jing WU ; Haoyang WANG ; Jing YANG ; Mingsan MIAO ; Zhanzhan LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):293-299
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of total flavonoids from Taraxacum mongolicum on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice through modulation of intestinal flora. METHODS Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group and T. mongolicum total flavonoid group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, the other 2 groups were given a high-fat diet, while T. mongolicum total flavonoid group was given T. mongolicum total flavonoid [400 mg/(kg·d)] intragastrically, once a day, for 8 consecutive weeks. During the experiment, the food intake of each group of mice was recorded. After the last medication, the body mass, fat weight, blood lipid level and pathological changes of liver and epididymal fat in mice were evaluated to observe the effect of T. mongolicum total flavonoid on the treatment of obesity in mice. The changes in abundance and structure of intestinal flora in mice were detected by amplicon sequencing; the effects of T. mongolicum total flavonoids on fat metabolism related genes were analyzed by qPCR. RESULTS Compared with model group, the body weight of mice in T. mongolicum total flavonoids group was decreased significantly (P<0.05); the levels of total lipid cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol were all decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the level of HDL cholesterol was increased significantly (P<0.01); the fat indexes of inguinal white adipose tissue and epididymal white wind_lz@hactcm.edu.cn adipose tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.05); significant improvement in hepatocellular steatosis and adipose cytopathy were significantly improved; mRNA expressions of COX7A1 and COX8B were significantly upregulated (P<0.05). The results of bacterial colony detection showed that compared with the model group, there was a rising trend in the diversity of the bacterial colony in T. mongolicum total flavonoids group, and the Sobs index characterization and β diversity were increased significantly (P<0.05). Relative abundances of Blautia, norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, Bilophila, Alistipes, classified_f_Ruminococcaceae, Parabacteroides, norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae, Anaerotruncus were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05), while those of Faecalibaculum, Erysipelatoclostridium, GCA-900066575, Tuzzerella, Lactobacillus, norank_f_norank_o_RF39, achnospiraceae_FCS020_group were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS T. mongolicum total flavonoids can reduce body mass, fat weight and blood lipid levels, and repair the pathological damage to liver and epididymal fat in obese mice, which is related to improving intestinal flora disorders caused by high-fat diet.
3.Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Shenlong Decoction Granules in Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Qi SI ; Ningzi ZANG ; Mei WANG ; Weidong ZHENG ; Chuang LIU ; Yongming LIU ; Haoyang ZHANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Jiyu ZOU ; Jingze LI ; Lijian PANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):237-245
ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation (30 patients) and control groups (30 patients). All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally,the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules,while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each,taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed,and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and 6 min walk test (6MWT). The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test [actual value/expected value of total lung volume (TLC%),actual value/expected value of vital capacity(FVC%),actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide(DLCO%),actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%),and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC)],blood gas analysis [arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2),partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2),and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2)],serum inflammatory factors [transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-13 (IL-13),interleukin-12 (IL-12),and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ)],and quality of survival evaluation [St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score]. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment, and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study,comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period,the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% (9/27),whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% (14/26),which was statistically superior to the control group (χ2=4.034,P<0.05). After the treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,DLCO%,FEV1%,PaO2,PaCO2,TGF-β1,IL-4,IL-13,IL-12,and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved (P<0.01). Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,PaO2,and PaCO2 were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication (P<0.01). Three months after the end of medication,the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group (P<0.05),and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF,enhance exercise tolerance,improve the quality of life,and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.
4.Clinical Randomized Controlled Trial of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Shenlong Decoction Granules in Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Qi SI ; Ningzi ZANG ; Mei WANG ; Weidong ZHENG ; Chuang LIU ; Yongming LIU ; Haoyang ZHANG ; Zhongxue ZHAO ; Jiyu ZOU ; Jingze LI ; Lijian PANG ; Xiaodong LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):237-245
ObjectiveTo assess the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine compound Shenlong decoction in addressing the symptoms of pulmonary deficiency and stasis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MethodsSixty eligible patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF were randomly assigned to the observation (30 patients) and control groups (30 patients). All patients underwent standard Western medical therapy. Additionally,the observation group received Shenlong decoction granules,while the control group received a placebo. Both treatments were packaged in four doses of 10.5 g each,taken twice daily for three months. The indexes of the patients during the treatment cycle were observed,and the main indexes include traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and 6 min walk test (6MWT). The secondary indexes include pulmonary function test [actual value/expected value of total lung volume (TLC%),actual value/expected value of vital capacity(FVC%),actual/predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide(DLCO%),actual/predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%),and FEV1/ forced vital capacity (FVC)],blood gas analysis [arterial blood diathesis partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2),partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2),and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2)],serum inflammatory factors [transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),interleukin-4 (IL-4),interleukin-13 (IL-13),interleukin-12 (IL-12),and gamma-interferon (IFN-γ)],and quality of survival evaluation [St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score]. The patients' clinical manifestations were determined at the end of the treatment, and the occurrence of adverse events was recorded. ResultsA total of 53 patients completed the study,comprising 27 in the control group and 26 in the observation group. Upon completion of the treatment period,the control group achieved a total effective rate of 33.33% (9/27),whereas the observation group demonstrated a total effective rate of 53.85% (14/26),which was statistically superior to the control group (χ2=4.034,P<0.05). After the treatment,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,DLCO%,FEV1%,PaO2,PaCO2,TGF-β1,IL-4,IL-13,IL-12,and IFN-γ in the two groups were all significantly improved (P<0.01). Compared with those in the control group after treatment at the same period,the TCM syndrome scores,6MWT,PaO2,and PaCO2 were significantly improved in the observation group after 60 days and 90 days of medication (P<0.01). Three months after the end of medication,the SGRQ score in the observation group showed significant improvement when compared to that in the control group (P<0.05),and no severe adverse events were reported during the follow-up period. ConclusionCompound Shenlong decoction can alleviate clinical symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing in patients with lung deficiency and collateral stasis syndrome of IPF,enhance exercise tolerance,improve the quality of life,and have certain potential advantages in improving pulmonary function.
5.Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms of Maxing Shigan Tang Against Pneumonia Based on Transcriptomic and Structural Data
Yingdong WANG ; Haoyang PENG ; Aoyi WANG ; Wuxia ZHANG ; Chen BAI ; Peng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):215-222
ObjectiveMaxing Shigan Tang, as a traditional prescription for treating pneumonia, has a remarkable clinical effect. This study aims to systematically investigate the molecular mechanisms of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia by integrating its structural and transcriptomic data at the target level. MethodsNP-TCMtarget, a developed systematic network pharmacological model focusing on drug targets, was used to mine the effect targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia based on the transcriptome data. The structural targets of chemical components in Maxing Shigan Tang were predicted based on the structural information. The intersection of effect targets and structural targets was taken as the direct targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia, and the remaining effect targets except direct targets were taken as indirect targets. Finally, functional enrichment analysis was performed on these targets to explore the molecular mechanism of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia. ResultsA total of 1 604 effect targets and 816 structural targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia were identified. Maxing Shigan Tang exerted its therapeutic effects through 164 direct targets and 1 440 indirect targets. The functional analysis of 1 604 effect targets predicted 19 significantly enriched pathways. Comprehensive analysis of these pathways showed that these targets were mainly linked to immune and inflammatory responses, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, necrosis factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, and helper T cell 17 differentiation. ConclusionFocusing on the hierarchical feature of drug targets and the structural and transcriptomic data, this study systematically reveals the path of herbal component-direct target-indirect target-biological effects of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia.
6.Deciphering Molecular Mechanisms of Maxing Shigan Tang Against Pneumonia Based on Transcriptomic and Structural Data
Yingdong WANG ; Haoyang PENG ; Aoyi WANG ; Wuxia ZHANG ; Chen BAI ; Peng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):215-222
ObjectiveMaxing Shigan Tang, as a traditional prescription for treating pneumonia, has a remarkable clinical effect. This study aims to systematically investigate the molecular mechanisms of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia by integrating its structural and transcriptomic data at the target level. MethodsNP-TCMtarget, a developed systematic network pharmacological model focusing on drug targets, was used to mine the effect targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia based on the transcriptome data. The structural targets of chemical components in Maxing Shigan Tang were predicted based on the structural information. The intersection of effect targets and structural targets was taken as the direct targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia, and the remaining effect targets except direct targets were taken as indirect targets. Finally, functional enrichment analysis was performed on these targets to explore the molecular mechanism of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia. ResultsA total of 1 604 effect targets and 816 structural targets of Maxing Shigan Tang for treating pneumonia were identified. Maxing Shigan Tang exerted its therapeutic effects through 164 direct targets and 1 440 indirect targets. The functional analysis of 1 604 effect targets predicted 19 significantly enriched pathways. Comprehensive analysis of these pathways showed that these targets were mainly linked to immune and inflammatory responses, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, necrosis factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway, and helper T cell 17 differentiation. ConclusionFocusing on the hierarchical feature of drug targets and the structural and transcriptomic data, this study systematically reveals the path of herbal component-direct target-indirect target-biological effects of Maxing Shigan Tang in treating pneumonia.
7.Epimedin B exhibits pigmentation by increasing tyrosinase family proteins expression,activity,and stability
Chen HONG ; Yifan ZHANG ; Lili YANG ; Haoyang XU ; Kang CHENG ; Zhi LV ; Kaixian CHEN ; Yiming LI ; Huali WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(1):69-85
Epimedin B(EB)is one of the main flavonoid ingredients present in Epimedium brevicornum Maxim.,a traditional herb widely used in China.Our previous study showed that EB was a stronger inducer of melanogenesis and an activator of tyrosinase(TYR).However,the role of EB in melanogenesis and the mechanism underlying the regulation remain unclear.Herein,as an extension to our previous investi-gation,we provide comprehensive evidence of EB-induced pigmentation in vivo and in vitro and eluci-date the melanogenesis mechanism by assessing its effects on the TYR family of proteins(TYRs)in terms of expression,activity,and stability.The results showed that EB increased TYRs expression through microphthalmia-associated transcription factor-mediated p-Akt(referred to as protein kinase B(PKB))/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK3β)/β-catenin,p-p70 S6 kinase cascades,and protein 38(p38)/mitogen-activated protein(MAP)kinase(MAPK)and extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)/MAPK pathways,after which EB increased the number of melanosomes and promoted their maturation for melanogenesis in melanoma cells and human primary melanocytes/skin tissues.Furthermore,EB exerted repigmentation by stimulating TYR activity in hydroquinone-and N-phenylthiourea-induced TYR inhibitive models,including melanoma cells,zebrafish,and mice.Finally,EB ameliorated monobenzone-induced depigmentation in vitro and in vivo through the enhancement of TYRs stability by inhibiting TYR misfolding,TYR-related protein 1 formation,and retention in the endoplasmic reticulum and then by downregulating the ubiquitination and proteolysis processes.These data conclude that EB can target TYRs and alter their expression,activity,and stability,thus stimulating their pigmentation function,which might provide a novel rational strategy for hypopigmentation treatment in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
8.Efficacy and safety of chidamide in the maintenance therapy of T-cell lymphoma
Haoyang PENG ; Jin WEI ; Xi ZHANG ; Li GAO
Journal of Leukemia & Lymphoma 2024;33(10):596-602
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of chidamide in the maintenance therapy for patients with T-cell lymphoma (TCL).Methods:A prospective, single-arm clinical study was conducted. A total of 53 TCL patients who achieved partial remission (PR) and above after first-line induction chemotherapy in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University from May 2018 to July 2020 were included, among which 28 cases underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after induction chemotherapy, and then received maintenance therapy with chidamide initiating 30 to 45 days after transplantation (the transplantation group); 25 cases began to receive maintenance therapy with chidamide about 30 days after 6 to 8 courses of first-line induction chemotherapy (non-transplantation group). Chidamide usage was listed as follows: oral, 20-30 mg per time, 2 times per week, at intervals of not less than 3 d and the therapy was maintained for 2 years or until disease progression or intolerance. The main study endpoint was the 2-year recurrence rate, and the secondary study endpoints included the 1-year recurrence rate, the 1- and 2-year progression free survival (PFS) rate, the 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rate, and the safety of maintenance therapy.Results:The median follow-up was 13.5 months (range 5 to 51 months). After 6 to 8 courses of first-line induction chemotherapy in 53 patients with TCL, complete remission (CR) was achieved in 29 (54.7%) cases and PR in 24 (45.3%) cases. The proportion of patients aged ≤ 60 years and those achieving CR before maintenance treatment in the transplantation group was higher than that in non-transplantation group (both P < 0.05). During maintenance therapy, the best remission reached CR in 84.9% (45/53) of patients; CR rates during maintenance therapy were 89.3% (25/28) and 80.0% (20/25), respectively in the transplantation and non-transplantation groups; and PR rates were 10.7% (3/28), and 20.0% (5/25) ( χ2 = 0.31, P = 0.577). Among the 53 patients with TCL, 21 cases had recurrence with a 1-year recurrence rate of 26.4% (14/53) and a 2-year recurrence rate of 39.6% (21/53). The 2-year recurrence rates were 42.9% (12/28) and 36.0% (9/25), respectively in the transplantation and non-transplantation groups, and the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2 = 0.26, P = 0.610). The 1-year recurrence rates of patients receiving chidamide maintenance therapy with different international prognostic index (IPI) scores and whether achieving CR before maintenance therapy or not showed statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05); the 2-year recurrence rates of patients receiving chidamide maintenance therapy with different IPI scores, bone involvement or not and whether achieving CR before maintenance therapy or not showed statistically significant differences (all P < 0.05). The 1-year PFS and OS rates were 80.7% and 88.6%, and the 2-year PFS and OS rates were 61.1% and 71.9% in 53 patients. The 1-year PFS rates of patients in the transplantation and non-transplantation groups were 81.1% and 80.2% ( P = 0.774), and the 1-year OS rates were 89.3% and 87.4%, respectively ( P = 0.736). The 2-year PFS rates were 60.4% and 61.3% ( P = 0.440), and the 2-year OS rates were 72.7% and 70.6% ( P = 0.510). No patient discontinued chidamide maintenance therapy due to adverse drug reactions during maintenance therapy; ≥ grade 3 adverse drug reactions included neutropenia (9 cases, 23.1%), anemia (7 cases, 17.9%), thrombocytopenia (6 cases, 16.2%) and electhrolyte disturbance (1 case, 5.3%). The chidamide dosage was adjusted to 20 mg per time due to leucopenia in 7 patients and thrombocytopenia in 3 patients. Conclusions:Maintenance therapy with chidamide can reduce recurrence rate and prolong survival time of TCL patients, and it has a favorable safety.
9.Progress on epigenetic alterations of peripheral T-cell lymphoma and its treatment
Haoyang PENG ; Li GAO ; Jin WEI ; Xi ZHANG
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(13):2053-2058,2064
Peripheral T-cell lymphoma(PTCL)is a group of hematological malignant tumors with high heterogeneity.At present,CHOP(cyclophosphamide,vincristine,prednisone,doxorubicin)or CHOP-like regimens are usually used for first-line treatment,but the remission rate is low,and the prognosis is poor.It is urgent to improve the traditional chemotherapy regimens to improve the efficacy onthe basis of tradtional che-motherapeutic regimen.Recent studies have found that the epigenetic alterations are crucial in the pathogene-sis of PTCL,and more and more new epigenetic targeted drugs have shown good effects and safety in the monotherapy and combination therapy of PTCL,which provide a new strategy for the precise diagnosis and treatment of PTCL.This article reviews the latest progress in epigenetic changes of PTCL and the prospects of targeted drug therapy applications,in order to provide reference for improving the clinical prognosis of the patients with PTCL.
10.Natural compounds improve diabetic nephropathy by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway
Wu JIABIN ; Li KE ; Zhou MUGE ; Gao HAOYANG ; Wang WENHONG ; Xiao WEIHUA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(8):1125-1139
Diabetic nephropathy(DN),a severe complication of diabetes,is widely recognized as a primary contributor to end-stage renal disease.Recent studies indicate that the inflammation triggered by Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)is of paramount importance in the onset and progression of DN.TLR4 can bind to various ligands,including exogenous ligands such as proteins and polysaccharides from bacteria or vi-ruses,as well as endogenous ligands such as biglycan,fibrinogen,and hyaluronan.In DN,the expression or release of TLR4-related ligands is significantly elevated,resulting in excessive TLR4 activation and increased production of proinflammatory cytokines through downstream signaling pathways.This process is closely associated with the progression of DN.Natural compounds are biologically active products derived from natural sources that have advantages in the treatment of certain diseases.Various types of natural compounds,including alkaloids,flavonoids,polyphenols,terpenoids,glycosides,and polysaccharides,have demonstrated their ability to improve DN by affecting the TLR4 signaling pathway.In this review,we summarize the mechanism of action of TLR4 in DN and the natural compounds that can ameliorate DN by modulating the TLR4 signaling pathway.We specifically highlight the potential of compounds such as curcumin,paclitaxel,berberine,and ursolic acid to inhibit the TLR4 signaling pathway,which provides an important direction of research for the treatment of DN.

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