1.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes
YU Dandan ; ZHANG Yaping ; XU Huilin ; HE Dandan ; LIANG Tongtong ; YANG Jiali ; LI Jun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):130-134
Objective:
To examine the relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective among patients with comorbid diabetes, so as to provide the evidence for improving self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes.
Methods:
The patients with comorbid diabetes who were registered in the chronic disease health management system of Minhang District, Shanghai Municipality in 2021, followed up regularly, and lived in Meilong Town were recruited. Demographic information and family history of diabetes were collected through questionnaire surveys. Time perspective and self-management behaviors were assessed using the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and Diabetes Self-Management Behavior Scale, respectively. The relationship between self-management behaviors and time perspective was analyzed using a multivariable ordinal logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 907 patients with comorbid diabetes were enrolled, including 472 males (52.04%) and 435 females (47.96%). There were 652 cases aged 65 years and above, accounting for 71.89%. In terms of the types of time perspective, 280 patients were future-oriented (30.87%), 236 were balanced (26.02%), 162 were sensation-seeking (17.86%), 123 were fatalistic (13.56%), and 106 were negative (11.69%). In terms of the self-management behaviors, 46 patients were good (5.07%), 643 were moderate (70.89%), and 218 were poor (24.04%). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, educational level, marital status, occupation status, monthly income, and family history of diabetes, the patients with comorbid diabetes who had a future-oriented time perspective had better self-management behaviors (OR=1.874, 95%CI: 1.204-2.915).
Conclusion
The self-management behaviors among patients with comorbid diabetes are moderate to poor, and patients with a future-oriented time perspective can better engage in self-management behaviors.
3.Application of Aromatic Inhalation Therapy in Preventing Respiratory Infectious Diseases Based on the Theory of "Aromatics Acting on the Spleen"
Xinxin WU ; Yue ZHANG ; Xiaolei LI ; Haoyue LI ; Fang ZHANG ; Nanjiang YU ; ZHAOJING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):432-436
Aromatic inhalation therapy is a key traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach for preventing respiratory infectious diseases. Its foundational theory, "aromatics acting on the spleen", is deeply rooted in TCM principles and supported by modern medical research. The theory posits that the aromatic properties of medicinals primarily act on the spleen, and the aromatic inhalation therapy achieved its protective effects by modulation of the spleen and spleen channel to enhance the regulation of wei qi, striae and interstices. In TCM, the spleen is considered the mother of the lungs, with the function of nurturing lung; it is also seen as the source of wei qi, responsible for external defense; and the root of healthy qi, forming the foundation of acquired (postnatal) constitution. Thus, preventive strategies for respiratory infectious diseases focus on strengthening the spleen. From a modern medical perspective, the spleen's role in regulating lung immune responses, the shared immune functions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosa, and the spleen's overall immune modulation provide scientific evidence for using aromatic inhalation therapy to prevent respiratory infections. Additionally, aromatic inhalation therapy offers several advantages, including direct action, rapid onset, minimal side effects, controllable risks, convenience, and ease of dissemination, making it a practical and effective preventive measure for respiratory infectious diseases.
4.Ethical examination of the research and application of artificial intelligence in the field of rehabilitation
Lijun MENG ; Yiting LI ; Yingwei SUN ; Yu WU ; Shicai WU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):166-172
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the ethical governance of AI has gained increasing attention. The Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was issued by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2021, which clarified several principles for the ethical governance of AI. In the field of rehabilitation medicine, the research and application of AI technology have significantly improved patients’ quality of life and survival. However, due to the specificity of the service population in rehabilitation medicine, which is mostly for the sick, injured, disabled, and elderly, a series of complex ethical issues have also arisen. This paper analyzed in detail the ethical issues and challenges encountered in the research and application of AI technology in the field of rehabilitation medicine from various aspects, such as informed consent, security of privacy and data, patients’ physical and mental rehabilitation, compliance regulation, protection of specific groups, and promotion of equity. According to the principles of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and others, response strategies were proposed, including multi-party collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation, improving and refining relevant laws and regulations, strengthening ethical education across society, establishing accountability mechanisms, increasing investment, promoting equity, and other measures, to promote the healthy development of research and application of AI technology in the field of rehabilitation, as well as benefit humanity.
5.Reflection on the pursuit of“superhuman”enhancement of brain-computer interface technology from the perspective of body ethics
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):241-247
With the development of brain-computer interface technology (BCI), its potential to enhance human cognitive and physical abilities continues to emerge, while also stimulating the“superhuman”enhancement impulse to try to push the boundaries of treatment. Overmodification of the body governed by the pursuit of BCI“superhuman”augmentation may lead to a series of ethical body dilemmas, such as issues of bodily autonomy, the risk and benefit of the body medical dimension, and how to define the idealized body at the social level when the natural body and the BCI technology-enhanced body compete in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to take positive measures to promote the development of brain-computer interface technology in the process of continuous innovation and ethical responsibility.
6.Efficacy Mechanism of Xianlian Jiedu Prescription Against Colorectal Cancer Recurrence vias Regulating Angiogenesis
Yanru XU ; Lihuiping TAO ; Jingyang QIAN ; Weixing SHEN ; Jiani TAN ; Chengtao YU ; Minmin FAN ; Changliang XU ; Yueyang LAI ; Liu LI ; Dongdong SUN ; Haibo CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):79-87
ObjectiveTo explore effect of Xianlian Jiedu prescription on the recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigate the related mechanisms. MethodsA postoperative recurrence model was established in 25 Balb/c mice by injecting CT26 cells subcutaneously into the armpit, followed by surgical removal of 99% of the subcutaneous tumor. The mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-L) group (6.45 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-M) group (12.9 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-H) group (25.8 g·kg-1·d-1), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group (1×10-3 g·kg-1·d-1). The mice were euthanized after 14 days of continuous intervention, and recurrent tumor tissue was harvested. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological and morphological changes in the recurrent tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to assess the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) in recurrent tumor tissue. The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), VEGF, phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in recurrent tumor tissue. ResultsBefore treatment, there were no statistical differences in tumor volume, tumor weight, and body mass among the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group, indicating model stability. After treatment, compared with those in the model group, the tumor volume and tumor weight in the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), showing dose dependency. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in body weight among the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group. HE staining showed that compared with that in the model group, tumor tissue in the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group had loosely arranged cells, increased intercellular spaces, small and shriveled nuclei, light staining, fewer mitotic figures and atypical nuclei, and increased necrotic areas. IHC showed that compared with those of the model group, the positive rates of Ki67, VEGF, and CD31 in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot results showed that compared with those of the model group, the protein expression levels of ANG-2 and VEGF in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the p-Akt/Akt and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXianlian Jiedu prescription significantly inhibits the recurrence of CRC in mice after subcutaneous tumor surgery. The mechanism may involve regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating key angiogenic proteins such as ANG-2, VEGF, and CD31.
7.Clinical and Mechanism of Modified Xiaoyaosan and Its Effective Components in Treatment of Thyroid Diseases: A Review
Shanshan LI ; Yu FU ; Dandan WEI ; Fei WANG ; Mengjiao XU ; Ting WANG ; Shuxun YAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):302-310
Thyroid diseases are common clinical endocrine disorders, and their pathogenesis is generally considered to be closely related to genetic predisposition factors, immune system disorders, hormone levels, etc. Xiaoyaosan is widely used in the treatment of various thyroid diseases with excellent effects. This study summarized the relevant literature on the treatment of thyroid diseases with modified Xiaoyaosan prescriptions and their active ingredients from aspects such as theoretical analysis, clinical research, and mechanism research. Theoretical analysis revealed that Xiaoyaosan could not only disperse stagnated liver qi but also replenish deficient spleen Qi, which was consistent with the etiology and pathogenesis of thyroid diseases. Clinical studies found that Xiaoyaosan and its modified prescriptions could be widely used in the treatment of multiple thyroid diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and thyroid nodules. Both the use of modified Xiaoyaosan alone and in combination with medications such as methimazole, propylthiouracil, and euthyrox could effectively improve patients' clinical symptoms. In the mechanism research, this study discovered that the whole formula of Xiaoyaosan and its modified prescriptions could inhibit inflammatory reactions, regulate immune balance, and delay liver damage during the treatment of thyroid diseases. The research on Xiaoyaosan for treating thyroid diseases mainly focused on thyroid cancer, autoimmune thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. The mechanisms of action mainly involved promoting cell apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation and migration, arresting the cell cycle, and regulating thyroid hormone levels. In conclusion, this study systematically combs and summarizes the research status of Xiaoyaosan in treating thyroid diseases through literature retrieval, aiming to provide new perspectives and new ideas for the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases with traditional Chinese medicine.
8.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
9.The Mechanisms of Quercetin in Improving Alzheimer’s Disease
Yu-Meng ZHANG ; Yu-Shan TIAN ; Jie LI ; Wen-Jun MU ; Chang-Feng YIN ; Huan CHEN ; Hong-Wei HOU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):334-347
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. As the incidence of AD continues to rise annually, researchers have shown keen interest in the active components found in natural plants and their neuroprotective effects against AD. Quercetin, a flavonol widely present in fruits and vegetables, has multiple biological effects including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a central role in the pathogenesis of AD, and the antioxidant properties of quercetin are essential for its neuroprotective function. Quercetin can modulate multiple signaling pathways related to AD, such as Nrf2-ARE, JNK, p38 MAPK, PON2, PI3K/Akt, and PKC, all of which are closely related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, quercetin is capable of inhibiting the aggregation of β‑amyloid protein (Aβ) and the phosphorylation of tau protein, as well as the activity of β‑secretase 1 and acetylcholinesterase, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.The review also provides insights into the pharmacokinetic properties of quercetin, including its absorption, metabolism, and excretion, as well as its bioavailability challenges and clinical applications. To improve the bioavailability and enhance the targeting of quercetin, the potential of quercetin nanomedicine delivery systems in the treatment of AD is also discussed. In summary, the multifaceted mechanisms of quercetin against AD provide a new perspective for drug development. However, translating these findings into clinical practice requires overcoming current limitations and ongoing research. In this way, its therapeutic potential in the treatment of AD can be fully utilized.
10.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.


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