1.Effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Alcohol Extract on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in db/db Mice Based on Transcriptomics and Gut Microbiota
Yifei ZHU ; Lei DING ; Wei LIU ; Yahui SUN ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum alcohol extract in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice through transcriptomics and gut microbiota analysis. MethodsEighteen db/db mice were randomly assigned to the model(DM) group, metformin(MET) group, and G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract(GP) group, with six mice in each group, based on stratification of fasting blood glucose and body weight. An additional six db/m mice were selected as the normal control(NC) group. Mice in the NC and DM groups were administered deionized water (10 mL·kg-1) daily. The MET group received metformin (0.195 g·kg-1) by gavage. The GP group was treated with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (3.9 g·kg-1) by gavage for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose was measured every two weeks. After six weeks of intervention, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure insulin (FINS), adiponectin (ADP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver histomorphology, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was employed to assess hepatic glycogen synthesis, and Oil Red O staining was used to detect hepatic lipid deposition. Liver transcriptomic data were used to identify differentially expressed genes in the liver and conduct enrichment analysis. Real-time PCR was employed to verify the expression levels of adiponectin gene (Adipoq), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), glucokinase (GCK), forkhead box (Fox)O1, FoxO3, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC). Metagenomic sequencing was conducted to analyze changes in gut microbiota composition. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the DM group exhibited significantly elevated fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), serum AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C (P<0.01). FINS, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ADP was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Histological analysis confirmed severe hepatic steatosis and excessive lipid accumulation in the DM group, along with markedly reduced glycogen synthesis. Compared with the DM group, the GP group showed significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), reduced serum TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels (P<0.05), significantly decreased serum TG and AST levels (P<0.01), significantly reduced FINS, HOMA-IR, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01), and significantly increased ADP (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition were significantly alleviated, while glycogen synthesis was markedly enhanced. Transcriptomic differential and enrichment analyses suggested that the mechanisms by which G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice may involve regulation of the AMPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Real-time PCR results confirmed that expression of PGC-1α, PEPCK, G6PC, FoxO1, and FoxO3 was significantly downregulated following treatment with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas mRNA expression of Adipoq, PPARα, GCK, and AMPK was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metagenomic analysis showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia species was higher in the GP group than in the DM group. ConclusionG. pentaphyllum alcohol extract may improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice by regulating the hepatic AMPK/PPARα pathway to suppress lipid deposition and alleviate hepatic steatosis, by inhibiting gluconeogenesis through the AMPK/PGC-1α and FoxO pathways to lower fasting blood glucose, and by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia to restore gut microbiota balance.
2.Effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Alcohol Extract on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in db/db Mice Based on Transcriptomics and Gut Microbiota
Yifei ZHU ; Lei DING ; Wei LIU ; Yahui SUN ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum alcohol extract in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice through transcriptomics and gut microbiota analysis. MethodsEighteen db/db mice were randomly assigned to the model(DM) group, metformin(MET) group, and G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract(GP) group, with six mice in each group, based on stratification of fasting blood glucose and body weight. An additional six db/m mice were selected as the normal control(NC) group. Mice in the NC and DM groups were administered deionized water (10 mL·kg-1) daily. The MET group received metformin (0.195 g·kg-1) by gavage. The GP group was treated with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (3.9 g·kg-1) by gavage for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose was measured every two weeks. After six weeks of intervention, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure insulin (FINS), adiponectin (ADP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver histomorphology, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was employed to assess hepatic glycogen synthesis, and Oil Red O staining was used to detect hepatic lipid deposition. Liver transcriptomic data were used to identify differentially expressed genes in the liver and conduct enrichment analysis. Real-time PCR was employed to verify the expression levels of adiponectin gene (Adipoq), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), glucokinase (GCK), forkhead box (Fox)O1, FoxO3, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC). Metagenomic sequencing was conducted to analyze changes in gut microbiota composition. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the DM group exhibited significantly elevated fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), serum AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C (P<0.01). FINS, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ADP was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Histological analysis confirmed severe hepatic steatosis and excessive lipid accumulation in the DM group, along with markedly reduced glycogen synthesis. Compared with the DM group, the GP group showed significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), reduced serum TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels (P<0.05), significantly decreased serum TG and AST levels (P<0.01), significantly reduced FINS, HOMA-IR, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01), and significantly increased ADP (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition were significantly alleviated, while glycogen synthesis was markedly enhanced. Transcriptomic differential and enrichment analyses suggested that the mechanisms by which G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice may involve regulation of the AMPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Real-time PCR results confirmed that expression of PGC-1α, PEPCK, G6PC, FoxO1, and FoxO3 was significantly downregulated following treatment with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas mRNA expression of Adipoq, PPARα, GCK, and AMPK was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metagenomic analysis showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia species was higher in the GP group than in the DM group. ConclusionG. pentaphyllum alcohol extract may improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice by regulating the hepatic AMPK/PPARα pathway to suppress lipid deposition and alleviate hepatic steatosis, by inhibiting gluconeogenesis through the AMPK/PGC-1α and FoxO pathways to lower fasting blood glucose, and by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia to restore gut microbiota balance.
3.Signaling Pathways Related to Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease Regulated by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Lingling ZHU ; Yun SHE ; Jiangyi YU ; Qianhua YAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(5):213-225
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common microvascular complication of diabetics mellitus (DM) and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the primary pathological basis for DKD progression to ESRD, which significantly increases the mortality rate of DKD patients and burdens patients and society, and it is thus a clinical problem that needs to be solved urgently. The pathogenesis of RIF is complex and mainly associated with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy. Multiple signaling pathways such as transforming growth factor-β1/Smad (TGF-β1/Smad), nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), secretory glycoprotein/β-catenin (Wnt/β-catenin), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), neurogenic site-gap homologous protein (Notch), and nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) mediate the development of RIF, which are currently novel targets for DKD therapy. Due to the complexity of its pathogenesis, the current Western medical treatment mainly focuses on essential treatment to improve metabolism, which has poor efficacy and is difficult to prevent the progression of DKD, so it is significant to find new treatment methods clinically. In recent years, many studies have proved that traditional Chinese medicine can alleviate oxidative stress, inhibit inflammatory response, and regulate cellular autophagy by modulating relevant signaling pathways, so as to treat RIF in DKD, which has the advantages of multi-pathway, multi-targeting, multi-linking, and significant therapeutic efficacy. However, there is still a lack of relevant summary. By reviewing the latest research reports in China and abroad, this article examines the roles of the signaling pathways mentioned above in the occurrence and development of RIF in DKD and the recent research progress in the intervention of RIF in DKD by traditional Chinese medicine via these pathways, aiming to provide new ideas and references for further scientific research and clinical practice.
4.Standardized specialist training for developmental and behavioral pediatrics in China and the United States: current status and thoughts
Xiaoyang CHEN ; Lingling WU ; Wenhao LI ; Wenyuan JIN ; Yanyan WANG ; Xiaolin LIU ; Zhiwei ZHU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(3):314-320
The United States has established a perfect specialist training system for developmental and behavioral pediatrics (DBP), while the DBP specialist training system in China is still in the early stage of development and has been constantly improved. This article analyzes and compares the current status of DBP specialist training system between the United States and China from the aspects of training pattern, eligibility criteria, training plans and contents, assessment and evaluation, and certification. With reference to the training system in the United States, we can further improve the DBP specialist training system in China by perfecting the training system and related documents, constructing reasonable eligibility criteria, establishing a training pattern guided by post competency, improving the DBP assessment and evaluation system based on competency, and enhancing the certification of DBP physicians.
5.Evidence-based guideline for the management of clinical application of biosimilars in China (2024 edition)
Zaiwei SONG ; Yang HU ; Lingling YU ; Jun ZHU ; Lingli ZHANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Liyan MIAO ; Suodi ZHAI ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(16):1933-1945
OBJECTIVE To provide standardized guidance for the clinical application and management of biosimilars, and promote their widespread and rational use in clinical treatment. METHODS The design, planning, and drafting process as well as the full report of Evidence-based Guideline for the Management of Clinical Application of Biosimilars in China (2024 Edition) followed the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development (2nd edition), which fully considered the best current evidence from evidence-based medicine, multidisciplinary expert experience, and patient preferences and values. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was adopted to evaluate the quality of evidence and determine the strength of recommendations. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based Guideline for the Management of Clinical Application of Biosimilars in China (2024 Edition) presented 10 recommendations including 7 strong recommendations and 3 weak recommendations. The recommendations covered the entire process of clinical application and management of biosimilars. Medical institutions and relevant health regulatory departments can refer to this guideline for the scientific management of the extrapolation of unapproved indications of biosimilars. Healthcare providers can refer to this guideline for pre-treatment assessments, patient education, pre-treatment regimen before administration, and dosage regimen adjustments. Multidisciplinary medical teams can refer to this guideline to provide pharmacovigilance and patient management throughout the treatment process.
6.Huatan Qushi formula alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via PI3K/Akt signaling and gut microbiota modulation
Xiuping Zhang ; Linghui Zhu ; Jinchen Ma ; Yi Zheng ; Xuejing Yang ; Lingling Yang ; Yang Dong ; Yan Zhang ; Baoxing Liu ; Lingru Li
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2024;11(4):443-455
Objective:
To provide the mechanism-based pharmacotherapy of the Huatan Qushi formula (HTQS formula), for the health management and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Methods:
A rat model of NAFLD was employed to examine the efficacy and safety of the HTQS formula. In vivo active components and potential mechanisms of the HTQS formula were identified using UPLC‒MS/MS combined with network pharmacology. The influence of the HTQS formula on the dominating proteins in PI3K/Akt pathway was validated in vivo using western blot. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing of the gut microbiome was conducted followed by targeted metabolomics detecting fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids to determine the impact of the HTQS formula on gut microbiota.
Results:
The HTQS formula reduced weight gain and hepatic steatosis in NAFLD rats and decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, blood glucose, and insulin resistance (IR) without causing liver or kidney injury. We detected 28 components using UPLC‒MS/MS and identified 439 shared targets between NAFLD and the HTQS formula. Primarily, we focused on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway based on protein‒protein interaction network analysis. We validated that the HTQS formula inhibited liver steatosis and inflammation by increasing the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, P27, GSK3β in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the HTQS formula reduced the abundance of the genus Family_XIII_AD3011_group, which was positively correlated with IR and taurodeoxycholic acid. In addition, Lachnospiraceae_UCG_010 inversely correlated with TC and five bile acids, which could be essential to the therapeutic effect of the HTQS formula against NAFLD.
Conclusions
The HTQS formula proved to be an effective pharmacotherapy for NAFLD without causing liver or kidney injury. Multiple potent components of the HTQS formula could alleviate liver steatosis and lipid metabolism disorder by modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and restoring gut microbiota composition.
7.Exosomes from ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial M1 polarization and promotes survival of H2O2-exposed PC12 cells by suppressing inflammatory response and oxidative stress
Xiaopeng SUN ; Hang SHI ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhong LIU ; Kewei LI ; Lingling QIAN ; Xingyu ZHU ; Kangjia YANG ; Qiang FU ; Hua DING
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(1):119-128
Objective To investigate the potential value of exosomes derived from rat ectoderm mesenchymal stem cells(EMSCs-exo)for repairing secondary spinal cord injury.Methods EMSCs-exo were obtained using ultracentrifugation from EMSCs isolated from rat nasal mucosa,identified by transmission electron microscope,nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA),and Western blotting,and quantified using the BCA method.Neonatal rat microglia purified by differential attachment were induced with 100 μg/L lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and treated with 37.5 or 75 mg/L EMSCs-exo.PC12 cells were exposed to 400 μmol/L H2O2 and treated with EMSCs-exo at 37.5 or 75 mg/L.The protein and mRNA expressions of Arg1 and iNOS in the treated cells were determined with Western blotting and qRT-PCR,and the concentrations of IL-6,IL-10,and IGF-1 in the supernatants were measured with ELISA.The viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were detected using CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry.Results The isolated rat EMSCs showed high expressions of nestin,CD44,CD105,and vimentin.The obtained EMSCs-exo had a typical cup-shaped structure under transmission electron microscope with an average particle size of 142 nm and positivity for CD63,CD81,and TSG101 but not vimentin.In LPS-treated microglia,EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L significantly increased Arg1 protein level and lowered iNOS protein expression(P<0.05).EMSCs-exo treatment at 75 mg/L,as compared with the lower concentration at 37.5 mg/L,more strongly increased Arg1 mRNA expression and IGF-1 and IL-10 production and decreased iNOS mRNA expression and IL-6 production in LPS-induced microglia,and more effectively promoted cell survival and decreased apoptosis rate of H2O2-induced PC12 cells(P<0.05).Conclusion EMSCs-exo at 75 mg/L can effectively reduce the proportion of M1 microglia and alleviate neuronal apoptosis under oxidative stress to promote neuronal survival,suggesting its potential in controlling secondary spinal cord injury.
8.Role of extracellular vesicles of different origins in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Tingting SHI ; Runbing ZHANG ; Yang WU ; Yani ZHANG ; Lingling ZHU ; Chun GAO ; Jingjing JIANG ; Xiaofeng ZHENG ; Jiucong ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(6):1264-1268
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common type of primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths,and it is a serious threat to human health and has become a clinical problem that needs to be solved urgently.Extracellular vesicles(EV)are membrane vesicles containing multiple components and play an important role in the development and progression of HCC.This article summarizes the effect of EVs of different origins on HCC and analyzes the mechanism of action of EV on HCC,so as to provide new perspectives for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
9.The role of tumor necrosis factor-α in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma
Lingling ZHU ; Yani ZHANG ; Tingting SHI ; Yang WU ; Chun GAO ; Xiaohui YU ; Yujing HE ; Jiucong ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(11):2320-2325
Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)is involved in the regulation of multiple biological processes such as the proliferation,invasion,migration,and chemotherapy resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells through TNF receptor-mediated signaling pathways.At the same time,TNF-α also plays a role in inducing the apoptosis of HCC cells.Some TNF-α inhibitors have been shown to inhibit the progression of HCC and prolong survival time.At present,the potential mechanism of action of TNF-α in HCC remains unclear,and exploration of the interaction between TNF-α and HCC can help to determine the potential therapeutic targets for HCC.This article summarizes the latest research advances in the mechanism of action of TNF-α in HCC and introduces the possibility of targeting TNF-α as a treatment method for HCC,in order to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer and drug research and development.
10.Bladder urothelial carcinoma in children:a case report and literature review
Paierhati NUERAILI ; Xinsheng ZHU ; Weihua LI ; Lingling WANG ; Zhaoxing ZHAN ; Ainiwaer AILIYAER
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(8):728-730,736
Objective To analyze the clinicopathological features of bladder urothelial carcinoma BUC in children and to share the experience of diagnosis and treatment.Methods The clinicopathological data,diagnosis and treatment process of a rare 9-year-old boy with BUC treated in the Second People's Hospital of Kashgar were reported and the literature was reviewed.Results The main clinical symptom is hematuria.Both preoperative urinary ultrasound and CT urography(CTU)identified the tumor,which was then removed with transurethral holmium laser resection under general anesthesia.Postoperative pathology confirmed papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential(PUNLMP).Epirubicin hydrochloride instillation was administered,and no evidence of recurrence or progress was detected during the 3-month follow-up.Conclusion Bladder urothelial carcinoma in children is extremely rare.The most common symptom is hematuria,and there are no characteristic signs.Urinary ultrasound is the first choice for preoperative imaging,and transurethral resection of the carcinoma results in good recovery.There is no recommendable instillation,and patients need long-term postoperative follow-up.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail