1.Clinical Efficacy of Modified Huangqi Chifengtang in Treatment of IgA Nephropathy Patients and Exploration of Dose-effect Relationship of Astragali Radix
Xiujie SHI ; Meiying CHANG ; Yue SHI ; Ziyan ZHANG ; Yifan ZHANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Hangyu DUAN ; Jing LIU ; Mingming ZHAO ; Yuan SI ; Yu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):9-16
ObjectiveTo explore the dose-effect relationship and safety of high, medium, and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in the modified Huangqi Chifengtang (MHCD) for treating proteinuria in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, and to provide scientific evidence for the clinical use of high-dose Astragali Radix in the treatment of proteinuria in IgA nephropathy. MethodsA total of 120 patients with IgA nephropathy, diagnosed with Qi deficiency and blood stasis combined with wind pathogen and heat toxicity, were randomly divided into a control group and three treatment groups. The control group received telmisartan combined with a Chinese medicine placebo, while the treatment groups were given telmisartan combined with MHCD containing different doses of raw Astragali Radix (60, 30, 15 g). Each group contained 30 patients, and the treatment period was 12 weeks. Changes in 24-hour urinary protein (24 hUTP), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, effective rate, and renal function were observed before and after treatment. Safety was assessed by monitoring liver function and blood routine. ResultsAfter 12 weeks of treatment, 24 hUTP significantly decreased in the high, medium, and low-dose groups, as well as the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The TCM syndrome scores in the high, medium, and low-dose groups also significantly decreased (P<0.01). Comparisons between groups showed that the 24 hUTP in the high-dose group was significantly lower than in the medium, low-dose, and control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 24 hUTP in the medium-dose group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly lower than in the low-dose and control groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rates for proteinuria in the high, medium, low-dose, and control groups were 92.59% (25/27), 85.19% (23/27), 60.71% (17/28), and 57.14% (16/28), respectively. The effective rates in the high and medium-dose groups were significantly higher than in the low-dose and control groups (χ2=13.185, P<0.05, P<0.01). The effective rates for TCM syndrome scores in the high, medium, low-dose, and control groups were 88.89% (24/27), 81.48% (22/27), 71.43% (20/28), and 46.43% (13/28), respectively. The efficacy of TCM syndrome scores in the high and medium-dose groups was significantly higher than in the control group (χ2=14.053, P<0.01). Compared with pre-treatment values, there was no statistically significant difference in eGFR and serum creatinine in the high and medium-dose groups. However, eGFR significantly decreased in the low-dose and control groups after treatment (P<0.05), and serum creatinine levels increased significantly in the control group (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in urea nitrogen, uric acid, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function, and blood routine before and after treatment in any group. ConclusionThere is a dose-effect relationship in the treatment of IgA nephropathy with high, medium, and low doses of raw Astragali Radix in MHCD. The high-dose group exhibited the best therapeutic effect and good safety profile.
2.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.
3.Value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices with significant portal hypertension in compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
Cheng LIU ; Jiayi ZENG ; Mengbing FANG ; Zhiheng CHEN ; Bei GUI ; Fengming ZHAO ; Jingkai YUAN ; Chaozhen ZHANG ; Meijie SHI ; Yubao XIE ; Xiaoling CHI ; Huanming XIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):263-268
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices since there is a high risk of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and to provide a basis for the early diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices. MethodsA total of 108 patients with significant portal hypertension due to compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who attended Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2017 to November 2023 were enrolled, and according to the presence or absence of esophageal and gastric varices under gastroscopy, they were divided into esophageal and gastric varices group (GOV group) and non-esophageal and gastric varices group (NGOV group). Related data were collected, including age, sex, imaging findings, and laboratory markers. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of five scoring models, i.e., fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), LOK index, LPRI, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR). The binary logistic regression method was used to establish a combined model, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared between the combined model and each scoring model used alone. The Delong test was used to compare the AUC value between any two noninvasive diagnostic models. ResultsThere were 55 patients in the GOV group and 53 patients in the NGOV group. Compared with the NGOV group, the GOV group had a significantly higher age (52.64±1.44 years vs 47.96±1.68 years, t=0.453, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase [42.00 (24.00 — 17.00) U/L vs 82.00 (46.00 — 271.00) U/L, Z=-3.065, P<0.05], aspartate aminotransferase [44.00 (32.00 — 96.00) U/L vs 62.00 (42.50 — 154.50) U/L,Z=-2.351, P<0.05], and platelet count [100.00 (69.00 — 120.00)×109/L vs 119.00 (108.50 — 140.50)×109/L, Z=-3.667, P<0.05]. The ROC curve analysis showed that FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone had an accuracy of 0.667, 0.681, 0.730, and 0.639, respectively, in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices (all P<0.05), and the positive diagnostic rates of GOV were 69.97%, 65.28%, 67.33%, and 58.86%, respectively, with no significant differences in AUC values (all P>0.05), while APRI used alone had no diagnostic value (P>0.05). A combined model (LAF) was established based on the binary logistic regression analysis and had an AUC of 0.805 and a positive diagnostic rate of GOV of 75.80%, with a significantly higher AUC than FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone (Z=-2.773,-2.479,-2.206, and-2.672, all P<0.05). ConclusionFIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR have a similar diagnostic value for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and APRI alone has no diagnostic value. The combined model LAF had the best diagnostic efficacy, which provides a certain reference for clinical promotion and application.
4.Influence of parental smoking and household secondhand smoke exposure on adolescents smoking initiation
SU Qi, XU Luting, SHI Jianhui, ZENG Xinying, LIU Ying, QI Mingxin, CAO Yuan, LIU Shiwei
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):339-342
Objective:
To explore the impact of household tobacco smoke exposure on adolescents attempted smoking behavior, so as to provide a reference for tobacco control policy formulation and evaluation.
Methods:
From September to November 2023, a stratified cluster random sampling method was employed to select 7 841 middle and high school students from 10 monitoring sites (districts/counties) in Beijing for a questionnaire survey. Rao-Scott Chi square test was used to assess differences in proportions across subgroups, and complex sampling design based multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the influence of parental smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure at home on adolescents attempted smoking behavior.
Results:
About 47.17% of adolescents reported to have at least one parent smoked, with 42.36% reported of having only the father smoked, 0.73% reported of having only the mother smoked, and 4.08% reported of having both parents smoked. About 34.66% of middle and high school students were reported SHS exposure at home in the past 7 days, with 10.98%, 4.79% and 18.89% reported SHS exposure for 1-2, 3-4 and 5-7 days. Compared to adolescents with non smoking parents, those with a smoking father or both smoking parents had higher rates of attempted smoking [ OR (95% CI )=1.45(1.06-1.98), 3.73(2.18-6.37), P < 0.05 ]. Compared to adolescents without SHS exposure at home in the past 7 days, those exposed for 3-4 or 5- 7 days had higher rates of attempted smoking [ OR (95% CI )=2.21(1.27- 3.84 ), 2.46(1.58-3.83), P <0.01].
Conclusions
Household tobacco smoke exposure is associated with adolescent attempted smoking behavior. Parents should quit smoking and prohibit smoking at home to create a smoke free environment for adolescents.
5.Analysis of Differences in Secondary Metabolites Between Dendrobium nobile Bionic Wild Cultivated on Epiphytic Stones and Trees Based on Widely Targeted Metabolomics
Yifan SHI ; Changqing ZHOU ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Lin CHEN ; Hongping CHEN ; Fu WANG ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):218-224
ObjectiveTo explore the differences in the accumulation of secondary metabolites of Dendrobium nobile cultivated on epiphytic stones and trees, so as to elucidate the scientific connotation of "only those that grow on stones has superior quality", and provide a direction for the cultivation and quality evaluation of D. nobile. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTRAP-MS/MS)-based widely targeted metabolomics was used to detect the metabolites of D. nobile cultivated on epiphytic stones and trees. And the combination of principal component analysis(PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was performed for multivariate statistical analysis of metabolites. Differential metabolites were screened by variable importance in the projection(VIP) value≥1 and log2fold change(FC)≥1 or ≤-1, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis was conducted. ResultsA total of 1 267 metabolites were identified in the stems of D. nobile from the two cultivation modes, dominated by flavonoids(292), phenolic acids(284), and alkaloids(189). Through OPLS-DA screening, 473 differential metabolites were obtained. Compared to epiphytic tree-cultivated D. nobile, epiphytic stone-cultivated D. nobile exhibited upregulation of flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, lignans and coumarins, while quinones and terpenoids were down-regulated. The differential metabolites mainly included flavonoid glycosides and alkaloids, and these differential metabolites significantly contributed to characterizing the two cultivation patterns. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment in pathways of flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism in epiphytic stone-cultivated D. nobile. ConclusionEpiphytic stone cultivation is beneficial for the accumulation of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids in D. nobile, indicating that the "only those that grow on stones has superior quality" documented in the materia medica has certain scientific basis, and the findings also provide a reference for quality evaluation and discrimination research between epiphytic stone and tree cultivated D. nobile.
6.Process Optimization and Health Risk Assessment of Calcined Haematitum Based on QbD Concept
Yue YANG ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Jialiang ZOU ; Guorong MEI ; Yifan SHI ; Lei ZHONG ; Jiaojiao WANG ; Xuelian GAN ; Dewen ZENG ; Xin CHEN ; Lin CHEN ; Hongping CHEN ; Shilin CHEN ; Yuan HU ; Youping LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):187-196
ObjectiveTo investigate the processing technology of calcined Haematitum based on the concept of quality by design(QbD) and to assess its health risk. MethodsTaking whole iron content, Fe2+ dissolution content and looseness as critical quality attributes(CQAs), and calcination temperature, calcination time, spreading thickness and particle size as critical process parameters(CPPs) determined by the failure mode and effect analysis(FMEA), the processing technology of calcined Haematitum was optimized by orthogonal test combined with analytic hierarchy process-criteria importance through intercriteria correlation(AHP-CRITIC) hybrid weighting method. The contents of heavy metals and harmful elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the health risk assessment was carried out by daily exposure(EXP), target hazard quotient(THQ) and lifetime cancer risk(LCR), and the theoretical value of the maximum limit was deduced. ResultsThe optimal processing technology for calcined Haematitum was calcination at 650 ℃, calcination time of 1 h, particle size of 0.2-0.5 cm, spreading thickness of 1 cm, and vinegar quenching for 1 time[Haematitum-vinegar(10:3)]. The contents of 5 heavy metals and harmful elements in 13 batches of calcined Haematitum were all decreased with reductions of up to 5-fold. The cumulative THQ of 2 batches of samples was>1, while the cumulative THQ of all batches of Haematitum was>1. The LCR of As in 1 batches of Haematitum was 1×10-6-1×10-4, and the LCR of the rest was<1×10-6, and the LCRs of calcined Haematitum were all<1×10-6, indicating that the carcinogenic risk of calcined Haematitum was low, but special attention should still be paid to Haematitum medicinal materials. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Hg were formulated as 1 014, 25, 17, 27, 7 mg·kg-1. ConclusionThe optimized processing technology of calcined Haematitum is stable and feasible, and the contents of heavy metals and harmful elements are reduced after processing. Preliminary theoretical values of the maximum limits of Cu, As, Cd, Pb and Hg are formulated to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of standards for the limits of harmful elements in Haematitum.
7.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Coronary Heart Disease with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Sleep Deprivation Combined with Coronary Artery Ligation
Yali SHI ; Yunxiao GAO ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Yue YUAN ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Longxiao HU ; Junguo REN ; Jianxun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):30-40
ObjectiveTo explore the construction and evaluation methods of a rat model of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome established by sleep deprivation combined with coronary artery ligation. MethodsThirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=6), a myocardial infarction group(model A group, n=10), an acute sleep deprivation+myocardial infarction group(model B group, n=10), and a chronic sleep deprivation+myocardial infarction group(model C group, n=10) according to body weight. Rats in the normal group were not treated, rats in the model A group underwent only ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, rats in the model B group were sleep deprived for 96 h and then underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and rats in the model C group were sleep deprived for an additional 48 h each week with a 24 h rest period as one cycle for three weeks on the basis of the model B group. After coronary artery ligation in the model C group, the first week was defined as the starting point of the first sleep deprivation cycle, and indexes were tested weekly for rats in each group for 3 weeks. Electrocardiogram was used to determine the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats, and small animal echocardiography was used to evaluate the cardiac function. The levels of serum creatine kinase(CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), cardiac troponin T(cTnT), interleukin-18(IL-18), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by biochemical assays, and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes of myocardial tissue in rats. The syndrome indicators of Qi and Yin deficiency were evaluated by general state and body weight, grip strength, facial temperature, paw temperature, rectal temperature, salivary flow rate, open field test, tongue color[red(R), green(G), and blue(B)] values, pulse amplitude changes, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for the detection of expression levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP), rat serum corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF), adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH), triiodothyronine(T3), tetraiodothyronine(T4), and corticosterone(CORT) in serum. ResultsIn terms of disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the ST segment of the electrocardiogram in each model group was significantly elevated, the echocardiographic parameters were decreased, the contents of myocardial enzymes and inflammatory factors were increased(P<0.01), and the myocardial tissue in the infarcted area was significantly damaged. In terms of syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the body weight of rats in the model B and C groups decreased at each time point, the grip strength of each model group decreased, the total distance traveled and the number of entries into the center in the open field test decreased, the immobility time increased, the facial and rectal temperatures of rats in the model B and C groups increased, the salivary flow rate of each model group decreased, the tongue color was bright red or light, the tongue body was dry or smooth like a mirror, lacking of moisture sensation, the R, G and B values of the tongue surface increased, the pulse amplitude changes decreased, and the contents of T3 and T4 increased, while the expressions of cAMP, CRF, ACTH and CORT in the model B and C groups increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionContinuous sleep deprivation for 96 h in a multi-platform method combined with coronary artery ligation can construct a rat model of AMI with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and the syndrome manifestations can be maintained for 3 weeks.
8.Establishment and Evaluation of Rat Model of Myocardial Ischemia-reperfusion Injury with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blocking Collaterals Syndrome Based on Metabolomics
Longxiao HU ; Jiabei GAO ; Weihao MA ; Jieming LU ; Yunxiao GAO ; Yue YUAN ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Jianxun LIU ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):41-51
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility, evaluation methods and metabolic differences of high-fat diet(HFD) combined with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) to establish a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collaterals syndrome(PBSBCS). MethodsThirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation, HFD, MIRI, and MIRI+HFD groups. Rats in the sham operation and MIRI groups were fed a standard diet(regular chow), while the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups received a HFD for 10 weeks. Rats in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups underwent myocardial ischemia-reperfusion surgery, while the sham operation group underwent only thread placement without ligation. Cardiac function was assessed via small-animal echocardiography, including left ventricular ejection fraction(EF), left ventricular fractional shortening(FS), cardiac output(CO), and stroke volume(SV). Serum levels of creatine kinase(CK), CK-MB, triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), endothelin-1(ET-1), endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-18(IL-18), oxidized LDL(ox-LDL), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) were measured by biochemical assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Myocardial histopathology was evaluated via hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, while myocardial infarction and no-reflow area were assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC), Evans blue, and thioflavin staining. Changes in syndrome characteristics[body weight, tongue surface red-green-blue [RGB] values, and pulse amplitude] of PBSBCS were recorded. Serum differential metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increases in body weight(P<0.01), RGB values and pulse amplitude decreased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels increased in the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups, while HDL-C decreased. Blood perfusion peak time and myocardial no-reflow area increased, serum eNOS level decreased, and CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities increased in the HFD, MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups(P<0.05, P<0.01). Whole blood viscosity was increased in the HFD group at medium shear rate, and in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups at low, medium and high shear rates(P<0.05, P<0.01). Platelet aggregation rate increased in the MIRI and MIRI+HFD groups, accompanied by elevated ET-1, TNF-α, and IL-18 levels, reduced cardiac function indices, expanded myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, and increased serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, and cTnT activities(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the MIRI group, the HFD and MIRI+HFD groups showed significant increase in body weight, TC, TG, LDL-C and ox-LDL levels, and significant decrease in HDL-C content(P<0.01). The MIRI+HFD group showed decrease in RGB values and pulse amplitude, and an increase in whole blood viscosity, platelet aggregation, blood perfusion peak time, myocardial no-reflow and infarction areas, elevated ET-1, TNF-α and IL-18 levels, decreased eNOS content, EF and SV, increased serum CK, CK-MB and cTnT activities, and worsened myocardial pathology(P<0.05). Compared with the HFD group, the MIRI+HFD group showed similar aggravated trends(P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomics results showed that 34 potential biomarkers involving 13 common metabolic pathways were identified in the MIRI+HFD group compared with the sham operation group. ConclusionThe MIRI group resembles blood stasis syndrome in hemodynamics and myocardial injury, and the HFD group mirrors phlegm-turbidity syndrome in lipid profiles and tongue characteristics. While the MIRI+HFD group aligns with PBSBCS in comprehensive indices, effectively simulating clinical features of coronary heart disease(CHD), which can be used for the evaluation of the pathological mechanism and pharmacodynamics of CHD with PBSBCS.
9.Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Cerebral Infarction with Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on Metabolomics
Yue YUAN ; Yunxiao GAO ; Qiuyan ZHANG ; Xiaoxiao CHEN ; Yali SHI ; Longxiao HU ; Jianxun LIU ; Junguo REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):62-71
ObjectiveTo investigate the preparation method of a mouse model of cerebral infarction with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome induced by streptozotocin(STZ) combined with the photochemical method, and to evaluate the biological basis of the established model. MethodsForty C57B6/J mice were randomly divided into the normal and model groups, with 20 mice in each group. The normal group received no treatment, while the model group was injected intraperitoneally with 55 mg·kg-1 of STZ once a day for 5 days. Fourteen days post-STZ induction, 10 mice from the normal group were randomly taken into the photochemical group, while 10 mice from the model group were randomly taken into the STZ+photochemical group. Rose Bengal solution injection combined with 520 nm laser irradiation was used to cause thrombosis and induce cerebral infarction in mice. Syndrome indexes for Qi and Yin deficiency were assessed by general state observation, body weight, grip strength, rectal temperature, behavioral experiments, energy metabolism, tongue color[red(R), green(G), blue(B)] values, adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content, corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF) and triiodothyronine(T3) levels. The pathological changes of cerebral infarction in mice were evaluated by detecting serum superoxide dismutase(SOD), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels in combination with Bederson score. Finally, the endogenous metabolites in mice were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and multivariate statistical analysis was performed by partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). The data filtering criteria were set as variable importance in the projection(VIP) value> 1, fold change(FC)<0.8 or FC>1.2, P<0.05, to obtain differential metabolites. Then MetaboAnalyst 3.0 was utilized for pathway enrichment analysis of the differential metabolites, aiming to explore the metabolic profile changes and biological basis of mice with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome of cerebral infarction. ResultsRegarding the syndrome indicators, compared with the normal group, the mice in the model group had lower body weight, higher rectal temperature, lower limb motor ability and energy metabolism efficiency, lower ATP content, lower R, G and B values of the tongue surface, and lower speed of blood glucose regression(P<0.05, P<0.01). As for the disease indicators, compared with the normal group, the Bederson scores of the photochemical group and the STZ+photochemical group increased, the grip strength decreased, the SOD level decreased, and the levels of inflammatory factors increased(P<0.05). The results of metabolomics showed that a good separation pattern of components was observed among mice in each group, with significant differences in components. Identification of MS data revealed a total of 44 differential metabolites in mice with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome of cerebral infarction. Among them, 32 metabolites were up-regulated, mainly including triglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and ceramides. And 12 metabolites were down-regulated, mainly including amino acid and phosphate metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis of the above differential metabolites indicated that the metabolic pathways were mainly enriched in folate biosynthesis, terpenoid skeleton biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. These pathways were involved in multiple processes such as lipid transport, insulin resistance, and energy metabolism. ConclusionThe method of STZ injection combined with photochemical induction can successfully establish a mouse model of cerebral infarction with Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome, and intervene in vivo processes such as folate biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism.
10.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shuanghua Drink in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea Based on COX-2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Yuncheng MA ; Yuanyuan SHI ; Zhen LIU ; Yuxi WANG ; Yuan TIAN ; Qian LI ; Xiaozhu WANG ; Cheng HE ; Wenhui XU ; Weiling WANG ; Jian GAO ; Ting WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):72-80
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Shuanghua drink in treating primary dysmenorrhea in the rat model and explore its mechanism of action. MethodsAn oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model was established to evaluate the analgesic effect of Shuanghua drink. Forty-eight non-pregnant female institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (85.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (7.14 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (14.28 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (28.57 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight mice. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration at corresponding doses for 10 consecutive days. One hour after the final administration, 2 U of oxytocin was intraperitoneally injected per mouse. The writhing latency and number of writhing within 20 minutes were recorded. A primary dysmenorrhea rat model was established by using estradiol benzoate and oxytocin to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Shuanghua drink on the contraction of uterine smooth muscle. Forty-eight non-pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, including a blank group, a model group, an ibuprofen group (51.00 mg·kg-1), a low-dose group of Shuanghua drink (4.28 mL·kg-1), a medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink (8.57 mL·kg-1), and a high-dose group of Shuanghua drink (17.10 mL·kg-1). Each group consisted of eight rats. Rats received subcutaneous injections of estradiol benzoate for 10 consecutive days to enhance uterine sensitivity. On the eleventh day, oxytocin (2 U/rat) was intraperitoneally administered to induce abnormal uterine contractions for establishing the primary dysmenorrhea model. All treatment groups received daily intragastric administration from the second day of modeling for 10 days. The effects of Shuanghua drink were evaluated by using parameters including uterine motility and the variation rate of uterine motility. The mechanism of action was investigated in rats with primary dysmenorrhea. The content of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), thromboxane B2 (TXB2), prostacyclin metabolite (6-keto-PGF1α), and β-endorphin (β-EP) in uterine tissue of rats was detected by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The changes in the content of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were analyzed via colorimetric assay. Western blot was performed to determine the content of phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (p-IKKβ)/IKKβ, phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), p65, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in uterine tissue of rats. ResultsIn the oxytocin-induced writhing mouse model, the model group exhibited significantly shortened writhing latency and increased writhing frequency compared to the control group (P<0.01). Both the ibuprofen group and the high-dose group of Shuanghua drink displayed prolonged writhing latency (P<0.05), while the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink exhibited reduced writhing frequency (P<0.01). In the primary dysmenorrhea rat model, the uterine motility and its variation rate in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). These parameters were markedly suppressed by ibuprofen and Shuanghua drink at all tested doses (P<0.01). For the mechanism of action, the model group showed significantly increased PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, NO, and iNOS in uterine tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significantly decreased β-EP (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly attenuated in the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink. The PGF2α/PGE2 (P<0.01), TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α (P<0.01), NO (medium-dose group P<0.05), and iNOS (P<0.01) were reduced, and the β-EP (medium-dose group P<0.05) was up-regulated. Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and medium-dose group of Shuanghua drink showed significantly increased content of β-EP in the serum of rats (P<0.05). Compared to the blank group, the model group showed significantly elevated expressions of COX-2, p-IKKβ/IKKβ, p-IκBα/IκBα, and p-p65/p65 proteins (P<0.01) and significantly reduced anti-inflammatory protein IκBα (P<0.05). Compared to the model group, the ibuprofen group and the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups of Shuanghua drink showed significantly reduced expressions of COX-2 (P<0.01), p-IKKβ/IKKβ (P<0.01), p-IκBα/IκBα (P<0.05, P<0.01), and p-p65/p65(P<0.01) and up-regulated expression of IκBα protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShuanghua drink effectively alleviates primary dysmenorrhea through analgesia and suppression of abnormal contractions of uterine smooth muscle. Its mechanism may be mediated by reduced levels of PGF2α/PGE2, TXB2/6-keto-PGF1α, iNOS, and NO, elevated β-EP level, and inhibited COX-2/NF-κB signaling pathway.


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