1.Role of SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex in Tumor Drug Resistance
Gui-Zhen ZHU ; Qiao YE ; Yuan LUO ; Jie PENG ; Lu WANG ; Zhao-Ting YANG ; Feng-Sen DUAN ; Bing-Qian GUO ; Zhu-Song MEI ; Guang-Yun WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):20-31
Tumor drug resistance is an important problem in the failure of chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy, which is a complex process involving chromatin remodeling. SWI/SNF is one of the most studied ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in tumorigenesis, which plays an important role in the coordination of chromatin structural stability, gene expression, and post-translation modification. However, its mechanism in tumor drug resistance has not been systematically combed. SWI/SNF can be divided into 3 types according to its subunit composition: BAF, PBAF, and ncBAF. These 3 subtypes all contain two mutually exclusive ATPase catalytic subunits (SMARCA2 or SMARCA4), core subunits (SMARCC1 and SMARCD1), and regulatory subunits (ARID1A, PBRM1, and ACTB, etc.), which can control gene expression by regulating chromatin structure. The change of SWI/SNF complex subunits is one of the important factors of tumor drug resistance and progress. SMARCA4 and ARID1A are the most widely studied subunits in tumor drug resistance. Low expression of SMARCA4 can lead to the deletion of the transcription inhibitor of the BCL2L1 gene in mantle cell lymphoma, which will result in transcription up-regulation and significant resistance to the combination therapy of ibrutinib and venetoclax. Low expression of SMARCA4 and high expression of SMARCA2 can activate the FGFR1-pERK1/2 signaling pathway in ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma cells, which induces the overexpression of anti-apoptosis gene BCL2 and results in carboplatin resistance. SMARCA4 deletion can up-regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by activating YAP1 gene expression in triple-negative breast cancer. It can also reduce the expression of Ca2+ channel IP3R3 in ovarian and lung cancer, resulting in the transfer of Ca2+ needed to induce apoptosis from endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria damage. Thus, these two tumors are resistant to cisplatin. It has been found that verteporfin can overcome the drug resistance induced by SMARCA4 deletion. However, this inhibitor has not been applied in clinical practice. Therefore, it is a promising research direction to develop SWI/SNF ATPase targeted drugs with high oral bioavailability to treat patients with tumor resistance induced by low expression or deletion of SMARCA4. ARID1A deletion can activate the expression of ANXA1 protein in HER2+ breast cancer cells or down-regulate the expression of progesterone receptor B protein in endometrial cancer cells. The drug resistance of these two tumor cells to trastuzumab or progesterone is induced by activating AKT pathway. ARID1A deletion in ovarian cancer can increase the expression of MRP2 protein and make it resistant to carboplatin and paclitaxel. ARID1A deletion also can up-regulate the phosphorylation levels of EGFR, ErbB2, and RAF1 oncogene proteins.The ErbB and VEGF pathway are activated and EMT is increased. As a result, lung adenocarcinoma is resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Although great progress has been made in the research on the mechanism of SWI/SNF complex inducing tumor drug resistance, most of the research is still at the protein level. It is necessary to comprehensively and deeply explore the detailed mechanism of drug resistance from gene, transcription, protein, and metabolite levels by using multi-omics techniques, which can provide sufficient theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of poor tumor prognosis caused by mutation or abnormal expression of SWI/SNF subunits in clinical practice.
2.Adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features: a case report and literature review
Mingchuan CHU ; Huimin SUN ; Hao WANG ; Jian SONG ; Yongshun GUO
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):64-68
[Objective] To investigate and summarize the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features. [Methods] The clinical diagnosis and treatment of a case of adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features admitled to Department of Urology, Weifang People's Hospital were reported.The clinical manifestations, pathological features, diagnosis and prognosis of the disease were analyzed in combination with relevant literature. [Results] A 34-year-old male patient was admitted due to scrotal distension and pain that had persisted for 6 months.Imaging examination showed a huge soft tissue tumor in the left adrenal region of the retroperitoneum with compression displacement of the left kidney, leading to obstruction of venous return in the left spermatic vein, which in turn caused varicose veins.The levels of serum renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, cortisol, and catecholamine were within normal ranges.Surgical resection of the tumor was performed, and postoperative pathological examination revealed that the tumor tissue was predominantly composed of rhabdoid cells, exhibiting positive immunohistochemical staining for INI 1, Syn, Calretinin and Vimentin.Genetic testing did not identify any deletion of SMARCB1 and SMARCA4 mutations.Therefore, the diagnosis was adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features.At the current 20-month follow-up, no recurrence or metastasis was observed.A review of the literature found that only 7 cases of this disease had been reported. [Conclusion] Adrenocortical carcinoma with rhabdoid features is a rare disease, and a definitive diagnosis is dependent upon pathological examination.Surgical resection remains the primary treatment.Long-term follow-up is essential, and further research is needed to evaluate the impact of adjuvant therapy.
3.The Effects of Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-Relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方) on Cough Sensitivity,TRPV4 in Lung and Nasal Mucosal Tissues,and Neurogenic Inflammation in a Guinea Pig Model of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Jingshu LUO ; Jianling MA ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Song LIU ; Yuhan FAN ; Xianli LI ; Zhaodi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):518-525
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方, QTCD) in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group, model group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and inhibitor group, with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group, guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection, followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling, the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/(100 g·d) by gavage, the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L, 5 min by nebulisation, and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/(100 g·d) normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment, a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group, while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased cough frequency, serum IgE level, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency, serum IgE level, and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, reduced IL-6 in BALF, reduced IL-8 in NLF, and decreased TRPV4, SP, and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TCM group, the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, increased IL-6 level in BALF, and increased IL-8 levle in NLF, but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues (P<0.01). ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway, improving airway neurogenic inflammation, alleviating inflammatory responses, and reducing cough hypersensitivity.
4.Assessment and intervention of frailty in the elderly:a review
GUO Liangmei ; SONG Wenjuan ; ZENG Qiang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):262-266
Abstract
Frailty is a clinical state characterized by increased vulnerability due to the decline of multiple organ functions. It is clinically manifested as slow movement, reduced activity, low energy level and involuntary weight loss. Frailty heightens the risk of disability, long-term hospitalization and mortality in the elderly when they face stressful events. Early assessment of frailty and personalized interventions can prevent and delay its progression, thereby reducing the occurrence of adverse events. This article reviews the literature on frailty published both domestically and internationally from January 2015 to January 2024. It provides an overview of the tools for assessing frailty in the elderly, such as the Clinical Frailty Scale, Frailty Index, Fried Frailty Phenotype, FRAIL Scale, and biological markers, and the management of frailty, including exercise, nutritional interventions, oral health management, and medication management, so as to provide the evidence for early assessment and intervention of frailty.
5.Effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside on renal injury in rats with diabetic nephropathy
Chong ZHANG ; Chundong SONG ; Mo WANG ; Shuang LIANG ; Xiaoxiao GUO ; Hanhan ZHANG ; Peijia LI ; Ke SONG ; Chenchen CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(7):815-819
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TWM) on renal injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats through tumor protein p53/microRNA-214 (miR-214)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) axis. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=6) and modeling group (n=28); the modeling group was fed with high fat and high glucose plus intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish DN model. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, valsartan group [8.33 mg/(kg·d)] and TWM group[6.25 mg/(kg·d)], with 8 rats in each group. Rats in each group were gavaged with the corresponding medication or normal saline, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, liver and renal function indexes [24 h urinary total protein (24 h-UTP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT)], blood lipid indexes (triglycerides, total cholesterol) and blood glucose index (fasting blood glucose) in urine/blood sample of rats were detected in each group. Renal pathologic change was observed, protein and mRNA expressions of p53, ULK1, Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and expression of miR-214 in renal tissue were also determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the renal tubular epithelium of rats in the model group showed obvious edema, cell swelling, accompanied by lymphocyte infiltration; the levels of 24h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 in rats in the model group and administration groups were significantly increased or up-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1, Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased or down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the histopathological damage of the kidney in rats was improved in administration groups; the levels of 24 h-UTP, BUN, SCr, ALT and glycolipid indexes, the expressions of p53 protein and mRNA, as well as the expression of miR-214 were all significantly decreased or down-regulated, while ALB level, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, the expressions of LC3 mRNA, the expressions of ULK1 and Beclin-1 protein and mRNA were significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TG can alleviate renal damage in DN rats, and improve their liver and renal function, as well as glucose and lipid levels. These effects may be related to the regulation of the p53/miR-214/ULK1 axis and the restoration of cellular autophagy.
6.Discussion on Technical Characteristics of National Drug Standards for Traditional Chinese Medicine Dispensing Granules
Shengjun CHEN ; Song LI ; Kejia GUO ; Yuntian ZHANG ; Haiqin ZHOU ; Xianglan PU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):256-264
On the premise of respecting the objective law of the occurrence and development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) dispensing granules, relevant national departments have gradually formed the research and formulation ideas of national drug standards for dispensing granules based on the experiences and lessons learned in the development process of quality standards, as well as the formation mechanism of national standards for dispensing granules. This has certain reference significance for the formulation path of TCM quality standards. Combined with the general situation of the published standards and specific cases, the research concepts of the national standards for dispensing granules were analyzed and summarized in this paper, and the analysis of the technical characteristics of the issued national standards was focused, including the introduction of standard decoction, the overall quality control of TCM, the whole process quality control and other research ideas. At the same time, it summarized the industry common problems in the research and development process of national standards for dispensing granules, such as the source and process control of medicinal materials, and strived to solve them together, encouraging the demonstration and application of new technological means in the field of TCM dispensing granules. Finally, based on the literature analysis, the shortcomings of the current national standards were discussed, and relevant suggestions were put forward to further improve the national standards for dispensing granules. Through the overall analysis, it is helpful to comprehensively understand the technical characteristics of the national standards for TCM dispensing granules, and provide reference for the scientific exploration and practice of quality control methods for TCM.
7.Comparison of decompression effects between spine endoscopy hybrid technique and uniportal endoscopic surgery in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral symptom
Song GUO ; Xinhua LI ; Meijun YAN ; Yanbin LIU ; Zhong LIU ; Kewei LI ; Pengcheng LIU ; Beiting ZHANG ; Qiang FU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):517-523
BACKGROUND:Spinal canal decompression using uniportal endoscopic surgery is a new minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis.However,this technique needs a steep learning curve and high requirements for surgical equipment and instruments,which limits its clinical application.We previously use the spinal endoscopy as a monitoring endoscopy and combined with unilateral biportal endoscopy to propose a hybrid technique of spinal endoscopy to achieve coaxial endoscopic operation and hands-separate operation. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical outcome of hybrid technique and uniportal endoscopic surgery in treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral lower limb pain symptoms. METHODS:Ninety patients diagnosed of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral symptoms were included and retrospectively analyzed at First People's Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University from August 2020 to August 2022.44 cases were included in group A(hybrid technique group),while 46 cases were included in group B(uniportal endoscopic surgery).The nerve decompression was observed during the surgery.Operation time,hospital stay time,and expenses were recorded in both groups.The visual analog scale scores of lower back pain and both lower extremities pain,Oswestry disability index scores of quality of life and excellent and good rate of modified Macnab criteria were recorded and compared at preoperative,postoperative 3 days,and postoperative 3 and 6 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The operation time of group A was significantly shorter than that of group B(P<0.05).(2)The lower back pain and lower extremity pain of the severe side at postoperative 3 days,and 3 and 6 months were significantly relieved in both groups(P<0.05).The visual analog scale score of lower extremity pain on the mild side was significantly decreased at postoperative 3 days,3 and 6 months than preoperative score in the group A(P<0.05).The visual analog scale score of lower extremity pain on the mild side was significantly decreased at postoperative 3 days than preoperative score in the group B(P<0.05).The visual analog scale scores of lower extremity pain on the mild side at postoperative 3 and 6 months did not show significant difference than preoperative score in the group B.The comparison between the two groups showed that there was no significant difference in the visual analog scale scores of postoperative lower back pain and lower extremity pain of the severe side(P>0.05).The visual analog scale scores of lower extremity pain on the mild side in the group A were significantly lower than those of group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months(P<0.05).(3)The Oswestry disability index scores of both groups at postoperative 3 day were significantly lower than preoperative score(P<0.05),and there was no significant difference between the two groups 3 days after operation.Oswestry disability index scores of group A at postoperative 3 and 6 months were significantly decreased than preoperative score(P<0.05).The Oswestry disability index scores of group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months did not show significant differences than preoperative score(P>0.05).The comparison between the two groups showed the Oswestry disability index scores of group A were significantly lower than group B at postoperative 3 and 6 months(P<0.05).(4)The results of modified Macnab showed that the excellent and good rate of group A was significantly higher than that of group B(95%,78%,P<0.05).(5)It is indicated that the hybrid technique is a new spinal endoscopy technique,which has the advantages of less trauma and faster recovery as a minimally invasive surgery.The clinical outcome of hybrid technique is superior to that of uniportal endoscopic surgery in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with bilateral symptoms.Additionally,it also has the advantages of good operational flexibility and high decompression efficiency as an open surgery.
8.Dynamics of eosinophil infiltration and microglia activation in brain tissues of mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Fanna WEI ; Renjie ZHANG ; Yahong HU ; Xiaoyu QIN ; Yunhai GUO ; Xiaojin MO ; Yan LU ; Jiahui SUN ; Yan ZHOU ; Jiatian GUO ; Peng SONG ; Yanhong CHU ; Bin XU ; Ting ZHANG ; Yuchun CAI ; Muxin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(2):163-175
Objective To investigate the changes in eosinophil counts and the activation of microglial cells in the brain tissues of mice at different stages of Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection, and to examine the role of microglia in regulating the progression of angiostrongyliasis and unravel the possible molecular mechanisms. Methods Fifty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-day and 25-d infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. All mice in infection groups were infected with 30 stage III A. cantonensis larvae by gavage, and animals in the control group was given an equal amount of physiological saline. Five mice were collected from each of infection groups on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice were collected from the control group on the day of oral gavage. The general and focal functional impairment was scored using the Clark scoring method to assess the degree of mouse neurological impairment. Five mice from each of infection groups were sacrificed on days 7, 14, 21 d and 25 d post-infection, and 5 mice from the control group were sacrificed on the day of oral gavage. Mouse brain tissues were sampled, and the pathological changes of brain tissues were dynamically observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence staining with eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) was used to assess the degree of eosinophil infiltration and the counts of microglial cells in mouse brain tissues in each group, and the morphological parameters of microglial cells (skeleton analysis and fractal analysis) were quantified by using Image J software to determine the morphological changes of microglial cells. In addition, the expression of M1 microglia markers Fcγ receptor III (Fcgr3), Fcγ receptor IIb (Fcgr2b) and CD86 antigen (Cd86), M2 microglia markers Arginase 1 (Arg1), macrophage mannose receptor C-type 1 (Mrc1), chitinase-like 3 (Chil3), and phagocytosis genes myeloid cell triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (Trem2), CD68 antigen (Cd68), and apolipoprotein E (Apoe) was quantified using real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) assay in the mouse cerebral cortex of mice post-infection. Results A large number of A. cantonensis larvae were seen on the mouse meninges surface post-infection, and many neuronal nuclei were crumpled and deeply stained, with a large number of bleeding points in the meninges. The median Clark scores of mouse general functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 0 (interquartile range, 0.5), 6 (interquartile range, 1.0), 14 (interquartile range, 8.5) points and 20 (interquartile range, 9.0) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.45, P < 0.01), and the median Clark scores of mouse focal functional impairment were 0 (interquartile range, 0), 2 (interquartile range, 2.5), 7 (interquartile range, 3.0), 18 (interquartile range, 5.0) points and 25 (interquartile range, 6.5) points in the control group and the 7-d, 14-d, 21-d and 25-d groups, respectively (H = 22.72, P < 0.01). The mean scores of mice general and focal functional impairment were all higher in the infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.05). Immunofluorescence staining showed a significant difference in the eosinophil counts in mouse brain tissues among the five groups (F = 40.05, P < 0.000 1), and the eosinophil counts were significantly higher in mouse brain tissues in the 14-d (3.08 ± 0.78) and 21-d infection groups (5.97 ± 1.37) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.28) (both P values < 0.05). Semi-quantitative analysis of microglia immunofluorescence showed a significant difference in the counts of microglial cells among the five groups (F = 17.66, P < 0.000 1), and higher Iba1 levels were detected in mouse brain tissues in 14-d (5.75 ± 1.28), 21-d (6.23 ± 1.89) and 25-d infection groups (3.70 ± 1.30) than in the control group (1.00 ± 0.30) (all P values < 0.05). Skeleton and fractal analyses showed that the branch length [(162.04 ± 34.10) μm vs. (395.37 ± 64.11) μm; t = 5.566, P < 0.05] and fractal dimension of microglial cells (1.30 ± 0.01 vs. 1.41 ± 0.03; t = 5.266, P < 0.05) were reduced in mouse brain tissues in the 21-d infection group relative to the control group. In addition, there were significant differences among the 5 groups in terms of M1 and M2 microglia markers Fcgr3 (F = 48.34, P < 0.05), Fcgr2b (F = 55.46, P < 0.05), Cd86 (F = 24.44, P < 0.05), Arg1 (F = 31.18, P < 0.05), Mrc1 (F = 15.42, P < 0.05) and Chil3 (F = 24.41, P < 0.05), as well as phagocytosis markers Trem2 (F = 21.19, P < 0.05), Cd68 (F = 43.95, P < 0.05) and Apoe (F = 7.12, P < 0.05) in mice brain tissues. Conclusions A. cantonensis infections may induce severe pathological injuries in mouse brain tissues that are characterized by massive eosinophil infiltration and persistent activation of microglia cells, thereby resulting in progressive deterioration of neurological functions.
9.Treatment of Thyroid Nodules,Breast Nodules,and Uterine Fibroids Based on the Theory of "Liver Governing the Free Flow of Qi"
Yujiao SONG ; Min ZHU ; Zhuonan JIANG ; Hua GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1409-1412
Guided by the theory of "liver governing the free flow of qi", it is believed that liver fail to govern the free flow of qi may lead to qi stagnation, phlegm coagulation, and stasis, which is the core pathogenesis of thyroid nodules, breast nodules and uterine fibroids; qi stagnation, phlegm coagulation, and stasis are not only the important pathological products, but also the obstruction to the liver's function, and the two affect each other as the cause of each other. In clinic, it is advocated that using the treatment method of soothing the liver, rectifying qi, and resolving constraint, with prescription of Tongqi Powder (通气散) as the basic formula, and modified according to symptoms. For liver depression and qi stagnation syndrome, the formula chooses modified Tongqi Powder to soothe the liver and rectify qi; for qi stagnation and phlegm coagulation syndrome, the formula chooses modified Tongqi Powder plus Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) to soothe the wood and regulate the earth, and resolve phlegm and dissipate masses; for qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome, the formula applies modified Tongqi Powder plus Taohong Sizu Decoction (桃红四物汤) to move qi and invigorate blood circulation, unblock the collaterals and dispel accumulation. At the same time, according to the characteristics of thyroid nodules, breast nodules, and uterine fibroids and their different disease locations, medicinals were added or subtracted according to the symptoms, so as to treat both the symptoms and the root cause of the disease simultaneously.
10.Study on the mechanism of rutin in ameliorating depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder characterized by liver qi stagnation syndrome
Yiwei ZHANG ; Xianliang SONG ; Yashuang REN ; Dedi GUO ; Runwei SONG ; Xitai CHEN ; Huaiwei ZHAO ; Chunhong SONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1449-1456
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanisms of rutin in alleviating depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) characterized by liver qi stagnation syndrome. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the intersecting targets of action between PMDD and rutin. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to screen core targets, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking simulations validated rutin’s binding affinity to core targets. The bilateral ovaries of female Wistar rats were removed, followed by artificial hormone induction. The rats were then randomly divided into normal group (10 rats) and modeling group (50 rats). PMDD rat model with liver qi stagnation syndrome was established via restraint stress. The successfully modeled rats were further divided into model group, fluoxetine group (positive control) and rutin group, with 12 rats in each group. The corresponding drug solutions or water were administered by gavage at 9:00 a.m. every day, continuing for two estrous cycles. The open-field test, forced swimming test and Y-maze test were utilized to evaluate the effects of rutin on the behavioral indexes of model rats. Additionally, the density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampal tissues of the rats was observed. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and the expressions of BDNF, tyrosine kinase receptor type B (TrkB), synuclein (Syn), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in hippocampal tissues were quantified, respectively. RESULTS Network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed the core targets through which rutin ameliorated PMDD characterized by liver qi stagnation syndrome included BDNF, TrkB, PSD65, Syn, etc. The results of experimental validation demonstrated that rutin significantly increased the spontaneous alternation behavior scores of PMDD model rats with liver qi stagnation syndrome during the non-receptive phase, shortened their immobility time during the forced swimming test, and enhanced the density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampal tissues. Additionally, rutin upregulated the levels of serum BDNF and the protein expressions of BDNF, TrkB and Syn in the hippocampal tissues (P<0.05). However, it had no significant effect on the above indexes in model rats during the receptive phase (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Rutin ameliorates depressive symptoms, enhances spatial memory capabilities, and reduces neuronal damage in PMDD model rats with liver qi stagnation syndrome. These effects may be associated with the activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and upregulation of Syn protein expression.


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