1.Carnosic acid inhibits osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting mitochondrial activity
Haishan LI ; Yuheng WU ; Zixuan LIANG ; Shiyin ZHANG ; Zhen ZHANG ; Bin MAI ; Wei DENG ; Yongxian LI ; Yongchao TANG ; Shuncong ZHANG ; Kai YUAN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):245-253
BACKGROUND:Carnosic acid,a bioactive compound found in rosemary,has been shown to reduce inflammation and reactive oxygen species(ROS).However,its mechanism of action in osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast activation,ROS production,and mitochondrial function. METHODS:Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages from mice were extracted and cultured in vitro.Different concentrations of carnosic acid(0,10,15,20,25 and 30 μmol/L)were tested for their effects on bone marrow-derived macrophage proliferation and toxicity using the cell counting kit-8 cell viability assay to determine a safe concentration.Bone marrow-derived macrophages were cultured in graded concentrations and induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand for osteoclast differentiation for 5-7 days.The effects of carnosic acid on osteoclast differentiation and function were then observed through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,F-actin staining,H2DCFDA probe and mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker fluorescence detection.Western blot and RT-PCR assays were subsequently conducted to examine the effects of carnosic acid on the upstream and downstream proteins of the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced MAPK signaling pathway. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining showed that carnosic acid dose-dependently inhibited in vitro osteoclast differentiation and actin ring formation in the cell cytoskeleton,with the highest inhibitory effect observed in the high concentration group(30 μmol/L).Carnosic acid exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect during the early stages(days 1-3)of osteoclast differentiation compared to other intervention periods.Fluorescence imaging using the H2DCFDA probe,mitochondrial ROS,and Mito-Tracker demonstrated that carnosic acid inhibited cellular and mitochondrial ROS production while reducing mitochondrial membrane potential,thereby influencing mitochondrial function.The results of western blot and RT-PCR revealed that carnosic acid could suppress the expression of NFATc1,CTSK,MMP9,and C-fos proteins associated with osteoclast differentiation,and downregulate the expression of NFATc1,Atp6vod2,ACP5,CTSK,and C-fos genes related to osteoclast differentiation.Furthermore,carnosic acid enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzyme proteins and reduced the generation of ROS during the process of osteoclast differentiation.Overall,carnosic acid exerts its inhibitory effects on osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting the phosphorylation modification of the P38/ERK/JNK protein and activating the MAPK signaling pathway in bone marrow-derived macrophages.
2.Molecular Mechanism Mediated by HIF-1α/HO-1 Signaling Pathway of Guizhi Fulingwan in Suppressing Ferroptosis in Endometriosis
Li TANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Lulu WU ; Yingying LIANG ; Wenying GONG ; Quanning TAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):1-11
ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism by which Guizhi Fulingwan (GFW) inhibits ferroptosis in endometriosis (EMT) through the regulation of the hypoxia inducible factor-1α/heme oxygenase 1 (HIF-1α/HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsMachine learning was employed to identify ferroptosis-related biomarkers associated with EMT. Network pharmacology was utilized to identify the active components of GFW and its potential therapeutic targets against EMT, including core targets. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to explore the biological processes, molecular functions, cellular components, and signaling pathways associated with the potential targets. An EMT rat model was established via autologous transplantation. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham-operated, model, positive control (dienogest at 0.2 mg·kg-1), low-dose GFW (2.5 g·kg-1), and high-dose GFW (5 g·kg-1). After modeling, the rats received their respective treatment by oral gavage for 28 consecutive days, while the sham and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water. Serum and ectopic endometrial tissues were collected. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to evaluate morphological alterations in ectopic lesions. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were conducted to assess mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, HO-1, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SAT1), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). Tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) were quantified using commercial assay kits. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ResultsFive ferroptosis-related biomarkers in EMT were identified: ALOX12, CHAC1, SAT1, AST1, and HO-1. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 42 active components of GFW and 192 potential therapeutic target genes related to EMT treatment, with FOS, JUN, HO-1 identified as core targets. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the potential targets were primarily involved in oxidative stress response and reactive oxygen species metabolism and were enriched in the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Compared to the sham-operated group, the model group exhibited significant increases in both mRNA and protein expression of HIF-1α, HO-1, and PTGS2, as well as elevated tissue levels of Fe²⁺ and MDA. Conversely, GSH levels and the expression of GPX4 and SAT1 were markedly reduced, and serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all GFW-treated groups showed significant downregulation of HIF-1α and HO-1, reduced Fe²⁺ levels, and downregulated expression of MDA, PTGS2, IL-6, and TGF-β1. Meanwhile, GSH, GPX4, and SAT1 expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), effectively ameliorating iron overload and oxidative stress, thereby demonstrating therapeutic efficacy in EMT, with the high-dose GFW demonstrating the most pronounced therapeutic effects. ConclusionGFW exerts therapeutic effects on endometriosis by regulating the HIF-1α/HO-1 signaling pathway to rectify iron metabolism disorders and attenuate free iron-induced oxidative damage. It upregulates the antioxidative defense system to inhibit lipid peroxidation cascades and modulates inflammatory cytokine networks. These effects collectively disrupt the pathological interaction between ferroptosis and chronic inflammation, providing a novel theoretical foundation for the clinical application of GFW in EMT treatment.
3. Influence of quercetin on aging of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by microgravity
Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Hai GAO ; Long-Fei WANG ; Han-Qin TANG ; Zhi-Hui MA ; Liang LI ; Yi WU ; Ke-Ming CHEN ; Yu-Tian YANG ; Ying-Ying XUAN ; Yu-Hai GAO ; Long-Fei WANG ; Han-Qin TANG ; Zhi-Hui MA ; Liang LI ; Yi WU ; Ke-Ming CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):38-45
Aim To investigate the effect of quercetin on the aging model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells established under microgravity. Methods Using 3D gyroscope, a aging model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was constructed, and after receiving quercetin and microgravity treatment, the anti-aging effect of the quercetin was evaluated by detecting related proteins and oxidation indexes. Results Compared to the control group, the expressions of age-related proteins p21, pi6, p53 and RB in the microgravity group significantly increased, while the expressions of cyclin D1 and lamin B1 significantly decreased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the microgravity group, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased (P<0.05), ROS accumulation significantly increased (P <0.05), SOD content significantly decreased and MDA content significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the microgravity group, the expressions of age-related proteins p21, pi6, p53 and RB in the quercetin group significantly decreased, while the expressions of cyclin D1 and lamin B1 significantly increased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the quercetin group, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly increased (P<0.05), ROS accumulation significantly decreased (P<0.05), SOD content significantly increased and MDA content significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions Quercetin can resist oxidation, protect mitochondrial function and normal cell cycle, thus delaying the aging of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by microgravity.
4.Study on the potential allergen and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions induced by combined using of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on metabolomics and bioinformatics
Yu-long CHEN ; You ZHAI ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Wei-xia LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Kun LI ; Jin-fa TANG ; Ming-liang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):382-394
Based on the strategy of metabolomics combined with bioinformatics, this study analyzed the potential allergens and mechanism of pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) induced by the combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology combined with UNIFI software, a total of 21 compounds were identified in Reduning and penicillin G mixed injection. Based on molecular docking technology, 10 potential allergens with strong binding activity to MrgprX2 agonist sites were further screened. Metabolomics analysis using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology revealed that 34 differential metabolites such as arachidonic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes were endogenous differential metabolites of PARs caused by combined use of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection. Through the analysis of the "potential allergen-target-endogenous differential metabolite" interaction network, the chlorogenic acids (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid A) and
5.Study on the Acupoint Selection and Medication Rules of Acupoint Application as An Advantageous Therapy in the Treatment of Stroke
Xiao-Xin WU ; Min LI ; Zhen LIANG ; Mei-Tang HE ; Miao-Ying HONG ; Heng XIE
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(4):1074-1082
Objective To study the acupoint selection and medication rules of acupoint application as an advantageous therapy in treating stroke.Methods The clinical literature from CNKI,Wanfang,CBMdisc,and other databases were searched,and Excel 2013 was used to count the frequency of disease,acupoint selection,and medication,and to analyze the acupoint selection rules using SPSS 25.0 and SPSS Modeler.Results Finally,523 articles were included in the literature,among which,the literature on the treatment of post-stroke constipation with acupoint patch was the most,and the related literature was further screened to analyze the acupoint selection and medication rules,and it was concluded that the most frequently applied acupoints of acupoint application for the treatment of post-stroke constipation were Shenque(RN8),Tianshu(ST25),Zhongwan(RN12),Zusanli(ST36),and the acupoints were mainly taken from conception vessel,stomach meridian and gallbladder meridian,and the core prescriptions were Shenque,Tianshu,Zhongwan,Qihai(RN6),Guanyuan(RN4),Zusanli.For the treatment of post-stroke constipation,acupoint application is often used with Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,Aurantii Fructus Immaturus,Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis,Natrii Sulfas Exsiccatus and Borneolum Syntheticum,among which,warm and cold nature drugs are mainly used,and bitter drugs are most frequently used among five flavors,and most frequently enter to the spleen meridian;and the core prescription is Rhei Radix et Rhizoma,Aurantii Fructus Immaturus,Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis,Natrii Sulfas Exsiccatus and Borneolum Syntheticum.Conclusion Acupoint application is an advantageous treatment for treating post-stroke constipation.The selection of acupoints was based on the conception vessel and stomach meridian,and the medication used were mainly focusing on those with functions of unblocking the bowels and directing qi downward,supplemented by strengthening the spleen and benefiting qi,warming the meridians and nourishing the blood.
6.Analysis of the Difference of Plasma Soluble Glycoprotein A Expression in Positive and Negative Anti-M and Anti-"Mia"Levels in Healthy Blood Donors
Yanlian LIANG ; Linfeng WU ; Xiongchi TANG ; Yuqing SU ; Fan WU ; Shuang LIANG ; Liyan SUN
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2024;39(1):123-125
Objective To analyze the correlation between the expression of soluble glycoprotein A(GPA)in plasma of healthy blood donors and anti-M and anti-"Mia"antibodies.Methods Plasma from healthy donors from February 9,2022 to February 15,2023 was collected:irregular antibody-negative NN type(group Ⅰ,n=118)and MM type(group Ⅱ,n=51),anti-M antibody positive NN type(group Ⅲ,n=145)and anti-"Mia"antibody positive companion type(group Ⅳ,n= 87),the GPA content in plasma of different individuals in 4 groups was detected,and the difference in GPA expression was analyzed by t-test.Results The average plasma GPA contents in groupsⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ were 9.941±0.252,10.97±0.256,5.139±0.129 and 4.28±0.139ng/ml,respectively.The average GPA content of groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ was higher,and the average GPA content of groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ was lower,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01).Conclusion The GPA content in plasma of healthy donors with anti-M and anti-"Mia"antibodies was significantly lower than that of the antibody-negative group.The results of this study lay a foundation for further investigation of whether GPA in plasma has the ability to neutralize anti-M and anti-"Mia"antibodies,improve disease diagnosis and safe blood transfusion.
7.Diagnosis and treatment of 11 cases of liver injury due to percutaneous nephrolithotripsy
Yuyang YANG ; Taisheng LIANG ; Gang WU ; Xin ZHANG ; Jianming LIANG ; Botao TANG ; Hongjun GAO ; Jian WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(1):37-40
【Objective】 To explore the diagnosis and management of liver injury caused by percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL), so as to provide reference for the diagnoise and treatment of similar patients. 【Methods】 The clinical data of 926 patients who underwent PCNL during Oct.2017 and Oct.2022 were searched, and the data of those complicated with liver injury were analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 11 cases were collected, including 6 males and 5 females, average age (55.00±13.25)years.All injuries were confirmed with CT.The average decrease of hemoglobin after operation was (14.00±11.97)g/L.One patient needed blood transfusion due to pyonephrosis and multiple operations, and all patients were cured and discharged after delaying the removal of nephrostomy tube [an average of (6.73±1.27)days] . 【Conclusion】 In the absence of obvious signs of peritonitis and hemodynamic stability, conservative treatment of liver injury caused by PCNL is safe and effective.
8.Effect of Linggui Zhugantang on Mitochondrial Fusion-fission and Sirt3/ AMPK Signaling Pathway in Chronic Heart Failure Rats After Myocardial Infarction
Juan YAO ; Rui DING ; Xiangyang LI ; Tongjuan TANG ; Wanwan WU ; Kedong WEI ; Shaohua XU ; Liang WANG ; Peng ZHOU ; Jinling HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):1-9
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Linggui Zhugantang on mitochondrial fission and fusion and silencing information regulator 3(Sirt3)/adenosine monophosphate dependent protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in chronic heart failure (CHF) rats after myocardial infarction (MI). MethodSD rats randomly divide into sham operation group (normal saline ,thread only without ligature), model group (normal saline, ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery proximal to the heart), Linggui Zhugantang group (4.8 g·kg-1) and Captopril group (0.002 57 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Administere drug continuously for 28 days. Echocardiography detected cardiac function parameters. Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining observed the pathological changes of the heart. Immunofluorescence detected the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). JC-1 detect mitochondrial membrane potential. Colorimetry measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity (Ⅰ-Ⅳ). TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining detected the apoptosis rate of myocardial tissue. Western blot detected protein expression levels of Sirt3, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), phosphorylated dynamic-related protein 1(p-Drp1), mitochondrial fission protein 1(Fis1), mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), optic atrophy protein 1(OPA1). ResultCompared to the sham group, the left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVIDs) were significantly increased in model group (P<0.01), while the left ventricular short axis shortening rate (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were significantly decreased (P<0.01). There were inflammatory cell infiltration and obvious pathological injury in myocardial tissue. ROS, MDA levels and myocardial cell apoptosis rate were significantly increased (P<0.01), SOD level, ATP content, and membrane potential were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (Ⅰ-Ⅳ) was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Levels of p-Drp1, Fis1, MFF proteins were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), while Sirt3, p-AMPK, OPA1 proteins level were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with model group, LVIDd and LVIDs were significantly decreased (P<0.01), LVEF and LVFS were significantly increased (P<0.01). Inflammatory cell infiltration and pathological damage of myocardial tissue were significantly relieved. ROS, MDA levels and myocardial cell apoptosis rate were significantly decreased in Linggui Zhugantang group and Captopril group (P<0.01), SOD level, ATP content, and membrane potential significantly increased (P<0.01). The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (Ⅰ-Ⅳ) increased significantly (P<0.01),and p-Drp1, Fis1, MFF protein levels were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), Sirt3, p-AMPK, OPA1 protein were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionLinggui Zhugantang can alleviate oxidative stress and apoptosis damage of myocardial cells, maintain mitochondrial function stability, and its effect may be related to mitochondrial mitosis fusion and Sirt3/AMPK signaling pathway.
9.Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection and penicillin G injection based on the correlation between biochemical indexes and metabolomics characteristics
Ming-liang ZHANG ; Yu-long CHEN ; Xiao-yan WANG ; Xiao-fei CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Ya-li WU ; Liu-qing YANG ; Shu-qi ZHANG ; Lu NIU ; Ke-ran FENG ; Wei-xia LI ; Jin-fa TANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):2098-2107
Exploring the risk "time interval window" of sequential medication of Reduning injection (RDN) and penicillin G injection (PG) by detecting the correlation between serum biochemical indexes and plasma metabonomic characteristics, in order to reduce the risk of adverse reactions caused by the combination of RDN and PG. All animal experiments and welfare are in accordance with the requirements of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: YFYDW2020002). The changes of biochemical indexes in serum of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. It was determined that RDN combined with PG could cause pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) activated by complement pathway. Further investigation was carried out at different time intervals (1.5, 2, 3.5, 4, 6, and 8 h PG+RDN). It was found that sequential administration within 3.5 h could cause significant PARs. However, PARs were significantly reduced after administration interval of more than 4 h. LC-MS was used for plasma metabolomics analysis, and the levels of serum biochemical indicators and plasma metabolic profile characteristics were compared in parallel. 22 differential metabolites showed similar or opposite trends to biochemical indicators before and after 3.5 h. And enriched to 10 PARs-related pathways such as arachidonic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. In conclusion, there is a risk "time interval window" phenomenon in the adverse drug reactions caused by the sequential use of RDN and PG, and the interval medication after the "time interval window" can significantly reduce the risk of adverse reactions.
10.Correlation between Combined Urinary Metal Exposure and Grip Strength under Three Statistical Models: A Cross-sectional Study in Rural Guangxi
Jian Yu LIANG ; Hui Jia RONG ; Xiu Xue WANG ; Sheng Jian CAI ; Dong Li QIN ; Mei Qiu LIU ; Xu TANG ; Ting Xiao MO ; Fei Yan WEI ; Xia Yin LIN ; Xiang Shen HUANG ; Yu Ting LUO ; Yu Ruo GOU ; Jing Jie CAO ; Wu Chu HUANG ; Fu Yu LU ; Jian QIN ; Yong Zhi ZHANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(1):3-18
Objective This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between urinary metals copper (Cu), arsenic (As), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) and grip strength. Methods We used linear regression models, quantile g-computation and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to assess the relationship between metals and grip strength.Results In the multimetal linear regression, Cu (β=-2.119), As (β=-1.318), Sr (β=-2.480), Ba (β=0.781), Fe (β= 1.130) and Mn (β=-0.404) were significantly correlated with grip strength (P < 0.05). The results of the quantile g-computation showed that the risk of occurrence of grip strength reduction was -1.007 (95% confidence interval:-1.362, -0.652; P < 0.001) when each quartile of the mixture of the seven metals was increased. Bayesian kernel function regression model analysis showed that mixtures of the seven metals had a negative overall effect on grip strength, with Cu, As and Sr being negatively associated with grip strength levels. In the total population, potential interactions were observed between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn (Pinteractions of 0.003 and 0.018, respectively).Conclusion In summary, this study suggests that combined exposure to metal mixtures is negatively associated with grip strength. Cu, Sr and As were negatively correlated with grip strength levels, and there were potential interactions between As and Mn and between Cu and Mn.

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