1.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Rapid Identification of Different Parts of Nardostachys jatamansi Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and Ultra-fast Gas Phase Electronic Nose
Tao WANG ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Yang WEN ; Momeimei QU ; Min LI ; Jing WEI ; Xiaoming BAO ; Ying LI ; Yuan LIU ; Xiao LUO ; Wenbing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):182-191
ObjectiveTo establish a model that can quickly identify the aroma components in different parts of Nardostachys jatamansi, so as to provide a quality control basis for the market circulation and clinical use of N. jatamansi. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) combined with Smart aroma database and National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) database were used to characterize the aroma components in different parts of N. jatamansi, and the aroma components were quantified according to relative response factor(RRF) and three internal standards, and the markers of aroma differences in different parts of N. jatamansi were identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) and cluster thermal analysis based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1 and P<0.01. The odor data of different parts of N. jatamansi were collected by Heracles Ⅱ Neo ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose, and the correlation between compound types of aroma components collected by the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose and the detection results of HS-SPME-GC-MS was investigated by drawing odor fingerprints and odor response radargrams. Chromatographic peak information with distinguishing ability≥0.700 and peak area≥200 was selected as sensor data, and the rapid identification model of different parts of N. jatamansi was established by principal component analysis(PCA), discriminant factor alysis(DFA), soft independent modeling of class analogies(SIMCA) and statistical quality control analysis(SQCA). ResultsThe HS-SPME-GC-MS results showed that there were 28 common components in the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi, of which 22 could be quantified and 12 significantly different components were screened out. Among these 12 components, the contents of five components(ethyl isovalerate, 2-pentylfuran, benzyl alcohol, nonanal and glacial acetic acid,) in the aboveground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the underground part(P<0.01), the contents of β-ionone, patchouli alcohol, α-caryophyllene, linalyl butyrate, valencene, 1,8-cineole and p-cymene in the underground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the aboveground part(P<0.01). Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose results showed that the PCA discrimination index of the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi was 82, and the contribution rates of the principal component factors were 99.94% and 99.89% when 2 and 3 principal components were extracted, respectively. The contribution rate of the discriminant factor 1 of the DFA model constructed on the basis of PCA was 100%, the validation score of the SIMCA model for discrimination of the two parts was 99, and SQCA could clearly distinguish different parts of N. jatamansi. ConclusionHS-SPME-GC-MS can clarify the differential markers of underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi. The four analytical models provided by Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose(PCA, DFA, SIMCA and SQCA) can realize the rapid identification of different parts of N. jatamansi. Combining the two results, it is speculated that terpenes and carboxylic acids may be the main factors contributing to the difference in aroma between the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi.
3.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
4.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
5.Guidelines for vaccination of kidney transplant candidates and recipients in China
Jian Zhang ; Jun Lin ; Weijie Zhang ; Xiaoming Ding ; Xiaopeng Hu ; Wujun Xue
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):177-190
In order to further standardize the vaccination of kidney transplant candidates and recipients in China, the Branch of Organ Transplantation of Chinese Medical Association has organized experts in kidney transplantation and infectious diseases. Based on the "Vaccination of Solid Organ Transplant Candidates and Recipients: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice", and in combination with the clinical reality of infectious diseases and vaccination after organ transplantation in China, as well as referring to relevant recommendations from home and abroad in recent years, these guidelines are formulated from aspects such as epidemiology, types of vaccines, vaccination principles, target population, and specific vaccine administration. The "Guidelines for Vaccination of Kidney Transplant Candidates and Recipients in China" aims to provide theoretical reference for medical workers in the field of kidney transplantation in China, regarding the vaccination of kidney transplant candidates and recipients. It is expected to better guide the vaccination of kidney transplant candidates and recipients, reduce the risk of postoperative infection, and improve survival outcomes.
6.Construction of recombinant epitope tandem vaccine of herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein B and glycoprotein D and its immunoprotective effect
Yuxuan LIU ; Xiaoming DONG ; Jikun YANG ; Jinsong ZHANG ; Jing WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(4):530-536
AIM: To design and construct recombinant epitope nucleotides vaccine of glycoprotein B(gB)and glycoprotein D(gD)of herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1), and to investigate its immunoprotective effects and tissue expression in animal models.METHODS: The HSV-1 gB and gD epitope genes were selected and tandem assembled to construct the recombinant protein-coding gene X, which was transducted into the prokaryotic expression vector pET28(a). The recombinant protein was synthesized and utilized to generate monoclonal antibodies, which were subsequently used to immunize New Zealand white rabbits. The immunogenicity of the purified protein and the presence of polyclonal antibodies in the serum were tested through separating serum from cardiac blood, and the serum antibody titers were determined. The pcDNA3.1-X was successfully constructed as a eukaryotic expression vector and immunized the female BALB/c mice aged 4 to 6 wk via intramuscular injection. Serum antibodies and immune-related cytokines were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression of the X protein in the ocular, trigeminal ganglion, and brain tissues of the mice was assessed.RESULTS: The target polyclonal antibody was identified with a serum antibody titer of 1:3200 in the rabbit serum after immunized by recombinant protein X. Upon immunizing mice with the eukaryotic recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-X, the concentration of HSV-1 serum IgM antibodies of the experimental group was 12.13±0.85 ng/L, which was significantly higher than that of the vector control group(0.49±0.44 ng/L; t=21.07, P<0.001). The concentrations of cytokines interleukin IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ in the experimental group were 11.63±0.60, 22.65±1.47, 85.75±14.12, and 114.90±6.39 ng/L, respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those in the vector control group and the blank control group(all P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of target protein X in the eyeball, trigeminal ganglion, and brain tissue.CONCLUSION: The HSV-1 gB and gD tandem epitope nucleotides vaccine pcDNA3.1-X was successfully constructed, which activates a remarkable immune response and is stably expressed in the eyeball, trigeminal ganglion, and brain tissue. This study provides a foundation for further research of an HSV-1 recombinant antigen epitope tandem vaccine.
7.Analysis of the nonlinear relationship between hypothermic machine perfusion parameters and delayed graft function and construction of an optimized predictive model based on sampling algorithms
Boqing DONG ; Chongfeng WANG ; Yuting ZHAO ; Huanjing BI ; Ying WANG ; Jingwen WANG ; Zuhan CHEN ; Ruiyang MA ; Wujun XUE ; Yang LI ; Xiaoming DING
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):582-590
Objective To analyze the nonlinear relationship between hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) parameters and delayed graft function (DGF) and optimize the construction of a predictive model for DGF. Methods The data of 923 recipients who underwent kidney transplantation from deceased donors were retrospectively analyzed. According to the occurrence of DGF, the recipients were divided into DGF group (n=823) and non-DGF group (n=100). Donor data, HMP parameters and recipient data were analyzed for both groups. The nonlinear relationship between HMP parameters and the occurrence of DGF was explored based on restricted cubic splines (RCS). Over-sampling, under-sampling and balanced sampling were used to address the imbalance in the proportion of DGF to construct logistic regression predictive models. The area under the curve (AUC) of each model was compared in the validation set, and a nomogram model was constructed. Results Donor BMI, cold ischemia time of the donor kidney, and HMP parameters (initial and final pressures, resistance, and perfusion time) were significantly different between the DGF and non-DGF groups (all P<0.05). The RCS analysis revealed a threshold-like nonlinear relationship between HMP parameters and the risk of DGF. Among the models constructed using different sampling methods, the balanced sampling model had the highest AUC. Using this model, a nomogram was constructed to stratify recipients based on risk scores. Recipients in the high-risk group had higher serum creatinine levels at 1, 6, and 12 months after kidney transplantation compared to those in the low-risk group (all P<0.05). Conclusions There is a nonlinear relationship between HMP parameters and the risk of DGF, and the threshold is helpful for organ quality assessment and monitoring of graft function after transplantation. The predictive model for DGF constructed on the base of balanced sampling algorithms helps perioperative decision-making and postoperative graft function monitoring of kidney transplantation.
8.Analysis of factors correlating with the initial seizure threshold in modified electroconvulsive therapy for patients with mental disorders
Yingyin LI ; Peng YANG ; Meijie WANG ; Yajie SHI ; Yanfei LI ; Kun LI ; Xiaoming ZHANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(4):302-307
BackgroundModified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is a common front-line strategy widely used in psychiatric practice, and the optimal first stimulus dosage in MECT is usually estimated clinically based on the factors influencing the patient's initial seizure threshold (IST). However, previous studies on the influencing factors of IST have mostly suffered from limitations such as small sample sizes and single-dimensional research perspectives. ObjectiveTo explore the factors influencing IST in MECT for patients with mental disorders, so as to provide references for stimulus dosing strategies in MECT for the patients. MethodsA retrospective study was used to include 1 446 inpatients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for any specific mental disorder listed in the ICD-10 and receiving MECT at Shandong Daizhuang Hospital from January 1, 2021 to August 1, 2023. Their general and clinical data were collected, including IST, psychiatric diagnostic categories, gender, ethnicity, age, body weight, body mass index (BMI), course of disease, family history of psychiatric disorders, first episode status, use of antiepileptic drugs the day before treatment, use of benzodiazepines the day before treatment, and previous MECT treatment history. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to test the correlation of IST with age, height, body weight, BMI, and course of disease, and stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify the factors affecting IST. ResultsIST yielded statistical difference among patients in terms of gender, first episode status, use of antiepileptic drugs the day before treatment, and use of benzodiazepines the day before treatment (t=2.256, -3.059, -2.136, -3.006, P<0.05 or 0.01). IST in patients of different ages and psychiatric diagnostic categories also demonstrated statistical difference (F=913.120, 6.212, P<0.01). Within young population, IST varied significantly based on the psychiatric diagnostic categories (F=2.986, P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that IST was positively correlated with age, body weight, BMI and course of disease (r=0.886, 0.055, 0.184, 0.456, P<0.05 or 0.01), and negatively correlated with height (r=-0.183, P<0.01). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that age, gender, and body weight were influencing factors of IST (β=0.888, -0.049, -0.035, P<0.01). ConclusionsAge, gender and body weight may be factors influencing IST in MECT for patients with mental disorders. [Funded by Key R&D Plan Projects of Jining City in 2024 (number, 2024YXNS202)]
9.Resection of mediastinal tumor combined with persistent left superior vena cava: A case report
Zongjun XIANG ; Fan ZHANG ; Lei LI ; Yongguo LU ; Xiaoming LI ; Haide MU ; Xiaowei ZHOU ; Linqi YANG ; Zhiyu WAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(07):1044-1046
Persistent left superior vena cava is a rare venous variant that is often combined with cardiovascular malformations. In thoracic surgery, especially mediastinal tumor resection, neglect of this variant may make the surgery difficult and risky, and careful preoperative imaging interpretation and adequate preoperative evaluation play an important role in the perioperative safety of the patient. In this paper, we reported a case of a 17-year-old female patient with a persistent left superior vena cava combined with mediastinal tumors. She was successfully discharged 5 days after thoracoscopic surgery, and after 3 years of postoperative follow-up, no tumor recurrence was observed.
10.Research progress on the chemical constituents,pharmacological mechanisms and clinical application of Jiegeng decoction
Yun HUANG ; Shunwang HUANG ; Jinwei QIAO ; Qian XU ; Xiaoming GAO ; Xuemei BAO ; Manqin YANG ; Ruonan XIE ; Ming CAI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(18):2348-2352
Jiegeng decoction is a classic prescription composed of two Chinese medicinal herbs: Platycodon grandiflorum and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. It has the efficacy of diffusing lung qi, resolving phlegm, relieving sore throat and discharging pus, and is commonly used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as cough and pharyngodynia. This article reviews the chemical components, pharmacological mechanisms and clinical applications of Jiegeng decoction. It was found that Jiegeng decoction contains triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, acids, and other components, with platycodin D, platycodin D2, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, etc., serving as the main active pharmaceutical ingredients. Jiegeng decoction and its chemical constituents exert anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-κB and mitogen- activated protein kinases, and demonstrate anti-tumor activities through mechanisms like modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and promoting cancer cell apoptosis. Additionally, it exhibits various pharmacological actions including antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Clinically, Jiegeng decoction, its modified prescription and compound combinations are widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as cough, pneumonia, and pharyngitis, as well as digestive system disorders like constipation.

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