1.The role of histone deacetylase 3 in diabetes and its complications, and the research progress on histone deacetylase 3 inhibitors
Jia-yu ZHAI ; Cun-yu FENG ; Xue-feng GAO ; Li-ran LEI ; Lei LEI ; Yi HUAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):1-11
Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) is an epigenetic modification enzyme that plays a crucial role in the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. Studies have reported that increased HDAC3 activity is associated with pancreatic
2.Establishment and evaluation of an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction integrating disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis
Xiaoqi WEI ; Xinyi FAN ; Feng JIANG ; Wangjing CHAI ; Jinling XIAO ; Fanghe LI ; Kuo GAO ; Xue YU ; Wei WANG ; Shuzhen GUO
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):501-515
Objective:
This study aimed to construct an animal model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis and to evaluate it comprehensively.
Methods:
The HFpEF mouse model was constructed using a combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and a high-fat diet. According to the random number table method, SPF-grade male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, L-NAME, high-fat diet, and model groups, 10 in each group. Comprehensive observations and data collection on macroscopic signs (e.g., fur condition, mental state, stool and urine, oral and nasal condition, paw and body condition, etc.) and cardiac function were performed after 10 and 16 weeks of model induction. Additionally, the syndrome evolution was elucidated based on diagnostic criteria for clinical syndromes of heart failure. Furthermore, pathological and molecular biological examinations of myocardial tissue were performed to assess the stability and reliability of the model.
Results:
Mice in the model group showed typical characteristics of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, as well as syndrome of internal heat accumulation, including lethargy, slow response, dull paw color and oral/nasal color, exercise intolerance, abnormal platelet activation, dry feces, and dark yellow urine. The time window for these syndromes was between 10 and 16 weeks post-modeling. Cardiac function assessments revealed severe diastolic dysfunction, concentric myocardial hypertrophy, and myocardial fibrosis in the model group. Pathological examinations showed a significantly increased collagen deposition in the myocardial interstitium, enlarged cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and sparse coronary microvasculature in the model group. Molecular biological analyses indicated marked activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase/nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammatory pathway and significantly elevated inflammation levels in the myocardial tissue of the model group. Although mice in the L-NAME and high-fat diet groups also showed certain manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome, the substantial cardiac damage was relatively limited compared to the control group.
Conclusion
This study has constructed an animal model of HFpEF that integrates disease and syndrome based on the "deficiency-blood stasis-toxin" pathogenesis. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of this model are consistent with the manifestations of syndrome of qi deficiency and blood stasis, toxin syndrome, and syndrome of internal heat accumulation. Moreover, it can stably simulate the HFpEF state and reflect phenotypic changes in human disease. This model provides a suitable experimental platform to explore the pathogenesis of HFpEF, evaluate the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment regimens, and promote in-depth research on TCM syndromes of heart failure.
3.Effect and mechanism of Astragalus polysaccharide on peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis in peritoneal dialysis rats
Xue FENG ; Bin PENG ; Li FENG ; Shuangyi ZHU ; Xi HU ; Wei XIONG ; Zhi GAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(6):712-717
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) on peritoneal fibrosis and angiogenesis in rats with peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS Rats were randomly divided into normal control group (Control group), model group (PD group), 70 mg/kg APS group (APS-L group), 140 mg/kg APS group (APS-H group), and 140 mg/kg APS+40 mg/kg hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) agonist DMOG group (APS-H+DMOG group), with 12 rats in each group. PD rat models were constructed in the last four groups of rats. Administration groups were given APS intragastrically and DMOG intraperitoneally. Control group and PD group were given constant volume of normal saline intragastrically, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, the peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF), mass transfer of glucose (MTG), the levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected in rats; peritoneal histomorphology and peritoneal fibrosis (peritoneal thickness and proportion of collagen fiber deposition) were observed; the microvascular density and the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), laminin (LN), HIF-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins were detected in peritoneal tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with Control group, the mesothelium of rats in the PD group was loosely arranged and shed, inflammatory cells infiltrated, the peritoneal thickness and proportion of collagen fiber deposition were increased significantly (P<0.05). The levels of MTG, Scr and BUN in serum, microvascular density and the expressions of α-SMA, LN, HIF-1α and VEGF proteins were significantly increased, while the level of UF was significantly decreased (P< 0.05); compared with PD group, the levels of above indexes were significantly reversed in APS-L and APS-H groups (P<0.05), and the improvement of APS-H group was better than APS-L group (P<0.05). Compared with APS-H group, the levels of above indexes in APS-H+DMOG group were all reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS APS inhibits peritoneal fibrosis and angioge-nesis in PD rats by inhibiting HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway.
4.Effect of Qiwei Baizhusan on Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats with Diabetic Encephalopathy Based on PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway
Jiaxin GAO ; Jianbo WANG ; Yanan XUE ; Jie SUN ; Dan WANG ; Kun HAN ; Yunyu ZHANG ; Yiran YIN ; Xiaofan FENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):10-17
ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of Qiwei Baizhusan(QWBZS) on diabetic encephalopathy(DE) rat model, and to explore the possible mechanism of QWBZS in the treatment of DE based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β) signaling pathway. MethodForty-eight SPF male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group(8 rats) and high-fat diet group(40 rats). After 12 weeks of feeding, rats in the high-fat diet group were intraperitoneally injected with 35 mg·kg-1 of 1% streptozotocin(STZ) for 2 consecutive days to construct a DE model, and rats in the blank group were injected with the same amount of sodium citrate buffer. After successful modeling, according to blood glucose and body weight, model rats were randomly divided into model group, low, medium and high dose groups of QWBZS(3.15, 6.3, 12.6 g·kg-1), combined western medicine group(metformin+rosiglitazone, 0.21 g·kg-1), with 6 rats in each group. The administration group was given the corresponding dose of drug by gavage, and the blank group and the model group were given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution by gavage, 1 time/day for 6 weeks. Morris water maze was used to detect the spatial memory ability of DE rats. Fasting insulin (FINS) level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the morphological changes of hippocampus in rats, ELISA was used to detect the indexes of oxidative stress in hippocampal tissues, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in hippocampus, and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated(p)-Akt, GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β in hippocampus of rats. ResultCompared with the blank group, FINS and HOMA-IR values of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), the path of finding the original position of the platform was significantly increased, and the escape latency was significantly prolonged(P<0.01), the morphology of neuronal cells in hippocampal tissues was disrupted, the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and malondialdehyde(MDA) in hippocampus of rats were increased, and the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) was decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01), mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt were decreased(P<0.01), mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt and p-GSK-3β were significantly decreased, and the protein expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the FINS and HOMA-IR values of the medium dose group of QWBZS and the combined western medicine group were significantly decreased(P<0.01), the path of finding the original position of the platform and the escape latency were significantly shortened(P<0.01), the hippocampal tissue structure of rats was gradually recovered, and the morphological damage of nerve cells was significantly improved, the contents of ROS and MDA in hippocampus of rats decreased and the level of SOD increased(P<0.01), the mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt were increased(P<0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt and p-GSK-3β were significantly increased(P<0.01), and the expression of GSK-3β was significantly decreased(P<0.01). ConclusionQWBZS can alleviate insulin resistance in DE rats, it may repair hippocampal neuronal damage and improve learning and cognitive ability of DE rats by activating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway.
5.Research progress in regulation and mechanism of transcription factors on tanshinones
Yan-hong BAI ; Lin-lin XIN ; Ting ZENG ; Feng-xia HAN ; Yong-qing ZHANG ; Gao-bin PU ; Xue CHEN ; Qian LIU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(5):1218-1228
italic>Salvia miltiorrhiza, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely recognized for its blood-activating and stasis-removing properties in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The synthesis and regulatory mechanism of tanshinones, the key active constituents of
6.A sampling survey of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring in China
Yang ZHAO ; Songbo XUE ; Xu TIAN ; Guodong FENG ; Zhiqiang GAO
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2024;59(2):122-126
Objective:This study aims to investigate the current application and the level of knowledge of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring among medical staff in China.Methods:A comprehensive online questionnaire was conducted among medical professionals across different regions in China from October 2022 to February 2023. The survey exclusively targeted departments specializing in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, neurosurgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. The questionnaire covered various aspects including general information, intraoperative facial nerve monitoring practices, training history, indications for monitoring, parameters used during monitoring procedures, as well as factors influencing its implementation.Results:A total of 417 participants from 31 provincial, municipal, and autonomous regions were included. Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring was found to be implemented in 227 (54.4%,227/417) repondents of 53 institutions (24.9%, 53/213). The top three indications for implementing this technique were acoustic neuroma, parotid gland surgery, and modified middle ear surgery (mastoidectomy). Herein 81.1%(184/227) medical staff involved in intraoperative facial nerve monitoring had received relevant training, 57.3%(130/227)-92.1%(209/227) reported a lack of clear description regarding recording thresholds, stimulation currents/frequencies/wave widths.Conclusion:The majority of the institutions surveyed have not yet adopted intraoperative facial nerve monitoring. Furthermore, significant gaps concerning the procedure exist. It is imperative to establish standards or guidelines to promote its better development and application.
7.TCM Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough in Children
Xi MING ; Liqun WU ; Ziwei WANG ; Bo WANG ; Jialin ZHENG ; Jingwei HUO ; Mei HAN ; Xiaochun FENG ; Baoqing ZHANG ; Xia ZHAO ; Mengqing WANG ; Zheng XUE ; Ke CHANG ; Youpeng WANG ; Yanhong QIN ; Bin YUAN ; Hua CHEN ; Lining WANG ; Xianqing REN ; Hua XU ; Liping SUN ; Zhenqi WU ; Yun ZHAO ; Xinmin LI ; Min LI ; Jian CHEN ; Junhong WANG ; Yonghong JIANG ; Yongbin YAN ; Hengmiao GAO ; Hongmin FU ; Yongkun HUANG ; Jinghui YANG ; Zhu CHEN ; Lei XIONG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(7):722-732
Following the principles of evidence-based medicine,in accordance with the structure and drafting rules of standardized documents,based on literature research,according to the characteristics of chronic cough in children and issues that need to form a consensus,the TCM Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Cough in Children was formulated based on the Delphi method,expert discussion meetings,and public solicitation of opinions.The guideline includes scope of application,terms and definitions,eti-ology and diagnosis,auxiliary examination,treatment,prevention and care.The aim is to clarify the optimal treatment plan of Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease,and to provide guidance for improving the clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough in children with Chinese medicine.
8.Effect and mechanism of pachymic acid on renal function and fibrosis in rats with chronic renal failure
Bin PENG ; Xue FENG ; Li FENG ; Wei XIONG ; Xi HU ; Shuangyi ZHU ; Yang XIAO ; Fang CHEN ; Zhi GAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(12):1489-1494
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of pachymic acid (PA) on renal function and fibrosis in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats and its potential mechanism based on the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway. METHODS Using male SD rats as subjects, the CRF model was established by 5/6 nephrectomy; the successfully modeled rats were divided into model group, PA low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg PA), high-dose PA+ROCK pathway activator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) group (20 mg/kg PA+1 mg/kg LPA), with 15 rats in each group. Another 15 rats were selected as the sham operation group with only the kidney exposed but not excised. The rats in each drug group were gavaged and/or injected with the corresponding liquid via the caudal vein, once a day, for 12 consecutive weeks. During the experiment, the general condition of rats was observed in each group. After the last administration, the serum renal function indexes (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, uric acid) of rats in each group were detected, the renal histopathological changes were observed; the renal tubule injury score and the area of renal fibrosis were quantified. The levels of oxidative stress indexes [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6), the positive expression rates of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen Ⅰ were detected as well as the expression levels of pathway-related proteins (RhoA, ROCK1) and fibrosis- related proteins (transforming growth factor-β1, bare corneum homologs 2, α-smooth muscle actin) were determined. RESULTS Compared with the sham operation group, the rats in model group had reduced diet, smaller body size, listless spirit and sluggish response, reduced and atrophied glomeruli, dilated renal tubules with chaotic structure, and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated interstitium; the serum levels of renal function indexes, renal tubule injury score, renal fibrosis area proportion, the levels of MDA and inflammatory factors, the positive expression rates of CTGF and collagen Ⅰ, and the expression levels of pathway-related proteins and fibrosis-related proteins in renal tissues were significantly increased, while SOD level was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the general condition and pathological injuries of kidney tissue of rats in PA groups were improved to varying degrees,and the above quantitative indexes were significantly improved in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). LPA could significantly reverse the improvement effect of PA on the above indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS PA can improve renal function and alleviate renal fibrosis in CRF rats, which may be related to inhibiting the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
9.Research progress on clinical application of ruxolitinib
Shiquan FENG ; Zhenmiao QIN ; Xue HU ; Deqiao DONG ; Haoyang PENG ; Changran GAN ; Chengcheng DUAN ; Yanan GAO
China Pharmacy 2024;35(13):1668-1672
Ruxolitinib, a small molecule inhibitor, selectively targets Janus kinase (JAK) by competitively binding to adenosine triphosphate on the catalytic site of the JAK1 and JAK2 domain, thereby inhibiting JAK activation and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) phosphorylation and prevents the expressions of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Oral ruxolitinib has demonstrated promising efficacy for myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. The topical Ruxolitinib cream, approved by the US FDA as the first non-segmental vitiligo home treatment drug, is set to be launched in domestic medical pioneer areas in August 2023 and is expected to bring about a breakthrough in the treatment of vitiligo. Clinical cases have also shown that Ruxolitinib cream has significant curative effects on atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and other conditions, indicating great application prospects.
10.Effect of Baoyuan Decoction on Chronic Heart Failure Model Rats Based on PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Xiao-Yu GAO ; Feng JI ; Dan-Yang HAO ; Yong TAN ; Bai-Rong WANG ; Yi-Wen ZHENG ; Xue-Bin CHEN
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(7):1851-1857
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Baoyuan Decoction for chronic heart failure model rat.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Baoyuan Decoction group,Captopril group,Baoyuan Decoction+CCT020312[protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)activator]group,15 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the rats in the other groups were induced by Adriamycin to construct a chronic heart failure model.After corresponding drug intervention,cardiac function indexes[left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular fractional shortening(LVFS),brain natriuretic peptide(BNP),cardiac troponin I(cTnI)],inflammation-related factors[tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β)],oxidative stress factors[malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD)]were detected in each group.Changes in apoptosis-related indicators[B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2),B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein(Bax),Caspase-3]and PERK/transcription activator 4(ATF4)signaling pathway-related proteins glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),PERK,ATF4,C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)levels.Results Compared with the blank group,LVEDD,BNP,cTnI,TNF-α,IL-1β,MDA levels,protein expression levels of Bax,Caspase-3,GRP78,PERK,ATF4,CHOP in the model group were significantly increased,LVEF,LVFS,SOD levels and Bcl-2 protein expression level were significantly decreased(all P<0.05).Compared with the model group and Baoyuan Decoction+CCT020312 group,LVEDD,BNP,cTnI,TNF-α,IL-1β,MDA levels,protein expression levels of Bax,Caspase-3,GRP78,PERK,ATF4,CHOP in Baoyuan Decoction group and Captopril group were significantly decreased,LVEF,LVFS,SOD levels and Bcl-2 protein expression level were significantly increased(all P<0.05).Compared with the Captopril group,there was no significant change in the above indexes(except CHOP protein expression level)in the Baoyuan Decoction group(P>0.05).Conclusion Baoyuan Decoction can delay the progression of chronic heart failure rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway to alleviate cardiomyocyte apoptosis,further reducing the degree of inflammatory response and oxidative stress,thereby promoting the repair of cardiac function and myocardial injury.


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