1.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
2.Oxylipidomics Combined with Transcriptomics Reveals Mechanism of Jianpi Huogu Prescription in Treating Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Rats
Lili WANG ; Qun LI ; Zhixing HU ; Qianqian YAN ; Liting XU ; Xiaoxiao WANG ; Chunyan ZHU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Weiheng CHEN ; Haijun HE ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):190-199
ObjectiveTo unveil the mechanism of Jianpi Huogu prescription (JPHGP) in ameliorating the dyslipidemia of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femur head (SONFH) by oxylipidomics combined with transcriptomics. MethodsSixty SD rats were assigned into normal, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.5, 5, 10 g·kg-1, respectively) JPHGP, and Jiangushengwan (1.53 g·kg-1) groups. Lipopolysaccharide was injected into the tail vein at a dose of 20 μg·kg-1 on days 1 and 2, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate was injected at a dose of 40 mg·kg-1 into the buttock muscle on days 3 to 5. The normal group received an equal volume of normal saline. Drug administration by gavage began 4 weeks after the last injection, and samples were taken after administration for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted to reveal the histopathological changes of the femoral head, and the number of adipocytes, the rate of empty bone lacunae, and the trabecular area were calculated. Micro-computed tomography was used for revealing the histological and histomorphometrical changes of the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). At the same time, the femoral head was collected for oxylipidomic and transcriptomic detection. The differential metabolites and differential genes were enriched and analyzed, and the target genes regulating lipid metabolism were predicted. The predicted target proteins were further verified by molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showcased thinning of the femoral head, trabecular fracture, karyopyknosis, subchondral cystic degeneration, increases in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae (P<0.01), a reduction in the trabecular area (P<0.01), decreases in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and increases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups showed no obvious thinning of the femoral head or subchondroidal cystic degeneration. The high- and medium-dose JPHGP groups presented declines in the number of adipocytes and the rate of empty bone lacunae, an increase in the trabecular area (P<0.05, P<0.01), rises in BMD, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV, and decreases in Tb.Sp and BS/BV (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group showcased raised serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB and lowered serum levels of HDL and ApoA1 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the JPHGP groups had lowered serum levels of TG, TC, LDL, and ApoB (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a risen serum level of ApoA1 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the serum level of HDL in the high-dose JPHGP group increased (P<0.01). A total of 19 different metabolites of disease set and drug set were screened out by oxylipidomics of the femoral head, and 119 core genes with restored expression were detected by transcriptomics. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in inflammation, lipids, apoptosis, and osteoclast differentiation. Molecular docking, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group displayed increased content of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the femoral head (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose JPHGP reduced the content of 5-LO and PPARγ (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionJPHGP can restore the levels of oxidized lipid metabolites by regulating the 5-LO-PPARγ axis to treat SONFH in rats. Relevant studies provide experimental evidence for the efficacy mechanism of JPHGP in the treatment of SONFH.
3.Construction and Enhancement of Graduate Curriculum System for Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacology: A Case Study of Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
Tuo LIU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Shihuan TANG ; Zhiyong LI ; Shan WANG ; Baohua LIU ; Yu BAI ; Yujie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):3-7
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacology (PTCM) is a discipline that studies the interactions between Chinese medicines and the human body, as well as their underlying mechanisms, under the guidance of TCM theories while employing modern scientific techniques and methods. This article reviews the historical development and achievements of the PTCM discipline at the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and outlines the reform measures undertaken in recent years to advance the construction of the graduate course system in PTCM. Building upon the foundation of the "Special Topics in PTCM" course, the curriculum has been expanded through reforms to include a series of self-designed courses, such as foundational advanced courses, experimental pharmacology courses, pharmacological research tools courses, and applied TCM research courses. Along with enriching the graduate course system, the study explores innovative approaches and methods for graduate education and teaching in PTCM, and reflects on the challenges in course system construction and teaching, serving as a reference for improving the quality of graduate training, promoting the development of the PTCM discipline, and advancing teaching reform practices.
4.Evaluation of the effectiveness of a phased rehabilitation training programme to relieve shoulder dysfunction in patients after neck dissection
Yijun DENG ; Tingbi ZHANG ; Wenzhen GU ; Xingfang HE ; Weiqin WU ; Shuai WANG ; Caibing XIONG ; Yanqiong ZHAO ; Ying WEI ; Yadong DENG ; Qiuyu HUANG
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2024;32(11):871-878
Objective To explore the effect of a phased rehabilitation training programme to relieve shoulder dys-function in patients after neck dissection and to provide effective solutions for postoperative shoulder joint function recov-ery of patients.Methods This study has been reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee,and informed consent has been obtained from patients.A phased rehabilitaiton training programme for the shoulder after neck dessection was developed through literature review and discussion,and 70 eligible patients from Hospital of Stomatology,Sun Yat-sen University from December 2020 to April 2021 were selected and randomly divided into the test group and control group(35 patients in each group).The control group underwent motor rehabilitation training from 6 weeks postoperative to 1 year after surgery,such as shoulder mobility and coordination training and small range of motion training of the neck,while the test group took part in a rehabilitation training program that included familiarization maneuver training,protective rehabilitation,exercise rehabilitation,and resistance training in the following four stages:preoperative,postop-erative general anesthesia and awake until the removal of stitches,the removal of stitches until 6 weeks after surgery,and 6 weeks after surgery until 1 year after surgery.The frequency of training in both groups was at least 3 days per week,and the length of each training session was 10-15 min.The intensity of exercise was 2-3 points on the Borg Conscious Ex-ercise Intensity Scale(i.e.,mild-to-moderate tachypnea or fatigue).The neck dissection injury index(NDII)was used to evaluate the quality of life related to shoulder joint function at four time points:preoperative,postoperative 3 months,postoperative 6 months,and postoperative 12 months.The higher the score,the better the quality of life.Results 28 cases in the test group and 32 cases in the control group completed a one-year follow-up.At 3 and 6 months postopera-tive,the NDII of the test group was significantly higher than that of the control group[3 months postoperative:test group(93.48±9.36)vs.control group(80.00±11.34)(P<0.001),6 months postoperative:test group(98.21±4.76)vs.control group(90.70±9.12)(P<0.001)];12 months after surgery,the NDII of the test group(97.23±4.88)was still higher than that of the control group(96.33±4.49),but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.458).The difference in NDII scores among subjects at 3,6,and 12 months after surgery was statistically significant in each group(P<0.001).Conclusion The application of the phased rehabilitation training method in neck dissection patients has a feasibility and could improve the quality of life of patients'shoulder joint function within 6 months after surgery.
5.m6A-related gene clustering analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury after cardiopulmonary bypass based on machine learning
Yao TANG ; Wendong CHEN ; Yanqiong WANG ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2024;31(10):1475-1485
Objective To identify the N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related characteristic genes analyzed by gene clustering and immune cell infiltration in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI) after cardiopulmonary bypass through machine learning. Methods The differential genes associated with m6A methylation were screened by the dataset GSE132176 in GEO, the samples of the dataset were clustered based on the differential gene expression profile, and the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the differential genes of the m6A cluster after clustering were performed to determine the gene function of the m6A cluster. R software was used to determine the better models in machine learning of support vector machine (SVM) model and random forest (RF) model, which were used to screen m6A-related characteristic genes in MI/RI, and construct characteristic gene nomogram to predict the incidence of disease. R software was used to analyze the correlation between characteristic genes and immune cells, and the online website was used to build a characteristic gene regulatory network. Results In this dataset, a total of 5 m6A-related differential genes were screened, and the gene expression profiles were divided into two clusters for cluster analysis. The enrichment analysis of m6A clusters showed that these genes were mainly involved in regulating monocytes differentiation, response to lipopolysaccharides, response to bacteria-derived molecules, cellular response to decreased oxygen levels, DNA transcription factor binding, DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase Ⅱ specificity, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, interleukin-17 signaling pathway. The RF model was determined by R software as the better model, which determined that METTL3, YTHDF1, RBM15B and METTL14 were characteristic genes of MI/RI, and mast cells, type 1 helper lymphocytes (Th1), type 17 helper lymphocytes (Th17), and macrophages were found to be associated with MI/RI after cardiopulmonary bypass in immune cell infiltration. Conclusion The four characteristic genes METTL3, YTHDF1, RBM15B and METTL14 are obtained by machine learning, while cluster analysis and immune cell infiltration analysis can better reveal the pathophysiological process of MI/RI.
6.Identification of in Vitro and in vivo Chemical Constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan Based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS
Kedian CHEN ; Zhaochen MA ; Bingbing CAI ; Ying LIU ; Yudong LIU ; Tao LI ; Mingzhu XU ; Haiping WANG ; Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):78-84
ObjectiveTo identify the chemical constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in vitro and in vivo. MethodThe chemical constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan were identified based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. A total of 12 male SD rats were randomized into two groups: control (pure water) and Ruyi Zhenbaowan (1.8 g·kg-1). The rats were administrated with the suspension of Ruyi Zhenbaowan or pure water by gavage. After 1.5 h, the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were collected. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 150 mm, 1.7 μm) with a mixture of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phase. Gradient elution was carried out according to the procedure of 0~15 min,97%~80%A;15~30 min ,80%~60%A;30~40 min,60%~30%A;40~45 min,30%~5%A. The ion source was electrospray ionization, and scan range was m/z 100-1 500. The prototype components and the components in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed qualitatively by scanning in positive and negative ion modes and identified by comparison with the data in published literature and the information of standard substances. ResultA total of 126 chemical constituents were identified from the 80% methanol solution of Ruyi Zhenbaowan, and 14 and 7 prototype constituents were detected in the plasma and the cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. In addition, the fragmentation rules of apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, galangin, liquiritin, piperine, glycyrrhizic acid, eugenol, gallic acid, and cholic acid were deduced. ConclusionThis study achieved rapid multicomponent characterization and identification of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in vitro and in vivo, providing theoretical support for exploring active substances and performing quality control.l.
7.Analysis of the current situation of psychological crisis vulnerability and influencing factors of the elderly multimorbidity
Dou FU ; Xinmei WANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Yanqiong OUYANG ; Shanshan LIU ; Jiaojiao WU ; Xiaojie MA ; Yandi TANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(9):1174-1179
Objective:To understand the current situation of psychological crisis vulnerability among elderly individuals with multimorbidity and analyze the factors that influence it, to provide insights for improving their coping abilities.Methods:A cross-sectional survey design was conducted at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from May 1 to November 30, 2022.The attitudes toward aging, sense of meaning of life, and vulnerability to psychological crisis were analysed among outpatients and inpatients.Statistical analysis was performed on the questionnaire results, and the influencing factors of vulnerability to psychological crisis in elderly patients with co-morbidities were analyzed using one-way linear regression and multivariate linear regression.Additionally, the correlation between aging attitudes, sense of meaning of life, and vulnerability to psychological crisis was examined using Pearson correlation analysis.Results:A total of 685 questionnaires were distributed, and 602 valid questionnaires were collected, resulting in a valid recovery rate of 87.9%.The total score for the sense of meaning of life in elderly co-morbid patients was(39.2±8.3), while the total score for aging attitudes was(80.2±13.5).The total score for psychological crisis vulnerability was(69.4±12.8), indicating a medium-high level of vulnerability.The results of multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the factors influencing psychological crisis vulnerability in elderly multimorbidity, in descending order, were residence status, economic situation, marital status, age, type of chronic disease, and hospitalization history in the past six months.Psychological crisis vulnerability in elderly multimorbidity showed a negative correlation with the sense of meaning of life and the attitude of aging( r=-0.315, -0.264, both P<0.01), while the attitude of aging exhibited a positive correlation with the sense of meaning of life( r=0.515, P<0.01). Conclusions:The vulnerability of elderly individuals with multimorbidity to psychological crises is influenced by several factors.Healthcare professionals should prioritize individuals who are elderly, residing in nursing institutions, widowed, financially disadvantaged, experiencing multiple illnesses, and not currently hospitalized.
8.Research progress on nurse organizational silence assessment tools
Fang SHAN ; Yanqiong PENG ; Rui HUANG ; Xiaoqin ZHENG ; Xiao WANG ; Nan XIE
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(2):256-261
This paper reviewed the concept of organizational silence, elaborated on the content, evaluation methods, reliability, validity, characteristics, and other aspects of nurse organizational silence assessment tools, and compares the basic characteristics, content, and application of each tool. The aim was to provide reference for selection of appropriate assessment tools to identify nurse organizational silence, as well as for the development of comprehensive assessment tools and the early formulation of management strategies.
9.Mechanism of Osteoking in Improving Energy Metabolism in Rats with Myofascial Pain Syndrome Based on cAMP/PKA/PGC1α Signaling Pathway
Xiaoxiao WANG ; Qun LI ; Chao YANG ; Changting FANGLUO ; Zhixing HU ; Lili WANG ; Suya ZAHNG ; Xueting LIU ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(24):54-62
ObjectiveFrom the perspective of energy metabolism, the mechanism of Osteoking (OK) in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) was revealed through systems biology prediction combined with holistic animal experimental validation methods. MethodFirstly, the key targets of MPS and their related molecular mechanisms were predicted by the systems biology method, and the core network targets were screened. Then, the network-predicted targets were verified by animal experiments. Specifically, 60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, low, medium, and high dose OK groups (0.66, 1.31, 2.63 mL·kg-1), and positive celecoxib group (21 mg·kg-1). The MPS model was established by beating combined with a centrifugal exercise method for eight weeks. Except for two days after modeling, the intervention of OK or celecoxib was performed. After the completion of the model, the drug was administered for two weeks. The histopathological changes of trigger point muscle tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The content/activity of Na-K-ATP enzyme (Na+-K+-ATPase), Ca2+ pump (Ca2+ATPase), Ca2+, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione (GSH), malondialal (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), and protein kinase A (PKA) in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue in MPS rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein expression levels of PKA and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α) in MPS rats were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expression levels of PKA, PGC1α, and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) in MPS rats were detected by Western blot. ResultThe network prediction results suggest that OK acts on the key target of energy metabolism related to the occurrence and development of MPS and may participate in the activation of the cAMP/PKA/PGC1α signaling pathway. The experimental validation results show that compared with the normal group, contracture nodules and disordered arrangement of muscle fibers appear in the trigger point muscle tissue of MPS rats. Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+ATPase, SOD activity, Ca2+, and GSH contents in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue are significantly decreased (P<0.01). Both LDH activity and MDA contents are significantly increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression levels of cAMP, PKA, PGC1α, and TFAM are significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, OK improves the histopathological morphology of trigger point muscle fibers in MPS rats, and after the intervention of OK, Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+ATPase, SOD activity, Ca2+, and GSH contents in serum and/or trigger point muscle tissue in MPS rats are significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). LDH activity and MDA contents are significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of cAMP, PKA, PGC1α, and TFAM are significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe mechanism of OK's intervention in MPS rats may be related to its effective activation of the cAMP/PKA/PGC1α signaling pathway, thus promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism and trigger point muscle fiber damage repair in muscle cells.
10.Exploration on Property-efficacy Association of Sovereign Drug Gypsum Fibrosum in Baihu Guizhitang by Integrating Transcriptomics with Gene Regulatory Network Analysis
Weijie LI ; Xia MAO ; Yudong LIU ; Kexin WANG ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(1):52-60
ObjectiveTo systematically explore the roles and contributions of the sovereign drug Gypsum Fibrosum contained in Baihu Guizhitang (BHGZT) against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with heat syndrome from property-efficacy association by an approach integrating transcriptomics with gene regulatory network analysis. MethodA total of 20 male Lewis rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: a control group (n=5), a group of adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model with heat syndrome (AIA-H, n=5), an AIA-H + BHGZT group (BHGZT, 21.4 g·kg-1, n=5), and an AIA-H + BHGZT without Gypsum Fibrosum group (BHGZT-GYP, 10.7 g·kg-1, n=5). We combined the gene expression profiling based on AIA-H rat model and "disease-gene-drug effective target" network analysis to predict the major function of Gypsum Fibrosum contained in BHGZT against RA with heat syndrome. Furthermore, in vivo experiments with the AIA-H rat model were performed to validate the therapeutic effects on the severity of arthritis based on the representative images of arthritis, limb diameter, infrared thermography, pain thresholds, and joint injury, as well as at the level of immunity-inflammation imbalance. Oil Red O staining was employed for the differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes in the AIA-H rats treated by BHGZT, BHGZT-GYP, and GYP. ResultGene expression profiling and network analysis demonstrated that Gypsum Fibrosum mainly regulated the energy metabolism disorders and the immunity-inflammation imbalance during the development and progression of RA. In vivo experiments showed that both BHGZT and BHGZT-GYP reduced the disease severity of AIA-H rats (P<0.01) by relieving joint redness and distortion, decreasing arthritis score and limb diameter, elevating pain thresholds, alleviating joint erosion, joint inflammation, and bone destruction (P<0.05). Notably, BHGZT outperformed BHGZT-GYP (P<0.05). Both BHGZT and BHGZT-GYP inhibited the pathological changes and decreased the indexes of thymus and spleen (P<0.05), and down-regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-12, IL-1β, and IL-18 (P<0.05). In addition, BHGZT and GYP significantly inhibited the adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, with the performance superior to that of BHGZT-GYP. ConclusionThe sovereign drug Gypsum Fibrosum contained in BHGZT played a crucial role in reversing energy metabolism disorders and immunity-inflammation imbalance, which may be associated with its cold property and function of clearing heat and purging fire.


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