1.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
2.Mechanism of Different Dosage Forms of Kaixinsan in Improving Mitochondrial Function for Prevention and Treatment of Cognitive Disorder Based on AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 Pathway
Shuyue KANG ; Yanzi YU ; Jiaqun SUN ; Wenxuan CHEN ; Yaqin YANG ; Qi WANG ; Weirong LI ; Limei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):15-24
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of different dosage forms of Kaixinsan (KXS) on the morphology and function of mitochondria in rat models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and potential mechanisms of action. MethodsMale SD rats were randomly assigned to a sham group, model group, treatment groups receiving KXS decoction, powders, and granules (3.08 g·kg-1), as well as donepezil group (0.51×10-3 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. AD model was created using intracerebroventricular injection of streptozocin (STZ). After 30 days of administration, behavioral assessments were conducted, and mitochondrial morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were measured via JC-1 staining, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured via biochemical assays. The mRNA expression of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), and silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3) was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot was used to examine the protein expression levels of optic atrophy protein1 (OPA1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (FIS1), AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3. ResultsCompared with the sham group, rats in the model group had significantly lower recognition index, spontaneous alternation rate, escape latency, number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and percentage of distance traveled in the target quadrant distance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Significant mitochondrial damage was observed in the hippocampal tissue, with a marked decrease in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content (P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.05). Additionally, the SOD activity was reduced, while ROS levels were elevated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was significantly downregulated (P<0.01), along with decreased protein expression levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, whereas FIS1 protein expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, rats in KXS-treated groups (various dosage forms) showed significant improvement in behavioral indexes (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced hippocampal mitochondrial damage, and more organized mitochondrial cristae. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and mitochondrial membrane potentials were elevated (P<0.05). SOD activity was elevated, and ROS levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PGC-1α and SIRT3 was upregulated, with increased protein levels of OPA1, p-AMPK/AMPK, PGC-1α, and SIRT3, while FIS1 protein expression levels were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Across the KXS-treated groups, the granule group showed a higher spontaneous alternation rate than the decoction and powder groups (P<0.05). ConclusionKXS decoction, powders, and granules can improve the learning and memory ability of rats, with granules being the most effective. The mechanism of action may involve activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling pathway, improvement of the mitochondrial function, and subsequent amelioration of the brain energy metabolism disorders.
3. Advances in relationship between pyroptosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension and therapeutic drugs
Qian YAN ; Yang SUN ; Jun-Peng LONG ; Jiao YAO ; Yu-Ting LIN ; Song-Wei YANG ; Yan-Tao YANG ; Gang PEI ; Qi-Di AI ; Nai-Hong CHEN ; Qian YAN ; Yang SUN ; Jun-Peng LONG ; Jiao YAO ; Yu-Ting LIN ; Song-Wei YANG ; Yan-Tao YANG ; Gang PEI ; Qi-Di AI ; Nai-Hong CHEN ; Sha-Sha LIU ; Nai-Hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):25-30
Pyroptosis is the programmed death of cells accompanied by an inflammatory response and is widely involved in the development of a variety of diseases, such as infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegeneration. It has been shown that cellular scorching is involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension ( PAH) in cardiovascular diseases. Patients with PAH have perivascular inflammatory infiltrates in lungs, pulmonary vasculopathy exists in an extremely inflam-matory microenvironment, and pro-inflammatory factors in cellular scorching drive pulmonary vascular remodelling in PAH patients. This article reviews the role of cellular scorch in the pathogenesis of PAH and the related research on drugs for the treatment of PAH, with the aim of providing new ideas for clinical treatment of PAH.
4. Analysis and verification of the effect of Yi Qi Yang Yin decoction on rheumatoid arthritis
Rui GUAN ; Jiashu YAO ; Yeyu ZHAO ; Jiannan ZHENG ; Qing QI ; Jing YU ; Mingli GAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2024;29(1):26-36
AIM: Yi Qi Yang Yin Decoction (YQYY) has been used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and achieved good results in clinical applications, but the mechanism still needs to be explored. The purpose was to investigate the mechanism of YQYY in rats with collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS: The possible treatment target and signaling pathway were predicted by bioinformatics and network pharmacology analysis. Elisa,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western Blot were used to verify the mechanism of YQYY in treating RA. RESULTS: FABP4, MMP9 and PTGS2 were the most common predicational therapeutic targets. The results of pathology and CT showed that YQYY could improve ankle swelling, synovitis and bone erosion in CIA rats. Compared with the model group, YQYY or YQYY+MTX can significantly reduce the secretion of CRP, TNF-α, IL-1β and FABP4 in serum of CIA rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01), meanwhile, reduce the mRNA of FABP4, IKKα and p65 in synovial tissue (P<0.01), PPARγ was increased (P<0.01). YQYY could significantly reduce the expression of FABP4, IKKα and pp65 proteins in synovium, and suppress the activate of NF - κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: FABP4, MMP9 and PTGS2 may be the targets of YQYY decoction for RA treatment. YQYY can relieve joint symptoms in CIA rats, and regulate inflammation by inhibiting FABP4 / PPARγ/NF - κB signaling pathway, playing a role in the treatment of RA. The effect of YQYY combined with MTX was more prominent. This provided experimental evidence for the efficacy of YQYY decoction in clinical practice.
5.Construction of Knowledge Service and Clinical Application System of"Prevention of Disease"in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Big Data Convergence
Xiuying KUANG ; Qi YU ; Jinghua LI ; Guoxiang LI ; Xianhong LI ; Weimin ZHAO ; Fan YAO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(1):236-241
Objective To explore the construction idea and application method of knowledge base and knowledge mining system for the prevention and treatment of diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.Methods Guided by the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),firstly,the knowledge system of TCM Prevention and treatment was sorted out,and the structure and relationship of TCM Prevention and treatment knowledge base were designed according to the classification method of TCM Prevention and treatment;Secondly,according to the needs of pre treatment research,the ancient and modern literature data sources and knowledge collection methods of TCM pre treatment database are proposed;Then,under the framework of the pre treatment classification system,the core knowledge is studied in the aspects of professional annotation,relationship extraction,knowledge audit,and a variety of data mining algorithms are introduced to analyze and mine the knowledge;Finally,the massive data obtained are combined with big data analysis and computer machine learning to realize intelligent information collection,disease analysis and diagnosis and treatment suggestions.Results Under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory,the knowledge base of traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of diseases can digitize,digitize and intellectualize the basic knowledge and clinical knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of diseases,and can objectively mine and analyze the data,providing a basis for the service and sharing of knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine for prevention and treatment of diseases.Conclusion The knowledge base of TCM Prevention and treatment is an important way for the digital storage of TCM Prevention and treatment knowledge,and provides literature knowledge support and objective evidence of data mining for TCM Prevention and treatment research.
6.Reflection on general and innovative education of palliative care in China
Xiaona QI ; Qiang YAO ; Qinming YU ; Miaomiao ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Menglan ZHONG ; Lijuan YU
Chinese Medical Ethics 2024;37(3):332-338
With the process of China’s aging population intensifying, palliative care, as an important guarantee for improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients, is receiving more and more social attention, and the demand is constantly increasing. Palliative care needs versatile professionals, and general education can enhance people’s awareness and understanding of it, enabling more people to understand, accept, and participate in palliative care. With the advancement of knowledge and technology in palliative care, the traditional cramming education models are no longer able to meet the actual needs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to innovate palliative care education strategies. By analyzing the current problems in the general education of palliative care in China, this paper proposed thoughts and suggestions for general and innovative education of palliative care in several aspects, such as establishing general and innovative education systems and evaluation systems of palliative care, diversifying educational contents and methods, strengthening medical staffs training, promoting diversified student groups, and strengthening the popularization of palliative care knowledge among the public.
7.Machine learning-based quantitative prediction of drug drug interaction using drug label information
Lu-Hua LIANG ; Yu-Xi XU ; Bei QI ; Lu-Yao WANG ; Chang LI ; Rong-Wu XIANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(16):2396-2400
Objective To construct machine learning models that can be used to predict AUC fold change(FC)using a database of existing pharmacokinetic(PK)and drug-drug interaction(DDI)information,which can be used to explore the possibility of predicting existing drug interactions and to provide certain rational recommendations for clinical drug use.Methods PK data of DDIs and AUC fold change data were extracted from FDA-approved drug labels.Peptide and pharmacodynamic(PD)information related to drug interactions were retrieved through DrugBank,and PPDT identification of relevant peptide IDs was performed using Protein Resource(UniProt),and a matrix normalization code was used to generate multidimensional vector data that were easy to analysis.The effect of PPDT on the AUC,and the resulting multiplicity change was used as the dependent variable for machine learning model construction.The model with the smallest root mean square error(RMES)value was used for model construction to train a bagged decision tree(Bagged)prediction model.The models were tested using the trained models for some of the drug tests.The models were evaluated by reviewing the available literature findings on detection of drug interaction pairs and analyzing and comparing the predicted values.Results A total of 16 pairs of model drug pairs were tested for the effects of 16 drugs on tacrolimus,and it was found that the accuracy of the prediction of the presence or absence of drug interactions was 81.25%;the prediction results were classified according to the FDA standard classification of the strong and weak for the strength of drug interactions,and the results showed that the prediction of the strength of drug interactions,with a large deviation from the larger prediction was less.Conclusion The evaluation of the model to predict the presence or absence of drug interactions was general;however,after classifying the strengths and weaknesses of drug interactions,the prediction of drug interactions was better,and the prediction results indicated that the model prediction performance has a certain reference value for potential DDI assessment before clinical trials.
8.Analysis of the Symptoms of Thirst or Non-thirst in the Syndrome of Xiao Qinglong Decoction
Xiao-Fen YAO ; Chun-Mei LIN ; Qi-Jun HUANG ; Jing-Yu RONG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):247-250
There seems to be a contradiction among the symptoms of"non-thirst"and"thirst after oral use of the decoction"stated in original text 41 of Shang Han Lun(Treatise on Febrile Diseases)and the symptom of"probable thirst"stated in original text 40.In this article,the symptoms of thirst or non-thirst in the syndrome of Xiao Qinglong Decoction were expounded through the analysis of the basic theories of traditional Chinese medicine about body fluid metabolism and the pathogenic mechanism of thirst,and by synthesizing the relevant articles recorded in Jin Gui Yao Lve(Synopsis of the Golden Chamber)and the understanding of the syndrome of Xiao Qinglong Decoction by later generations of practitioners.After that,the following views are put forward:non-thirst symptom is the primary sympton of the syndrome of Xiao Qinglong Decoction,which results from the disease;thirst after oral use of the decoction is due to drug-induced thirst,which can be classified into the category of physiological thirst;probable thirst symptom is related with fluid consumption by febrile disease,indicating that the disease involves yangming.The analysis of the symptoms of thirst or non-thirst in the syndrome of Xiao Qinglong Decoction is helpful for evaluation of therapeutic efficacy,and can also be used as the indications of modified medications and differential diagnosis of the disease.The exploration will provide references for the clinical use of Xiao Qinglong Decoction and will be beneficial to improving the clinical efficacy of Xiao Qinglong Decoction.
9.The Role of Mechanical Sensitive Ion Channel Piezo in Digestive System Diseases
Si-Qi WANG ; Xiang-Yun YAN ; Yan-Qiu LI ; Fang-Li LUO ; Jun-Peng YAO ; Pei-Tao MA ; Yu-Jun HOU ; Hai-Yan QIN ; Yun-Zhou SHI ; Ying LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(8):1883-1894
The Piezo protein is a non-selective mechanosensitive cation channel that exhibits sensitivity to mechanical stimuli such as pressure and shear stress. It converts mechanical signals into bioelectric activity within cells, thus triggering specific biological responses. In the digestive system, Piezo protein plays a crucial role in maintaining normal physiological activities, including digestion, absorption, metabolic regulation, and immune modulation. However, dysregulation in Piezo protein expression may lead to the occurrence of several pathological conditions, including visceral hypersensitivity, impairment of intestinal mucosal barrier function, and immune inflammation.Therefore, conducting a comprehensive review of the physiological functions and pathological roles of Piezo protein in the digestive system is of paramount importance. In this review, we systematically summarize the structural and dynamic characteristics of Piezo protein, its expression patterns, and physiological functions in the digestive system. We particularly focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action of Piezo protein in digestive system tumor diseases, inflammatory diseases, fibrotic diseases, and functional disorders. Through the integration of the latest research findings, we have observed that Piezo protein plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various digestive system diseases. There exist intricate interactions between Piezo protein and multiple phenotypes of digestive system tumors such as proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. In inflammatory diseases, Piezo protein promotes intestinal immune responses and pancreatic trypsinogen activation, contributing to the development of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and pancreatitis. Additionally, Piezo1, through pathways involving co-action with the TRPV4 ion channel, facilitates neutrophil recruitment and suppresses HIF-1α ubiquitination, thereby mediating organ fibrosis in organs like the liver and pancreas. Moreover, Piezo protein regulation by gut microbiota or factors like age and gender can result in increased or decreased visceral sensitivity, and alterations in intestinal mucosal barrier structure and permeability, which are closely associated with functional disorders like irritable bowel sydrome (IBS) and functional consitipaction (FC). A thorough exploration of Piezo protein as a potential therapeutic target in digestive system diseases can provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for future clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
10.Establishment of SHERLOCK-HBA Detection Method and Its Application in Blood Identification
Qian-Wei YAO ; Hong-Xia HE ; Sheng HU ; Yi-Xia ZHAO ; Yu LUO ; An-Quan JI ; Qi-Fan SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(8):1971-1982
ObjectiveRapid and accurate identification of body fluid traces at crime scenes is crucial for case investigation. Leveraging the speed and sensitivity of nucleic acid detection technology based on SHERLOCK, our research focuses on developing a peripheral blood SHERLOCK-HBA detection system to detect mRNA in forensic practice. MethodsShort crRNA fragments targeting the blood-specific mRNA gene HBA were designed and screened, alongside RPA primers. Optimal RPA primers were selected based on specificity and amplification efficiency, leading to the establishment of the RPA system. The most efficient crRNA was chosen based on relative fluorescence units (RFU) generated by the Cas protein reaction, and the Cas protein reaction system was constructed to establish the SHERLOCK-HBA detection method. The RPA and Cas protein reaction systems in the SHERLOCK detection system were then individually optimized. A total of 79 samples of five body fluids were tested to evaluate the method’s ability to identify blood, with further verification through species-specific tests, sensitivity tests, mixed spots detection, aged samples, UV-irradiated samples, and actual casework samples. ResultsThe SHERLOCK reaction system for the peripheral blood-specific marker HBA was successfully established and optimized, enabling detection within 30 min. The method demonstrated a detection limit of 0.001 ng total RNA, better than FOB strip method and comparable to RT-PCR capillary electrophoresis. The system could detect target body fluids in mixed samples and identify blood in samples stored at room temperature for three years and exposed to UV radiation for 32 h. Detection of 11 casework samples showed performance comparable to RT-PCR capillary electrophoresis. ConclusionThis study presents a CRISPR/Cas-based SHERLOCK-HBA detection system capable of accurately, sensitively, and rapidly identifying blood samples. Introducing CRISPR/Cas technology to forensic body fluid identification represents a significant advancement in applying cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to forensic science.The method’s simplicity, shorter detection time, and independence from specialized equipment make it promising for rapid blood sample identification in forensic cases.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail