1.Validating the pathogenic mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by negative emotions via Mendelian randomization and traditional Chinese medicine theory of emotions
Zhiying WANG ; Yun LI ; Zhixian ZHONG ; Ling XU ; Yi ZHONG ; Jian CHEN
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(2):196-205
Objective:
We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to test the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of emotional pathogenesis concept and explore the causal relationship between negative emotions and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods:
Data of negative emotions, bronchitis, emphysema, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were downloaded from genome-wide association study (GWAS) public database for a two-sample MR analysis. Independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with negative emotions, bronchitis, and emphysema were selected as instrumental variables. Primary causal estimates were derived using inverse-variance weighting (IVW), supplemented by weighted median (WM), and simple mode (SM) methods. Sensitivity analyses included MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO to assess pleiotropy, Cochran’s Q test for heterogeneity, and multivariate MR to adjust for smoking. Mediation analysis evaluated the role of inflammatory markers. Reverse MR was tested for bidirectional causality. Weak instrument bias was mitigated via F-statistic thresholds (> 10). All analyses were conducted in RStudio.
Results:
MR analysis identified significant causal effects of several negative emotions on COPD. Genetically, the IVW analysis of seen doctors for nerves anxiety tension or depression [ORIVW = 1.006, 95% CI = (1.002, 1.010), P = 0.002], sensitivity/hurt feelings [ORIVW = 1.024, 95% CI = (1.004, 1.044), P = 0.017], and irritability [ORIVW = 1.019, 95% CI = (1.003, 1.035), P = 0.019 were robustly associated with increased risks of COPD. No heterogeneity was detected among the different instrumental variables (IVs) for depression (P = 0.655) and irritability (P = 0.163). MR-Egger regression intercepts for all emotional exposures were close to zero and statistically non-significant, indicating no evidence of directional pleiotropy. The horizontal pleiotropy results showed that except for worry (MR-PRESSO P = 0.006), other emotion exposures confirming no substantial pleiotropic bias. Multivariable MR demonstrated that anxiety remained independently associated with COPD after adjusting for smoking (P = 0.002), while associations with other negative emotions were attenuated post-adjustment. The mediation analysis revealed that CRP mediated 3.93% of the total effect of anxiety on COPD. However, reverse MR analysis found no evidence of reverse causality.
Conclusion
This study confirmed the causal effects of negative emotions on COPD through MR analysis and revealed that negative emotions may trigger CRP production, which plays an essential mediating role in this relationship. This study provides a reliable modern theoretical basis for emotion theory in TCM.
2. Effects of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid on promoting transdifferentiation of pancreatic OL cells into pancreatic β cells
Chao-Feng XING ; Min-Yi TANG ; Qi-Hua XU ; Shuai WANG ; Zong-Meng ZHANG ; Zi-Jian ZHAO ; Yun-Pin MU ; Fang-Hong LI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(1):31-38
Aim To investigate the role of metabolites of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in promoting the transdifferentiation of pancreatic α cells to β cells. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with 60 mg/kg streptozocin (STZ) for five consecutive days to establish a type 1 diabetes (T1DM) mouse model. After two weeks, they were randomly divided into model groups and 97% EPA diet intervention group, 75% fish oil (50% EPA +25% DHA) diet intervention group, and random blood glucose was detected every week; after the model expired, the regeneration of pancreatic β cells in mouse pancreas was observed by immunofluorescence staining. The islets of mice (obtained by crossing GCG
3. Mechanism of Fufang Congrong Yizhi Capsules in treatment of mild cognitive impairment based on network pharmacology
Qin HAN ; Xiao-Yu XU ; Yi-Fei GENG ; Xiao-Bo SUN ; Yun LUO ; Jing-Jing LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(2):334-343
Aim To predict the mechanism of Fufang Congrong Yizhi Capsules (FCYC) in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by network pharmacology method, and further validate it in combination with cellular experiments. Methods TCMSP, Gene-Cards, OMIM and TTD databases, Chinese Pharmacopoeia and related literature were used to screen the active ingredients of FCYC and the targets of MCI treatment. The TCM-compound-target-disease network and PPI of intersection targets were constructed, and the GO and KEGG analysis were performed by the Ehamb bioinformation platform. GO and KEGG analysis were performed through Yihanbo biological information platform. Cell model of MCI was established by PC-12 injury induced by Aβ
4.Perspective of Calcium Imaging Technology Applied to Acupuncture Research.
Sha LI ; Yun LIU ; Nan ZHANG ; Wang LI ; Wen-Jie XU ; Yi-Qian XU ; Yi-Yuan CHEN ; Xiang CUI ; Bing ZHU ; Xin-Yan GAO
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(1):3-9
Acupuncture, a therapeutic treatment defined as the insertion of needles into the body at specific points (ie, acupoints), has growing in popularity world-wide to treat various diseases effectively, especially acute and chronic pain. In parallel, interest in the physiological mechanisms underlying acupuncture analgesia, particularly the neural mechanisms have been increasing. Over the past decades, our understanding of how the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system process signals induced by acupuncture has developed rapidly by using electrophysiological methods. However, with the development of neuroscience, electrophysiology is being challenged by calcium imaging in view field, neuron population and visualization in vivo. Owing to the outstanding spatial resolution, the novel imaging approaches provide opportunities to enrich our knowledge about the neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia at subcellular, cellular, and circuit levels in combination with new labeling, genetic and circuit tracing techniques. Therefore, this review will introduce the principle and the method of calcium imaging applied to acupuncture research. We will also review the current findings in pain research using calcium imaging from in vitro to in vivo experiments and discuss the potential methodological considerations in studying acupuncture analgesia.
Calcium
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Acupuncture Therapy
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Acupuncture
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Acupuncture Analgesia/methods*
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Acupuncture Points
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Technology
5.Effects of Hedysarum polysaccharide on FXR-SHP-SREBP-1c signaling pathway in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cell model
Lei ZHANG ; Zhi-Sheng JIN ; Xiao-Yi YANG ; Jia-Wei LI ; Ya-Ling LI ; Cai-Yun JIN ; Yan-Xu CHEN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(2):200-204
Objective To study the effect of Hedysarum polysaccharides(HPS)on the farnisol X receptor(FXR)-small heterodimer chaperone(SHP)-sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 c(SREBP-1c)signaling pathway in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cell model.Methods The cells were cultured with 1.2 mmol·L-1 fatty acids to construct the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cell model.The cell were divided into normal group(complete medium),model group(1.2 mmol·L-1 fatty acid solution),positive control group(1.2 mmol·L-1 fatty acid solution+50 μmol·L-1 alpha-lipoic acid)and experimental group(1.2 mmol·L-1 fatty acid solution+80 mg·L-1 HPS),culture for 24 h.The content of triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC),the activity of glutamate transaminase(GOT)and glutamate transaminasewas(GPT)detected by GPO-PAP enzyme method;the apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry;the expressions of FXR,SHP,SREBP-1c protein and mRNA in hepatocytes were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results The contents of TG in hepatocytes of normal group,model group,positve control group and experimental group were(2.91±1.13),(6.81±1.32),(3.72±0.52)and(4.67±0.62)mmol·gprot-1;the contents of TC in these four groups were(23.66±4.92),(67.96±5.56),(29.41±4.22)and(54.34±3.96)mmol·gprot-1;the activity of GOT in these four groups were(249.10±11.59),(322.63±28.81),(288.89±19.14)and(266.91±8.77)U·gprot-1;the activity of GPT in these four groups were(58.83±16.88),(134.55±22.96),(89.63±15.81)and(77.37±7.25)U·gprot-1,respectively;FXR mRNA expression levels were 1.01±0.16,2.09±0.12,1.83±0.17 and 1.45±0.15,respectively;SHP mRNA expression levels were 1.00±0.11,0.51±0.15,0.64±0.14 and 0.70±0.14,respectively;SREBP-1c mRNA were 1.00±0.08,1.57±0.19,1.37±0.13 and 1.21±0.15;the expression levels of FXR protein were 1.00±0.02,1.63±0.03,1.42±0.02 and 1.25±0.03,respectively;the expression levels of SHP protein were 1.00±0.02,0.23±0.01,0.54±0.21 and 0.62±0.02;the expression levels of SREBP-1c protein were 1.00±0.03,4.08±0.05,1.99±0.02 and 1.48±0.01,respectively.Compared with the normal group,there were significant differences in the above indexes of model group(all P<0.05);compared with the model group,there were significant differences in the above indexes of experimental group(all P<0.05).Conclusion HPS may protect liver cells by regulating the FXR-SHP-SREBP-1 c signaling pathway,reducing lipid synthesis in liver cells.
6.Bioequivalence of amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablet in healthy volunteers
Yi-Ting HU ; Yu-Fang XU ; Wan-Jun BAI ; Hao-Jing SONG ; Cai-Yun JIA ; Shao-Chun CHEN ; Zhan-Jun DONG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(3):419-424
Objective To evaluate the bioequivalence of test product and reference product in a single dose of amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablet under fasting and fed conditions in healthy volunteers.Methods An open label,randomized,single dose,four-period,crossover bioequivalence study was designed.Fasting and postprandial tests were randomly divided into 2 administration sequence groups according to 1:1 ratio,amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablet test product or reference product 375 mg,oral administration separately,liquid chromatography tanden mass spectrometry was applied to determine the concentration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in plasma of healthy subjects after fasting or fed administration,while Phoenix WinNonlin 8.2 software were used for pharmacokinetics(PK)parameters calculation and bioequivalence analysis.Results Healthy subjects took the test product and the reference product under fasting condition,the main PK parameters of amoxicillin are as follows:Cmax were(5 075.57±1 483.37)and(5 119.86±1 466.73)ng·mL-1,AUC0_twere(1.32 × 104±2 163.76)and(1.30 × 104±1 925.11)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞were(1.32 × 104±2 175.40)and(1.31 ×104±1 935.86)ng·mL-1;the main PK parameters of clavulanic acid are as follows:Cmax were(3 298.27±1 315.23)and(3 264.06±1 492.82)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(7 690.06±3 053.40)and(7 538.39±3 155.89)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞were(7 834.81±3 082.61)and(7 671.67±3 189.31)ng·mL-1;the 90%confidence intervals of Cmax,AUC0-tand AUC0-∞ after logarithmic conversion of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium of the two products were all within 80.00%-125.00%.Healthy subjects took the test and reference product under fed condition,the main PK parameters of amoxicillin are as follows:Cmax were(4 514.08±1 324.18)and(4 602.82±1 366.48)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(1.15 × 104±1 637.95)and(1.15 × 104±1 665.69)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞ were(1.16 × 104±1 646.26)and(1.15 × 104±1 607.20)ng·mL-1;the main PK parameters of clavulanic acid are as follows:Cmax were(2 654.75±1 358.29)and(2 850.51±1 526.31)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(5 882.82±2 930.06)and(6 161.28±3 263.20)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞ were(6 022.70±2 965.05)and(6 298.31±3 287.63)ng·mL-1;the 90%confidence intervals of Cmax,AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ after logarithmic conversion of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium of the two products were all within 80.00%-125.00%.Conclusion The two formulations were bioequivalent to healthy adult volunteers under fasting and fed conditions.
7.Extraction process,enzymatic properties and practical application of glucuronic hydrolase in Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves
Yu-Jie CHENG ; Xu CHEN ; Yun-Hua LIU ; Zhi-Fang HUANG ; Yan CHEN ; Yu-Hong LIU ; Jin-Hai YI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(1):35-40
AIM To study the extraction process,enzymatic properties and practical application of glucuronic hydrolase in Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves(sbsl GUS).METHODS With granularity,water consumption,extraction time and extraction frequency as influencing factors,enzymatic activity as an evaluation index,the extraction process was optimized by orthogonal test on the basis of single factor test.The relationship between substrate(baicalin)concentration and enzymolysis rate,after which Vmax and Km were calculated,the effects of pH value,temperature and metal ion on enzymatic activity were investigated,pH stability and heat stability were evaluated.sbsl GUS was adotped in the enzymolysis of baicalin to prepare baicalein,then the effects of pH value,temperature,reaction time,initial substrate concentration and enzyme addition on transfer rate were investigated.RESULTS The optimal extraction process was determined to be 40 mesh for granularity,10 times for water consumption,15 min for extraction time,and 3 times for extraction frequency.The enzymolysis accorded with the kinetics of enzymatic reaction,Km was 0.006 3 mol/L,Vmax was 70.42 μmol/h,the strongest enzymatic activity was found at the pH value of 6.0,temperature of 45℃and metal ion of 100 mmol/L Cu2+,sbsl GUS demonstrated good stability at the ranges of 4.0-7.0 for pH value and 4-30℃for temperature.The optimal preparation process was determined to be 6.0 for pH value,45℃for temperature,more than 12 h for reaction time,67.2 mmol/L for initial substrate concentration,and 1 mL/0.269 mmol baicalin for enzyme addition,the transfer rate was 97.83%.CONCLUSION sbsl GUS enzymolysis exhibits high efficiency and mild condition,which can provide a simple preparation method for obtaining baicalein,and expand the application path of Scutellaria baicalensis stems and leaves.
8.Exploration of the Disease Mechanism and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Based on the "One Qi Circulation"
Zhiying WANG ; Ling XU ; Jialin YAO ; Jiajun SONG ; Yun LI ; Shujuan FU ; Yabin GONG ; Yi ZHONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(10):1068-1071
Based on the theory of "one qi circulation" founded by HUANG Yuanyu, the core disease mechanism of colorectal cancer is the innate spleen deficiency and stomach qi failing to bear downward, which leads to the turbidity assemble in large intestine, forming the carcinoma toxin, and ultimately transforms into colorectal cancer. The treatment should base on recovering the circulation of qi, Huangya Decoction (黄芽汤) as the basic formula, the circulation of qi ascending and descending as the base, adjusting ascending and descending together with Xiaqi Decoction (下气汤), and differentiating the syndrome on yin-yang excess-deficiency; for spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome, treated with Tianhun Decoction (天魂汤) to supplement liver, kidney and assist yang; for liver-kidney yin deficiency syndrome, treated wtih Dipo Decoction (地魄汤) to supplement lung, kidney, and assist yang. They jointly prompt one qi circulation to provide the thoughts for the treatment of colorectal cancer by traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Advances of artificial intelligence technology in the discovery and optimization of lead compounds
Zi-yue LI ; Kai-yuan CONG ; Shi-qi WU ; Qi-hua ZHU ; Yun-gen XU ; Yi ZOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2443-2453
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has advanced rapidly and has been widely applied in various fields such as medicine and pharmacy, accelerating the drug development process. Focusing on the application of AI in the discovery and optimization of lead compounds, this review provides a detailed introduction to AI-assisted virtual screening and molecular generation methods for discovering lead compounds, while particularly highlighting the cases of AI-drived drugs into clinical trials. Additionally, we briefly outline the application of AI basic algorithm models in quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and drug repurposing, offering insights for AI-based drug discovery.
10.Functionalized Cadmium-Metal Organic Framework Materials with Azo Bonds for Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of 4-Aminophenol
Lu XU ; Tian-Tian MA ; Yi-Yan BAI ; Jing SU ; Yun-Long FU ; Hai-Ying YANG ; Wen-Juan JI
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(4):587-596
The presence of 4-aminophenol(4-AP)in wastewater from the pharmaceutical industry is a common occurrence due to its role as a byproduct or intermediate during the hydrolysis process of paracetamol metabolism,resulting in significant water pollution.Therefore,it is crucial to employ a straightforward and reliable analytical approach for detecting 4-AP in the environment.In this study,a specific type of metal-organic framework(MOF)material called[Cd4(ABTC)2(H2O)12]n(SXNU-4-Cd,H4ABTC=3,3′,5,5′-azobenzene tetracarboxylic acid)was successfully synthesized,which exhibited a unique two-dimensional layered structure consisting of three intertwined spiral chains forming a distinctive″twist braid″.These layers underwent π-π stacking,creating three-dimensional channels with azo bonds decorating the channel walls.This p-π interaction significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity of SXNU-4-Cd towards 4-AP,thereby improving its recognition sensitivity.The fabricated SXNU-4-Cd/GCE sensor showed high sensitivity towards 4-AP in the linear concentration range of 0.1-130 μmol/L,with a detection limit of 8.6 nmol/L,and also exhibited good anti-interference capability,reproducibility and stability.The SXNU-4-Cd/GCE sensor was successfully used for detecting 4-AP in lake water sample,with spiked recoveries of 95.9%-102.8%.This study introduced a novel technique that utilized pure Cd-MOFs to develop electrochemical sensor capable of effectively detecting 4-AP in water samples.

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