1.Four new sesquiterpenoids from the roots of Atractylodes macrocephala
Gang-gang ZHOU ; Jia-jia LIU ; Ji-qiong WANG ; Hui LIU ; Zhi-Hua LIAO ; Guo-wei WANG ; Min CHEN ; Fan-cheng MENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):179-184
The chemical constituents in dried roots of
2.Effect of Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription on Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
Jinye ZHOU ; Haofeng ZHANG ; Ziwei LIU ; Yican WANG ; Yanru CAI ; Yuxi GUO ; Jie WANG ; Zheng ZHI ; Qian YANG ; Bolin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):41-47
ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Xianglian Huazhuo prescription on chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in rats based on the Hedgehog signaling pathway. MethodsThe CAG rat model was established by sodium salicylate, N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitroguanidine (MNNG), and irregular feeding. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group (180 mg·L-1), a moradan group (1.4 g·kg-1), and Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription groups with high, medium, and low doses (36, 9, 18 g·kg-1), followed by drug intervention. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe morphological changes in the gastric mucosa. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of gastric mucosa cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Patched 1 (Ptch1), and Glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1). Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 in the gastric mucosa. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the protein expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the CAG model group showed a reduction in gastric mucosal intrinsic glands and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The ultrastructure of gastric mucosal cells showed nuclear pyknosis, fewer mitochondria, and abnormal mitochondrial structure. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh, Ptch1, and Gli1 in the gastric mucosa were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and E-cadherin protein expression was decreased. Compared with the model group, the intervention groups showed varying degrees of improvement in histopathological morphology and cellular ultrastructure. The mRNA and protein expression of Shh, Ptch1, Gli1, and E-cadherin increased to varying degrees. Xianglian Huazhuo Prescription upregulated the expression of key Hedgehog pathway factors and E-cadherin at both the mRNA and protein levels (P<0.05). ConclusionXianglian Huazhuo prescription has a therapeutic effect on CAG in rats, and its mechanism may be related to activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
3.rTMS Improves Cognitive Function and Brain Network Connectivity in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Gui-Zhi XU ; Lin LIU ; Miao-Miao GUO ; Tian WANG ; Jiao-Jiao GAO ; Yong JI ; Pan WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2131-2145
ObjectiveRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing neurocognitive performance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the neurobiological mechanisms linking synaptic pathology, neural oscillatory dynamics, and brain network reorganization remain unclear. This investigation seeks to systematically evaluate the therapeutic potential of rTMS as a non-invasive neuromodulatory intervention through a multimodal framework integrating clinical assessments, molecular profiling, and neurophysiological monitoring. MethodsIn this prospective double-blind trial, 12 AD patients underwent a 14-day protocol of 20 Hz rTMS, with comprehensive multimodal assessments performed pre- and post-intervention. Cognitive functioning was quantified using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MOCA), while daily living capacities and neuropsychiatric profiles were respectively evaluated through the activities of daily living (ADL) scale and combined neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI)-Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD). Peripheral blood biomarkers, specifically Aβ1-40 and phosphorylated tau (p-tau181), were analyzed to investigate the effects of rTMS on molecular metabolism. Spectral power analysis was employed to investigate rTMS-induced modulations of neural rhythms in AD patients, while brain network analyses incorporating topological properties were conducted to examine stimulus-driven network reorganization. Furthermore, systematic assessment of correlations between cognitive scale scores, blood biomarkers, and network characteristics was performed to elucidate cross-modal therapeutic associations. ResultsClinically, MMSE and MOCA scores improved significantly (P<0.05). Biomarker showed that Aβ1-40 level increased (P<0.05), contrasting with p-tau181 reduction. Moreover, the levels of Aβ1-40 were positively correlated with MMSE and MOCA scores. Post-intervention analyses revealed significant modulations in oscillatory power, characterized by pronounced reductions in delta (P<0.05) and theta bands (P<0.05), while concurrent enhancements were observed in alpha, beta, and gamma band activities (all P<0.05). Network analysis revealed frequency-specific reorganization: clustering coefficients were significantly decreased in delta, theta, and alpha bands (P<0.05), while global efficiency improvement was exclusively detected in the delta band (P<0.05). The alpha band demonstrated concurrent increases in average nodal degree (P<0.05) and characteristic path length reduction (P<0.05). Further research findings indicate that the changes in the clinical scale HAMD scores before and after rTMS stimulation are negatively correlated with the changes in the blood biomarkers Aβ1-40 and p-tau181. Additionally, the changes in the clinical scales MMSE and MoCA scores were negatively correlated with the changes in the node degree of the alpha frequency band and negatively correlated with the clustering coefficient of the delta frequency band. However, the changes in MMSE scores are positively correlated with the changes in global efficiency of both the delta and alpha frequency bands. Conclusion20 Hz rTMS targeting dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) significantly improves cognitive function and enhances the metabolic clearance of β-amyloid and tau proteins in AD patients. This neurotherapeutic effect is mechanistically associated with rTMS-mediated frequency-selective neuromodulation, which enhances the connectivity of oscillatory networks through improved neuronal synchronization and optimized topological organization of functional brain networks. These findings not only support the efficacy of rTMS as an adjunctive therapy for AD but also underscore the importance of employing multiple assessment methods—including clinical scales, blood biomarkers, and EEG——in understanding and monitoring the progression of AD. This research provides a significant theoretical foundation and empirical evidence for further exploration of rTMS applications in AD treatment.
4. Ligustilide delays senescence of auditory cortex in mice by inhibiting ferritinophagy
Ying-Dong ZHOU ; Meng-Xian ZHANG ; Qing-Ling WANG ; Hao-Ran KANG ; Zhi-Cheng ZHANG ; Xiang-Dong GUO ; Qing-Lin WANG ; Ya-Min LIU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(3):455-461
Aim To investigate the mechanism of ligu aged 2 months of the same strain were used as the constilide (LIG) in delaying the senescence of auditory trol (Ctrl) group. Auditory brainstem response test was cortex and treating central presbycusis. Methods used to detect the auditory threshold of mice before and Forty C57BL/6J mice aged 13 months were randomly di after treatment. Levels of serum MDA and activity of vided into ligustilide low-dose(L-LIG) group, ligustil serum SOD were detected to display the level of oxidative ide medium-dose (M-LIG) group, ligustilide high-dose stress. The pathological changes of auditory cortex were (H-LIG) group and aging (Age) group, and 10 mice observed by HE staining. Ferroptosis was observed by
5.The Development of Chinese Herbal Formulae for Non-severe COVID-19 Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology and Investigation of Its Action Mechanisms
Wenting HUANG ; Liansheng QIAO ; Di YAN ; Tengwen LIU ; Hongmei CAO ; Hongyan GUO ; Zhi ZHANG ; Jing CHENG ; Lan XIE ; Qingquan LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):103-112
ObjectiveTo develop traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae for the treatment of nonsevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism. MethodsThe dysregulated signaling pathways were determined in macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of COVID-19 patients and in lung epithelial cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro based on transcriptome analysis. A total of 102 TCM formulae for the clinical treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 were collected through literature. The pathway-reversing rates of these formulae in macrophages and lung epithelial cells were evaluated based on signature signaling pathways, and the basic formula was determined in conjunction with TCM theory. The commonly used Chinese materia medica for nonsevere COVID-19 were summarized from the 102 TCM formulae as abovementioned. And together with the screening results from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, a “Chinese materia medica pool” was esta-blished for the development of TCM formulae for COVID-19. The regulatory effects of each herb on signaling pathways were obtained based on targeted transcriptome analysis. Oriented at reversing dysregulated signaling pathways of COVID-19, the calculation was carried out, and the artificial intelligent methods for compositing formulae, that are exhaustive method and parallel computing, were used to obtain candidate compound formulas. Finally, with reference to professional experience, an innovative formula for the treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 was developed. The ethanol extract of the formula was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory effects by detecting the mRNA expression of interleukin 1b (Il1b), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Cxcl2), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2), nitric oxide synthase 2 (Nos2), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ResultsIn macrophages and lung epithelial cells, 34 dysregulated signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 were identified respectively. The effects of the 102 formulae for clinical treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 were evaluated based on the dysregulated signaling pathways and targeted transcriptome, and the result showed that Yinqiao Powder and Pingwei Powder (银翘散合平胃散, YQPWP) ranked first, reversing 91.18% of the dysregulated signaling pathways in macrophages and 100% of the dysregulated signaling pathways in lung epithelial cells. Additionally, YQPWP had the function of scattering wind and clearing heat, resolving toxins and removing dampness in accordance with the pathogenesis of wind-heat with dampness in COVID-19. It was selected as the basic formula, and was further modified and optimized to develop an innovative fomula Qiaobang Zhupi Yin (翘蒡术皮饮, QBZPY) based on expert experience and artificial intelligence in composing formulae. QBZPY can reverse all the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 in macrophages and lung epithelial cells, with the reversing rates of 100%. The chief medicinal of QBZPY, including Lianqiao (Fructus Forsythiae), Xixiancao (Herba Siegesbeckiae) and Niubangzi (Fructus Arctii), can down-regulate multiple signaling pathways related with virus infection, immune response, and epithelial damage. RT-qPCR results indicated that compared with the model group, the QBZPY group down-regulated the mRNA expression of Il1b, tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), Cxcl2, Cxcl10, Ccl2, Nos2 and Ptgs2 induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionBased on targeted transcriptome analysis, expert experience in TCM and artificial intelligence, QBZPY has been developed for the treatment of nonsevere COVID-19. The ethanol extract of QBZPY has been found to inhibit mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory genes in a cellular inflammation model.
6.Status of wearable flexible monitoring devices based on organic field effect transistors in biomedical field
Kai GUO ; Cui-Zhi TANG ; Bo SUN ; Duan-Qiang XIAO ; Yuan-Biao LIU ; En-Xiang JIAO ; Jie GONG ; Hai-Jun ZHANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(1):93-100
The working principle and development of flexible semiconductor devices based on organic field effect transistor(OFET)technology were introduced.The current research status of OFET-based wearable flexible monitoring devices were reviewed,including biomechanical monitoring devices,tattoo biomonitoring devices and cellular detection devices and etc.The deficiencies of OFET-based wearable flexible monitoring devices were analyzed,and it's pointed out that miniaturization,personalization and diversification were the directions for the development of the future OFET-based wearable flexible moni-toring devices.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):93-100]
7.Mechanism of Yi Sui Sheng Xue Fang in improving renal injury induced by chemotherapy in mice based on Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Yu LIU ; Li-Ying ZHANG ; Ya-Feng QI ; Yang-Yang LI ; Shang-Zu ZHANG ; Qian XU ; Guo-Xiong HAO ; Fan NIU ; Yong-Qi LIU ; Zhi-Ming ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(5):703-707
Objective To study the effect and mechanism of action of Yi Sui Sheng Xue Fang(YSSX)in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced renal injury in mice through The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(KEAP1)/Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2(NRF2)signalling pathway.Methods A mouse kidney injury model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carboplatin(40 mg·kg-1).C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group(0.9%NaCl),model group(kidney injury model)and experimental-L,experimental-M,experimental-H groups(0.53,1.05 and 2.10 g·kg-1·d-1 YSSX by gavage for 7 d).Keap1 and Nrf2 were determined by Western blot;superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)activities were determined by spectrophotometry.Results The protein expression levels of Keap1 in blank group,model group and experimental-L,experimental-M,experimental-H groups were 0.26±0.02,0.64±0.03,0.59±0.01,0.45±0.05 and 0.34±0.02;the protein expression levels of Nrf2 were 0.69±0.06,0.35±0.01,0.36±0.01,0.48±0.02 and 0.56±0.01;the enzyme activities of catalase(CAT)were(572.49±912.92),(334.60±4.92),(402.76±9.80),(475.35±5.21)and(493.00±12.03)U·mg-1;glutathione(GSH)were(2.79±0.06),(0.51±0.01),(0.59±0.07),(1.29±0.04)and(1.70±0.08)μmol·L1;SOD were(477.00±4.32),(260.67±6.13),(272.67±2.87),(386.33±3.68)and(395.00±12.25)U·mL-1;MDA were(3.89±0.02),(7.32±0.03),(6.94±0.14),(4.60±0.01)and(4.34±0.02)nmol·mg prot-1.The differences of the above indexes in the model group compared with the blank group were statistically significant(P<0.01,P<0.001);the differences of the above indexes in experimental-M,experimental-H groups compared withe model group were statistically significant(P<0.01,P<0.001).Conclusion YSSX can activate Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and regulate the oxidative stress state of the organism,thus improving the renal injury caused by chemotherapy in mice.
8.Clinical trial of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of adults with mild and moderate depression
Shu-Zhe ZHOU ; Zu-Cheng HAN ; Xiu-Zhen WANG ; Yan-Qing CHEN ; Ya-Ling HU ; Xue-Qin YU ; Bin-Hong WANG ; Guo-Zhen FAN ; Hong SANG ; Ying HAI ; Zhi-Jie JIA ; Zhan-Min WANG ; Yan WEI ; Jian-Guo ZHU ; Xue-Qin SONG ; Zhi-Dong LIU ; Li KUANG ; Hong-Ming WANG ; Feng TIAN ; Yu-Xin LI ; Ling ZHANG ; Hai LIN ; Bin WU ; Chao-Ying WANG ; Chang LIU ; Jia-Fan SUN ; Shao-Xiao YAN ; Jun LIU ; Shou-Fu XIE ; Mao-Sheng FANG ; Wei-Feng MI ; Hong-Yan ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(6):815-819
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides in the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression.Methods An open,single-arm,multi-center design was adopted in our study.Adult patients with mild and moderate depression who had received acute treatment of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides were enrolled and continue to receive Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules for 24 weeks,the dose remained unchanged during continuation treatment.The remission rate,recurrence rate,recurrence time,and the change from baseline to endpoint of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),Clinical Global Impression-Severity(CGI-S)and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale(ASEX)were evaluated.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was reported.Results The scores of HAMD-17 at baseline and after treatment were 6.60±1.87 and 5.85±4.18,scores of HAMA were 6.36±3.02 and 4.93±3.09,scores of CGI-S were 1.49±0.56 and 1.29±0.81,scores of ASEX were 15.92±4.72 and 15.57±5.26,with significant difference(P<0.05).After continuation treatment,the remission rate was 54.59%(202 cases/370 cases),and the recurrence rate was 6.49%(24 cases/370 cases),the recurrence time was(64.67±42.47)days.The incidence of treatment-related adverse events was 15.35%(64 cases/417 cases).Conclusion Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides capsules can be effectively used for the continuation treatment of mild and moderate depression,and are well tolerated and safe.
9.Pathological mechanism of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in tumours and the current status of research on Chinese medicine intervention
Yu LIU ; Li-Ying ZHANG ; Guo-Xiong HAO ; Ya-Feng QI ; Qian XU ; Ye-Yuan LIU ; Chao YUAN ; Peng ZHU ; Yong-Qi LIU ; Zhi-Ming ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(11):1670-1674
Traditional Chinese medicine can regulate the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)signalling pathway and slow down tumour progression mainly by inhibiting tumour angiogenesis,glycolysis,epithelial mesenchymal transition and other pathological processes.This paper,starting from HIF-1α and related factors,reviews its pathological mechanism in tumours and the research of traditional Chinese medicine interventions with the aim of providing theoretical references for the treatment of tumours with traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Clinical trial of bevacizumab combined with TOMIRI chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer
Ye FENG ; Hai GUO ; Jun-Bin ZHAO ; Zhi-Xue LI ; Hai-Peng LIU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(15):2170-2173
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of bevacizumab injection combined with raltitrexed injection and irinotecan injection(TOMIRI)in the treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.Methods Patients with advanced colorectal cancer were divided into control group and treatment group according to the cohort method.The control group received 180 mg·m-2 irinotecan with intravenous infusion for 30 to 90 min on the first day+3 mg·m-2 raltitrexed with intravenous infusion for 15 min,once every three weeks.On the basis of control group,the treatment group was given 5 mg·kg-1 bevacizumab with intravenous infusion,once every three weeks.Two groups were treated for 4 cycles with 3 weeks per cycle.The clinical efficacy,lesion diameter,Karnofsky performance status(KPS),and adverse drug reactions were compared between two groups.Additionally,based on follow-up results,the progression-free survival(PFS)within 12 months was compared between the two groups.Results The treatment and control groups enrolled 53 patients.After treatment,the total effective rates of treatment and control groups were 83.02%(44 cases/53 cases)and 54.72%(29 cases/53 cases)with statistically significant difference(P<0.05).After treatment,the tumor diameters of treatment and control groups were(2.44±0.30)and(3.35±0.38)cm;the KPS scores were(78.01±0.79)and(70.69±0.72)points;the PFS was(11.26±1.43)and(8.01±0.97)months,there were statistically significant differences of above indexes between two groups(all P<0.05).The adverse drug reactions in the treatment group were anemia,abnormal liver and renal function,nausea and vomiting,and leukopenia,which in the control group were gastrointestinal reaction,nausea and vomiting,abnormal liver and kidney function,blood toxicity,anemia and skin rash.The total incidence of adverse drug reactions in treatment and control groups were 11.32%and 28.30%(P>0.05).Conclusion Bevacizumab injection combined with TOMIRI can helps to enhance the clinical efficacy of advanced colorectal cancer and improve patients'quality of life,improve patient quality of life,prolong PFS,and without increasing the incidence of adverse drug reactions.

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