1.Mechanism of puerarin in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and animal experimental verification
Yue Gao ; Fang Tang ; Wukai Ma ; Weiya Lan ; Zong Jiang ; Zexu Jin
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):22-31
Objective :
To investigate the mechanism of puerarin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) by network pharmacology and animal experiments.
Methods :
Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmcolog Database(TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction database were used to collect puerarin targets, and the targets of RA were obtained from GeneCards database and OMIM database. The PPI network was established by Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Gene ontology(GO) function and Kyotoencyclopedia of genes(KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed through the Metascape database. RA rat-collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) model was reproduced using type Ⅱ collagen emulsion, 49 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to seven groups: control group, CIA model group, low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose puerarin group, methotrexate group, Tripterysium Glycosides Tablets group. Except for the control group, the other groups were given continuous gavage for 28 days after the CIA in rats model were prepared. The redness and swelling of the joints and ankle joint pathological changes were observed in each group. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Glycogen synthase kinase3β(GSK-3β), beta-catenin(β-catenin) proteins in the synovium. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to detect the expression of GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in the synovium.
Results :
Puerarin had 134 targets genes, RA had 5 821 target genes, and there were 102 overlapping target genes of puerarin and RA. It involved 184 signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, et al. The results of animal experiments showed that after the intervention of M-puerarin and MTX, the symptoms of redness and swelling of the hind foot were alleviated, the inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovium of the joint was significantly reduced, and the damage of cartilage and bone tissue was reduced. Compared with CIA group, the expressions of GSK-3β, β-catenin protein and GSK-3β, β-catenin and c-Myc mRNA in synovial tissue of rats after M-puerarin intervention decreased(P<0.05).
Conclusion
Puerarin has the characteristic of multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathway intervention in RA. Puerarin may alleviate synovial hyperplasia, reduce articular cartilage erosion and bone destruction in CIA in rats by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
2.Exploration on the relation between tumors and anaphylactic reaction from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine constitution
Yuhan ZONG ; Huaiyu WANG ; Mengru ZHOU ; Haoyue JIANG ; Luyao JIN ; Xihuan ZHU ; Ji WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):240-245
The etiology of tumors is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including the host and environmental conditions. Allergy is primarily driven by the immune response of helper T cell 2 (Th2). Research has shown that the Th2 immune response is closely related to tumors, which is specifically manifested through Th2 antibodies, allergy-related effector cells and mediators within the tumors, as well as tumor immune-related functions. This internal interaction mechanism will increase the complexity and challenges associated with the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tumors and allergy. The formation of allergic constitution is shaped by both congenital and acquired factors, and its physical state is closely linked to the occurrence and progression of allergic diseases. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the relationship between tumors and allergic reactions from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution theory. Based on the four basic principles of the TCM constitution, including endowment inheritance theory, environment constraint theory, body-spirit composition theory, and life process theory, this exploration will focus on four aspects: genetic factors and internal disease causes, inflammatory environments and functional regulation, psychological disorders and emotional pathogenesis, as well as age structure and disease risk. Furthermore, from the perspective of constitution-disease relation of chronic disease prevention, this paper will discuss the significant importance of adjusting allergic constitution to improve both subjective symptoms and objective indicators of allergic reactions in tumor patients.
3.Meta-analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of the Sedative Effect of Remimazolam in Endoscopy
Wenlong HOU ; Yu JIANG ; Jian LU ; Hongmei ZHOU ; Youming ZONG
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(5):684-695
OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the sedative effect of remimazolam in endoscopy and to compare it with propofol and midazolam.
METHODS
Search PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database, CNKI and other databases to collect the literature of randomized controlled trials of remimazolam for sedation in endoscopy. The search period was from 2018 onwards when remimazolam was approved for clinical trials until April 2022. The search strategy included the following variable keywords: remimazolam, gastroscopy, bronchoscopy, and colonoscopy. The quality of the included literature was assessed and the collected data were subjected to meta-analysis by RevMan 5.4 software.
RESULTS
Ten relevant RCTs involving midazolam and propofol, involving a total of 2 076 patients were included in the analysis. The results showed that the sedative effect of remimazolam was significantly higher than that of midazolam [OR=0.03, 95%CI(0.02, 0.05), I2=0%, P<0.000 01]; but lower than that of propofol [OR=11.32, 95%CI(2.12, 60.56), I2=0%, P=0.005]. The onset time of remimazolam was longer than that of propofol, but shorter than that of midazolam; the recovery time was faster than that of propofol and midazolam. Compared with midazolam, there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions. Compared with propofol, remimazolam was associated with lower rates of hypotension, slowed heart rate, hypoxemia, and injection pain, but higher risk ratio of nausea, with no difference invomiting.
CONCLUSION
The sedative effect and onset of action of remimazolam are better than midazolam but less than propofol when used for endoscopy. Wake-up time is faster than that of propofol and midazolam. The incidence of respiratory and circulatory depression is lower with remimazolam than with propofol, and there are no significant differences in adverse effects compared with midazolam.
4.PI3K/AKT/mTOR in synovial fluid extends the proinflammatory response of macrophage polarization in knee osteoarthritis
Zong JIANG ; Tengxun GUO ; Xiaoling YAO ; Weiya LAN ; Fang TANG ; Wukai MA ; Jia LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(3):377-383
Objective Given that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is associated with the progression of knee osteoarthritis(KOA),this study aims to investigate whether the polarization induction of synovial macrophages mediated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis is the cause of KOA progression.Methods The synovial fluid of KOA KL-Ⅱ and KL-Ⅲ patients and normal individuals was collected,and the percentage of M1 macrophages(CD80,CD86)and M2 macrophages(CD163,CD206)in the synovial fluid(M1/M2 ratio)was measured to e-valuate the polarization of macrophage cytokines such as IL-1,IL-6,IL-10,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β Expression in KOA synovial fluid,and detect and analyze of key molecules PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis PI3K,AKT3,mTORC1,and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iONS)in KOA synovial fluid.Results Compared with the synovial fluid of normal individuals,the percentage of M1 macrophages(CD80,CD86)in KOA patients increased(P<0.01),and the M1/M2 ratio increased(P<0.001);The ex-pression of IL-1,IL-6,and TNF-α in the synovial fluid of the KOA group was also higher than that of the control group(P<0.01),while the expression of IL-10 and TGF-β in the KOA group was significantly reduced(P<0.01);The key proteins PI3K,AKT3,mTORC1,and downstream inflammatory factor iONS in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the synovial fluid of the KOA group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion In KOA synovial fluid,M1 macrophage polarization plays a dominant role,and the inflam-matory response mediated by M1 macrophage polarization may be the cause of synovitis.At the same time,the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may mediate the polarization of M1 macrophages involved in KOA inflammato-ry response.
5.Effect of leflunomide regulating HIF-1α signal pathway on autophagy of synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis
Weiya LAN ; Wukai MA ; Xueming YAO ; Zong JIANG ; Lang XIONG ; Shufen YANG ; Fang TANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(10):1823-1828
Objective To investigate the effect of leflunomide(LEF)on the expression of associated autophagy genes in synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis(RA)by regulating HIF-1α signal pathway.Methods Three genera-tions of RA synovial cells were divided into blank control group,LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglyco-sides group.The blank control group was added with the same volume of DMEM culture medium.The drug group was treated with LEF(concentration 0.2 mg/ml)and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides(concentration 0.03 mg/ml),the proliferation and apoptosis of synovial cells were detected by flow cytometry,the expression of IL-1 β,TNF-α,ANGPTL-4 and VEGF was detected by ELISA,the expression of HIF-1α mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR,and the expression of HIF-1 α,Beclin-1 and BNIP3 protein was detected by Western blot.Results Com-pared with Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group,the expression of IL-1 α,TNF-α,ANGPTL-4 and VEGF in synovial supernatant of LEF group decreased;compared with the blank control group,the expression of HIF-1αmRNA in synovial cells of LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group decreased,and the effect of LEF group was the most obvious;compared with the blank control group,the protein expressions of HIF-1α,Bec-lin-1 and BNIP3 in synovial cells of LEF group and Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides group decreased,and the effect of LEF group was the most obvious.Conclusion LEF can inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors in RA synovial cells,inhibit HIF-1α signaling pathway,inhibit the expression of autophagy-related genes Beclin-1 and BNIP3,and improve the pathological state of synovitis.
6.The expression of System Xc-/ GSH / GPX4 ferroptosis pathway in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients and its effect on the secretion of inflammatory factors
Can Liu ; Wukai Ma ; Changming Chen ; Yang An ; Zong Jiang ; Hai Huang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(1):64-70
Objective :
To investigate the expression of genes and proteins in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell ( PBMC) cystine / glutamate antiporter system (System Xc-) / glutathione ( GSH) / glutathione peroxidase 4 ( GPX4) ferroptosis pathway and its influence on inflammatory factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) .
Methods :
30 patients with RA and 30 healthy participants were enrolled.PBMCs were isolated using Ficoll-hypaque density gradient centrifugation.The cells were categorized into the healthy control,RA,ferroptosis inhibitor,ferroptosis in- ducer group.The cell viability was checked using the cell counting kit-8 ( CCK-8) method.Intracellular Fe2 + rela- tive fluorescence intensity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using the FerroOrange and Di- hydroethidium (DHE) fluorescent probes,respectively.Western blot and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) de- tected the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 ( Nrf2 ) ,solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) ,GPX4 proteins and mRNA.And the flow cytometry quantified the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) ,Interleukin (IL) -1,and IL-6 in the supernatant of each cell group.
Results :
Compared to the healthy control group,the RA group showed a significantly increased Fe2 + concentration and elevated ROS levels,reduced expression of Nrf2,SLC7A11 and GPX4 proteins and mRNA,and increased contents of TNF-α , IL-1 and IL-6 in PBMC supernatant,and the differences were statistically significant.The concentration of Fe2 + and ROS levels in the inhibitor group were lower than those in the RA group,the proteins expressions of Nrf2,SLC7A11 and GPX4 increased,the mRNA expressions of SLC7A11 and GPX4 increased,the content of IL-6 in the PBMC supernatant decreased but the content of TNF-α increased,and the differences were statistically significant.In contrast,the in- ducer group,when compared to the RA group,displayed increased ROS levels,reduced expression of SLC7A11 protein and mRNA and decreased expression of Nrf2 protein,and the contents of TNF-α and IL-1 in the PBMC su- pernatant increased,but the expression of GPX4 protein increased ,and the differences were statistically signifi- cant.The inducer group,compared to the RA group,showed increased cell viability,and the difference was statis-
tically significant (P<0. 000 1) .
Conclusion
The presence of ferroptosis in PBMC in RA patients,inhibiting or inducing PBMC ferroptosis in RA patients,will inhibit or promote the secretion of inflammatory factors.Inhibition of PBMC ferroptosis in RA patients may be helpful in the treatment of RA.
7.Research progress of Fengweiqi from"Qiyao"in Qinling Mountains
Shiyu ZONG ; Yang LIU ; Ye LI ; Shengnan JIANG ; Yuye AN ; Hong ZHANG
China Pharmacist 2024;27(1):171-176
Fengweiqi is the whole plant of Rhodiola dumulosa.It is a kind of natural and precious folk medicinal plant,mainly distributed on hillside rocks and crevasses at the altitude of 1 600-4 100 m.Fengweiqi mainly contains flavonoids,volatile oil,polysaccharides,various amino acids and trace elements.Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Fengweiqi has many significant pharmacological activities,such as anti-oxidation,anti-fatigue,anti-hypoxia and bacteriostasis.In this paper,the textual research,chemical constituents,pharmacological actions and artificial cultivation of Fengweiqi were reviewed in order to provide reference for further research and development of Fengweiqi resources.
8.Preparation and Evaluation of Poloxamer/Carbopol In-Situ Gel Loaded with Quercetin: In-Vitro Drug Release and Cell Viability Study
Pinxuan ZHENG ; Xueying LIU ; Yanqing JIAO ; Xuran MAO ; Zhaorong ZONG ; Qi JIA ; Heng Bo JIANG ; Eui-Seok LEE ; Qi CHEN
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2024;21(8):1153-1171
BACKGROUND:
Periodontitis is a severe chronic inflammatory disease, whose traditional systemic antimicrobial therapy faces great limitations. In-situ gels provide an effective solution as an emerging local drug delivery system.
METHODS:
In this study, the novel thermosensitive poloxamer/carbopol in-situ gels loaded with 20 lmol/L quercetin for the treatment of periodontitis were prepared by cold method. Thirteen batches of in-situ gels based on two independent factors (X1 : poloxamer 407 and X2 : carbopol 934P) were designed and optimized by the statistical method of central composite design (CCD). The transparency, pH, injectability, viscosity, gelation temperature, gelation time, elasticity modulus, degradation rate and in-vitro drug release studies of the batches were evaluated, and the percentage of drug release in the first hour, the time required for 90% drug release, gelation temperature, and gelation time were selected as dependent variables.
RESULTS:
These two independent factors significantly affected the four dependent variables (p < 0.05). The optimization result displayed that the optimized concentration of poloxamer 407 was 20.84% (w/v), and carbopol 934P was 0.5% (w/v). The optimized formulation showed a clear appearance (++), acceptable injectability (Pass), viscosity(151,798 mPa s), gelation temperature (36 °C), gelation time (213 s), preferable cell viability and cell proliferation, conformed to first-order release kinetics, and had a significant antibacterial effect.
CONCLUSIONS
The article demonstrates the great potential of the quercetin in-situ gel as an effective treatment for periodontitis.
9.A case of successful treatment of an extremely preterm infant born at 21 weeks and 4 days of gestation
Haifeng ZONG ; Bingchun LIN ; Yingsui HUANG ; Shan JIANG ; Yurong YUAN ; Xiaoyun XIONG ; Zhifeng HUANG ; Chuanzhong YANG
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2024;27(10):860-864
This case report described the sucussful treatment of a male infant born at 21 weeks and 4 days through assisted reproductive technology. After prenatal consultation and with the strong desire of the parents, active resuscitation and treatment were performed. The infant received 52 days of mechanical ventilation and was extubated to non-invasive ventilation at a corrected gestational age of 28 weeks and 6 days. During hospitalization, no vasoactive drugs were used, and necrotizing enterocolitis did not occur. The gastric tube was removed at a corrected gestational age of 37 weeks and 4 days. At a corrected gestational age of 40 weeks, cranial MRI showed no abnormalities. The infant was discharged at a corrected gestational age of 42 weeks after 143 days of treatment, without the need for any respiratory support. Follow-up until a corrected age of 6 months showed good growth and development.
10.Quality Evaluation of the Randomized Controlled Trials of Chinese Medicine Injection for Acute Cerebral Infarction in Last Five Years Based on ROB and CONSORT-CHM Formulas 2017
Ziteng HU ; Qianzi CHE ; Ning LIANG ; Yujing ZHANG ; Yaxin CHEN ; Fuqiang ZHANG ; Weili WANG ; Haili ZHANG ; Wenjie CAO ; Yijiu YANG ; Tian SONG ; Dingyi WANG ; Xingyu ZONG ; Cuicui CHENG ; Yin JIANG ; Yanping WANG ; Nannan SHI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(7):32-37
Objective To evaluate the risk of bias and reporting quality in randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of the Chinese medicine injection for acute cerebral infarction in the last five years.Methods RCTs literature on Chinese medicine injection in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction was systematically searched in CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,China Biology Medicine Database(CBM),PubMed,Embase and Cochrane Library from April 20,2018 to April 20,2023.The risk of bias and reporting quality of included RCTs were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool(ROB 1.0)and CONSORT-CHM Formulas 2017,respectively.Results A total of 4 301 articles were retrieved,and 408 RCTs were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.The ROB evaluation results showed that the the majority of studies were rated as having an unclear risk of bias due to the lack of reporting on allocation concealment,blind method,trial registration information,and funding sources.The evaluation results of CONSORT-CHM Formulas 2017 showed that the number of reported papers of 17 items was greater than or equal to 50%,and the number of reported papers of 25 items was less than 10%,and most of the RCTs did not show the characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment.Conclusion The quality of Chinese medicine injection in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction RCTs is generally low.It is recommended that researchers refer to the methodology design of RCTs and international reporting standards,improve the trial design,standardize the trial report,and highlight the characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment.


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