1.Effect of Stasis-dispelling and Detoxifying Therapy on Clinical Efficacy and JNK Signaling Pathway-related Protein Expression in Endometriosis Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis
Tingting WANG ; Zhaokang QI ; Jinxin REN ; Shuai ZHAO ; Chunxiao WEI ; Yi YU ; Fang LIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):120-129
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the stasis-dispelling and detoxifying therapy in endometriosis (EMs) patients with the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis and the effects of this therapy on the expression levels of proteins related to the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 72 patients with EMs due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis who met the criteria at the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Center for Reproduction and Genetics of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2024 to February 2025 were selected and randomized into a treatment group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. Another 36 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) due to male factors alone were selected as the blank group. The treatment group took the Zishen Quyu Jiedu formula orally, while the control group and the blank group took placebos. The treatment course encompassed the cycle before ovarian stimulation and the oocyte retrieval cycle. The TCM syndrome score of kidney deficiency and blood stasis, as well as the serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), were evaluated at the time of enrollment (before treatment) and on the trigger day (after treatment). Serum levels of sex hormones were measured on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. On the trigger day, the duration and dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) administration and the serum levels of hormones on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection were assessed. Embryo outcomes were evaluated 3 days after oocyte retrieval, and clinical pregnancy rates were assessed 28 days after embryo transfer. The baseline data of three groups were observed. The TCM syndrome scores and serum CA125 levels before and after treatment were compared between the treatment and control groups. The baseline endocrine levels, Gn days, Gn dosage, hormone levels on the day of HCG administration, number of oocytes retrieved, number of 2 pronucleus (2PN) fertilizations, number of available embryos, high-quality embryo rate, and clinical pregnancy rate were also assessed in all three groups. Six patients from each group were selected for determination of the protein levels of JNK, c-Jun, and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (NR4A2) in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) on the day of oocyte retrieval by Western blot. Results(1) There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data among three groups, indicating comparability. (2) Compared with the baseline within the same group, the treatment group showed a decrease in the syndrome score of kidney deficiency and blood stasis after treatment. After treatment, serum CA125 levels decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with a more substantial reduction in the treatment group, resulting in a difference between the two groups (P<0.05). (3) There were no significant differences among three groups in terms of baseline serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P), as well as the duration and dosage of Gn administration and the serum levels of LH, E2, and P on the day of HCG administration. (4) For embryo outcomes, the number of oocytes retrieved, 2PN fertilizations, available embryos, and high-quality embryo rates in the treatment group and the blank group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the treatment group and the blank group had similar 2PN fertilizations. (5) There were differences in clinical pregnancy rate among three groups (P<0.05), and the treatment group had higher pregnancy rate than the control and blank groups. (6) The protein levels of JNK, c-Jun, and NR4A2 in the GCs of the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01) and close to those in the blank group (P<0.01). (7) No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any of the subjects during the clinical observation process. ConclusionZishen Quyu Jiedu formula can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients with EMs due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis, reduce the serum CA125 level, increase the number of oocytes retrieved, 2PN fertilizations, available embryos, and high-quality embryo rate, and improve pregnancy outcomes. The mechanism may involve downregulating the levels of JNK, c-Jun, and NR4A2 to reduce the apoptosis of ovarian GCs and improve the ovarian function in the patients. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
2.Effect of Stasis-dispelling and Detoxifying Therapy on Clinical Efficacy and JNK Signaling Pathway-related Protein Expression in Endometriosis Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis
Tingting WANG ; Zhaokang QI ; Jinxin REN ; Shuai ZHAO ; Chunxiao WEI ; Yi YU ; Fang LIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(21):120-129
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the stasis-dispelling and detoxifying therapy in endometriosis (EMs) patients with the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis and the effects of this therapy on the expression levels of proteins related to the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 72 patients with EMs due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis who met the criteria at the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Center for Reproduction and Genetics of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2024 to February 2025 were selected and randomized into a treatment group and a control group, with 36 patients in each group. Another 36 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) due to male factors alone were selected as the blank group. The treatment group took the Zishen Quyu Jiedu formula orally, while the control group and the blank group took placebos. The treatment course encompassed the cycle before ovarian stimulation and the oocyte retrieval cycle. The TCM syndrome score of kidney deficiency and blood stasis, as well as the serum level of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), were evaluated at the time of enrollment (before treatment) and on the trigger day (after treatment). Serum levels of sex hormones were measured on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. On the trigger day, the duration and dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) administration and the serum levels of hormones on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection were assessed. Embryo outcomes were evaluated 3 days after oocyte retrieval, and clinical pregnancy rates were assessed 28 days after embryo transfer. The baseline data of three groups were observed. The TCM syndrome scores and serum CA125 levels before and after treatment were compared between the treatment and control groups. The baseline endocrine levels, Gn days, Gn dosage, hormone levels on the day of HCG administration, number of oocytes retrieved, number of 2 pronucleus (2PN) fertilizations, number of available embryos, high-quality embryo rate, and clinical pregnancy rate were also assessed in all three groups. Six patients from each group were selected for determination of the protein levels of JNK, c-Jun, and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 (NR4A2) in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) on the day of oocyte retrieval by Western blot. Results(1) There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data among three groups, indicating comparability. (2) Compared with the baseline within the same group, the treatment group showed a decrease in the syndrome score of kidney deficiency and blood stasis after treatment. After treatment, serum CA125 levels decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with a more substantial reduction in the treatment group, resulting in a difference between the two groups (P<0.05). (3) There were no significant differences among three groups in terms of baseline serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P), as well as the duration and dosage of Gn administration and the serum levels of LH, E2, and P on the day of HCG administration. (4) For embryo outcomes, the number of oocytes retrieved, 2PN fertilizations, available embryos, and high-quality embryo rates in the treatment group and the blank group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the treatment group and the blank group had similar 2PN fertilizations. (5) There were differences in clinical pregnancy rate among three groups (P<0.05), and the treatment group had higher pregnancy rate than the control and blank groups. (6) The protein levels of JNK, c-Jun, and NR4A2 in the GCs of the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01) and close to those in the blank group (P<0.01). (7) No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any of the subjects during the clinical observation process. ConclusionZishen Quyu Jiedu formula can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients with EMs due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis, reduce the serum CA125 level, increase the number of oocytes retrieved, 2PN fertilizations, available embryos, and high-quality embryo rate, and improve pregnancy outcomes. The mechanism may involve downregulating the levels of JNK, c-Jun, and NR4A2 to reduce the apoptosis of ovarian GCs and improve the ovarian function in the patients. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
3.DIA Proteomics Reveals Mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Extract in Treating α-Syn Transgenic Parkinson's Disease in Mice
Qi ZHENG ; Yi LU ; Donghua YU ; Liangyou ZHAO ; Chunsheng LIN ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):40-50
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis extract (ASH) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice by Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) proteomics. MethodsThe α-Synuclein (α-Syn) transgenic PD mice were selected as suitable models for PD, and they were randomly assigned into PD, ASH (61.25 mg·kg-1), and Madopar (97.5 mg·kg-1) groups. Male C57BL/6 mice of the same age were selected as the control group, with eight mice in each group. Mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage once a day for 20 days. The pole climbing time and the number of autonomic activities were recorded to evaluate the exercise ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe neuronal changes in the substantia nigra of PD mice. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to measure the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity in the substantia nigra and assess the areal density of α-Syn in the striatum. DIA proteomics was used to compare protein expression in the substantia nigra between groups. IHC was utilized to validate key differentially expressed proteins, including Lactotransferrin, Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to investigate the effect of ASH on the viability of PD cells with overexpression of α-Syn. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels of Lactotransferrin, Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 in PD cells. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed prolonged pole climbing time, diminished coordination ability, reduced autonomic activities (P<0.01), and reduced swelling neurons. Compared with the model group, ASH and Madopar reduced the climbing time, increased autonomic activities (P<0.01), and ameliorated neuronal damage. Compared with the control group, the model group showed a decrease in TH activity in the substantia nigra and an increase in α-Syn accumulation in the striatum (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ASH group showed an increase in TH activity and a reduction in α-Syn accumulation (P<0.05). DIA proteomics revealed a total of 464 differentially expressed proteins in the model group compared with the control group, with 323 proteins being up-regulated and 141 down-regulated. A total of 262 differentially expressed proteins were screened in the ASH group compared with the model group, including 85 proteins being up-regulated and 177 down-regulated. Kyoto encylopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that ASH primarily regulated the Notch signaling pathway. The model group showed up-regulation in protein levels of Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 and down-regulation in the protein level of Lactotransferrin compared with the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ASH down-regulated the protein levels of Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 (P<0.05) while up-regulating the protein level of Lactotransferrin (P<0.01). The IHC results corroborated the proteomics findings. The cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the modeling up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 (P<0.01), while down-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of Lactotransferrin (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ASH reduced the mRNA and protein levels of Notch2, Ndrg2, and TMEM 166 (P<0.01), while increasing the mRNA and protein levels of Lactotransferrin (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionASH may Synergistically inhibit the Notch signaling pathway and mitigate neuronal damage by down-regulating the expression of Notch2 and Ndrg2. Additionally, by up-regulating the expression of Lactotransferrin and down-regulating the expression of TMEM166, ASH can address brain iron accumulation, intervene in ferroptosis, inhibit mitophagy, and mitigate reactive oxygen species damage, thereby protecting nerve cells and contributing to the treatment of PD. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
4.Structural and Spatial Analysis of The Recognition Relationship Between Influenza A Virus Neuraminidase Antigenic Epitopes and Antibodies
Zheng ZHU ; Zheng-Shan CHEN ; Guan-Ying ZHANG ; Ting FANG ; Pu FAN ; Lei BI ; Yue CUI ; Ze-Ya LI ; Chun-Yi SU ; Xiang-Yang CHI ; Chang-Ming YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):957-969
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			ObjectiveThis study leverages structural data from antigen-antibody complexes of the influenza A virus neuraminidase (NA) protein to investigate the spatial recognition relationship between the antigenic epitopes and antibody paratopes. MethodsStructural data on NA protein antigen-antibody complexes were comprehensively collected from the SAbDab database, and processed to obtain the amino acid sequences and spatial distribution information on antigenic epitopes and corresponding antibody paratopes. Statistical analysis was conducted on the antibody sequences, frequency of use of genes, amino acid preferences, and the lengths of complementarity determining regions (CDR). Epitope hotspots for antibody binding were analyzed, and the spatial structural similarity of antibody paratopes was calculated and subjected to clustering, which allowed for a comprehensively exploration of the spatial recognition relationship between antigenic epitopes and antibodies. The specificity of antibodies targeting different antigenic epitope clusters was further validated through bio-layer interferometry (BLI) experiments. ResultsThe collected data revealed that the antigen-antibody complex structure data of influenza A virus NA protein in SAbDab database were mainly from H3N2, H7N9 and H1N1 subtypes. The hotspot regions of antigen epitopes were primarily located around the catalytic active site. The antibodies used for structural analysis were primarily derived from human and murine sources. Among murine antibodies, the most frequently used V-J gene combination was IGHV1-12*01/IGHJ2*01, while for human antibodies, the most common combination was IGHV1-69*01/IGHJ6*01. There were significant differences in the lengths and usage preferences of heavy chain CDR amino acids between antibodies that bind within the catalytic active site and those that bind to regions outside the catalytic active site. The results revealed that structurally similar antibodies could recognize the same epitopes, indicating a specific spatial recognition between antibody and antigen epitopes. Structural overlap in the binding regions was observed for antibodies with similar paratope structures, and the competitive binding of these antibodies to the epitope was confirmed through BLI experiments. ConclusionThe antigen epitopes of NA protein mainly ditributed around the catalytic active site and its surrounding loops. Spatial complementarity and electrostatic interactions play crucial roles in the recognition and binding of antibodies to antigenic epitopes in the catalytic region. There existed a spatial recognition relationship between antigens and antibodies that was independent of the uniqueness of antibody sequences, which means that antibodies with different sequences could potentially form similar local spatial structures and recognize the same epitopes. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.Terms Related to The Study of Biomacromolecular Condensates
Ke RUAN ; Xiao-Feng FANG ; Dan LI ; Pi-Long LI ; Yi LIN ; Zheng WANG ; Yun-Yu SHI ; Ming-Jie ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Cong LIU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1027-1035
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Improvement effects and mechanism of Xiangsha yiwei tang on gastric mucosal injury in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis
Pengfei XIA ; Di JIN ; Jin LIANG ; Yi YU ; Jinjun DU ; Zhanyong JIN ; Jun FANG ; Xia YANG ; Huiwu LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(11):1311-1316
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects and mechanism of Xiangsha yiwei tang on gastric mucosal injury in rats with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). METHODS Rats were randomly assigned into normal control group, model group, Xiangsha yiwei tang low-, medium- and high-dose groups (6, 12, 18 g/kg, calculated by crude drug), and high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei tang+740 Y-P [Xiangsha yiwei tang 18 g/kg+transforming growth factor β1/phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase/ protein kinase B(TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt) pathway activator group 740 Y-P 10 mg/kg], with 18 rats in each group. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs via oral gavage or injection, once daily, for 4 consecutive weeks. Gastric mucosal blood flow, the levels of serum gastrointestinal hormones [including motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), and pepsinogen (PP)], as well as inflammatory cytokines [including tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6] in rats were measured. Pathological damage to gastric mucosal tissue was observed in rats; the apoptotic rate of gastric mucosal cells was detected. The expressions of TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins [including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)] in the gastric mucosal tissues of rats were assessed. RESULTS Compared with normal control group, model group had abnormal gastric mucosal tissue structure, with shedding of gastric mucosal epithelial cells, and prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells. Gastric mucosal blood flow, the serum levels of MTL, GAS, PP, and Bcl-2 protein expression were lowered significantly, while serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, apoptosis rate, protein expressions of Bax and TGF-β1, the phosphorylations of PI3K and Akt were increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, Xiangsha yiwei decoction groups exhibited attenuated histopathological injuries in gastric mucosal tissues, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and significant improvements in the aforementioned quantitative parameters (P<0.05). Compared with high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei tang, high-dose group of Xiangsha yiwei decoction combined with 740 Y-P exhibited significantly aggravated histopathological injuries in gastric mucosal tissues, and the aforementioned quantitative parameters were markedly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Xiangsha yiwei tang can alleviate gastric mucosal damage in CAG rats, and its mechanism of action is related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Status Analysis of Acupoint Selection and Stimulation Parameters Application for Acupuncture Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia
Siyi ZHENG ; Han ZHANG ; Yang YU ; Chuanlong ZHOU ; Yan SHI ; Xiaohu YIN ; Shouhai HONG ; Na NIE ; Jianqiao FANG ; Yi LIANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1293-1299
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Based on commonly used acupoints in the clinical acupuncture treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD), this study systematically analyzes the therapeutic differences and synergistic effects between local and distal point selection. It also examines the suitability of primary acupoint selection for different FD subtypes, postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS). The findings suggest that a combination of local and distal acupoints may be more appropriate as primary points for PDS, whereas local acupoints alone may be more suitable for EPS. Additionally, the study explores the impact of various factors, such as stimulation techniques, needling order, intensity or stimulation parameters, and depth, on the efficacy of acupuncture. It concludes that the intrinsic properties of acupoints are the primary determinants of therapeutic direction. Other factors mainly influence the magnitude rather than the direction of the effect. Future research may further investigate how different acupoint combinations, local versus distal, affect the treatment outcomes of FD subtypes, providing new insights for clinical acupuncture prescriptions. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.The Role of AMPK in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy and Related Intervention Strategies
Fang-Lian LIAO ; Xiao-Feng CHEN ; Han-Yi XIANG ; Zhi XIA ; Hua-Yu SHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2550-2567
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a distinct form of cardiomyopathy that can lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, cardiogenic shock, and sudden death. It has become a major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is complex, involving increased oxidative stress, activation of inflammatory responses, disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism, accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), abnormal autophagy and apoptosis, insulin resistance, and impaired intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a crucial protective role by lowering blood glucose levels, promoting lipolysis, inhibiting lipid synthesis, and exerting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-ferroptotic effects. It also enhances autophagy, thereby alleviating myocardial injury under hyperglycemic conditions. Consequently, AMPK is considered a key protective factor in diabetic cardiomyopathy. As part of diabetes prevention and treatment strategies, both pharmacological and exercise interventions have been shown to mitigate diabetic cardiomyopathy by modulating the AMPK signaling pathway. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms, optimal intervention strategies, and clinical translation require further investigation. This review summarizes the role of AMPK in the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy through drug and/or exercise interventions, aiming to provide a reference for the development and application of AMPK-targeted therapies. First, several classical AMPK activators (e.g., AICAR, A-769662, O-304, and metformin) have been shown to enhance autophagy and glucose uptake while inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by increasing the phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and/or by upregulating the gene expression of glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4. Second, many antidiabetic agents (e.g., teneligliptin, liraglutide, exenatide, semaglutide, canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin) can promote autophagy, reverse excessive apoptosis and autophagy, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation by enhancing AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream targets, such as mTOR, or by increasing the expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor‑α (PPAR‑α). Third, certain anti-anginal (e.g., trimetazidine, nicorandil), anti-asthmatic (e.g., farrerol), antibacterial (e.g., sodium houttuyfonate), and antibiotic (e.g., minocycline) agents have been shown to promote autophagy/mitophagy, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inhibit oxidative stress and lipid accumulation via AMPK phosphorylation and its downstream targets such as protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and/or PPAR‑α. Fourth, natural compounds (e.g., dihydromyricetin, quercetin, resveratrol, berberine, platycodin D, asiaticoside, cinnamaldehyde, and icariin) can upregulate AMPK phosphorylation and downstream targets such as AKT, mTOR, and/or the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-pyroptotic, antioxidant, and pro-autophagic effects. Fifth, moderate exercise (e.g., continuous or intermittent aerobic exercise, aerobic combined with resistance training, or high-intensity interval training) can activate AMPK and its downstream targets (e.g., acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), GLUT4, PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), PPAR-α, and forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3)) to promote fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake, and to inhibit oxidative stress and excessive mitochondrial fission. Finally, the combination of liraglutide and aerobic interval training has been shown to activate the AMPK/FOXO1 pathway, thereby reducing excessive myocardial fatty acid uptake and oxidation. This combination therapy offers superior improvement in cardiac dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, and fibrosis in diabetic conditions compared to liraglutide or exercise alone. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Electroacupuncture at Sensitized Acupoints Relieves Somatic Referred Pain in Colitis Rats by Inhibiting Sympathetic-Sensory Coupling to Interfere with 5-HT Signaling Pathway.
Ying YANG ; Jin-Yu QU ; Hua GUO ; Hai-Ying ZHOU ; Xia RUAN ; Ying-Chun PENG ; Xue-Fang SHEN ; Jin XIONG ; Yi-Li WANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2024;30(2):152-162
		                        		
		                        			OBJECTIVE:
		                        			To investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) at sensitized acupoints could reduce sympathetic-sensory coupling (SSC) and neurogenic inflammatory response by interfering with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)ergic neural pathways to relieve colitis and somatic referred pain, and explore the underlying mechanisms.
		                        		
		                        			METHODS:
		                        			Rats were treated with 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solution for 7 days to establish a colitis model. Twelve rats were randomly divided into the control and model groups according to a random number table (n=6). According to the "Research on Rat Acupoint Atlas", sensitized acupoints and non-sensitized acupoints were determined. Rats were randomly divided into the control, model, Zusanli-EA (ST 36), Dachangshu-EA (BL 25), and Xinshu (BL 15) groups (n=6), as well as the control, model, EA, and EA + GR113808 (a 5-HT inhibitor) groups (n=6). The rats in the control group received no treatment. Acupuncture was administered on 2 days after modeling using the stimulation pavameters: 1 mA, 2 Hz, for 30 min, with sparse and dense waves, for 14 consecutive days. GR113808 was injected into the tail vein at 5 mg/kg before EA for 10 min for 7 consecutive days. Mechanical sensitivity was assessed with von Frey filaments. Body weight and disease activity index (DAI) scores of rats were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe colon histopathology. SSC was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect 5-HT and substance P (SP) expressions. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in skin tissue and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels in DRG were detected by Western blot. The levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), bradykinin (BK), prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) in skin tissue, 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), serotonin transporters (SERT), 5-HT 3 receptor (5-HT3R), and 5-HT 4 receptor (5-HT4R) in colon tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
		                        		
		                        			RESULTS:
		                        			BL 25 and ST 36 acupoints were determined as sensitized acupoints, and BL 15 acupoint was used as a non-sensitized acupoint. EA at sensitized acupoints improved the DAI score, increased mechanical withdrawal thresholds, and alleviated colonic pathological damage of rats. EA at sensitized acupoints reduced SSC structures and decreased TH and CGRP expression levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, EA at sensitized acupoints reduced BK, PGI2, 5-HT, 5-HT3R and TPH1 levels, and increased HA, 5-HT4R and SERT levels in colitis rats (P<0.05). GR113808 treatment diminished the protective effect of EA at sensitized acupoints in colitis rats (P<0.05).
		                        		
		                        			CONCLUSION
		                        			EA at sensitized acupoints alleviated DSS-induced somatic referred pain in colitis rats by interfering with 5-HTergic neural pathway, and reducing SSC inflammatory response.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        			Rats
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Animals
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Electroacupuncture
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Rats, Sprague-Dawley
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Serotonin
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Acupuncture Points
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Pain, Referred
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Signal Transduction
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Colitis/therapy*
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Indoles
		                        			;
		                        		
		                        			Sulfonamides
		                        			
		                        		
		                        	
10.Recent advances in lamellar liquid crystal emulsification methods encapsulating natural active substances for functional cosmetics
Yi ZHANG ; Wei CHEN ; Yan-qi HAN ; Qian-wen SUN ; Yue GAO ; Jun YE ; Hong-liang WANG ; Li-li GAO ; Yu-ling LIU ; Yan-fang YANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(2):350-358
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 Due to the high similarity with the lipid layer between human skin keratinocytes, functional cosmetics with layered liquid crystal structure prepared by liquid crystal emulsification technology encapsulating natural active substances have become a hot research topic in recent years. This type of functional cosmetic often has a fresh and natural skin feel, excellent skin barrier repair function and efficient moisturizing effect, etc., showing great potential in cosmetic application. However, the present research on the application of liquid crystal emulsification technology to functional cosmetics is still in the initial stage, and there are fewer relevant reports with reference values. Based on the mentioned above, this review provides a comprehensive summary of functional cosmetics with layered liquid crystal structures prepared by liquid crystal emulsification technology from the following aspects: the structure of human skin, the composition of lamellar liquid crystal, the advantages of liquid crystal emulsification technology containing natural active substances used in the field of functional cosmetics, the preparation process, main components, influencing factors during the preparation and the market functional cosmetics with lamellar liquid crystal structure. Finally, the prospect of the application of liquid crystal emulsification technology in functional cosmetics is presented, to provide useful references for those engaged in the research of liquid crystal emulsification technology-related functional cosmetics. 
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
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