{"title":"Anti-cancer effects of Trifolium pratense L. on hepatocellular carcinoma via the HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 pathway: A biochemical and histopathological study in rats.","authors":"Chao-Du -, Rubing-Deng -, Ji-Li -, Yanfei-Wang -","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This research explored the protective effects of Trifolium pratense L. flower extract (TPFE) on hepatocytes against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN). The study focused on biochemical, molecular and antioxidant pathways, particularly the HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 axis. Fifty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: A normal control, an HCC-induced group (DEN 100mg/kg), two HCC groups treated with TPFE (200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg) and a normal group treated with TPFE (400mg/kg). At the study's end, liver function markers, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress parameters were measured. The expression of HOTAIR, miR-124, Notch1, and Jagged1 genes and proteins in liver tissue was assessed, along with immunohistochemical analysis for P53-positive cells. DEN administration led to significant alterations in body and liver weight, serum liver enzymes, antioxidant levels, inflammatory markers and gene/protein expression related to the HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 axis. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, Newman-Keuls test and SPSS, with significance at p<0.05; data visualized in GraphPad. TPFE treatment mitigated these changes in a dose-dependent manner, particularly at 400mg/kg, improving weight, liver health, antioxidant capacity and inflammatory responses. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses showed structural liver improvements with TPFE. The study concludes that TPFE has potential anti-cancer effects against DEN-induced HCC.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 3","pages":"945-957"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pharmacological implications of psoriasis and superficial fungal infections: Analysis of risk factors and underlying mechanisms.","authors":"Tayier Tuerhong, Muyesaier Nasier, Renaguli Maimaiti, Zhang Yan, Zheng Gang, He Jinxia, Abudoushalamu Abudouwake, Maimaitisiyiti Maimaitiyiming","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Psoriasis (Ps) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is often accompanied by superficial fungal infections, which may exacerbate disease severity and impact treatment effectiveness. This study investigates the association between fungal infections and psoriasis severity in the Kashgar region and identifies risk factors relevant to pharmacological interventions. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 196 psoriasis patients, evaluating clinical characteristics, psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores, and the presence of fungal infections through microscopy and culture. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors, providing insights for targeted pharmacological approaches. Patients with fungal infections exhibited significantly higher PASI scores and longer disease duration (P < 0.05). Key risk factors included head and nail involvement. These findings suggest that managing fungal infections may optimize psoriasis treatment outcomes. This study highlights the link between fungal infections and psoriasis severity, advocating for integrated therapeutic strategies. The findings provide a foundation for future pharmacological research aimed at improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 3","pages":"737-743"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144485533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sardar Ali, Samia Nawaz, Shakir Ullah, Zainab Irshad, Niaz Ali, Ahad Nawaz, Muhammad Riaz, Najm Ur Rahman
{"title":"Erratum to: The protective role of Calotropis procera Linn against cisplatin induced oxidative stress, insight into antioxidant effects.","authors":"Sardar Ali, Samia Nawaz, Shakir Ullah, Zainab Irshad, Niaz Ali, Ahad Nawaz, Muhammad Riaz, Najm Ur Rahman","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences declares that the name of the second author Samia Nawaz was incorrect. The correct name is now shown above. doi: 10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.3.REG.12747-ERRATUM.1.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 3","pages":"1107"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shaozhuang Chen, Yufu Lin, Fangwei Chen, Yabo Chen, Shan Ding, Luming Wang, Yun Shen, Yanrong Ye, Jia Liu
{"title":"Exploring the therapeutic mechanism of Zijin Ding in treating colorectal cancer based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.","authors":"Shaozhuang Chen, Yufu Lin, Fangwei Chen, Yabo Chen, Shan Ding, Luming Wang, Yun Shen, Yanrong Ye, Jia Liu","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To predict the core components, targets, and pathways of Zijin Ding in treating colorectal cancer using network pharmacology and to explore its mechanism. Active ingredients and targets of Zijin Ding were retrieved from databases like TCMSP and Herb, and colorectal cancer-related targets were identified via GeneCards. Common targets were analyzed using Venn diagrams and String database, with Cytoscape for visualization. GO and KEGG analyses were performed using Metascape, and molecular docking was done with Auto Dock-Vina. Experimental validation was also included. We identified 20 components in Zijin Ding, with 228 overlapping targets related to cancer, including 20 core targets. These targets are involved in 1115 GO terms and 164 KEGG pathways. Key active ingredients like morin, alpha-estradiol, and beta-estradiol were predicted to interact with targets such as TP53, AKT1, IL6, CASP3, and BCL2. Molecular docking showed good binding activities of these ingredients with the targets. The chemical composition, including 4-gingerol, 6-gingerol, and 6-shogaol, was clarified. Zijin Ding treats colorectal cancer through a \"multiple components, multiple targets, multiple pathways\" network, providing theoretical references for its pharmacological and clinical applications. The experimental data support the network pharmacology predictions and highlight Zijin Ding's potential in colorectal cancer treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 3","pages":"1029-1037"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Network pharmacology analysis of \"Ling Gui Zhu Gan Decoction\" in the treatment of obesity-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.","authors":"Xiao Yang Chen, Chen Fei Huang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver condition closely associated with obesity, affecting nearly one billion adults worldwide. \"Ling Gui Zhu Gan Decoction,\" a traditional Chinese medicine composed of Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes macrocephala and Licorice, has demonstrated clinical efficacy in treating obesity-associated NAFLD. The active components and targets of \"Ling Gui Zhu Gan Decoction\" were identified using the TCMSP, PubChem and Swiss Target Prediction databases. Disease targets for NAFLD and obesity were retrieved from GeneCards. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, followed by functional enrichment analyses (GO and KEGG). Finally, a drug-disease-pathway network was established. The study identified 108 therapeutic targets for \"Ling Gui Zhu Gan Decoction.\" Key components such as trametenolic acid and cerevisterol, along with targets like PTPN1, ESR1 and EGFR, were implicated in pathways including HIF-1, NF-κB and AMPK signaling. Molecular docking further confirmed that PTPN1 can stably bind with trametenolic acid and cerevisterol. These findings suggest that \"Ling Gui Zhu Gan Decoction\" exerts its effects through multiple targets and pathways. Network pharmacology elucidates the potential of \"Ling Gui Zhu Gan Decoction\" in treating obesity-associated NAFLD through multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms, offering an alternative therapeutic option for this condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 3","pages":"1011-1021"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Study on the mechanism of Yajieyixin formula in improving atherosclerosis.","authors":"Shihua Luo, Xiaoli Jiang, Yi Li, Yan Gao, Xinhui He, Yanqing He, Wanliu Zhang, Xijie Li, Yinfeng Chen, Xiaohua Duan, Lijuan Zhao","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Yajieyixin Formula (YJYXF) is an effective prescription commonly used by Dai medicine practitioners to treat cardiovascular diseases. This study explored how YJYXF helps ApoE mice with atherosclerosis (AS). An atherosclerosis model was established by feeding ApoE mice with a high-fat diet, and treatment with 36.075 g/kg YJYXF and 12.025 g/kg YJYXF for 12 weeks were the optimal treatment conditions for the ankylosis spondylitis mouse model. The mechanism of action of YJYXF against atherosclerosis was comprehensively analyzed by observing the AS-related indexes (blood biochemical indexes, inflammation indexes, TMAO), changes in atherosclerotic plaques observed by HE staining and oil red O staining, liver metabolisms, microbiome, changes in bile acid content, and the expression of key genes and proteins of cholesterol metabolism. The present study showed that YJYXF could lower blood lipid levels, reduce inflammation and aortic plaque accumulation, regulate hepatic lipid metabolism, and regulate bile acid metabolism by modulating the diversity, composition and abundance of intestinal flora, and by decreasing the expression levels of intestinal FXR, FGF-15 mRNA and protein, and by increasing the expression levels of hepatic CYP7A1 mRNA and protein. The study findings that YJYXF can improve AS, and the mechanism is associated with intestinal microbiota regulation by trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO).</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 3","pages":"1081-1094"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The influence of Yishen Ningxin formula on the behavioral and neurotransmitter changes in a zebrafish model of generalized anxiety.","authors":"Yuqing San, Jianing Shi, Zhenxian Zhang","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study evaluated the anxiolytic effects of Yishen Ningxin formula (YSNX) in caffeine-induced zebrafish models and explored underlying mechanisms. Using 7-day post-fertilization AB zebrafish, anxiety-like models were established with 100μmol/L caffeine exposure. Groups included normal control, caffeine-only, and YSNX-treated cohorts (200/550/1600μg/mL). Behavioral assessments included thigmotaxis, vertical preference, and locomotor activity using automated tracking, with GABA/5-HT levels measured by ELISA. Compared with normal controls, caffeine-exposed zebrafish showed increased total movement time (P<0.05), movement distance (P<0.05), and large movement distance (P<0.05), accompanied by reduced central zone time (-28%, P<0.05) and distance (-31%, P<0.05), with significantly decreased bottom-dwelling time (P<0.05). YSNX administration (1600μg/mL and 550μg/mL) reversed these effects, significantly decreasing movement distance/time (vs caffeine group, P<0.05) while increasing central zone exploration (P<0.05). The high-dose group restored bottom-dwelling time to control levels (P<0.05). Neurochemical analysis revealed caffeine-induced GABA reduction (vs normal group: P<0.05) and 5-HT elevation (P<0.05) in caffeine, YSNX-L, and YSNX-M groups. YSNX-H treatment increased GABA (P<0.05 vs caffeine group) and decreased 5-HT (P<0.05), while YSNX-M specifically reduced 5-HT (P<0.05). These results demonstrate YSNX's ability to ameliorate anxiety-like behaviors in zebrafish, potentially through GABA/5-HT pathway modulation. This study provides experimental evidence supporting YSNX's therapeutic potential for anxiety disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 3","pages":"1061-1067"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144659865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Formulation and characterization of the biological activities of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles from Annona muricata leaf extract.","authors":"Titilayomi Olufunso Olutoyin Adewusi, Ovgu Isbilen","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Annona muricata belongs to the family Annonaceae and the leaf extract has traditionally been used as an antipyretic, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, and antimalarial. The study aims to formulate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Annona muricata leaf extract (AME) and evaluate its biological activities. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD and SEM. GC-MS analysis of AME indicated sesquiterpenes, acetogenins, alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids and other compounds. The presence of ZnO NPs was confirmed by the UV-vis absorption spectrum with a peak at 370 nm. XRD and FTIR showed the stabilized ZnO NPs using AME bioactive compounds with an average particle size of 79.14 nm. SEM and EDX revealed spherical and hexagonal morphology. Minimum inhibitory concentration experiments revealed that MIC values for P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis were 1.25mg/mL and 0.32mg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the AME, AME-ZnO NPs and ascorbic acid (standard) using DPPH assay revealed IC<sub>50</sub> values of 2.17mg/mL, 1.66mg/mL and 0.23mg/mL, respectively. The formulated ZnO NPs also aided in the photocatalysis of methylene blue at a degradation rate of 66.8% after 180 min. These results collectively highlight the promising therapeutic potential of A. muricata biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles for developing future therapies due to antibacterial, photocatalytic and antioxidant activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 2","pages":"679-690"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144275602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen recipe inhibits chronic kidney disease progression by ameliorating lysosomal injury and modulating autophagy through stress granules.","authors":"Yanyan Zhou, Yixin Li, Jiwei Chen, Tian Fu, Jiamei Zhuang, Hongcheng Peng, Guoliang Xiong","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To investigate the mechanisms by which Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Recipe (JPYSR) affects chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, focusing on stress granules (SGs), lysosomal integrity and autophagy regulation. A CKD model was induced in mice using a 0.2% adenine diet and treated with JPYSR (15.60 g/kg/day) via gavage. Renal function was assessed using serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Pathological changes were evaluated using PAS and Masson's trichrome staining. Protein and gene expressions were analyzed using Western blot, qPCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. In vitro studies were conducted on human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK2). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism (version: 9) software. CKD progression was associated with lysosomal impairment and reduced autophagy. JPYSR treatment significantly improved renal function, reduced pathological changes, decreased renal fibrosis, promoted SG formation, alleviated lysosomal damage and maintained baseline autophagy. Inflammation was also diminished, as confirmed by in vitro experiments. JPYSR may slow CKD progression and reduce renal fibrosis by modulating SG formation, lysosomal function and autophagy levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 2","pages":"359-372"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144275605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanism study of naringenin in treating sepsis-induced kidney injury based on network pharmacology.","authors":"Wenwen Wang, Fang Chen, Yinlu Hu, Da Sun, Jing Chang, Lili Lin, Haixiang Ding","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored naringenin's therapeutic mechanisms in sepsis-induced AKI via network pharmacology. An integrative bioinformatics pipeline identified targets, mapped interactomes and validated results via molecular docking. The efficacy was validated using a cecal ligation and puncture-induced AKI mouse model. Histopathological changes were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Biochemical parameters, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), were quantified. Pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1 and TNF-α) were evaluated via ELISA, while Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was determined through Western blot analysis. The network pharmacology analysis revealed 3,449 potential therapeutic targets of naringenin in AKI treatment. Target analysis demonstrated significant associations with oxidative stress response and apoptotic signaling cascades. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the involvement of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis in renal injury. Experimental results showed that naringenin improved pathological changes in AKI mice, down regulated serum BUN and Cr levels, reduced inflammatory factors IL-1 and TNF- α levels and decreased the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in sepsis-related AKI. The therapeutic efficacy of naringin in AKI is mediated through pleiotropic effects on multiple targets and signaling cascades, with its renoprotective mechanism primarily involving the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-dependent oxidative stress reduction.</p>","PeriodicalId":19971,"journal":{"name":"Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"38 2","pages":"373-379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144275606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}