{"title":"Yipishen Xiezhuo Jiedu Decoction in Ameliorating Kidney Damage Through miR-223/NLRP3/ Caspase-1 Pathway.","authors":"Jianfei Weng, Dengyong Zheng, Huijun Chen, Zhangcheng Huang, Xiaojing Wu, Weijie Zheng, Zi Yu, Qinghui Xu","doi":"10.2174/0118715303402744250704071034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303402744250704071034","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><p> Introduction: Hyperuricemia Nephropathy (HN) is an emerging metabolic disorder that predisposes individuals to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), yet effective treatments remain limited. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in HN-induced kidney injury, with the NLRP3 inflammasome serving as a central mediator of this process. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Yipishen Xiezhuo Jiedu Decoction (YPSXZJDD), a traditional Chinese medicine, on HNinduced kidney injury through the miR-223/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. </p> <p> Materials and Methods: The key active components of YPSXZJDD were screened using UHPLC- Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS, and a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network diagram was constructed to explore potential mechanisms of action. The identified components were then utilized to intervene in both cellular and animal models of hyperuricemic nephropathy, evaluating their therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms. </p> <p> Results: Catalpol and Tanshinone IIA were identified as the key active components of YPSXZJDD. These compounds significantly mitigated renal epithelial cell apoptosis and inflammation by upregulating miR-223, which in turn inhibited the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. The upregulation of miR-223 led to a marked reduction in NLRP3 activity and inflammatory responses, thereby alleviating HN-induced kidney damage. </p> <p> Discussion: The findings of this study underscore the critical role of miR-223 in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for HN. The inhibition of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway by miR-223 significantly reduces inflammation and renal injury, demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of YPSXZJDD. These results offer a novel perspective on the application of traditional Chinese medicine in treating HN, highlighting the importance of miR-223 in regulating inflammation. </p> <p> Conclusion: This study demonstrates that YPSXZJDD alleviates HN-induced kidney injury by upregulating miR-223 and inhibiting the NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. The therapeutic potential of YPSXZJDD is supported by its ability to mitigate inflammation and renal damage, offering a promising approach for HN treatment. Further research into the broader role of miR-223 in kidney disease and related conditions is warranted to expand the understanding of its therapeutic applications. </p>.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144628410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chinese Patent Medicine Nei-Xiao-Pian Shrinks Thyroid Nodules by Regulating Proliferation and Apoptosis of Cells <i>via</i> Inhibiting the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway.","authors":"Yu-Ting Zhao, Yang Yang, Wen-Ting Mei, Ting Chen, Wei Wei, Yu-Chen Wu, Xiao Yu, Fei Huang","doi":"10.2174/0118715303380988250627113427","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303380988250627113427","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thyroid nodules (TN) are distinct lesions within the thyroid gland that can cause compression symptoms, disrupt thyroid function, and impact aesthetics and daily life. Nei-Xiao-Pian (NXP), a traditional Chinese patent medicine developed by Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been effectively used in clinical treatment for TN. Due to the complex nature of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), limited clinical research exists on NXP, and its precise mechanisms of action remain largely unknown.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, we investigated the effects of NXP on human tumorous thyroid cells and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cells. Cells were treated with animal serum containing different concentrations of NXP. Cell viability, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis were assessed using the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. A literature review was also conducted to understand the physiological and pathological mechanisms underlying TN. Furthermore, we examined the involvement of the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the action of NXP by measuring the protein expression levels of IL-6, JAK2, and STAT3 in PTC cells using western blotting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The present study showed that serum with a specific concentration of NXP reduced the viability of both tumorous thyroid cells and PTC cells, inhibited the proliferation of tumorous thyroid cells, and induced apoptosis. While NXP-containing serum did not significantly affect the cell cycle in PTC cells, it induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, NXP-containing serum dose-dependently suppressed the protein expressions of IL-6, JAK2, and STAT3 in PTC cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings suggest that NXP may exert its therapeutic effects on TN by targeting the IL6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby slowing disease progression. These results highlight a potential mechanism through which NXP could contribute to tumor prevention and treatment, offering a promising direction for future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiadian Huang, Cuiping Lin, Lixuan Fang, Lijuan Gu, Xia Cai, Haixia Zeng, Kang Chen, Yiming Mu, Jianping Liu
{"title":"Ectopic ACTH Syndrome Caused by Pheochromocytoma: A Case Report and Systematic Review.","authors":"Jiadian Huang, Cuiping Lin, Lixuan Fang, Lijuan Gu, Xia Cai, Haixia Zeng, Kang Chen, Yiming Mu, Jianping Liu","doi":"10.2174/0118715303372676250628161600","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303372676250628161600","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome caused by pheochromocytoma is extremely rare, and its highly variable clinical manifestations make diagnosis challenging.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>This report describes a case of a 48-year-old female with typical Cushingoid features who complained of edema in both lower limbs for 20 days. Laboratory testing showed hypokalemia with metabolic alkalosis, high levels of cortisol and ACTH, and the absence of circadian rhythm. Neither low-dose or high-dose dexamethasone suppression testing could inhibit cortisol secretion. Abdominal computed tomography showed a 32-mm mass in the left adrenal gland and hyperplasia of the right adrenal gland. The patient underwent resection of the left-sided adrenal adenoma, and pathological examination revealed features of a pheochromocytoma. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, neuron-specific enolase, and ACTH, with a Ki67 labeling index of approximately 1%. Post-operatively, the patient's electrolyte, serum cortisol, and ACTH levels returned to normal rapidly, and the symptoms of edema resolved. The diagnosis was ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by pheochromocytoma.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on this case and the presented literature review, we recommend that all patients with an elevated ACTH level and adrenal mass be screened for ectopic ACTH syndrome caused by pheochromocytoma.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144610855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Evolution of Pediatric MAFLD Research (2014-2023): A Decade-Long Bibliometric Analysis of Emerging Trends.","authors":"Tianyi Li, Xiaoying Zhang, Daojun Wang, Lixia Zhang, Qiong Wu, Wei Yan, Fengfeng Cui, Mengyao Huang, Peng Hua, Xiang Cui","doi":"10.2174/0118715303404437250611123553","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303404437250611123553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Metabolic dysfunction-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as the predominant chronic liver disorder among children and adolescents. Like in adults, pediatric MAFLD encompasses a disease spectrum progressing from isolated steatosis to inflammatory changes, fibrotic development, and ultimately, cirrhosis. Despite increasing recognition of MAFLD as a major pediatric health issue, current literature lacks a systematic quantitative evaluation of research trends, leading to knowledge gaps in this field. To address this limitation, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis was performed to assess global research output on pediatric MAFLD by focusing specifically on the 2014-2023 period. This analysis avoids the confounding effects of the heterogeneity of earlier data while achieving sufficient temporal resolution to reveal emerging trends that might be obscured in long-term studies. This study synthesizes existing evidence, enhances understanding of this disciplinary field, and informs future research directions in pediatric MAFLD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Articles concerning children with MAFLD published from 2014--2023 were identified from the Science Citation Index-Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace software, VOSviewer, and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology were used to analyze the current publication trends and hotspots.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis identified 1,609 English-language articles on pediatric MAFLD published from 2014 to 2023. The United States emerged as the most active participant in international collaborations. The University of California San Diego (UCSD) demonstrated the highest research output among the analyzed institutions. Additionally, UCSD exhibited the most extensive collaborative network, engaging in frequent and substantive research partnerships with a diverse range of academic and scientific organizations. Valerio Nobili was found to be the most prolific author, with 67 articles. Keyword burst analysis revealed that cardiovascular risk factors were the most intense research hotspot.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current research on pediatric MAFLD warrants greater attention, particularly regarding cardiovascular risk factors. This study provides valuable references for researchers, offering insights to guide future research directions and potential collaborations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Iodine and Hypothyroidism.","authors":"Xinyi Fan, Shuang Guo, Shentao Wu, Yuan Fan, Qinghua Zhang","doi":"10.2174/0118715303355789250321080037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303355789250321080037","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hypothyroidism is a thyroid disorder disease caused by a decrease in the synthesis or secretion of thyroid hormones and is one of the most common thyroid disorders in clinical practice. Elemental iodine is consumed daily in salt and food, such as seaweed. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of thyroid disorders. Iodine is oxidized in the body to produce iodine-containing thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency can lead to goitre deficencyand can also affect children and infants, leading to mental retardation and developmental delays. The causes of hypothyroidism are complex and can be divided into autoimmune hypothyroidism, post-thyroid surgery hypothyroidism, drug-induced hypothyroidism, post-131I therapy hypothyroidism, post-surgical pituitary or hypothalamic tumor hypothyroidism and congenital hypothyroidism. Among them, autoimmune hypothyroidism, post-thyroid surgery hypothyroidism and pharmacological hypothyroidism account for 90% of the hypothyroidism causes. Serum iodine content is very closely related to them,.and in post-surgical hypothyroid diseases, iodine can also be used as a supplement to reduce the incidence of post-surgical diseases, and there exists a complementary role in the recovery of the disease. Iodine has a complementary role in the occurrence and treatment of thyroid diseases. Thus, this paper explores and summarizes the correlation between iodine and hypothyroidism around the two parts of iodine and hypothyroidism, aiming to provide a reference for daily life, clinical research and basic investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.","authors":"Yifan Lu, Yixuan Xie, Xinyi Yang, Lijuan Nie, Zhe Cheng, Yixian He, Tiansu Lv, Qibiao Wu, Xiqiao Zhou","doi":"10.2174/0118715303361217250629091316","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303361217250629091316","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in many regions worldwide. Although Rezdiffra was approved by the FDA in March 2024 for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in its middle to advanced stages, it has certain limitations. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop new treatments, including herbal remedies or combinations of them.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study conducted a literature search across the PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and CNKI databases. The search strategy included terms such as (nafld[Title/Abstract], (mafld[Title/Abstract]), (masld[Title/Abstract]), (mash[Title/Abstract]), (nash[Title/Abstract]), (non alcoholic fatty liver disease[Title/Abstract]), and (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis[Title/ Abstract]). Experimental or clinical studies that examined herbs or combinations with the highest number of studies and impact factors were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five classical herbal combinations and twelve individual Chinese herbs were identified. These herbs demonstrated efficacy in activating blood circulation, clearing heat and toxins, improving vision, and reducing jaundice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights the promising clinical potential of these herbs and herbal combinations for treating NAFLD. Their benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidative stress, regulation of lipid metabolism, improvement of insulin resistance, modulation of intestinal flora, and antifibrotic properties. Further exploration of clinical literature related to these formulations is needed to better understand their efficacy and establish a comprehensive framework for their use in NAFLD treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144562534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Targeted Therapeutic Approach Employing <i>In Silico</i> Methods to Identify Potent Flavonoids in Cervical Cancer.","authors":"Srishti Sharma, Anuja Mishra, Pratibha Pandey","doi":"10.2174/0118715303362788250616052258","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303362788250616052258","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prevalence of cervical cancer has substantially increased, leading to global apprehension. The signaling pathway governs many cellular differentiation processes that occur during embryonic development and adulthood.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>Our study has mostly focused on discovering inhibitory plant chemicals, specifically flavonoids, that can block the Notch signaling pathway owing to the numerous adverse effects associated with standard treatments. Thus far, only a few studies have documented these specific flavonoids' ability to inhibit the three essential targets of the Notch signaling system in cervical cancer.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This study aimed to assess the inhibitory potential of twenty-five potent flavonoids against the Notch signaling pathway components in cervical cancer using various in silico meth ods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of all the compounds tested, naringenin exhibited the most favorable binding energy (with concrete free binding energy value) against jagged2, notch 2, and notch 3 in cervical cancer.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Naringenin could further be evaluated for its anticancer potential in cervical cancer via employing in vitro approaches. To overcome the limitations of current chemotherapeutic procedures, developing naringenin as a novel anticancer drug requires a systematic and strategic approach to rational drug discovery that is both efficient and cost-effective.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144546756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tugba Elgun, Ayşe Akgul Isik, Enver Ciraci, Gul Ipek Gundogan, Kaan Ziksahna, Halil Ibrahim Arslan
{"title":"Relationship between Aging and Ketogenic Diet: A Bibliometric Analysis (1995-2025).","authors":"Tugba Elgun, Ayşe Akgul Isik, Enver Ciraci, Gul Ipek Gundogan, Kaan Ziksahna, Halil Ibrahim Arslan","doi":"10.2174/0118715303376457250617154223","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303376457250617154223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The potential benefits of the ketogenic diet (KD) on ageing are currently receiving increasing attention. Although there are various studies on this subject in the existing literature, there is a lack of systematic review and bibliometric analysis.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to present a bibliometric overview and visualization analysis of the existing studies examining the relationship between KD and ageing, identify trends in this field, and provide a basis for future research and sustainable development goals.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study involved a systematic review of the literature. In this study, Scopus (Elsevier) and Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) databases were used for bibliometric analysis. In the study, all articles, reviews, and other types of publications on KD and ageing published between 1995 and 2024 were analysed. Studies covering the years 1995-2025 and including the keywords 'ketogenic diet OR ketogenic diets OR ketone diet AND aging AND PUB YEAR > 1995 AND PUBYEAR < 2025' in the title were included. The VOSviewer software (VOSviewer v.1.6.10) was utilized to visualize the data. The data obtained were evaluated by bibliometric methods, such as keyword analysis and cluster analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant increase in the number of studies on KD and ageing was observed. In the study, when the data obtained from WoSCC and Scopus databases and VOSviewer analysis results were evaluated together, a total of 10,170 scientific documents in the Scopus database and a total of 168 scientific documents were identified in the Web of Science database between 1995-2025 worldwide. The author publishing the most on the subject was found to be Cunnane, S.C. The country contributing the most to the field was found to be the United States of America (USA). The institution that produced the most documents was Harvard Medical School. In a total of 10,170 records, the most preferred type of publication was articles. Nutrients journal was the journal with the highest number of publications. According to the results of keyword analysis, the words \"ketogenic diet\" and \"aging\" were the most frequently used and most strongly related words.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study showed a significant increase in the number of studies investigating the effects of KD on ageing. More high-quality, randomised controlled clinical trials are needed in this field. In particular, there is a lack of studies examining the effects of KD on age-related diseases at the molecular level.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144546755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xin Yan, Li-Xing Pang, Xiao Lu, Sheng Chen, Li Li, Xing-Huan Liang, De-Cheng Lu, Zuo-Jie Luo
{"title":"Denticleless E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase Homolog as a Potential Biomarker for Adrenocortical Carcinoma Screening.","authors":"Xin Yan, Li-Xing Pang, Xiao Lu, Sheng Chen, Li Li, Xing-Huan Liang, De-Cheng Lu, Zuo-Jie Luo","doi":"10.2174/0118715303334496250518033852","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303334496250518033852","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to investigate the potential of denticleless E3 ubiquitin protein ligase homolog <i>(DTL)</i> as a biomarker for adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) detection through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ACC and adrenocortical adenoma (ACA) were identified through bioinformatics analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using Cytoscape software, and core genes were screened with the CytoHubba MCODE plug-in. Survival analysis was performed using the University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer (UALCAN) data analysis portal. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess DTL expression in adjacent normal tissues, ACA, and ACC.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two gene expression series (GSEs) retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database yielded 115 DEGs. Using the PPI network, three core genes were identified, among which <i>(DTL)</i> and <i>TPX2</i> were highly expressed in ACC. Notably, <i>(DTL)</i> had the highest core gene score. Elevated DTL expression in individuals with ACC was significantly associated with a poor prognosis (P < 0.0001). Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a significantly higher positive expression rate and a strong positive expression rate of DTL in ACC compared to ACA (χ2 = 11.708, P < 0.01). The positive expression rate of DTL in both ACC and ACA was significantly higher than in the adjacent normal adrenal cortex (P < 0.01). The expression of DTL followed a gradient, being highest in ACC, followed by ACA, and lowest in the normal adrenal cortex adjacent to the tumor. Additionally, <i>(DTL)</i> protein expression was significantly correlated with tumor size and infiltration metastasis (P < 0.05). Individuals with high <i>(DTL)</i> expression had significantly shorter survival times than those with low DTL expression (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><i>(DTL)</i> exhibits potential as a novel biomarker for distinguishing between benign and malignant adrenocortical tumors and may serve as a prognostic indicator for ACC.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510212","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yumiao Zhang, Yang Liu, Yuchen Zhang, Xinbo Shi, Yingang Li, Yalei Pan
{"title":"The Anti-Osteoporosis Effects of <i>Panax japonicus via</i> Downregulation of Inflammatory Factors: A Network Pharmacology and Ovariectomized Rat Model Study.","authors":"Yumiao Zhang, Yang Liu, Yuchen Zhang, Xinbo Shi, Yingang Li, Yalei Pan","doi":"10.2174/0118715303371787250609162705","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/0118715303371787250609162705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Osteoporosis is a major and growing public health problem characterized by decreased bone mineral density and destroyed bone microarchitecture. <i>Panax japonicus</i> has been clinically used in the treatment of bone diseases, especially osteoporosis. However, there is a lack of study on the mechanism of osteoporosis treatment with <i>Panax japonicus</i>.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A network pharmacology approach was employed to identify the targets of osteoporosis and <i>Panax japonicus</i>. Cytoscape 3.7.2 and DAVID were used to visualize the pharmacological mechanism of <i>Panax japonicus</i> in treating osteoporosis by building up compound-target and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and conducting Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. An ovariectomized SD rat osteoporosis model was used to assess the potential therapeutic effect of <i>Panax japonicus</i> in vivo. The biomechanical properties, pathological changes, inflammatory cytokines, bone density, and bone microstructural parameters in rat bone tissue were carefully measured. The biochemical markers of bone metabolism in serum were detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-two active components and sixty-five target genes of <i>Panax japonicus</i> involved in the treatment of osteoporosis were identified. The PPI network revealed IL-6, TNF, NR3C1, IL-1β, CASP3, ESR1, PGR, and AR to be involved in the treatment of osteoporosis with <i>Panax japonicus</i>. Chikusetsusaponin IVa and Radix ginsenoside-Ro were the main saponins found in <i>Panax japonicus</i>. <i>Panax japonicus</i> was found to exert potent preventive effects on osteoporosis by maintaining biomechanical properties, increasing bone mineral density, and protecting the trabecular microstructure in an ovariectomized rat osteoporosis model. <i>Panax japonicus</i> hindered the initiation of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy by regulating bone metabolism and downregulating the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><i>Panax japonicus</i> was found to contain 52 compounds and 65 targets in the treatment of osteoporosis. The administration of <i>Panax japonicus</i> could mitigate osteoporosis in rats induced by ovariectomy, and one of the mechanisms was associated with downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors.</p>","PeriodicalId":94316,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}