1.Analysis on Dynamic Change of Stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Quality Based on "Exterior-interior Correlation"
Yue XU ; Zhe JIA ; Yun WANG ; Bing LI ; Deling WU ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):194-202
ObjectiveIn order to provide a reference for the optimization of preparation process of stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(sf-GRR), the quality changes during the processing was studied. MethodsGlycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma was processed by stir-frying for 17 min, and samples were collected every 1 min during the processing. The appearance color of the samples was determined by visual analysis technology, the moisture and extract of the process samples were detected by the drying method and the hot extraction method of alcohol-soluble extract in the general rules of the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(part Ⅳ), and the contents of liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, licoricesaponin G2 and glycyrrhizic acid in the process samples were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Then principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and Spearman correlation analysis were used for clustering, discrimination and correlation analysis of the appearance color, moisture, extract and the contents of six internal components. Based on artificial neural network and random forest algorithm, the prediction model of processing degree of sf-GRR was established. On this basis, based on the five principles of quality marker(Q-Maker), explore the monitoring Q-Maker of sf-GRR. ResultsThe color of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma deepened after stir-frying, and the appearance color of the sample changed from light yellow to dark yellow during processing. During the stir-frying process, the moisture content showed a decreasing trend with the extension of processing time, while the extract content showed an increasing trend with the extension of processing time. After stir-frying, the contents of liquiritin apioside, liquiritin and licoricesaponin G2 showed an overall decreasing trend, while the contents of isoliquiritin apioside and isoliquiritin increased, and the content of glycyrrhizic acid increased slightly. The correlation analysis showed that moisture was positively correlated with brightness(L*) and red/green value(a*), and negatively correlated with yellow/blue value(b*) and total color difference(E*ab). Isoliquiritin apioside and isoliquiritin had negative correlation with L* and a*, and positive correlation with b* and E*ab. The processing process of sf-GRR could be divided into two stages of the early stage(0-14 min) and the late stage(15-17 min), and could be divided into three stages of the early stage(0-6 min), the middle stage(7-14 min) and the late stage(15-17 min) by combining the moisture, extract, the contents of 6 components and color values. Based on artificial neural network analysis and random forest algorithm, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid were selected as monitoring markers for sf-GRR. ConclusionBased on the analysis of the exterior-interior indicators of process samples of sf-GRR, this paper ultimately identifies four processing monitoring markers, which can provide a basis for optimizing the processing technology of sf-GRR.
2.Gandouling Regulates PI3K/Akt/mTOR Autophagy Signaling Pathway via LncRNA H19 for Treatment of Wilson Disease Liver Fibrosis
Xin YIN ; Han WANG ; Daiping HUA ; Lanting SUN ; Yunyun XU ; Wenming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):131-138
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms and pathways through which Gandouling (GDL) exerts its effects in the treatment of liver fibrosis in Wilson disease. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: the normal group, the model group, the GDL low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.24, 0.48, 0.96 g·kg-1), and the penicillamine group (90 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. A copper-loaded Wilson disease rat model was established by gavage administration of 300 mg·kg-1 copper sulfate pentahydrate to all groups except the normal group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe the pathomorphological changes in the liver. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), procollagen type-Ⅲ peptide (PC-Ⅲ), and collagen type-Ⅳ (C-Ⅳ). Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of liver tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of liver tissues and serum exosomal long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and their phosphorylated forms, as well as autophagy-related proteins Beclin1 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ) in liver tissues. Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence signal intensity was observed by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group exhibited inflammatory cell infiltration in hepatocytes, unclear nuclear boundaries with cell cleavage and necrosis, and collagen fiber deposition around confluent areas. The levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed an increased number of autophagic vesicles, with autophagic lysosomes exhibiting a single-layer membrane structure following degradation of most envelopes. Expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.01), and fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ were markedly enhanced. The protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were reduced (P<0.01), while LncRNA H19 expression was increased (P<0.01), and mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were decreased (P<0.01). After treatment with GDL, the degree of liver fibrosis was significantly improved, with decreased levels of HA, LN, PC-Ⅲ, and C-Ⅳ. The number of autophagic vesicles was significantly reduced, and expression levels of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ proteins were lower (P<0.01). The fluorescence signals of Beclin1 and LC3-Ⅱ weakened dose-dependently. The protein levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR were elevated (P<0.01), while the expression level of LncRNA H19 was reduced (P<0.01). Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionGDL may alleviate liver fibrosis and reduce liver injury by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway via LncRNA H19.
3.The Effect of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) on the Expression of LXRα in Liver Tissue and the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Gastric Antrum Tissue of Diabetic Gastroparesis Model Rats
Qi XU ; Nuobing RUAN ; Jinju LI ; Xijuan LYU ; Zhaohui FANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):178-187
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤, BXD) in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis (DGP). MethodsA total of 29 SD rats were randomly divided into four groups, blank group (5 rats) and model group, BXD group and metformin group (8 rats in each group). Except for the blank group, rats were administered intraperitoneally with 1% streptozotocin (STZ) solution and were fed a high-sugar, high-fat diet to establish the DGP rat model. After successful modeling, the BXD group was treated with BXD at 6.68 g/(kg·d) by gavage, the metformin group was treated with metformin hydrochloride at 105 mg/(kg·d) by gavage, and the blank group and the model group were treated with normal saline at 6.68 ml/(kg·d) by gavage, for 8 weeks. After the last administration, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) were measured and gastric emptying rate was calculated. ELISA was used to detect the levels of gastrointestinal hormones motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS), as well as inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in gastric tissue. Oil red O staining was performed to observe liver pathological morphology. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe gastric antrum tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect liver X receptor α (LXRα) levels in the liver. Western Blot was used to detect the protein levels of LXRα in liver tissue, and of janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phospho-janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in gastric antrum tissue. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression of LXRα in liver tissue and JAK2, STAT3 in gastric antrum tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significant hepatic fatty degeneration, gastric antrum tissue structure destruction, and increases in FBG, HbA1c, TC, and TG levels; the average fluorescence intensity, protein level, and mRNA expression of LXRα in liver tissue were reduced; the gastric emptying rate and gastric tissue GAS and MTL levels decreased; inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β in gastric tissue increased, IL-10 decreased; in gastric antrum tissue, the mRNA expression of p-JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT3/STAT3, and JAK2 and STAT3 increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, both the BXD group and the metformin group showed improved liver and gastric antrum tissue pathology; FBG, HbA1c, TC, and TG levels decreased, while LXRα fluorescence intensity, protein level, and mRNA expression in liver tissue significantly increased; the gastric emptying rate and the levels of GAS and MTL in gastric tissue were markedly higher; the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β decreased, whereas IL-10 levels increased, p-JAK2/JAK2, p-STAT3/STAT3, and the mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in gastric antrum tissue decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The BXD group showed higher level than the metformin group in FBG, HbA1c, and TG levels, lower level in gastric emptying rate and gastric tissue GAS content, and higher level in gastric tissue TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β levels; there was also a decrease in IL-10 levels, and a reduction in LXRα fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression in liver tissue, as well as in p-JAK2/JAK2 levels in gastric antrum tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionBXD can reduce blood glucose and lipid levels in DGP model rats while improving gastric function and alleviating gastric tissue inflammation. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of LXRα expression in liver tissue and the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in gastric antrum tissue.
4.The Impairment Attention Capture by Topological Change in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hui-Lin XU ; Huan-Jun XI ; Tao DUAN ; Jing LI ; Dan-Dan LI ; Kai WANG ; Chun-Yan ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):223-232
ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.
5.Analysis of Differential Compounds of Poria cocos Medicinal Materials by Integrated Qualitative Strategy Based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS
Jiayuan WANG ; Xiaohan FAN ; Xiaoxiao WEI ; Rong CAO ; Jin WANG ; Lei WANG ; Fengqing XU ; Shunwang HUANG ; Deling WU ; Hongsu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):148-156
ObjectiveTo establish a rapid analytical method for identifying the differential components in Poria cocos medicinal materials based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), combined with mass defect filtering(MDF) and molecular network integration techniques. MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used for MS data acquisition and identification of P. cocos medicinal materials, with the help of MDF for the study of cleavage behavior and structural identification of triterpenoids. According to the similarity of MS/MS fragmentation patterns of each component, global natural product social molecular network(GNPS) was established, and Cytoscape 3.6.1 was used to screen molecular clusters with similar structures and the the structure of main compound classes were identified and confirmed. Multivariate statistical analyses such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to screen the differential components of the five P. cocos medicinal materials with the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and P<0.05 as the criteria. ResultsA total of 66 compounds were identified by database comparison, 8 compounds were newly identified by MDF, 28 compounds were newly identified by GNPS, and a total of 102 chemical compounds were identified, including 43 triterpenoids, 16 saccharides, 26 amino acids and peptides, 3 nucleosides, and 14 other compounds. Triterpenoids were predominant in Poriae Cutis and wild Fushen, amino acids and peptides were the most abundant in Poria and cultivated Fushen, carbohydrates were the most abundant in Poriae Cutis. Type Ⅰ and Ⅱ triterpenoids had higher amounts in Poria and cultivated Fushen, type Ⅲ triterpenoids were more abundant in Poriae Cutis, all four types of triterpenoids were higher in Fushenmu, and type Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅳ triterpenoids were higher in wild Fushen. A total of 12 common differential chemical constituents were screened, including serine, guanosine, gallic acid, 2-octenal, maltotriose, trametenolic acid, dehydroeburicoic acid, dehydrotrametenolic acid, poricoic acid A, poricoic acid B, poricoic acid E and G, but the relative contents of them varied significantly among different medicinal materials. ConclusionAmong the five P. cocos medicinal materials, the types of constituents are generally similar, but their relative contents differed significantly among these medicinal materials, especially in the distribution of triterpenoids. The integration of UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS, MDF and GNPS can provide a reference for the rapid qualitative analysis of other Chinese medicines.
6.Analysis of Differential Compounds of Poria cocos Medicinal Materials by Integrated Qualitative Strategy Based on UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS
Jiayuan WANG ; Xiaohan FAN ; Xiaoxiao WEI ; Rong CAO ; Jin WANG ; Lei WANG ; Fengqing XU ; Shunwang HUANG ; Deling WU ; Hongsu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):148-156
ObjectiveTo establish a rapid analytical method for identifying the differential components in Poria cocos medicinal materials based on ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), combined with mass defect filtering(MDF) and molecular network integration techniques. MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used for MS data acquisition and identification of P. cocos medicinal materials, with the help of MDF for the study of cleavage behavior and structural identification of triterpenoids. According to the similarity of MS/MS fragmentation patterns of each component, global natural product social molecular network(GNPS) was established, and Cytoscape 3.6.1 was used to screen molecular clusters with similar structures and the the structure of main compound classes were identified and confirmed. Multivariate statistical analyses such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to screen the differential components of the five P. cocos medicinal materials with the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and P<0.05 as the criteria. ResultsA total of 66 compounds were identified by database comparison, 8 compounds were newly identified by MDF, 28 compounds were newly identified by GNPS, and a total of 102 chemical compounds were identified, including 43 triterpenoids, 16 saccharides, 26 amino acids and peptides, 3 nucleosides, and 14 other compounds. Triterpenoids were predominant in Poriae Cutis and wild Fushen, amino acids and peptides were the most abundant in Poria and cultivated Fushen, carbohydrates were the most abundant in Poriae Cutis. Type Ⅰ and Ⅱ triterpenoids had higher amounts in Poria and cultivated Fushen, type Ⅲ triterpenoids were more abundant in Poriae Cutis, all four types of triterpenoids were higher in Fushenmu, and type Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅳ triterpenoids were higher in wild Fushen. A total of 12 common differential chemical constituents were screened, including serine, guanosine, gallic acid, 2-octenal, maltotriose, trametenolic acid, dehydroeburicoic acid, dehydrotrametenolic acid, poricoic acid A, poricoic acid B, poricoic acid E and G, but the relative contents of them varied significantly among different medicinal materials. ConclusionAmong the five P. cocos medicinal materials, the types of constituents are generally similar, but their relative contents differed significantly among these medicinal materials, especially in the distribution of triterpenoids. The integration of UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS, MDF and GNPS can provide a reference for the rapid qualitative analysis of other Chinese medicines.
7.Study on the antibacterial property of EGCG/PLL phenolamine coating integrated chlorhexidine on porous titanium surface
Huilei Hong ; Jianguang Xu ; Hua Qiu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(1):109-116
Objective:
To construct a phenolamine cross-linked coating composed of epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) and poly-L-lysine(PLL) on the surface of the porous pure Ti integrated with the antibacterial substance chlorhexidine(CHX), and to study the antibacterial property and biosafety.
Methods:
A porous structure(pTi group) was formed on the surface of titanium samples by alkaline heat treatment. Then the pTi group was immersed in the mixed solution of EGCG and PLL in an alkaline aerobic environment for 24 h to obtain the phenolamine group samples(EP group). Finally, the titanium tablets were further immersed in the aqueous solution of chlorhexidine(CHX) for 24 h to obtain the antibacterial groups(EPC group). Microstructure and properties of the surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer(XPS) and water contact angle measuring instrument. The antibacterial properties of coating were observed and evaluated by nephelometry, inhibition zone method and live/dead bacterial staining. The cytocompatibility of the coating was evaluated by MTT method and cell fluorescence staining, and the cell adhesion and proliferation ability in bacterial environment were evaluated by the co-culture of bacteria and cells.
Results:
SEM results showed that the pore size of samples after alkali heat treatment decreased with the deposition of the phenolamine coating. The measurement of water contact angle showed that the contact angle increased significantly with the grafting of coating. The intensity of N1s and C1s peaks increased and Ti2p and O1s peaks decreased detected by XPS tests. The Cl2p peak appeared in EPC group referred to the control group. The antibacterial experimentsin vitroshowed that the antibacterial samples could perform effective antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Aggregatibacter actinomycetem-comitans for at least 7 days. In the biocompatibility experiments, MTT and cell fluorescence staining results showed that the adherent cells had good morphology and proliferative activity. The bacteria-cell co-culture results showed that the EPC groups could provide a good environment for cell proliferation and growth with excellent antibacterial properties.
Conclusion
Chlorhexidine-grafted phenolamine deposited on porous titanium surface displays an effective antibacterial effect with good biosafety performance, which can play an antibacterial role in the bacterial environment while ensuring cell adhesion and proliferation.
8.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143
10.Impact of Onset-to-Door Time on Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion
Tianlong LIU ; Chunrong TAO ; Zhongjun CHEN ; Lihua XU ; Yuyou ZHU ; Rui LI ; Jun SUN ; Li WANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Jianlong SONG ; Xiaozhong JING ; Adnan I. QURESHI ; Mohamad ABDALKADER ; Thanh N. NGUYEN ; Raul G. NOGUEIRA ; Jeffrey L. SAVER ; Wei HU
Journal of Stroke 2025;27(1):140-143


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