1.Maillard Reaction in Processing of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Kai WANG ; Zhenni QU ; Yu BI ; Dianhua SHI ; Yanpeng DAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):268-278
The Maillard reaction is a complex process in which amine compounds such as amino acids, peptides, and proteins undergo condensation, polymerization, and other reactions with carbonyl compounds such as reducing sugars, ketones, and aldehydes at room temperature or under heating conditions, ultimately producing substances such as melanoidins and aromatic compounds. The processing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) often involves heating and the addition of auxiliary materials, providing complete conditions for the occurrence of the Maillard reaction. The Maillard reaction is affected by various factors such as temperature, pH, moisture, substrate, reaction time and pressure, the progress of the reaction also affected by different processing technologies of TCM and the addition of different excipients. The Maillard reaction involves multiple substances, most of which have significant physiological activity or toxicity, affecting the efficacy and pharmacological effects of TCM. It can also produce various flavor substances and browning products that change the flavor and color of TCM. The Maillard reaction mechanism, influencing factors, related components, and the impact of Maillard reaction on various aspects of TCM processing are reviewed from multiple perspectives in this article, providing reference for the further improvement of processing mechanism and quality control of TCM.
2.Effects and mechanism of limonin on renal lesion,glucose metabolism,inflammation and oxidative stress in gestational diabetic rats
Na QU ; Kai ZHANG ; Lisha NA ; Ying CUI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1082-1086
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of limonin on renal lesions, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress in gestational diabetic rats and its possible mechanisms. METHODS The model of gestational diabetic rats was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were divided into the model group (intragastrical administration and tail vein injection of equal volume of normal saline), limonin low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (intragastrical administration of limonin, at doses of 12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg, and equal volume of normal saline into the tail vein), and combination group [intragastrical administration of limonin 50.0 mg/kg + tail vein injection of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activator Anisomycin 2 mg/kg ], with 12 rats in each group. In addition, 12 pregnant rats were selected as the control group (intragastrical administration and tail vein injection of equal volume of normal saline). They were given relevant medicine, once a day, for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration, fasting blood glucose (FBG), the levels of fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the serum were detected; the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) in the renal tissue were detected; the pathological changes of renal tissue were observed; the expressions of proteins related to the JNK/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the renal tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with control group, in model group, the rats showed pathological injuries in the kidney tissue, such as glomerular atrophy, edema of renal tubular epithelial cells; the levels of FBG, FINS, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, BUN and Cr, HOMA-IR, as well as the phosphorylation levels of JNK and NF-κB 0453-6602005。E-mail:mcvi45@163.com p65 proteins were increased significantly (P<0.05), while the levels of SOD and GSH-Px were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with model group, in each dose group of limonin, the degree of renal tissue lesions in rats was alleviated, and the above-mentioned indicators were significantly improved (P<0.05), showing an obvious dose-effect relationship (P<0.05). Compared with high-dose limonin group, in the combination group, the degree of renal tissue lesions in rats was relatively aggravated, and the changes in the above-mentioned indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Limonin has a certain improvement effect on renal lesions, glucose metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress in pregnant rats with gestational diabetes. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the JNK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Comparative study of SARIMA and seasonal index model in predicting non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning
Wantong HAN ; Yongqiang ZHANG ; Shichang DU ; Wei WANG ; Kai QU ; Xin HE ; Cixian XU ; Xiumei SUN ; Qiran SUN ; Jinyao ZHANG ; Fan BU ; Xingui SUN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):12-16
Objective To establish a prediction model for the occurrence of non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning events in Beijing, and to provide scientific basis and theoretical support for the prevention and warning of poisoning events. Methods Based on the monitoring data of non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning events in Beijing from 2016 to 2024, the seasonal ARIMA model and seasonal index model were established to analyze the data and predict the occurrence of events. Results Between 2016 and 2024, a total of 436 cases of non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning were reported in Beijing, showing a downward trend. The established SARIMA model and seasonal index model were SARIMA (1,0,0) (1,1,0) 12, Yt = (-0.0339t+5.8863) × St, and the average relative errors were 65.42% and 29.19%, respectively. In terms of months, the SARIMA model had better predictive performance during April and summer (June to August), while the seasonal index model was superior in other months. By combining the two models, the predicted number of events in 2025 was as follows: 3, 2, 2, 3, 1, 5, 2, 7, 1, 1, 1, and 2. Conclusion The seasonal index model has the best prediction effect on the non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning events in Beijing throughout the year, and the number of summer events predicted by SARIMA model is closer to the actual values. The two models can be combined to predict the trend of non-occupational carbon monoxide poisoning, which provides a scientific basis for the prevention and control of carbon monoxide poisoning in the future.
4.IMM-H007 promotes hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism by activating AMPKα to attenuate hypercholesterolemia.
Jiaqi LI ; Mingchao WANG ; Kai QU ; Yuyao SUN ; Zequn YIN ; Na DONG ; Xin SUN ; Yitong XU ; Liang CHEN ; Shuang ZHANG ; Xunde XIAN ; Suowen XU ; Likun MA ; Yajun DUAN ; Haibo ZHU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4047-4063
Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. 2',3',5'-Tri-O-acetyl-N 6-(3-hydroxyphenyl) adenosine (IMM-H007), a novel AMPK agonist, has shown protective effects in metabolic diseases. However, its impact on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in hypercholesterolemia remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects and specific mechanisms by which IMM-H007 regulates cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism. To achieve this goal, we used Apoe -/- and Ldlr -/- mice to establish a hypercholesterolemia/atherosclerosis model. Additionally, hepatocyte-specific Ampka1/2 knockout mice were subjected to a 5-week high-cholesterol diet to establish hypercholesterolemia, while atherosclerosis was induced via AAV-PCSK9 injection combined with a 16-week high-cholesterol diet. Our results demonstrated that IMM-H007 improved cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism in mice with hypercholesterolemia. Mechanistically, IMM-H007 modulated the AMPKα1/2-LDLR signaling pathway, increasing cholesterol uptake in the liver. Furthermore, IMM-H007 activated the AMPKα1-FXR pathway, promoting the conversion of hepatic cholesterol to bile acids. Additionally, IMM-H007 prevented hepatic steatosis by activating the AMPKα1/2-ATGL pathway. In conclusion, our study suggests that IMM-H007 is a promising therapeutic agent for improving hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis through the activation of AMPKα.
5.The influence of the quantitative changes of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing hepatectomy
Kai QU ; Kun YANG ; Jia JIA ; Yuan LIU ; Xiaohua MA ; Yunxiang LONG ; Kunjin WU ; Kaibo YANG ; Xing ZHANG ; Chang LIU
Tumor 2024;44(2):146-157
Objective:To explore the assessment value of liver enzyme changes before and after hepatectomy on the prognosis of patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 421 patients with primary HCC who received at the First and Second Affiliated Hospitals of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2016 to December 2020.The univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were used to screen the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with primary HCC,and the optimal cut-off value was selected to group the most valuable indicators among them,further analyzing the different factors among subgroups.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the prognosis of the subgroups,and the survival curves were plotted and statistically tested. Results:Multivariate COX regression analysis revealed that Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC)stage,tumor number,alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),the quantitative change of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT)and total bilirubin(TBIL)before and after surgery were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with primary HCC(P<0.01),and there were differences in hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg),TNM stage,BCLC stage,tumor size,tumor number,tumor differentiation degree,AFP,surgery type,intraoperative bleeding volume,postoperative albumin-bilirubin(ALBI)and white blood cell count between the high and low GGT variation groups(P<0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the prognosis of patients with primary HCC between the high and low GGT variation groups was significantly different,with a hazard ratio of 2.603 for mortality and 1.449 for recurrence(both P<0.01). Conclusion:The quantitative change of GGT before and after hepatectomy has an evaluation value for the prognosis of patients with primary HCC,and the quantitative change of GGT greater than 29.5 is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients with primary HCC.
6.A Study on High-Quality Development of Public Hospitals Based on Bibliometric
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(2):36-39
Objective To analyze the current status of high-quality development research in public hospitals,sum-marize the connotation and paths,and provide a reference for promoting the high-quality development of public hos-pitals.Methods Using"public hospitals"and"high-quality development"as the title,keywords or themes,1802 articles were retrieved from CNKI and Wanfang databases from January 1,2018,to December 31,2022,for bibliometric analysis.Results The number of articles has increased year by year,published in 235 domestic journals.The authors'institutions are mainly located in the eastern part of China.Among the specific contents,there are the most articles on the"operation management system".In 2021,with the introduction of relevant policies,re-search on the connotation and paths of high-quality development in public hospitals has increased.Conclusion The re-search on high-quality development in public hospitals is growing rapidly,with rich connotations and gradually clear paths,but still faces many difficulties.
7.Simultaneous content determination of twelve constituents in Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules by HPLC
Ji-Yao YIN ; Jing HU ; Xia SHEN ; Xiao-Min CUI ; Hui REN ; Tong QU ; Ning LI ; Wen-Jin LU ; Zhi-Yong CHEN ; Kai QU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2024;46(1):1-6
AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of gallic acid,protocatechuic acid,morroniside,loganin,sweroside,paeoniflorin,hypericin,astragalin,salvianolic acid B,salvianolic acid A,epimedin C and icariin in Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 30℃thermostatic Agilent 5 TC-C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.1%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.RESULTS Twelve constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 8),whose average recoveries were 97.11%-101.14%with the RSDs of 0.60%-2.65%.CONCLUSION This simple,accurate and reproducible method can be used for the quality control of Bushen Huoxue Sanjie Capsules.
8.Mechanisms by which baicalein protects against steriod-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats
Wanli MA ; Hongsheng YANG ; Bo QU ; Zhengdong ZHANG ; Kai GONG ; Yanshui LIN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(23):3661-3668
BACKGROUND:The development of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a complex process involving multiple mechanisms.There is still no standard therapeutic drug for early intervention of this disease.Current studies have shown that baicalein has various pharmacological activities such as regulating lipid metabolism,bone metabolism,apoptosis and anti-oxidative stress,which provides an idea for the prevention and treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. OBJECTIVE:To observe the preventive effect of baicalein against steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and to investigate its possible mechanism. METHODS:Thirty-six 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=12 per group):blank control group,model group,and baicalein intervention group.In the model group and baicalein intervention group,intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide and intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate were performed for modeling,while normal saline was used as a substitute for the modeling drug in the blank control group.Baicalein 300 mg/kg was administered by gavage(once a day for 6 weeks)at the time of initial intramuscular glucocorticoid injection in the baicalein intervention group,and baicalein was replaced by normal saline in the other two groups.The serum level of malondialdehyde in rats was detected at 2 weeks of the experiment.Blood lipid indicators and bone formation metabolic markers were detected at 6 weeks of the experiment,the histomorphometric changes of the femoral head were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,anti-tartaric acid phosphatase staining and TUNEL staining,and the femoral head was subjected to Micro-CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction of the bone in order to analyze the alterations of bone tissue structure and parameters. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The serum levels of malondialdehyde,triglyceride,β-collagen type Ⅰ carboxy-terminal peptide were increased and the serum levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase and pre-collagen type Ⅰ amino-terminal peptide were decreased in the model group compared with the blank control group(P<0.05).The serum level of malondialdehyde decreased in the baicalein intervention group compared with the model group(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between the baicalein intervention group and blank control group(P>0.05).The serum level of triglyceride was higher in the baicalein intervention group than the blank control group(P<0.05),but had no significant difference between the baicalein intervention group and model group(P>0.05).There were also no significant differences in the levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase and β-collagen type Ⅰ carboxy-terminal peptide between the baicalein intervention group and the other two groups(P>0.05).The serum level of the baicalein intervention group was lower in the baicalein intervention group than the blank control group(P<0.05)but had no significant difference between the baicalein intervention group and model group(P>0.05).Histomorphological analysis of the femoral head showed that the rate of bone empty lacuna,osteoclast counting and cell apoptosis rate in the femoral head of model group rats were significantly higher than those of the other two groups(P<0.05).There was a significant increase in the number of adipocytes in the bone marrow cavity of the femoral head,bone trabeculae were thinned and sparsely arranged with more disruptions in the continuity.The incidence of osteonecrosis was higher in the model group(75%)than in the baicalein intervention group(25%;bilateral and unilateral exact significance results were both 0.05).There was also an increase in the number of adipocytes in the bone marrow cavity of the femoral head in the baicalein intervention group,and the trabecular changes were roughly similar to those in the model group.Micro-CT results showed that bone volume fraction,trabecular thickness,trabecular number,and bone mineral density decreased and trabecular separation increased in the model group compared with the blank control group(P<0.05).Overall significant bone mass loss was observed in the model group.Bone tissue parameters in the baicalein intervention group were significantly improved than those in the model group,which were reflected in bone volume fraction,trabecular thickness and trabecular separation(P<0.05),and trabecular number and bone mineral density had no significant difference between the baicalein intervention group and blank control group(P>0.05).Although baicalein failed to significantly ameliorate dyslipidemia and promote bone formation in rats with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,it could reduce the incidence of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by reducing oxidative stress damage,decreasing cell apoptosis,inhibiting osteoclasts,suggesting its effectiveness in the early prevention of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
9.Theoretical models for influenza vaccination behavior at the individual level
Kai QU ; Yulu MIAO ; Simeng FAN ; Yanzhe LIU ; Xiaokun YANG ; Hongting ZHAO ; Ying QIN ; Jiandong ZHENG ; Yanping ZHANG ; Zhibin PENG ; Zijian FENG
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(4):608-614
Influenza imposes a significant disease burden on society and individuals annually, and influenza vaccination is considered a significant public health measure to prevent influenza and reduce influenza-related severe disease and death. The low influenza vaccination rate in China is partly due to certain factors affecting the willingness and behavior of individuals to receive them. Scientific research and targeted interventions on these factors can effectively improve the vaccination situation. Commonly used individual-level theoretical models for influenza vaccination behavior include the health belief model, protection motivation theory, and theory of planned behavior. This study reviews theoretical models commonly employed in researching influenza vaccination willingness and behavior. An overview of these practical applications and challenges models is presented to provide references for relevant research and intervention programs in China.
10.Expression of N-MYC and NDRG1 in gastric cancer tissues and their effects on biological characteristics of gastric cancer cells
Yilin QU ; Shiwei ZHANG ; Pan QIN ; Hongliang JI ; Shunqing LI ; Kai YANG
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(18):2229-2233,2239
Objective To analyze the expression of N-MYC and N-MYC downstream regulated gene-1(NDRG1)in gastric cancer tissues,and to assess their effects on biological characteristics of gastric cancer cells.Methods Paired of gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues resected from 82 cases of patholog-ically confirmed gastric cancer who underwent surgical treatment in the hospital from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected.Gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues of 82 patients who were surgically re-sected and pathologically diagnosed with gastric cancer in the hospital from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected.Real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of N-MYC and NDRG1,and clinical data of the patients were collected.The correlation between the mRNA expres-sion of N-MYC and NDRG1 and clinicopathological features of the patients was discussed.NCI-N87 cells in logarithmic growth phase were selected and cultured in vitro.N-MYC interference plasmid(si-N-MYC)and its negative control(si-NC)was transfected into NCI-N87 cells,respectively,which were recorded as si-NC group and si-N-MYC group.Moreover,si-N-MYC was co-transfected into NCI-N87 cells with anti-NC and an-ti-NDRG1,respectively,and denoted as si-N-MYC+anti-NC group and si-N-MYC+anti-NDRG1 group.CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation activity,Transwell assay was used to detect cell invasion ability,and Western blotting assay was used to detect N-MYC and NDRG1 protein expression in cells.Results The relative expression of N-MYC mRNA in gastric cancer tissues was higher than that in paracancer tissues(P<0.05),and the relative expression of NDRG1 mRNA was lower than that in paracancer tissues(P<0.05).There were significant differences in the expression of N-MYC and NDRG1 mRNA in patients with different TNM stages,lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis(P<0.05).Compared with the si-NC group,the cell proliferation and invasion ability of the si-N-MYC group were decreased(P<0.05),and the expression of NDRG1 protein was down-regulated(P<0.05).Compared with si-N-MYC+anti-NC group,cell proliferation and invasion ability of si-N-MYC+anti-NDRG1 group were increased(P<0.05).N-MYC could target and regulate NDRG1,and knocking down NDRG1 could reverse the biological effects of N-MYC on gastric cells.Conclusion In gastric cancer tissue,N-MYC mRNA expression is upregulated and NDRG1 mRNA expression is downregulated,both of which play important roles in the regulation of malignant biological behaviors such as proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells.


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