1.Quality Evaluation of Gegen Qinlian Tablets Based on HPLC Multi-component Quantification Combined with Chemical Pattern Recognition and TOPSIS Analysis
Ping QIN ; Yingying LU ; Wenming ZHANG ; Zifang FENG ; Lihong GU ; Chenjie XIA ; Minmin HU ; Xiaowei CHEN ; Zhenhua BIAN ; Xiwan LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):217-224
ObjectiveTo establish a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) for the quantitative analysis of multiple components in Gegen Qinlian tablets, and to comprehensively evaluate the quality of samples from different manufacturers by integrating chemical pattern recognition and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS), in order to provide a reference basis for quality evaluation and control of Gegen Qinlian tablets. MethodsHPLC was employed to determine the contents of 10 components in 28 batches of Gegen Qinlian tablets collected from 6 manufacturers, and taking the detection results as variables, SIMCA 14.1 and SPSS 26.0 were employed for cluster analysis(CA), principal component analysis(PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) to identify key components affecting the quality. Then, TOPSIS analysis was employed to rank the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets from the 6 manufacturers and establish a comprehensive quality evaluation method. ResultsA quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets was established. After methodological validation, the method was found to be stable and reliable, and could be used for the quantitative analysis of this preparation. The contents of 3′-hydroxy puerarin, puerarin, 3′-methoxy puerarin, daidzein, coptisine hydrochloride, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride and baicalin in 28 batches of samples were 3.58-7.35, 24.88-42.32, 4.20-9.36, 4.33-7.60, 2.52-6.44, 0.93-4.10, 0.58-3.05, 10.68-22.92, 0.82-4.82, 11.73-60.16 mg·g-1, respectively. Among them, puerarin, berberine hydrochloride and baicalin all met the limit requirements for this preparation specified in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. CA and PCA clustered the 28 batches of samples into 5 categories, PCA extracted 2 principal components with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 90.588%, and OPLS-DA screened out 4 differential markers with variable importance in the projection(VIP) values>1.0, namely baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride, which might be the main components affecting the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets. TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive score of each evaluation index(Ci) values of different manufacturers were different. Among them, the Ci of manufacturer B was ranked higher, indicating potentially superior quality, while the Ci of manufacturer A was ranked lower, suggesting potentially inferior quality. ConclusionThis study establishes a quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets, and the content uniformity of the same manufacturer is good, while there are differences in the contents of active components among different manufacturers. Through the chemical pattern recognition analysis, it is found that the content differences of Gegen Qinlian tablets may be related to baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride.
2.Current status of research on the mechanism of action of emodin in the prevention and treatment of chronic liver diseases
Yajie CHEN ; Xin WANG ; Yunjuan WU ; Ying SU ; Yuhan WANG ; Jinxue ZHANG ; Ning YAO ; Ying QIN ; Xiaoning ZUO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):228-234
Chronic liver diseases are a group of diseases in which the liver is subjected to a variety of injuries over a long period of time, resulting in irreversible pathological changes that last longer than 6 months. Emodin (EMO) is a natural anthraquinone derivative derived from Rheum officinale, and its pharmacological effect has been extensively studied, exhibiting a variety of biological properties and involving multiple signaling molecules and pathways. Western medicine or surgical treatment is currently the main treatment regimen for chronic liver diseases, and the advance in treatment is limited by various reasons such as side effects and high costs. Due to its natural origin and efficacy, EMO has unique advantages in the treatment of chronic liver diseases and has now become a research hotspot. This article summarizes the therapeutic effect of EMO on chronic liver diseases and its mechanism, in order to provide a certain scientific basis for the traditional Chinese medicine treatment of chronic liver diseases and the development of drugs in clinical practice.
3.Bioactive metabolites: A clue to the link between MASLD and CKD?
Wen-Ying CHEN ; Jia-Hui ZHANG ; Li-Li CHEN ; Christopher D. BYRNE ; Giovanni TARGHER ; Liang LUO ; Yan NI ; Ming-Hua ZHENG ; Dan-Qin SUN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):56-73
Metabolites produced as intermediaries or end-products of microbial metabolism provide crucial signals for health and diseases, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These metabolites include products of the bacterial metabolism of dietary substrates, modification of host molecules (such as bile acids [BAs], trimethylamine-N-oxide, and short-chain fatty acids), or products directly derived from bacteria. Recent studies have provided new insights into the association between MASLD and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, alterations in microbiota composition and metabolite profiles, notably altered BAs, have been described in studies investigating the association between MASLD and the risk of CKD. This narrative review discusses alterations of specific classes of metabolites, BAs, fructose, vitamin D, and microbiota composition that may be implicated in the link between MASLD and CKD.
4.Impact of Antibody Immune Response and Immune Cells on Osteoporosis and Fractures
Kangkang OU ; Jiarui CHEN ; Jichong ZHU ; Weiming TAN ; Cheng WEI ; Guiyu LI ; Yingying QIN ; Chong LIU
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(3):530-545
Background:
The immune system plays a critical role in the development and progression of osteoporosis and fractures. However, the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and these bone conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to explore these relationships using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods:
We collected complete blood count data from patients with fractures and healthy individuals and analyzed their differences. Then, we conducted a 2-sample, 2-step MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of antibody immune responses on osteoporosis and fractures, using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method. We also explored whether immune cells mediate the pathway between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures. Finally, we analyzed the functions and expression levels of key genes involved.
Results:
Overall, the fracture group exhibited increased white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, and their respective proportions, while absolute lymphocyte count, absolute eosinophil count, absolute basophil count, red blood cell count, and their proportions were decreased. We identified 44 causal relationships between antibodies and osteoporosis or fractures, with 7 supported by multiple MR methods, and 5 showing odds ratios significantly deviating from 1 in the IVW analysis. Epstein-Barr virus-related antibodies had a notable impact on osteoporosis and fractures. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene family, particularly HLA-DPB1, emerged as a significant risk factor. However, immune cells were not found to mediate these effects.
Conclusions
This study elucidated the causal relationships between antibody immune responses, immune cells, and osteoporosis or fractures. The HLA gene family plays a crucial role in the interaction between antibodies and these bone conditions, with HLA-DPB1 identified as a key risk gene. Immune cells do not serve as mediators in this process. These findings provide valuable insights for future research.
5.Anatomical Importance Between Neural Structure and Bony Landmark in Neuroventral Decompression for Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Xin WANG ; Tao HU ; Chaofan QIN ; Bo LEI ; Mingxin CHEN ; Ke MA ; Qingyan LONG ; Qingshuai YU ; Si CHENG ; Zhengjian YAN
Neurospine 2025;22(1):286-296
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD).
Methods:
Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured.
Results:
The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females.
Conclusion
A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.
6.Influence of platelet-albumin-bilirubin score on textbook outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy
Meixia LI ; Li QIN ; Zhancheng QIU ; Tinghao CHEN ; Yueqing XU ; Chuan LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(5):927-933
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of platelet-albumin-bilirubin (PALBI) score on the textbook outcome (TO) of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy, as well as the association of different PALBI scores before surgery with the achievement of TO after hepatectomy in HCC patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the data of HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy in West China Hospital of Sichuan University and Ziyang Central Hospital from January 2013 to January 2022. TO was defined as no serious complication within 30 days after surgery, no death within 90 days, no rehospitalization within 30 days after discharge, no blood transfusion in the perioperative period, RO resection, and no prolongation of hospital stay. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for the achievement of TO after hepatectomy in HCC patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curves of HCC patients, and the Log-rank test was used for comparison. ResultsA total of 3 599 patients were included in this study, among whom 2 369 (65.8%) achieved TO. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PALBI grade (PALBI grade 2: odds ratio [OR]=1.562, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.308 — 1.864, P<0.001; PALBI grade 3: OR=2.216, 95%CI: 1.463 — 3.359, P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for achievement of TO after surgery in HCC patients. The proportion of patients achieving TO decreased with the increase in PALBI grade. Among the patients with PALBI grade 1, 2 or 3, the patients achieving TO accounted for 70.2%, 54.2%, and 38.4%, respectively (χ2=106.295, P<0.001). The incidence rate of serious complications within 30 days, the mortality rate of patients within 90 days after hepatectomy, readmission rate within 30 days after discharge, perioperative blood transfusion rate, and the rate of prolonged hospital stay all increased with the increase in PALBI grade (all P<0.05). For the patients achieving TO, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year relapse-free survival rates were 79.5%, 60.6%, and 51.5%, respectively, and the overall survival rates were 92.1%, 80.0%, and 71.1%, respectively; for those who did not achieve TO, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year relapse-free survival rates were 68.5%, 52.7%, and 46.2%, respectively, and the overall survival rates were 83.3%, 66.0%, and 57.1%, respectively. The patients who achieved TO had significantly better relapse-free survival rate and overall survival rate than those who did not achieve TO (χ2=18.936 and 79.371, both P<0.001). ConclusionPreoperative PALBI grade can affect the achievement of TO after hepatectomy in HCC patients, and it is more difficult for patients with a higher PALBI grade to achieve TO. Preoperative PALBI score can be used to early identify the patients with a high risk of postoperative complications, provide early intervention, and enhance perioperative management, thereby improving the perioperative safety and long-term prognosis of HCC patients after hepatectomy.
7.Control effect of defocus incorporated multiple segments on myopia in adolescents
Jing CHENG ; Aijiao QIN ; Simin CHEN ; Lu LYU
International Eye Science 2025;25(7):1067-1072
AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of defocus incorporated multiple segments(DIMS)on myopia in adolescents, and provide a theoretical basis for clinical application.METHODS:Retrospective study. A total of 560 myopic children(560 eyes)aged 8-13 years who were admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to January 2022 were selected as research subjects, of whom 180 cases(180 eyes)were enrolled in the DIMS group. The orthokeratology(OK lens)group consisted of 182 patients(182 eyes), and the single vision(SV)group consisted of 198 patients(198 eyes). The changes of the spherical equivalent and axial length in the three groups were observed after 1 and 2 a respectively. The myopia degree(group A: spherical equivalent ≥-3.00 D and group B: -6.00 D≤ spherical equivalent <-3.00 D), and age(group Ⅰ: 8-10 years old and group Ⅱ: 11-13 years old)were grouped to further analyze the effect of myopia degree and age on treatment effect.RESULTS: At 1 and 2 a after wearing lenses, the spherical equivalent in the DIMS and SV groups was statistically significant(all P<0.05); there was statistical significance in the axial length among the DIMS, OK and SV groups(F=21.791, 3.576, all P<0.05). At 1 and 2 a after wearing lenses, there was statistical significance in the changes of spherical equivalent in both the DIMS and SV groups of the groups A and B(all P<0.05); and there was statistical significance in axial length growth of the DIMS, OK and SV groups(all P<0.05). At 1 and 2 a after wearing lenses, there was statistical significance in the changes of spherical equivalent in the DIMS and SV groups of the groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ(all P<0.01); in the group Ⅰ, there was statistical significance in the comparison of axial length growth in the DIMS, OK and SV groups(all P<0.05); in the group Ⅱ, there was no statistical significance in the changes of axial length in the DIMS and OK groups. The efficacy of DIMS and OK in the prevention and treatment of myopia was comparable, and the myopia progression was delayed, and the efficacy was enhanced in those older adolescents wearing DIMS.CONCLUSION: Compared with SV lens, DIMS and OK lenses effectively slow down the myopia progression in adolescents. The overall myopia control effect of DIMS is slightly inferior to that of OK lens. However, with the increase of age and the degree of refractive error, the delaying effect of DIMS on myopia progression is enhanced.
8.Self-monitoring blood pressure behavior and its influencing factors among residents in Jiangsu Province
MIAO Caiyun ; QIN Yu ; WAN Yanan ; CHEN Lulu ; CUI Lan ; WANG Xiaoli
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):223-227
Objective:
To investigate the self-monitoring blood pressure behavior and its influencing factors among residents in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the basis for strengthening proactive blood pressure monitoring among residents.
Methods:
Permanent residents aged 35-75 years in six counties (cities, districts), Jiangsu Province, were selected using the stratified cluster sampling method in 2023. Data on basic information, disease history, and self-monitoring blood pressure behavior were collected, height and weight were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI); and blood glucose and lipid levels were measured. Self-monitoring blood pressure behavior was defined as having measured blood pressure at least once in the past three months. Factors affecting self-monitoring blood pressure behavior were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 12 475 residents were surveyed, including 5 748 males and 6 727 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶1.17. There were 3 855 residents aged 45-<55 years (30.90%) and 5 511 residents who had self-monitoring blood pressure behaviors (44.18%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the residents who were males (OR=1.167, 95%CI: 1.081-1.261), lived in rural areas (OR=1.430, 95%CI: 1.321-1.547), aged 45-75 years (45-<55 years, OR=1.384, 95%CI: 1.241-1.543; 55-<65 years, OR=1.397, 95%CI: 1.243-1.570; 65-75 years, OR=1.196, 95%CI: 1.049-1.363), had an annual household income ≥30 000 yuan (30 000-<60 000 yuan, OR=1.190, 95%CI: 1.072-1.321; 60 000-<110 000 yuan, OR=1.330, 95%CI: 1.191-1.485; ≥110 000 yuan, OR=1.746, 95%CI: 1.536-1.984), were overweight (OR=1.170, 95%CI: 1.070-1.280) or obese (OR=1.248, 95%CI: 1.120-1.391), were unaware (OR=1.221, 95%CI: 1.103-1.353) or aware (OR=3.937, 95%CI: 3.575-4.335) of having hypertension, were aware of having diabetes (OR=1.538, 95%CI: 1.354-1.749), and aware of having dyslipidemia (OR=1.265, 95%CI: 1.106-1.447) were more likely to have self-monitoring blood pressure behaviors.
Conclusions
Among the residents aged 35-75 years in Jiangsu Province, 44.18% had self-monitoring blood pressure behavior. Gender, place of residence, age, annual household income, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were identified as influencing factors for self-monitoring blood pressure behavior.
9.Study on the mechanism of Danggui buxue decoction regulating neutrophil extracellular traps to improve osteo-porosis in rats with premature ovarian failure
Chuiqiao HUANG ; Shuai CHEN ; Qian LI ; Liancheng GUAN ; Jie GAO ; Zhong QIN ; Yunzhi CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):655-660
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism through which Danggui buxue decoction regulates neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to improve osteoporosis (OP) in rats with premature ovarian failure (POF). METHODS Female SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, calcitriol group, and Danggui buxue decoction low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups, with 9 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, all other groups were administered cisplatin via intraperitoneal injection on days 1 and 8 to establish a POF complicated with OP model. Each group received the corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically starting from day 5, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. After the last medication, serum levels of estradiol (E2), NETs, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), and osteocalcin (BGP) were measured. The histopathological changes in bone tissue were observed. The expressions of vitamin D receptor (VDR), myeloperoxidase (MPO), neutrophil elastase (NE) and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) in bone tissue were detected; the protein expressions of 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) were also determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the bone tissue of rats in the model group showed a significant reduction in the number of trabeculae, which was thinner broken and poorly connected, with significant destruction of the reticular structure, and an enlarged marrow cavity. Serum levels of NETs and RANKL, the protein expressions of MPO, NE, CitH3 and CYP24A1 in bone tissue were significantly increased or upregulated, while serum levels of E2, 25(OH)D3 and BGP as well as protein expressions of VDR and CYP27B1 were significantly decreased or downregulated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the histopathological changes in the bone tissue of rats in each administration group showed some degree of recovery, with significant improvements observed in most quantitative indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Danggui buxue decoction can restore the E2 level in POF complicated with OP rats, and improve OP. The mechanism may be related to its ability to upregulate VD level and inhibit the formation of NETs.
10.Multidimensional Analysis of Mechanisms of Nuciferine Against Cerebral Ischemia Based on Transcriptomic Data
Yingying QIN ; Peng LI ; Sha CHEN ; Yan LIU ; Jintang CHENG ; Qingxia XU ; Guohua WANG ; Jing ZHOU ; An LIU ; Chang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):184-191
ObjectiveStudies have shown that nuciferine has anti-cerebral ischemia effect, but the specific mechanism of action has not been elaborated. Based on the transcriptome results, the pharmacological mechanism of nuciferine against cerebral ischemia was analyzed from multiple dimensions including tissue, cell, pathological process, biological process and signaling pathway. MethodsThirty SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, model group and nuciferine group(40 mg·kg-1) according to weight. Except for the sham group, the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) was established by thread embolization method after 30 min of administration in the other two groups. Twenty-four hours after surgery, transcriptome sequencing was used to detect the gene expression profiles in the cortex penumbra of rat cerebral tissue, and gene ontology(GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed for differentially expressed genes. The mechanismof nuciferine against cerebral ischemia was analyzed from 5 dimensions of tissue, cell, pathological process, biological process and signaling pathway by the transcriptome-based multi-scale network pharmacology platform(TMNP). ResultsTranscriptome sequencing and gene quantitative analysis showed that 667 genes were significantly reversed by nuciferine. Further enrichment analysis of KEGG and GO suggested that the pathways of nuciferine involved regulating stress response, ion transport, cell proliferation and differentiation, and synaptic function. TMNP research found that at the tissue level, nuciferine could significantly improve the cerebral tissue injury caused by ischemia. At the cellular and pathological levels, nuciferine could play an anti-cerebral ischemia role by improving the state of various nerve cells, mobilizing immune cells, regulating inflammation. And at the level of biological processes and signaling pathways, nuciferine mainly acted on the processes such as vascular remodeling, inflammation-related signaling pathways, and synaptic signaling. ConclusionCombined with the results of transcriptome sequencing, gene quantitative analysis and TMNP, the mechanism of nuciferine against cerebral ischemia may be related to processes such as intervening in stress response and inflammation, affecting vascular remodeling and regulating synaptic function. These results can provide a basis and reference for further study of the pharmacological mechanism of nuciferine against cerebral ischemia.


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