1.Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Gualou Niubangtang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and HPLC
Yiyi ZHANG ; Jing YANG ; Yuqing CHENG ; Huimin GAO ; Jin QIN ; Li YAO ; Xiyang DU ; Raorao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):179-187
ObjectiveThis paper aims to clarify the material basis of Gualou Niubangtang and establish a quantitative analysis method for its main constituents, providing a reference for the overall quality control of this preparation. MethodsThe constituents in the formula were systematically characterized based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Identification was performed by matching with the UNIFI 9.6 software and utilizing database platforms such as PubChem, ChemicalBook, and ChemSpider, combined with relevant literature reports. A quantitative analysis method for the seven main constituents in Gualou Niubangtang was established by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ResultsUPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 155 constituents, including 69 flavonoids, 36 terpenoids, 23 phenylpropanoids, 8 phenylethanoid glycosides, and 19 other types of constituents. In the established quantitative analysis method, the seven main constituents showed good linearity within their respective linear ranges. The precision, repeatability, stability, and spike recovery all met the required standards. The results showed that the content ranges of geniposide, liquiritin, hesperidin, arctiin, baicalin, oroxylin A-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, and wogonoside in 15 batches of Gualou Niubangtang were 13.67-21.25, 1.20-7.64, 5.45-7.45, 22.97-33.51, 29.95-39.07, 2.58-4.80, and 6.56-9.31 mg·g-1, respectively. ConclusionThis study successfully characterizes and attributes multi-category constituents in Gualou Niubangtang, clarifying that its material basis is primarily composed of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and phenylpropanoids. Furthermore, it enables the quantification of seven constituents within the formula. This work lays a foundation for research on the quality control, action mechanism, and clinical application of this formula.
2.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
3.Re-examination of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Dosage of Whole Formula in Yuejiuwan
Yanping HAN ; Yiyi ZHANG ; Huimin GAO ; Raorao LI ; Li YAO ; Zhaoxiang SUN ; Zhuo MA ; Huamin ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):223-233
Yuejuwan is a classic formula widely used by doctors to relieve liver and depression, with precise clinical efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors used bibliometric methods to collect and collate 495 ancient data related to Yuejuwan, and 105 valid data were screened out, involving 68 ancient Chinese medical books. After systematic verification of the origin of the formula of Yuejuwan, the main treatment symptoms, the principle of the formula, the composition of the drug, the dosage, the preparation method, the decoction method, and other information, the results showed that Yuejuwan originated from the Danxi Xinfa (《丹溪心法》) of the Yuan Dynasty by ZHU Zhenheng, and it is composed of five medicines, namely Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Massa Medicata Fermentata, and Gardeniae Fructus. In terms of drug base, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Gardeniae Fructus are in line with the records in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Massa Medicata Fermentata is used. The preparation method is as follows: Massa Medicata Fermentata and Gardeniae Fructus are fried, and Cyperi Rhizoma is roasted in vinegar. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is used in the raw form, and Atractylodis Rhizoma is prepared with rice swill. The formula can regulate Qi and relieve depression and broaden the middle and remove fullness. It is clinically used for the treatment of six types of depression syndromes, chest and diaphragm plumpness, abdominal distension and leg acid, acid swallowing and vomiting, eating and drinking disharmony, toothache, mouth and tongue sores, and other diseases. The most used dosage of the formula in the ancient records through the ages is converted into the modern dosage, namely 3.05 g Atractylodis Rhizoma, 3.05 g Cyperi Rhizoma, 3.05 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 3.05 g Massa Medicata Fermentata, and 3.05 g Gardeniae Fructus, and the daily dosage is 15.25 g. The converted dosage is similar to that recorded in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The formula is in pill form, and medicine should be taken with lukewarm boiled water after the meal. Through the excavation of the ancient literature related to Yuejuwan, the key information of the formula is identified, with a view to providing a more accurate reference for the clinical application of Yuejuwan and subsequent in-depth investigation.
4.Re-examination of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Dosage of Whole Formula in Yuejiuwan
Yanping HAN ; Yiyi ZHANG ; Huimin GAO ; Raorao LI ; Li YAO ; Zhaoxiang SUN ; Zhuo MA ; Huamin ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):223-233
Yuejuwan is a classic formula widely used by doctors to relieve liver and depression, with precise clinical efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors used bibliometric methods to collect and collate 495 ancient data related to Yuejuwan, and 105 valid data were screened out, involving 68 ancient Chinese medical books. After systematic verification of the origin of the formula of Yuejuwan, the main treatment symptoms, the principle of the formula, the composition of the drug, the dosage, the preparation method, the decoction method, and other information, the results showed that Yuejuwan originated from the Danxi Xinfa (《丹溪心法》) of the Yuan Dynasty by ZHU Zhenheng, and it is composed of five medicines, namely Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Massa Medicata Fermentata, and Gardeniae Fructus. In terms of drug base, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Gardeniae Fructus are in line with the records in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Massa Medicata Fermentata is used. The preparation method is as follows: Massa Medicata Fermentata and Gardeniae Fructus are fried, and Cyperi Rhizoma is roasted in vinegar. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is used in the raw form, and Atractylodis Rhizoma is prepared with rice swill. The formula can regulate Qi and relieve depression and broaden the middle and remove fullness. It is clinically used for the treatment of six types of depression syndromes, chest and diaphragm plumpness, abdominal distension and leg acid, acid swallowing and vomiting, eating and drinking disharmony, toothache, mouth and tongue sores, and other diseases. The most used dosage of the formula in the ancient records through the ages is converted into the modern dosage, namely 3.05 g Atractylodis Rhizoma, 3.05 g Cyperi Rhizoma, 3.05 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 3.05 g Massa Medicata Fermentata, and 3.05 g Gardeniae Fructus, and the daily dosage is 15.25 g. The converted dosage is similar to that recorded in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The formula is in pill form, and medicine should be taken with lukewarm boiled water after the meal. Through the excavation of the ancient literature related to Yuejuwan, the key information of the formula is identified, with a view to providing a more accurate reference for the clinical application of Yuejuwan and subsequent in-depth investigation.
5.Chlorhexidine and Fondaparinux-Induced Kounis Syndrome: a Case Report
Fangzheng YU ; Yajing WANG ; Hang LIN ; Lifeng ZHANG ; Yuhui ZHU ; Xiaomeng SHI ; Huimin ZHOU ; Nan LIN ; Xiang GAO
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(3):334-340
Kounis syndrome is an acute coronary syndrome triggered by an allergic reaction, which is clinically rare and frequently subject to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. This article presents a case report of a 70-year-old male patient who developed a rash, pruritus, and chest pain following colon polyp resection. Coronary angiography revealed occlusion of the left anterior descending artery, and blood flow was restored after stent implantation. However, the patient experienced recurrent symptoms accompanied by loss of consciousness. Drug skin tests confirmed positive reactions to chlorhexidine and fondaparinux sodium, leading to a diagnosis of type Ⅱ Kounis syndrome. By avoiding allergenic drugs and combining antihistamines with symptomatic treatment to correct myocardial ischemia, the patient′s clinical symptoms significantly improved, and he eventually recovered and was discharged from the hospital. This case underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance for this syndrome in patients with allergies accompanied by chest pain and promptly identifying and avoiding allergens.
6.Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among dementia patients via blood biomarker measurement based on the AT(N) system.
Tianyi WANG ; Li SHANG ; Chenhui MAO ; Longze SHA ; Liling DONG ; Caiyan LIU ; Dan LEI ; Jie LI ; Jie WANG ; Xinying HUANG ; Shanshan CHU ; Wei JIN ; Zhaohui ZHU ; Huimin SUI ; Bo HOU ; Feng FENG ; Bin PENG ; Liying CUI ; Jianyong WANG ; Qi XU ; Jing GAO
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(12):1505-1507
7.Identification, characterization, substrate binding mode prediction, and modification of a novel amidohydrolase from Microbulbifer thermotolerans.
Nana XU ; Mingzhu YAN ; Hao WANG ; Xiao LIANG ; Weidong LIU ; Huimin QIN ; Jian GAO
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(9):3567-3578
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is ubiquitous in the food and feed fields. It has strong hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, seriously threatening the health of humans and animals. Enzymatic degradation of mycotoxins is considered to be a promising method to control mycotoxin contaminations. In this study, a new ochratoxin A amidohydrolase from Microbulbifer thermotolerans (MiADH) was obtained. After heterologous expression in Escherichia coli and purification, the recombinant protein was studied regarding the hydrolysis activity, hydrolysis products, enzymatic properties, and substrate binding mode. MiADH can degrade OTA into ochratoxin α (OTα) and phenylalanine, demonstrating a detoxifying ability. It demonstrated the best performance at 70 ℃ and pH 8.0, and Cu2+ had the strongest inhibitory effect on the activity of MiADH. MiADH with good thermal stability exhibited huge potential for industrial application. Rational design guided by three-dimensional structural models and substrate docking analysis revealed the important amino acids affecting substrate binding and obtained multiple mutants with improved activity. Among these mutants, V324A had the highest activity, which was 4.2-fold that of the wild type. The identification of MiADH enriches the ochratoxin A degradation enzyme library and provides a new candidate enzyme for the biological detoxification of ochratoxin A in the food and feed industry.
Amidohydrolases/chemistry*
;
Ochratoxins/metabolism*
;
Substrate Specificity
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Escherichia coli/metabolism*
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Recombinant Proteins/metabolism*
;
Actinomycetales/genetics*
8.Analysis of Dengue virus nucleic acid testing screening among blood donors in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, China
Xinru LIU ; Shaofang LU ; Ying YAN ; Jing DONG ; Ji WU ; Jie MA ; Le CHANG ; Huimin JI ; Huizhen SUN ; Mingwen DENG ; Xiaoqian GAO ; Lunan WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(12):1662-1668
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Dengue virus (DENV) infection among voluntary blood donors in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, and to evaluate the necessity of implementing nucleic acid testing (NAT) for blood donors during the rainy season (May-October). Methods: Prior to initiating donor screening, the Xishuangbanna Central Blood Center conducted in-house validation of reagent performance and participated in external quality assessment (EQA) organized by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL). During the surveillance period (August-October 2024), a total of 2 919 donor samples were screened using a 6-sample mini-pool NAT strategy. Daily internal quality controls were recorded. Samples that tested positive in pooled screening were deconvoluted and retested in duplicate; only those reactive in both replicate wells were sent to the NCCL for confirmatory testing. At NCCL, samples underwent re-testing using five domestic NAT reagents, as well as serological assays for NS1 antigen and DENV-specific IgG/IgM. Confirmed positive samples were further characterized by serotyping, envelope (E) gene sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method. Results: The DENV NAT reagent demonstrated consistent detection of 40 copies/mL controls in individual donor (ID)-NAT test (mean CT: 35.61±0.40). During the 63-day quality control monitoring, DENV detection remained stable (mean CT: 22.53±0.72). The center achieved full marks in EQA assessments for 2023 and 2024. Three reactive pools were identified in initial screening, and subsequent individual testing confirmed three DENV RNA-positive donors (sample numbers: 2401, 2402, and 2403). The confirmatory test results from NCCL were: all five NAT platforms consistently detected DENV RNA in the three samples; for serological tests, 2 samples (2402, 2403) were positive for NS1 antigen, while all three samples were negative for both IgG and IgM antibodies. DENV serotyping reagents identified DENV-2 in all cases, which were further confirmed as DENV-2 Genotype Ⅱ-Cosmopolitan by E gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that samples 2401 and 2402 clustered with Southeast Asian strains (Thailand/MZ636802.1, Laos/PQ775621.1), while sample 2403 closely matched a previously reported local Yunnan strain (PV544686.1). Conclusion: DENV-2 infection was detected among blood donors in Xishuangbanna during the rainy season, indicating concurrent risks of imported and local transmission. We recommend implementing pooled NAT screening for blood donors in high-risk areas during dengue epidemic seasons, along with strengthened laboratory quality control, to enhance blood safety.
9.Improvement of Thyroid Injury in AIT Mice by Inhibiting Ferroptosis Through Regulation of Nrf2/PPARγ/GPX4 Pathway by Buzhong Yiqitang
Ziyu LIU ; Zhuo ZHAO ; Yiran CHEN ; Huimin CAO ; Si CHEN ; Zhimin WANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Xiao YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(18):10-18
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang in ameliorating ferroptosis in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) mice based on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway. Method120 SPF-grade 7-8-week-old NOD.H-2h4 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose Buzhong Yiqitang groups, and western medicine group, with 20 mice in each group. Except for the control group, all mice were fed with classic high-iodine water (0.05% NaI) to induce AIT models after 8 weeks. The low-, medium-, and high-dose Buzhong Yiqitang groups were administered 4.78, 9.56, 19.12 g·kg-1 of Buzhong Yiqitang, respectively, via gavage. The western medicine group was given 3.033×10-5 g·kg-1 selenium yeast tablet suspension via gavage, while the control and model groups were given an equal volume of distilled water via gavage. After 8 weeks of continuous treatment, samples were collected. The pathological morphology of mouse thyroid tissue was observed through hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining,the content of serumantithyroid peroxidase autoantibody(TPOAb)and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies(TGAb)was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),the kit was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in mouse serum. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the localized expression of GPX4 in thyroid tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, PPARγ, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), solute carrier family 3 member 2 (SLC3A2), lysolipid lecithin acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3), and GPX4 mRNA in thyroid tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Nrf2, PPARγ, SLC7A11, SLC3A2, LPCAT3, and GPX4 proteins in thyroid tissue. ResultCompared with control group, model group under light microscopy showed significant lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid tissue, significantly increased levels of TGAb and TPOAb in serum (P<0.01), significantly increased MDA levels and decreased SOD levels in serum (P<0.01), significantly decreased expression of Nrf2, PPARγ, SLC7A11, SLC3A2, and GPX4 (P<0.01) in thyroid tissue, while the expression of LPCAT3 was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the Buzhong Yiqitang groups and the western medication group under light microscopy showed lymphocyte infiltration in the thyroid tissue of was decreased, significantly decreased levels of TPOAb and TGAb in serum (P<0.05,P<0.01), decreased MDA levels and increased SOD levels in serum(P<0.05,P<0.01),significantly increased expression of Nrf2, PPARγ, SLC7A11, SLC3A2, and GPX4, while the expression of LPCAT3 was significantly decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01) in the thyroid tissue. Compared with western medication group, Buzhong Yiqitang groups showed significant overall trends in the expression of Nrf2, PPARγ, SLC7A11, SLC3A2, GPX4, and LPCAT3 (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can effectively improve the inflammatory injury of AIT, and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of Nrf2/PPARγ/GPX4 to inhibit ferroptosis.
10.Mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang in Improving Autoimmune Thyroiditis by Regulating Th17 Cells Through miR-155/Ndfip1/Pten Axis
Xiaohui LI ; Zhuo ZHAO ; Yiran CHEN ; Huimin CAO ; Si CHEN ; Zhimin WANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Ziyu LIU ; Xiao YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(18):19-26
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Buzhong Yiqitang in improving autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) by regulating helper T cell 17(Th17) cells through microRNA-155 (miR-155)/Nedd4 family interaction protein 1 (Ndfip1)/phosphatase and tensin homology (Pten) axis. MethodThe 100 SPF grade 8 week-old NOD.H-2h4 mice were fed with high iodine water (0.05% NaI) for 8 weeks, and AIT model was made. They were divided into model group, Buzhong Yiqitang low-,medium-,and high-dose groups (4.78,9.56,19.12 g·kg-1·d-1) and selenium yeast tablet group (3.033×10-5 g·kg-1) according to random number table method. There were 20 mice in each group and 20 mice in the control group. The control group and the model group were given the same amount of distilled water. After 8 weeks of continuous administration, Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-155-5p, Ndfip1, Pten, protein tyrosine kinase 1 (Jak1), signaling and transcriptional activator 3 (Stat3) retinoic acid-associated orphan receptor γt (RORγt), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) mRNA in mouse thyroid tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Ndfip1, Pten, Jak1, Stat3, RORγt, and IL-17 proteins in mouse thyroid tissue, immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of Ndfip1 and Pten proteins in mouse thyroid tissue; flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Th17 cells in mouse spleen. ResultCompared with the control group, the proportion of Th17 cells was increased (P<0.01). The expressions of miR-155-5p, Jak1, Stat3, RORγt and IL-17 were increased (P<0.01), while the expressions of Ndfip1 and Pten were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the proportion of Th17 cells was decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). The expressions of miR-155-5p, Jak1, Stat3, RORγt and IL-17 were decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01), while the expressions of Ndfip1 and Pten were increased (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionThe application of Buzhong Yiqitang can improve the autoimmune disorder of AIT mice, the mechanism of which may be related to the regulation of Ndfip1/Pten axis by miR-155 and then the regulation of Th17 cell differentiation.

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