1.LC-MS Analysis on Material Basis of Famous Classical Formula Xuefu Zhuyutang
Shujing ZHONG ; Zhaoyue LIU ; Mengge WANG ; Lan MIAO ; Changying REN ; Mingqian SUN ; Li LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):188-196
ObjectiveTo systematically identify the chemical constituents of Xuefu Zhuyutang(XFZY) and quantitatively determine its main components, aiming to elucidate its pharmacodynamic material basis and provide a scientific foundation for improving its quality control standards. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed for qualitative analysis of XFZY, and the identification of compounds was accomplished by comparing their retention times, secondary MS fragment ion information, 52 reference standards and relevant databases, followed by attribution of their herbal sources. A total of 22 representative compounds were screened out, and UPLC-quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS) was applied for quantitative analysis of the compounds in the formula. ResultsA total of 77 compounds were identified in XFZY, including 31 flavonoids mainly derived from Aurantii Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Carthami Flos, Bupleuri Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 24 terpenoids mainly derived from Platycodonis Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Rehmanniae Radix, 9 phenylpropanoids and their derivatives mainly derived from Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Rehmanniae Radix, 4 phenolic acids mainly derived from Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 3 saccharides mainly derived from Rehmanniae Radix and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, and 6 other compounds mainly derived from Persicae Semen, Rehmanniae Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the contents of protocatechuic acid, hydroxypaeoniflorin, amygdalin, vanillic acid, paeoniflorin, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoquercitrin, naringin, cosmosiin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, naringenin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, hesperetin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, glycyrrhizic acid, nobiletin and ligustilide in XFZY were determined to be 0.12, 1.57, 54.53, 0.29, 36.17, 4.29, 4.84, 0.09, 46.67, 0.04, 3.44, 31.95, 0.82, 0.10, 0.11, 0.43, 0.07, 0.03, 0.01, 8.24, 0.13, 1.81 mg·g-1. ConclusionThe qualitative method established in this study enables rapid and sensitive analysis of the chemical constituents in XFZY. Among the identified compounds, 52 are confirmed by reference standards, ensuring the accuracy of identification. The quantitative analysis of 22 key components provides a reliable experimental basis for the pharmacodynamic material basis research and quality control standard improvement of XFZY.
2.Discussion on the decoction and dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions
Zilin REN ; Changxiang LI ; Yuxiao ZHENG ; Xin LAN ; Ying LIU ; Yanhui HE ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG ; Xueqian WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):48-54
The purpose of this paper is to explore the decoction and dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions and to provide a reference basis for the clinical use of rhubarb root and rhizome. By collating the relevant classical prescriptions of rhubarb root and rhizome in Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolüe, the relationship between its decoction and dosing methods and the syndrome was analyzed. The decoction of rhubarb root and rhizome in classical prescriptions can be divided into three categories: simultaneous decoction, decoction later, and other methods (impregnation in Mafei decoction, decoction with water from the well spring first taken in the morning, and pills). If it enters the blood level or wants to slow down, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted at the same time with other drugs. If it enters the qi level and wants to speed up, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted later. If it wants to upwardly move, rhubarb root and rhizome should be immersed in Mafei decoction. If it wants to suppress liver yang, rhubarb root and rhizome should be decocted with water from the well spring first taken in the morning. If the disease is prolonged, rhubarb root and rhizome should be taken in pill form. The dosing methods of rhubarb root and rhizome can be divided into five categories: draught, twice, three times, before meals, and unspecified. For acute and serious illnesses with excess of pathogenic qi and adequate vital qi, we choose draught. For gastrointestinal diseases, we choose to take the medicine twice. For achieving a moderate and long-lasting effect, we choose to take the medicine three times. If the disease is located in the lower part of the heart and abdomen, we choose to take it before meals. The use of rhubarb root and rhizome in clinical practice requires the selection of the appropriate decoction and dosing methods according to the location of the disease, the severity of the disease, the patient′s constitution, and the condition after taking the medicine.
3.Application of Recombinant Collagen in Biomedicine
Huan HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Jian WANG ; Li-Wen WANG ; Qian LIU ; Ning-Wen CHENG ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Yun-Lan LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):395-416
Collagen is a major structural protein in the matrix of animal cells and the most widely distributed and abundant functional protein in mammals. Collagen’s good biocompatibility, biodegradability and biological activity make it a very valuable biomaterial. According to the source of collagen, it can be broadly categorized into two types: one is animal collagen; the other is recombinant collagen. Animal collagen is mainly extracted and purified from animal connective tissues by chemical methods, such as acid, alkali and enzyme methods, etc. Recombinant collagen refers to collagen produced by gene splicing technology, where the amino acid sequence is first designed and improved according to one’s own needs, and the gene sequence of improved recombinant collagen is highly consistent with that of human beings, and then the designed gene sequence is cloned into the appropriate vector, and then transferred to the appropriate expression vector. The designed gene sequence is cloned into a suitable vector, and then transferred to a suitable expression system for full expression, and finally the target protein is obtained by extraction and purification technology. Recombinant collagen has excellent histocompatibility and water solubility, can be directly absorbed by the human body and participate in the construction of collagen, remodeling of the extracellular matrix, cell growth, wound healing and site filling, etc., which has demonstrated significant effects, and has become the focus of the development of modern biomedical materials. This paper firstly elaborates the structure, type, and tissue distribution of human collagen, as well as the associated genetic diseases of different types of collagen, then introduces the specific process of producing animal source collagen and recombinant collagen, explains the advantages of recombinant collagen production method, and then introduces the various systems of expressing recombinant collagen, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and finally briefly introduces the application of animal collagen, focusing on the use of animal collagen in the development of biopharmaceutical materials. In terms of application, it focuses on the use of animal disease models exploring the application effects of recombinant collagen in wound hemostasis, wound repair, corneal therapy, female pelvic floor dysfunction (FPFD), vaginal atrophy (VA) and vaginal dryness, thin endometritis (TE), chronic endometritis (CE), bone tissue regeneration in vivo, cardiovascular diseases, breast cancer (BC) and anti-aging. The mechanism of action of recombinant collagen in the treatment of FPFD and CE was introduced, and the clinical application and curative effect of recombinant collagen in skin burn, skin wound, dermatitis, acne and menopausal urogenital syndrome (GSM) were summarized. From the exploratory studies and clinical applications, it is evident that recombinant collagen has demonstrated surprising effects in the treatment of all types of diseases, such as reducing inflammation, promoting cell proliferation, migration and adhesion, increasing collagen deposition, and remodeling the extracellular matrix. At the end of the review, the challenges faced by recombinant collagen are summarized: to develop new recombinant collagen types and dosage forms, to explore the mechanism of action of recombinant collagen, and to provide an outlook for the future development and application of recombinant collagen.
4.Optimization Strategy and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound and Its Component Compatibility
Zhihao WANG ; Wenjing ZHOU ; Chenghao FEI ; Yunlu LIU ; Yijing ZHANG ; Yue ZHAO ; Lan WANG ; Liang FENG ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):299-310
Prescription optimization is a crucial aspect in the study of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds. In recent years, the introduction of mathematical methods, data mining techniques, and artificial neural networks has provided new tools for elucidating the compatibility rules of TCM compounds. The study of TCM compounds involves numerous variables, including the proportions of different herbs, the specific extraction parts of each ingredient, and the interactions among multiple components. These factors together create a complex nonlinear dose-effect relationship. In this context, it is essential to identify methods that suit the characteristics of TCM compounds and can leverage their advantages for effective application in new drug development. This paper provided a comprehensive review of the cutting-edge optimization experimental design methods applied in recent studies of TCM compound compatibilities. The key technical issues, such as the optimization of source material selection, dosage optimization of compatible herbs, and multi-objective optimization indicators, were discussed. Furthermore, the evaluation methods for component effects were summarized during the optimization process, so as to provide scientific and practical foundations for innovative research in TCM and the development of new drugs based on TCM compounds.
5.Clinical Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Cold Dampness Obstruction Syndrome
Yanyu CHEN ; Yanqi LI ; Longxiao LIU ; Liubo ZHANG ; Tianyi LAN ; Nan ZHANG ; Cheng XIAO ; Yuan XU ; Qingwen TAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):140-146
ObjectiveTo study the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the patients with cold dampness obstruction syndrome. MethodsThe RA patients treated in the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Rheumatology of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2022 to June 2024 were selected. The demographic information, clinical data, laboratory test results, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom information were collected for syndrome differentiation, on the basis of which the characteristics and influencing factors of cold dampness obstruction syndrome were analyzed. ResultsA total of 258 RA patients were selected in this study, including 88 (34.1%) patients with cold dampness obstruction syndrome, 53 (20.5%) patients with dampness and heat obstruction syndrome, 31 (12.0%) patients with wind dampness obstruction syndrome, 29 (11.2%) patients with liver-kidney deficiency syndrome, 19 (7.4%) patients with Qi-blood deficiency syndrome, 14 (5.4%) patients with phlegm-stasis obstruction syndrome, 15 (5.8%) patients with stasis obstructing collateral syndrome and 9 (3.5%) patients with Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome. The patients were assigned into two groups of cold dampness obstruction syndrome and other syndromes. The group of cold dampness obstruction syndrome had lower joint fever, 28-tender joint count (TJC28), and 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28)-C-reactive protein (CRP) and higher central sensitization, cold feeling of joints, fear of wind and cold, cold limbs, and abdominal distention than the group of other syndromes (P<0.05). The binary logistic regression analysis showed that central sensitization (OR 5.749, 95%CI 2.116-15.616, P<0.001) and DAS28-CRP (OR 0.600, 95% CI 0.418-0.862, P=0.006) were the independent factors influencing cold dampness obstruction syndrome in RA. ConclusionCold dampness obstruction syndrome is a common syndrome in RA patients. It is associated with central sensitization, cold feeling of joints, abdominal distension and may be a clinical syndrome associated with central sensitization.
6.Retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by attenuating inflammation and modulating macrophage polarization through MKP-1/MAPK signaling pathway
Mengyuan XIN ; Hangyu JIN ; Xiangyu GUO ; Liang ZHAO ; Xiangdan LI ; Dongyuan XU ; Long ZHENG ; Lan LIU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):45-56
Macrophages are innate immune cells connected with the development of inflammation. Retinoic acid has previously been proved to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. However, the exact mechanism through which retinoic acid modulates arthritis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by modulating macrophage polarization. This study used retinoic acid to treat mice with adjuvant arthritis and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects by arthritis score, thermal nociceptive sensitization test, histopathologic examination and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, its specific anti-arthritic mechanism was investigated by flow cytometry, cell transfection and inflammatory signaling pathway assays in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Retinoic acid significantly relieved joint pain and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in mice. Furthermore, this treatment modulated peritoneal macrophage polarization, increased levels of arginase 1, as well as decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vitro, we verified that retinoic acid promotes macrophage transition from the M1 to M2 type by upregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression and inhibiting P38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Notably, the therapeutic effects of retinoic acid were inhibited by MKP-1 knockdown. Retinoic acid exerts a significant therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis in mice by regulating macrophage polarization through the MKP-1/MAPK pathway, and play an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
7.Combination Therapy of Pyrotinib and Metronomic Vinorelbine in HER2+ Advanced Breast Cancer after Trastuzumab Failure (PROVE): A Prospective Phase 2 Study
Chunfang HAO ; Xu WANG ; Yehui SHI ; Zhongsheng TONG ; Shufen LI ; Xiaodong LIU ; Lan ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Wenjing MENG ; Li ZHANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):434-442
Purpose:
Approximately 50%-74% of patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive breast cancer do not respond to trastuzumab, with 75% of treated patients experiencing disease progression within a year. The combination of pyrotinib and capecitabine has showed efficacy in these patients. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib combined with metronomic vinorelbine for trastuzumab-pretreated HER2-positive advanced breast cancer patients.
Materials and Methods:
In this phase 2 trial, patients aged 18-75 years with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer who had previously failed trastuzumab treatment were enrolled to receive pyrotinib 400 mg daily in combination with vinorelbine 40mg thrice weekly. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), while secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and safety.
Results:
From October 21, 2019, to January 21, 2022, 36 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of study treatment. At the cutoff date, 20 experienced disease progression or death. With a median follow-up duration of 35 months, the median PFS was 13.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3 to 18.5). With all patients evaluated, an ORR of 38.9% (95% CI, 23.1 to 56.5) and a DCR of 83.3% (95% CI, 67.2 to 93.6) were achieved. The median OS was not reached. Grade 3 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 17 patients, with diarrhea being the most common (27.8%), followed by vomiting (8.3%) and stomachache (5.6%). There were no grade 4/5 AEs.
Conclusion
Pyrotinib combined with metronomic vinorelbine showed promising efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in HER2-positive advanced breast cancer patients after trastuzumab failure.
8.Carvedilol to prevent hepatic decompensation of cirrhosis in patients with clinically significant portal hypertension stratified by new non-invasive model (CHESS2306)
Chuan LIU ; Hong YOU ; Qing-Lei ZENG ; Yu Jun WONG ; Bingqiong WANG ; Ivica GRGUREVIC ; Chenghai LIU ; Hyung Joon YIM ; Wei GOU ; Bingtian DONG ; Shenghong JU ; Yanan GUO ; Qian YU ; Masashi HIROOKA ; Hirayuki ENOMOTO ; Amr Shaaban HANAFY ; Zhujun CAO ; Xiemin DONG ; Jing LV ; Tae Hyung KIM ; Yohei KOIZUMI ; Yoichi HIASA ; Takashi NISHIMURA ; Hiroko IIJIMA ; Chuanjun XU ; Erhei DAI ; Xiaoling LAN ; Changxiang LAI ; Shirong LIU ; Fang WANG ; Ying GUO ; Jiaojian LV ; Liting ZHANG ; Yuqing WANG ; Qing XIE ; Chuxiao SHAO ; Zhensheng LIU ; Federico RAVAIOLI ; Antonio COLECCHIA ; Jie LI ; Gao-Jun TENG ; Xiaolong QI
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(1):105-118
Background:
s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model.
Methods:
Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort.
Results:
In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM).
Conclusions
Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.
9.Effects of exercise intervention on intestinal flora in college students:a systematic review
Zhaozhi LIU ; Li HUANG ; Haodong TIAN ; Lan LI ; Xiao CHEN ; Yunfei TAO ; Li PENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2394-2401
BACKGROUND:The regulation of intestinal flora by exercise is closely related to human health,but intestinal flora involves many factors.Existing studies have lacked consistent evidence on the effect of exercise on the intestinal flora of college students. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of exercise on intestinal flora diversity and species composition of college students. METHODS:Through systematic search of PubMed,Web of Science,Embase,Medline,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Database and VIP database,eight empirical studies were selected and included,and semi-quantitative analysis was performed on them. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In terms of the species diversity of the intestinal flora,both high-intensity interval training and Tai Chi exercise significantly enhance the species diversity of intestinal flora in college students,while aerobic exercise does not have a significant effect on the enhancement of intestinal flora diversity in college students.In terms of the species composition of the intestinal flora,all three exercise modalities significantly alter the compositional structure of the intestinal flora in college students,which can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Ruminalococcus,Faecalis prevotelli,Blautia,and decrease the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia spp.Compared with high-intensity interval training,aerobic and Tai Chi exercise causes more elevated abundance of beneficial bacteria.In addition to changes in intestinal flora characteristics,exercise improves body composition,cardiorespiratory function,and executive function in college students,and these health benefits are closely linked to exercise-induced changes in intestinal flora that can produce health benefits for the body through metabolic regulation,barrier function,and neuromodulation.Although studies have confirmed the association between exercise and intestinal flora,the mechanism by which exercise affects intestinal flora has not yet been clarified,and at the same time,localizing the flora related to the host health is the key to targeting intestinal flora as a therapeutic target in the future,all of which are worthy of further attention and investigation.
10.Comprehensive Application of AHP-CRITIC Hybrid Weighting Method, Grey Correlation Analysis and BP-ANN in Optimization of Extraction Process of Qizhi Prescription
Qun LAN ; Yi CHENG ; Zian LI ; Bingyu WU ; Jinyu WANG ; Dewen LIU ; Yan TONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):176-186
ObjectiveBased on analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-criteria importance through intercriteria correlation(CRITIC) hybrid weighting method, grey relational analysis and backpropagation artificial neural network(BP-ANN), to optimize the water extraction process of Qizhi prescription, so as to provide an experimental basis for optimization of the preparation process of this prescription and the establishment of quality standards. MethodsL9(34) orthogonal test was employed, and the AHP-CRITIC hybrid weighting method was utilized to determine the weight coefficients of the quality fractions of various components, including astragaloside Ⅳ, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, tenuifolin, and 3,6′-disinapoylsucrose, as well as the dry extract yield. The comprehensive score of each factor level combination in the orthogonal test were calculated as evaluation indicator to select the optimal extraction process parameters. The effects of extraction times, extraction time, and solvent dosage on the aqueous extraction process of the formula were investigated through intuitive analysis, variance analysis, and grey relational analysis. Meanwhile, a BP-ANN model was established to reverse-predict the optimal extraction process parameters of Qizhi prescription, and the optimized process parameters were validated. ResultsThe weight coefficients of the five index components(astragaloside Ⅳ, tenuifolin, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, and 3,6′-disinapoylsucrose) and dry extract yield were 25.7%, 20.82%, 16.41%, 12.45%, 15.96% and 8.67%, respectively. The optimized extraction process parameters were extracted 3 times with 8, 6, 6 times the amount of water, each time for 1 h. The network prediction results of BP-ANN test samples were consistent with the orthogonal test results, and the mean square error(MSE) of the predicted and measured values of the network was <1%. The water extraction process of Qizhi prescription analyzed and predicted by relevant mathematical models was stable and feasible, which could effectively improve the extraction efficiency of the active ingredients of Astragali Radix and Polygalae Radix, and the average comprehensive score of the validation test was 90.85 with the relative standard deviation(RSD) of 1.55%. ConclusionThis study establishes a water extraction process for compound Qizhi granules, and the optimized extraction process can effectively improve the extraction efficiency of active ingredients, which provides useful references for the optimization of preparation process and the establishment of quality standards for other clinical experience formulas.


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