1.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
2.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
3.Role and mechanism of caffeic acid in a mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis
Siyu XU ; Tao LIU ; Lulu LAN ; Yining XUE ; Wei WEI ; Yi HAN ; Sucheng MU ; Haiyan SONG ; Shilin DU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):722-730
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and potential mechanism of caffeic acid (CA) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) induced by caerulein combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to provide a basis for the research on novel drugs for the treatment of SAP. MethodsC57BL/6J mice, aged 6 weeks, were divided into control group, model group, CA group, and octreotide acetate (OA) group, with 6 mice in each group. The mice in the control group were given injection of normal saline, and those in the other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of caerulein combined with LPS to establish a mouse model of SAP. At 1 hour after the first injection of caerulein, the mice in the CA group and the OA group were given intraperitoneal injection of CA or subcutaneous injection of OA at an interval of 8 hours. The general status of the mice was observed after 24 hours of modeling, and serum, pancreas, lung, and colon samples were collected. HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the pancreas and lungs, and the serum levels of α-amylase, lipase, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatinine were measured. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of proinflammatory factors in the pancreas and lungs; myeloperoxidase (MPO) immunohistochemistry was used to observe the degree of neutrophil infiltration; Western blot was used to measure the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the level of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), a marker for the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), in the pancreas and lungs, as well as the expression level of ZO-1 in colon tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunnett’s t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group had severe injury in the pancreas and lungs and significant increases in the activity of serum α- amylase and lipase and the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and TNF-α in serum and lung tissue (all P<0.05), as well as significant increases in NF-κB activation, neutrophil infiltration, and the formation of NETs in the pancreas and lungs (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the CA group had alleviated pathological injury of the pancreas and lungs and significant reductions in the activity of serum α-amylase and the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in serum and lung tissue (all P<0.05), as well as significant reductions in NF-κB activation, neutrophil infiltration, and the formation of NETs in the pancreas and lungs (all P<0.05). ConclusionCA can alleviate SAP induced by caerulein combined with LPS in mice, possibly by inhibiting neutrophil recruitment and the formation of NETs.
4.Analysis of the current situation and influencing factors of the treatment delay for lymphedema in breast cancer patients
Ruiqing LI ; Xing LI ; Yanyan WANG ; Ying LI ; Wei LIU ; Lulu ZHANG ; Jing LI ; Mengdi CAO ; Yaqing LIU
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(34):2655-2663
Objective:To investigate the current status of treatment delay and analyze its influencing factors in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema.Methods:Using convenience sampling, 218 patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between April 2024 and January 2025 were enrolled. The General Information Questionnaire, Lymphedema Self-Management Support Scale for Breast Cancer Survivors (LSMS-BCs), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire for Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema (BIPQ-BCRL), Perceived Barriers to Health Care-Seeking Decision-Chinese (PBHSD-C), and Health Literacy Scale for Chronic Patients (HLSCP) were used to conduct a cross-sectional survey. Logistic regression identified predictors of treatment delay, with model fit assessed by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Discriminative ability was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:The study included 218 female BCRL patients, aged (58.31 ± 10.54) years. Among 218 patients, 76 experienced treatment delay, the incidence of treatment delay was 34.8% (76/218). Independent risk factors included junior high school education or below, no regular arm circumference measurement, low self-management support scores, low illness perception scores, high perceived barriers to healthcare-seeking scores, and low health literacy scores (Wald χ2 values were 7.75-15.15, all P<0.05). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated good model fit ( χ2=6.21, P>0.05). The combined predictive model demonstrated significantly better discrimination than individual factors, the area under the curve of ROC was 0.846 ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The incidence of treatment delay is relatively high among breast cancer-related lymphedema patients. Nursing staff should pay special attention to patients with a junior high school education or below, no regular arm circumference measurement, low LSMS-BCs scores, low BIPQ-BCRL scores, high PBHSD-C scores and low HLSCP scores, implement timely interventions to reduce treatment delay in lymphedema patients.
5.Research progress on risk factors and prevention of extubation failure in intensive care unit patients with tracheal intubation
Yuhua RAN ; Xiaoming XU ; Wei LU ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Lulu QIU ; Xinru YAN
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(4):316-321
Tracheal intubation is the most commonly used way to establish artificial airway in intensive care unit patients, and it is the premise of respiratory support and treatment, the success of extubation is an important basis to measure the prognosis of patients. Influenced by many factors, extubation of patients may fail, resulting in prolonged hospitalization, increased medical expenses and increased incidence of complications. This article reviews the literature at home and abroad, and summarizes the main mechanism, risk factors and prevention strategies of extubation failure in intensive care unit patients, aiming at improving the recognition ability of clinical medical staff for extubation failure and providing reference for clinical management and follow-up research.
6.Regulation of PU.1 on apoptosis resistance of aging macrophages stimulated by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide
Hui FANG ; Yiting YUAN ; Yongchun ZHANG ; Shanshan REN ; Lulu CHEN ; Wei LIAO ; Ai TIAN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(4):471-477
Objective To investigate the regulatory effect of PU.1 on apoptosis resistance of aging macro-phages under in vitro inflammatory stimulation simulated by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)of Porphyromonas.Methods The expression of PU.1 in periodontitis gingival tissue and normal gingival tissue was analyzed by GEO database.Mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was divided into control group,P.g-LPS group,H2O2 group and PU.1 inhibitor group.mRNA expression of senescence associated secretory phenotype(IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α)and PU.1 were detected by RT-qPCR;The protein expressions of p21,p16,BAX,caspase-3,Bcl-2,Bcl-xl and PU.1 were detected by Western blot.The number of senescent cells was detected by senescence-associated-galactosidase(SA-β-gal)staining.The apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry.Results Compared with control group,the expression of p21,p16 protein and mRNA of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α were up-regulated in P.g-LPS group and H2O2 group,the number of senescent cells was increased,the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl was up-regulated,the expression of BAX and caspase-3 was decreased,and the apoptosis rate was decreased.Meanwhile,the mRNA and protein expression of PU.1 were increased(P<0.05).Compared with P.g-LPS group,mRNA and protein expression of PU.1 in PU.1 inhibitor group were down-regulated,Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl were down-regulated,BAX and caspase-3 expressions were increased,apoptosis rate was increased,the number of senescent cells was decreased,and mRNA levels of IL-6,IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased.The expression of p21 and p16 proteins were down-regulated.(P<0.05).Conclusion Under inflammatory stimulation in vitro,increased expression of PU.1 induced apoptosis resistance of aging macrophages,inhibition of PU.1 promoted apoptosis of aging macrophages,reduced the number of aging macrophages,and down-regulated the secretion of inflammatory factors.
7.Interpretation of the “Technical Guidelines for Disinfection in Epidemic Prevention and Control of Large-Scale Events”
Bo LU ; Yue SUN ; Lulu YANG ; Huihui SUN ; Wenjing YANG ; Xiaojie DONG ; Zizheng LIU ; Zongke SUN ; Wei ZHANG ; Lin WANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(4):411-415
The “Technical Guideline for Epidemic Prevention and Control Disinfection in Large-Scale Events”(hereinafter referred to as “the Guideline”), organized and compiled by the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, was officially released in April 2024. This guideline aims to ensure the effective implementation of large-scale group activities, mitigate the impact of infectious disease outbreaks on such events, and maintain hygiene and safety standards at event venues. During the compilation process, data were systematically collected in alignment with epidemic prevention requirements and disinfection principles, incorporating research findings from domestic and international disinfection practices. Information was gathered through field investigations, expert consultations in epidemiology and disinfection, and roundtable discussions with representatives from organizations responsible for disinfection operations at large-scale events, thereby ensuring the scientific rigor and practical applicability of the content. The Guideline provides comprehensive technical disinfection guidance for relevant authorities and event organizers, addressing critical aspects such as disinfection protocols, operational principles, emergency response strategies, and technical specifications. By standardizing hygiene assurance measures for large-scale events, including considerations of participant demographics, venue characteristics, and event scale, the guideline establishes a framework to proactively minimize the risk of infectious disease transmission.
8.Status and Progress of Research on Metabolomics of Cervical Cancer
Shaojun CHEN ; Ling GAN ; Xinkang CHEN ; Lingling XIONG ; Die LONG ; Lulu CHEN ; Mengzhuan WEI ; Li HUA ; Haixin HUANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(7):630-636
Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignant tumors in China. Given their lack of obviously early symptoms, more than half of patients with cervical cancer are diagnosed in the middle and late stages of this malignancy, resulting in poor prognosis. Finding new therapeutic targets is the current research direction. Metabolomics, as a new omics technology, is expected to provide new targets for tumor precision diagnosis and treatment through the analysis of the changes and potential mechanisms of metabolites in tumor occurrence and development by chromatography, mass spectrometry, and other technologies. Herein, we review the research methods of metabolomics; metabolic characteristics of cervical cancer; and progress of the research on metabolomics in cervical cancer diagnosis, curative effect prediction, and prognosis evaluation to provide new ideas for the precise diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.
9.Spectral CT material separation technology for diagnosing traumatic bone marrow edema in limbs
Chen WANG ; Lulu YOU ; Jian DU ; Xiangyu WANG ; Wei LIU ; Lan WANG ; Long SHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(4):642-645
Objective To observe the value of spectral CT material separation technology for diagnosing traumatic bone marrow edema in limbs.Methods Totally 51 patients with limb traumatic bone marrow edema were retrospectively enrolled and divided into young group(n=26,18-43 years)and middle-aged group(n=25,46-74 years).Taken MRI as reference standard,the efficacy of spectral CT Water-hydroxyapatite(HAP)image for diagnosing bone marrow edema in trauma area was analyzed,and the Water-HAP density values were compared between groups.Results No significant difference of diagnosing bone marrow edema was found between spectral CT and MRI(x2=0.201,P=0.654),and the consistency was high(Kappa=0.774).Water-HAP density value in bone marrow edema area was higher than that in non bone marrow edema area(t=24.634,P<0.05),and no significant difference of Water-HAP density values in bone marrow edema area nor non bone marrow edema area was found between young group and middle-aged group(both P>0.05).Conclusion Spectral CT material separation technology was helpful for diagnosing traumatic bone marrow edema in limbs.
10.Effects and mechanisms of the kidney-reinforcing and blood circulation-activating and collateral dredging decoction metabolites on the proliferation of multiple myeloma KM3 cells
Jingbo SHI ; Changnian LI ; Wenjian WEI ; Jiyuan DING ; Guodong MA ; Lulu LI ; Yaru WANG ; Yitong LU ; Jie XU ; Wei ZHENG ; Yan WANG ; Jingyi WANG ; Ruirong XU ; Siyuan CUI
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(7):647-654
Objective:To evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of metabolites derived from the kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction on the proliferation of multiple myeloma (MM) KM3 cells.Methods:MM KM3 cells in the logarithmic growth phase were treated with 3%, 6%, 9%, or 12% metabolites of kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated using flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. Mitochondrial and cellular ultrastructural changes were examined using transmission electron microscopy. mRNA and protein expression levels of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1), mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), PTEN-induced kinase 1 (Pink1), and E3 ubiquitin ligase (Parkin) were determined through quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) combined with network pharmacology, was utilized for reverse verification of the pharmacodynamic mechanisms and therapeutic targets underlying the anti-MM activity of this decoction.Results:The metabolites of the kidney-reinforcing, blood circulation-activating, and collateral dredging decoction inhibited KM3 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Transmission electron microscopy revealed increased mitochondrial fission and autophagic structures, with effects intensifying at higher metabolite concentrations. mRNA and protein expression of Drp1, Fis1, MFF, Pink1, and Parkin were significantly upregulated in treatment groups compared to controls ( P<0.05), with the most pronounced effects observed in the 12% metabolite group ( P<0.01). HPLC-MS/MS identified 121 bioactive compounds in BHTF, which shared 474 overlapping targets with MM. Enrichment analysis suggested that BHTF exerts antitumor effects primarily through apigenin, palmatine, and other key components by modulating TNF, NF-κB, and mitophagy pathways. Conclusion:The kidney-reinforcing and blood circulation-activating and collateral dredging decoction suppresses the proliferation of MM KM3 cells, potentially through mechanisms involving the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and induction of autophagy.

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