1.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
2.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
3.Wall-broken ganoderma lucidum spore powder protects against DEN/CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice by modulating the Nrf2 pathway
Hai JIN ; Shuo WAN ; Qian LIU ; Siyu ZHAO ; Jing LI ; Jiaxing ZHU ; Jiaxing AN ; Feng JIN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1176-1182
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of wall-broken ganoderma lucidum spore powder (GLS) on a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsFifty 2-week-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into a control group, a model group and low, medium and high-dose GLS groups(0.25, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg ), with 10 mice in each group. A DEN/CCL4 mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model was established, and GLS was administered by gavage starting from the 8th week, once a day for 14 weeks. At the end of the final administration, the number of liver nodules was observed , and the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The content of catalase (CAT) in serum and liver tissue was determined by ammonium molybdate method. The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum and liver tissue was measured by microplate assay. The content of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in serum and liver tissue was detected by colorimetric method. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was employed to detect the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). R eal-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect the relative expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), heme oxygenase-1 (Ho-1) and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) mRNA. ResultsCompared with the control group, the content of serum AFP were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.01), while the contents of CAT, GSH and GSH-PX in liver and serum were significantly lower in the model group (P<0.01). The relative expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA was significantly higher (P<0.01), the relative expression of Nrf2, Ho-1, Gclc mRNA relative expression was significantly lower (P<0.01), and the positive expression rate of PCNA was significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the total number of liver nodules and content of serum AFP in the administered group were significantly lower (P<0.01), and the contents of CAT, GSH, and GSH-PX in the liver and serum of mice significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of Nrf2, Ho-1 and Gclc mRNA significantly increased (P<0.05), and positive expression rate of PCNA significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionGLS has a significant protective effect on DEN/CCL4 -induced mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model, and the mechanism of action is related to the regulation of oxidative stress in mouse liver.
4.Role and mechanism of T helper 17 cells/regulatory T cells immune balance regulated by the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway mediated in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Qian WANG ; Kaiyang LI ; Mei YANG ; Hang ZHANG ; Shengjin ZHU ; Qi ZHAO ; Jing HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;42(5):942-947
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hepatocyte fatty degeneration and ballooning degeneration,and it plays an important role in the progression of hepatic steatosis.Recent studies have shown that immune homeostasis imbalance between T helper 17(Th17)and regulatory T(Treg)cells are closely associated with the pathological process of NASH.Transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)is a key cytokine for regulating the differentiation and proliferation of Th17/Treg cells,and TGF-β1 binds to its receptor and activates the Smad signaling pathway,thereby regulating the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells and the expression of inflammatory factors and participating in the repair of liver inflammation.This article systematically reviews the molecular mechanism of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in affecting NASH by regulating the immune balance of Th17/Treg cells,in order to provide a theoretical basis for the research on the pathogenesis of NASH and related treatment strategies.
5.Prevalence of hypertension and its influencing factors among the elderly in Qinghai Plateau
Xiaomao SUN ; Liping MA ; Xiangren YI ; Aiqin ZHU ; Ning ZHAO ; Baoxia LIAO ; Yuling HUANG ; Jing MA ; Xiping TUO
Chinese Journal of Geriatric Heart Brain and Vessel Diseases 2025;27(7):895-899
Objective To investigate the current status of hypertension in the old adults living in urban city and rural areas in Qinghai Plateau and analyze the related influencing factors in order to provide data and evidence for targeted formulation of preventive and control measures for the pop-ulation.Methods Cluster-random sampling was used to subject 1372 elderly people(aged ≥60 years)from 8 urban areas and 25 natural villages in Xining City,Qinghai Province.Questionnaires were used to collect their demographic data,body mass index(BMI),history of chronic diseases,and lipid-related indicators.According to complicated with hypertension or not,they were divided into a hypertension group(615 cases)and a non-hypertension group(757 cases).SPSS 26.0 soft-ware was employed to perform statistical analyses with descriptive analysis and multivarlate un-conditional logistic regression analysis.Results Among the 1372 elderly persons,615 participants had hypertension,and the overall prevalence was 44.8%,and that in urban area and rural area was 50.1%and 38.5%,respectively,with significant difference(P<0.01).Statistical differences were observed between those with and without hypertension in terms of age,BMI,and proportions of coronary heart disease(CHD),diabetes and stroke(P<0.05,P<0.01).In the urban populations,there were obvious differences in marital status,BMI,and proportions of CHD and diabetes be-tween those with and without hypertension(P<0.01).For the rural populations,notable differ-ences were observed in age and proportions of CHD and diabetes between those with and without hypertension(P<0.05,P<0.01).Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that urban areas,obesity,CHD and diabetes were risk factors for hypertension in the elderly living in the urban and rural areas(OR=1.622,95%CI:1.299-2.026,P=0.000;OR=0.564,95%CI:0.315-1.006,P=0.042;OR=0.604,95%CI:0.417-0.874,P=0.008;OR=0.472,95%CI:0.328-0.678,P=0.000;OR=0.474,95%CI:0.334-0.673,P=0.000).Obesity,CHD and diabetes were risk factors for hypertension in those in the urban areas(OR=0.553,95%CI:0.317-0.963,P=0.036;OR=0.506,95%CI:0.320-0.800,P=0.004;OR=0.458,95%CI:0.303-0.692,P=0.000),and CHD and diabetes were risk factors in those in the rural areas(OR=0.382,95%CI:0.219-0.666,P=0.001;OR=0.452,95%CI:0.253-0.807,P=0.007).Conclusion There is sig-nificant difference in the prevalence of hypertension between the elderly living in the urban city and rural areas in Qinghai Plateau.The old adults with overweight,obesity,and complication of CHD and diabetes are prone to developing hypertension.
6.Simultaneous residue determination and exposure risk assessment of eleven plant growth regulators in Renshen Guben preparations by HPLC-MS/MS
Wei-kun ZHU ; Jing WANG ; Guo-jing QU ; Yan-juan LIU ; Xi-bo DOU ; Dan-tong ZHAO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2255-2262
AIM To establish an HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous residue determination of 11 plant growth regulators(PGRs)in Renshen Guben preparations,and to conduct a risk assessment.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 40 ℃ thermostatic ACQUITY UPLC ? Waters HSS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1%formic acid(containing 5 mmol/L ammonium formate)flowing at 0.30 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electro spray ionization was employed in both positive and negative ion scanning,with multiple reaction monitoring mode.The chronic and acute exposure risk values of the detected PGRs were calculated and assessed based on residue levels,health guidance values,and exposure estimates.RESULTS Eleven PGRs exhibited good linear relationships within their own ranges(R2 ≥ 0.990),whose average recoveries were 70.0%-120.0%,with RSDs all below 12.0%.In both oral liquid and pill forms,mepiquat chloride showed the highest average residue levels,while sodium 5-nitroguaiacolate exhibited the highest acute risk value(0.765 7,0.908 1)and chronic risk value(0.023 1,0.027 0).CONCLUSION Although PGRs residues are detected in Renshen Guben preparations,all levels remained within safe limits.
7.Ankle proprioception training can effectively improve the ankle proprioception, balance and gait of patients with thalamic infarction
Jiaojiao ZHAO ; Yanan ZHAO ; Jing ZHOU ; Chengxia LIU ; Zhizhong ZHU ; Weihua LI ; Weijia HOU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2025;47(9):799-803
Objective:To observe the effect of ankle joint proprioception training on ankle joint proprioception, balance and gait in patients with thalamic infarction.Methods:Fifty-six patients with thalamic infarction were divided into a control group and a treatment group, each of 28, using a random number table. Both groups were given conventional lower limb rehabilitation training, but the treatment group was additionally provided with ankle joint proprioception training. Before and after 4 weeks of the treatment, the Tecnobody proprioception testing system was used to determine the average trajectory error rate (ATE) and the time taken in the test. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and a balance tester were used to assess balance. A gait analyzer was used to collect spatial-temporal measures of the patients′ walking, including the stride amplitude, stride rate, the proportion of the time spent in the swing phase, and foot dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angles.Results:After the treatment, the time used, ATE, ankle proprioception, BBS scores, static balance test scores, stability limits, stride length, stride rate, swing phase time percentage, and foot dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angles had improved in both groups compared with before the treatment ( P≤0.05). Compared with the control group, the treatment group had a smaller average ATE, spent less time on the ankle proprioception test, had higher BBS scores, had lower scores on the static balance test, had larger limits of stability, took longer strides at a faster rate, and spent a greater percentage of time in the swing phase. That group also showed greater ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion on average ( P≤0.05). ATE difference of the affected lower limb and the time to complete the ankle proprioception test were positively correlated with the gap in the static balance ability test, and negatively correlated with the gaps in the BBS score, the limits of stability, stride length, stride rate, and the time share of the swing phase, as well as the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angles of the foot. Conclusions:Ankle proprioception training, in addition to effectively improving ankle proprioception, can improve the balance and gait of persons with thalamic infarction. It is worthy of clinical application and promotion.
8.Health economic evaluation of minimally invasive surgery in treatment of digestive tract cancers: a Meta-analysis
Xiaoyue YIN ; Ning ZHOU ; Xueli YANG ; Zhuoyu SUN ; Yinghui BAO ; Shengshu WANG ; Ke HAN ; Jing LONG ; Min ZHAO ; Haowei LI ; Rongrong LI ; Shimin CHEN ; Junhan YANG ; Huaihao LI ; Yueting SHI ; Guoning ZHU ; Jianhua WANG ; Shanshan YANG ; Boyan LI ; Wenchang WANG ; Shengyan DU ; Yao HE ; Enqiang LING-HU ; Huikai LI ; Miao LIU ; Juan XIE
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(1):154-165
Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.
9.Reassessing the scope of real-world data applications and the value of real-world evidence
Feng SUN ; Meng ZHANG ; Houyu ZHAO ; Zhirong YANG ; Junli ZHU ; Jing LI ; Linong JI ; Jiefu YANG ; Siyan ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(6):1079-1084
In the past decade, real-world data (RWD) research has undergone significant transformations due to data aggregation and processing technologies. However, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the scope of RWD applications and the value of real-world evidence (RWE). This study briefly outlined the origins of the concept of RWD study and its early research scope to promote further development in this area. We also reviewed the understanding of RWD applications and research models from the five perspectives of healthcare professionals, medical institutions, decision-making departments, cross-regional cooperation model, and the practice of the One-Health model. Finally, we systematically summarized the renewed understanding of the value of RWE while looking ahead to the challenges and future developments in this field.
10.Construction and Application Promotion of Core Medical Skills of"Tonifying Kidney Essence"in Zou's Nephrology Depart-ment
Gang WANG ; Yanqin ZOU ; Wei SUN ; Enchao ZHOU ; Lan YI ; Jun ZHU ; Wei KONG ; Jing ZHAO ; Liang CAO ; Hengbin WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):281-287
Professor Zou Yunxiang proposed the"kidney essence theory"in 1955,which believes that the kidney,as an important excretory organ in the human body,participates in the body's metabolism,and the basis for producing this effect is the essence of the kidney.Subsequently,the Zou nephrology team established the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"based on this foundation,constructed a system of syndrome differentiation and treatment for chronic kidney disease,proposed the traditional Chinese medicine names,causes,and mechanisms of chronic kidney disease,as well as four major methods for diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease,and developed representative drugs representing the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"-Huang-zhi Yishen Capsules and Shenwu Yishen Tablets.In addition,the Zou nephrology team has extensively applied and promoted the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element".

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