1.Evaluation of the quality of Jingangteng capsules based on UPLC fingerprinting combined with multi-component content determination
Li SHEN ; Yue SHEN ; Yuying YANG ; Dandan ZHANG ; Yuxi WU ; Xuxiang ZHOU ; Jingyu YANG ; Peng HU ; Lei WANG ; Heming WU ; Dan LIU ; Xiaochuan YE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1290-1294
OBJECTIVE To establish the UPLC fingerprint and the method for multi-component content determination in Jingangteng capsules, and to evaluate its quality by combining chemical pattern recognition analysis. METHODS An UPLC method was established. Separation was performed on a Zorbax SB-C 18 Rapid Resolution HD column, with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase for gradient elution.Using the Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicines (2012 edition), UPLC fi ngerprints were established for 10 batches of Jingangteng capsules, and similarity was evaluated. SPSS 22.0 and SIMCA 14.1 software were used to perform hierarchial-cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), respectively. The same UPLC method was employed to determine the contents of chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methylbenzoic acid-3- O -glucoside (M1), caffeic acid, astilbin, oxyresveratrol, quercitrin and resveratrol in the 10 batches of samples. RESULTS A total of 17 common peaks were identified in UPLC fingerprints of the 10 batches of samples, of which 7 were identified as chlorogenic acid, M1, caffeic acid, astilbin, oxyresveratrol, quercitrin, and resveratrol. The similarities of 10 batches of samples ranged from 0.820 to 0.985. The results of hierarchial-cluster analysis showed that 10 batches of samples were grouped into four categories: S1-S4 formed one group, S5 and S6 formed another, S7, S8 and S10 formed a third, and S9 formed a fourth, consistent with the OPLS-DA results; the variable importance projection values for peaks 7, 10, 2, 16 (resveratrol), 13 (oxyresveratrol), 11, 6 (caffeic acid), 5 (M1) and 15 (quercitrin) were >1. Quantitative analysis results showed that the contents of chlorogenic acid, M1, caffeic acid, astilbin, oxyresveratrol, quercitrin, and resveratrol were 1.650 8-4.213 7, 0.636 2-2.161 7, 0.031 0-0.086 5, 0.239 1-1.069 3, 0.211 9-1.104 0, 0.488 8-2.399 2, and 0.164 0-0.699 8 mg/g, respectively. CONCLUSIONS UPLC fingerprint and content determination methods established in this study are simple to operate, accurate, reliable and reproducible; when combined with chemical pattern recognition analysis, they can be used to evaluate the quality of Jingangteng capsules. Nine components, such as resveratrol, oxyresveratrol, caffeic acid, M1 and quercitrin, may serve as markers of quality variation.
2.Association between epicardial adipose parameters and microvascular obstruction following acute myocardial infarction based on CMR
Wei CHENG ; Yao LI ; Ailian SHEN ; Dan MU ; Jinxuan ZHAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):706-714
ObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive value of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) parameters for microvascular obstruction (MVO) formation in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using cardiac magnetic resonance quantification. MethodsA total of 139 STEMI patients were included in this study, and various parameters such as EAT thickness, volume, and mass index were measured utilizing cardiac magnetic resonance. All included patients were divided into MVO group and non-MVO group according to whether MVO occurred. Differences in EAT related parameters between two groups were compared and correlation analysis was applied to evaluate the correlation between quantitative indicators of EAT and indicators such as infarct size and ejection fraction. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the relevant risk factors for MVO formation. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) quality index and other indicators for the occurrence of MVO. ResultsCompared with non MVO group, patients in MVO group presented with higher peak troponin T levels, increase of neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), larger infarct size and compromised left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P<0.05). Total EAT volume, EAT mass index, left atrioventricular EAT volume, left atrioventricular EAT mass index and thickness of EAT in the left atrioventricular groove were significantly higher in patients with MVO. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that NLR, peak troponin T levels and left atrioventricular EAT mass index were independent predictors of MVO. The ROC curve suggested that the left atrioventricular EAT mass index had the highest predictive power for MVO formation in STEMI patients. ConclusionThe parameters of EAT quantified by cardiac magnetic resonance serve as imaging biomarkers for predicting MVO formation in STEMI patients. These metrics enable risk stratification post-myocardial infarction and facilitate early identification of high-risk individuals, thereby supporting personalized therapeutic decision-making.
3.Modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction Alleviates Gastric Precancerous Conditions in Mice by Regulating Mitochondrial Function via FoxO3/ROS Signaling Pathway
Yueqiang WEN ; Li ZHOU ; Dan LUO ; Maoyuan ZHAO ; Jun HAN ; Xueyi LI ; Jianguo LI ; Zhelin HE ; Tao SHEN ; Jinhao ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):216-225
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of modified Huangqi Jianzhong decoction (HQJZ) on gastric precancerous conditions (GPC). MethodsIn the cell experiment, human gastric mucosal epithelial cells underwent malignant transformation induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) for the modeling of GPC (MC cells). The cells were allocated into four groups: control , model, low-dose HQJZ (HQJZ-L), and high-dose HQJZ (HQJZ-H). The control and model groups were cultured with the complete medium, while HQJZ-L and HQJZ-H groups received additional interventions with HQJZ at low (0.5 g·L-1) and high (1.0 g·L-1) doses, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to evaluate cytotoxicity, Transwell assay to assess cell invasion, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining to detect apoptosis, immunofluorescence assay to analyze reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression and mitochondrial autophagy, and Western blot to verify expression of proteins in key pathways. In the animal experiment, the GPC model was established in healthy BALB/c mice through MNNG induction. Twenty-four mice were allocated into four groups: control, model, HQJZ-L, and HQJZ-H. Control and model groups received normal saline (10 mL·kg-1·d-1) orally, while HQJZ-L and HQJZ-H groups were administrated with low-dose (6.24 g·kg-1·d-1) and high-dose (12.48 g·kg-1·d-1) HQJZ, respectively. After treatment, hematoxylin‑eosin (HE) staining and AB-PAS staining were performed to observe histopathological changes in the gastric tissue. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) levels in the gastric mucosa, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining to assess apoptosis rates, and Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to analyze the expression levels of Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and foxhead box O3 (FoxO3). ResultsCell viability assays showed that HQJZ dose-dependently reduced MC cell viability compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Transwell assays revealed that the model group exhibited enhanced cell invasion compared with the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, HQJZ treatment attenuated the cell invasion (P<0.05). Gastric mucosal pathology in mice demonstrated that compared with the control group, the model group showed elevated HE and AB-PAS pathological scores (P<0.05), while HQJZ treatment reduced these scores (P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy revealed increased mitochondrial number and volume in the model group compared with the control group. HQJZ treatment resulted in abnormal mitochondrial structure and significant alterations in rough endoplasmic reticulum morphology and distribution, presenting as dilated and hollow forms. Mitochondrial and apoptosis assessments indicated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited enhanced Mito Tracker Green fluorescence (P<0.05), no significant change in DCFH-DA fluorescence, Mito Tracker Red CMXRos fluorescence, ROS immunofluorescence, or malondialdehyde (MDA) level, increased GSH level (P<0.05), enhanced LC3 fluorescence (P<0.05), no significant change in apoptosis rate, and elevated ATP content in cells and mouse serum (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, HQJZ treatment reduced Mito Tracker Green fluorescence (P<0.05), increased DCFH-DA fluorescence, Mito Tracker Red fluorescence, MDA level, LC3 fluorescence, and apoptosis rate (P<0.05), and decreased cellular ATP content (P<0.05). The HQJZ-L group showed no significant change in ROS immunofluorescence or GSH level, whereas the HQJZ-H group demonstrated enhanced ROS immunofluorescence and glutathione (GSH) level (P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited increased numbers of PCNA- and Ki67-positive cells (P<0.05) and elevated protein levels of FoxO3, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), and B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6) (P<0.05). HQJZ treatment reduced the numbers of PCNA- and Ki67-positive cells (P<0.05) and lowered the protein levels of FoxO3, SIRT1, and Bcl-6 (P<0.05). ConclusionHQJZ alleviates the progression of gastric precancerous lesions by regulating mitochondrial function via the FoxO3/ROS pathway and promoting apoptosis of GPC-malignant cells.
4.Study on Colorimetric Sensor Array Based on Enzymatic Method for Highly Selective Detection of Sarin
Lian-Bo JIANG ; Guo-Hong LIU ; Zhuang-Hu XU ; Jian LI ; Yong-Ling SHEN ; Cai-Xia XU ; Chuan-Qin ZANG ; Yan-Hua XIAO ; Dan-Ping LI ; Ting LIANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(5):832-841,中插21-中插23
Sarin(GB)is a typical representative of nerve agents with high toxicity,and very low amount can cause death.GB can cause water and atmospheric environment poisoning,so the detection of GB in water and air is of great significance.In this work,a colorimetric sensor array(CSA)based on GB inhibition of cholinesterase activity was constructed to detect GB with high selectivity.A 4×4 colorimetric array was constructed using acetylcholinesterase(AChE),butyryl cholinesterase(BuChE)and the corresponding substrate acetylthiocholine iodide(S-ACh),butyryl thiocholine iodide(S-BCh),acetylcholine chloride(ACh),butyryl choline chloride(BCh)and 2,6-dichloroindophenol ethyl ester(DCIE).The linear curve of the sensor was Y=131.3×lgC+271.6(R2=0.997),where Y was the array response Euclidean distance,C was the concentration of GB(mg/L),the linear range was 0.03?0.32 mg/L,and the detection limit was 27.6 μg/L.The method could effectively distinguish chemical warfare agents(CWA)such as VX,Soman(GD),mustard gas(HD),Louie reagent(L),and had high anti-interference ability,sensitivity and good repeatability.It was successfully applied to the detection of GB in simulated water and simulated air samples,and the sample recovery rate was 97.2% ?100.9%.This method would be potentially applied to the field rapid detection of nerve agents.
5.Clinical characteristics of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis and analysis of risk factors for early-onset children
Jing WANG ; Mingqi SHEN ; Rongxiu ZHENG ; Yue XIN ; Yunxia MA ; Ying ZHANG ; Dejing WU ; Dan LIU
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(9):629-633
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)and analyze the risk factors for early-onset NEC.Methods:A total of 220 children with NEC admitted to the Department of Pediatrics,Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 1st,2018 to February 29th,2024 were retrospectively selected as the research objects. According to the time of onset,the early-onset group( n=120)and the late-onset group( n=100)were established,and the clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Another 150 cases of normal healthy newborns born in this hospital in the same period were selected as the control group,and the clinical data of the control group were collected. The clinical characteristics of the early-onset group and the control group were compared,and the risk factors of early-onset NEC were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression. Results:Compared with the late-onset group,the early-onset group had fever[50.0%(60/120)vs. 40%(40/100), χ2=7.333, P=0.007],apnea[39.17%(47/120)vs. 28%(28/100), χ2=7.568, P=0.006],no rise in body temperature[56.67%(68/120)vs. 39%(39/100), χ2=6.815, P=0.009],abdominal distension[25%(30/120)vs. 40%(40/100), χ2=13.200, P<0.001],vomiting[30.83%(37/120)vs. 45%(45/100), χ2=12.797, P<0.001]was significantly different(all P<0.05);Multivariate Logistic regression analysis:weight<1 500 g( OR=5.871,95% CI:3.153~9.673, P<0.001),gestational age<30 weeks( OR=4.256,95% CI:2.641~7.896, P=0.007),hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus(hs-PDA)( OR=3.113,95% CI:1.865~5.133, P=0.033),severe anemia( OR=3.057,95% CI:2.165~4.802, P=0.001),feeding intolerance( OR=4.215,95% CI:1.579~10.802, P=0.005),amniotic fluid pollution( OR=2.452,95% CI:1.579~3.111, P<0.001)were the independent risk factors for early-onset NEC(all P<0.05). Conclusion:Weight<1 500 g,gestational age<30 weeks,hs-PDA,severe anemia,feeding intolerance,and amniotic fluid contamination are independent risk factors for early-onset NEC. In clinical practice,more attention should be paid to these factors for disease prevention,early identification,and timely intervention in newborns to reduce the occurrence of NEC.
6.Predictive value of serum IP-10 and S100A8 levels for poor prognosis in patients with severe pneumonia
Jiajia WANG ; Le WU ; Yifeng ZHANG ; Xu ZHANG ; Dan SHEN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(16):2000-2005
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum levels of interferon-inducible protein 10(IP-10)and S100 calcium-binding protein A8(S100A8)and the prognosis of patients with severe pneumo-nia(SP).Methods A total of 315 SP patients admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were selected as the SP group,and 315 non-SP patients admitted to the hospital during the same period were selected as the non-SP group.According to the prognosis of SP patients 28 d after admission,they were divided into good prognosis group(199 cases)and poor prognosis group(116 cases).Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum IP-10 and S100A8 levels in SP patients.Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between IP-10,S100A8 levels and infection indicators[high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),interleukin-6(IL-6)].Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of poor prognosis in SP patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the value of hs-CRP,PCT,IP-10 and S100A8 levels in predicting the poor prognosis of SP patients.Results The serum levels of IP-10,S100A8,hs-CRP,PCT and IL-6 in SP group were higher than those in non-SP group(P<0.05).Paerson correlation analysis showed that serum IP-10 level in SP group was positively correlated with hs-CRP,PCT and IL-6(r=0.744,0.757,0.740,P<0.05).S100A8 level was posi-tively correlated with hs-CRP,PCT and IL-6(r=0.769,0.718,0.744,P<0.05).There were significant differences in oxygenation index,acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ score,clinical pulmonary in-fection score and levels of hs-CRP,PCT,IP-10 and S100A8 between the poor prognosis group and the good prognosis group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hs-CRP,PCT,IP-10 and S100A8 were risk factors for poor prognosis in SP patients,and oxygenation index was a protective factor(P<0.05).The ROC curve showed that the area under curve(AUC)of the combination of hs-CRP,PCT,IP-10 and S100A8 in predicting poor prognosis of SP patients was 0.965,which was greater than the AUC of the four alone(Zhs-CRP=4.009,ZPCT=4.022,ZIP-10=3.696,ZS100A8=3.309,P<0.05).Conclusion The serum lev-els of IP-10 and S100A8 are up-regulated in SP patients.The combination of IP-10 and S100A8 has a high pre-dictive value for poor prognosis in SP patients.
7.Investigating the mechanism of Xanthatin in inhibiting proliferation of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells based on network pharmacology , transcriptomics , and experimental validation
Zichuang Ma ; Dan Su ; Chun Wang ; Na Wu ; Haikun Wang ; Aizong Shen
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(12):2289-2298
Objective:
To investigate the potential mechanisms of Xanthatin in inhibiting the proliferation of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC) cells by integrating network pharmacology and in vitro experiments.
Methods:
The targets of Xanthatin were identified using databases such as PharmMapper, while disease-related targets for LSCC were obtained from databases such as DisGeNET. The overlapping targets between Xanthatin and LSCC were determined by intersecting these datasets. A protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed based on the overlapping targets, and key targets were identified. Gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses of the overlapping targets were performed using R software. A "Xanthatin-target-pathway" network was visualized using Cytoscape 3.8.0 software. The preliminary validation of the aforementioned results was performed using molecular docking and transcriptomics. The effects of Xanthatin on the proliferation of TU177 cells were assessed using CCK-8 and colony formation assays. Additionally, Western blot analysis was employed to measure the expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, and p-Akt proteins.
Results:
A total of 159 overlapping targets between Xanthatin and LSCC were identified, and seven key targets, including AKT1, were screened. GO enrichment analysis yielded 2 455 entries, and KEGG enrichment analysis identified 172 pathways, such as the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Xanthatin exhibited favorable binding activity with the core target proteins of LSCC in molecular docking experiments. The transcriptomics results showed high consistency with the predictions from network pharmacology. CCK-8 and colony formation assays demonstrated that Xanthatin at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 μmol/L significantly inhibited the proliferation of TU177 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt proteins decreased with increasing concentrations of Xanthatin.
Conclusion
Xanthatin may exert an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of LSCC cells by modulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
8.Increasing toe-out angle during drop-landing can diminish risk of inversion injuries among individuals with chronic ankle instability
Xiaoxue ZHU ; Qiongqiu ZHAO ; Teng ZHANG ; Dan WANG ; Jihong QIU ; Qipeng SONG ; Peixin SHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1827-1833
BACKGROUND:Individuals with chronic ankle instability are prone to inversion ankle sprains during landing.Moderately increasing the foot toe-out angle during landing may reduce the occurrence of inversion ankle sprains,but no studies have directly demonstrated this effect. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of increased toe-out angle during landing on the peak inversion angle,peak angular velocity,and the time to peak inversion among individuals with and without chronic ankle instability. METHODS:A total of 60 participants were recruited for this study,including 30 individuals with chronic ankle instability and 30 without chronic ankle instability.The study utilized a simulated sprain apparatus for drop-landing tests,featuring a platform that could tilt forward by 24° and inward by 15°,thus simulating the foot position during an ankle inversion sprain.Participants were required to perform drop-landing tests under two landing conditions:natural landing and toe-out landing,with the latter involving a greater foot toe-out angle,over 150%more than the former.Kinematic data of participants were recorded using a 12-camera three-dimensional motion capture system.Data analysis was conducted using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Significant main effects of condition were found for peak inversion angle during drop-landing(P<0.001,η2 p=0.270),peak inversion velocity(P=0.015,η2 p=0.098),and peak inversion time(P<0.001,η2 p=0.260);a significant main effect of group was found for peak inversion velocity(P=0.029,η2 p=0.080).(2)There were significant negative correlations between the foot toe-out angle at landing and the peak ankle inversion angle(P=0.021,r=-0.310;P=0.042,r=-0.278)as well as the peak inversion time(P=0.018,r=-0.312;P=0.021,r=-0.309)in both chronic ankle instability and non-chronic ankle instability groups.Moreover,a significant negative correlation was also found between the foot toe-out angle and peak inversion velocity in the chronic ankle instability group(P=0.021,r=-0.312).(3)It is indicated that increasing the foot toe-out angle at landing can reduce the peak inversion angle,peak inversion velocity,and the peak inversion time during landing in patients with chronic ankle instability and non-chronic ankle instability,thereby decreasing the risk of ankle inversion sprains.
9.Mechanisms of Zhuyuwan in Treating both Intrahepatic Cholestasis and Ulcerative Colitis Based on Homotherapy for Heteropathy
Jun HAN ; Yueqiang WEN ; Zongying XU ; Dan LUO ; Li ZHOU ; Xueyi LI ; Yufan DAI ; Lele YANG ; Tao SHEN ; Han YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):46-53
ObjectiveThe theory of homotherapy for heteropathy is one of the classical rules in traditional Chinese medicine. Taking this theory as a breakthrough point, this study employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of Zhuyuwan on both intrahepatic cholestasis (IC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) from the viewpoint of serum metabolic homeostasis. MethodsThe rat models of α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis and 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC were treated with low (0.6 g·kg-1) and high (1.2 g·kg-1) doses of Zhuyuwan by gavage. In the experiment regarding IC, 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into four groups: normal, ANIT model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. In the experiment regarding UC, 24 SD rats were randomly allocated into four groups: normal, TNBS model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. Firstly, the two disease models and the intervention effects of Zhuyuwan on the two diseases were evaluated based on serum levels of biochemical indicators [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), and total bile acid (TBA)], colon damage score, colon weight index, disease activity index, and histopathological changes in rats. Secondly, the rat serum samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to screen the common core pathways of the two disease models, and the expression of core genes in the pathways was determined by Real-time PCR, on the basis of which the biological mechanism of the treatment of the two disease models by Zhuyuwan was ultimately elucidated. ResultsThe results of the experiment regarding IC showed that the ANIT model group had higher ALT, AST, γ-GT, and TBA levels than the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the ANIT model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showed declined ALT and TBA levels (P<0.01) and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed lowered ALT, TBA, AST, and γ-GT levels (P<0.01). The results of the experiment regarding UC showed that compared with the normal group, the TNBS model group presented increases in the colonic damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). Compared with the TNBS model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showcased declines in colon weight index (P<0.01) and disease activity index (P<0.05), and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed reductions in the colon damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). GC-MS metabolomics analysis combined with qRT-PCR demonstrated that Zhuyuwan had a similar inverse regulatory effect on arginine metabolism disruption in the above two disease models. ConclusionZhuyuwan exhibited definite therapeutic effects on both IC and UC, and the regulation of arginine biosynthesis pathway is the core mechanism for the treatment of both diseases by Zhuyuwan.
10.Mechanisms of Zhuyuwan in Treating both Intrahepatic Cholestasis and Ulcerative Colitis Based on Homotherapy for Heteropathy
Jun HAN ; Yueqiang WEN ; Zongying XU ; Dan LUO ; Li ZHOU ; Xueyi LI ; Yufan DAI ; Lele YANG ; Tao SHEN ; Han YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):46-53
ObjectiveThe theory of homotherapy for heteropathy is one of the classical rules in traditional Chinese medicine. Taking this theory as a breakthrough point, this study employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to elucidate the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of Zhuyuwan on both intrahepatic cholestasis (IC) and ulcerative colitis (UC) from the viewpoint of serum metabolic homeostasis. MethodsThe rat models of α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis and 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC were treated with low (0.6 g·kg-1) and high (1.2 g·kg-1) doses of Zhuyuwan by gavage. In the experiment regarding IC, 24 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into four groups: normal, ANIT model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. In the experiment regarding UC, 24 SD rats were randomly allocated into four groups: normal, TNBS model, low-dose Zhuyuwan, and high-dose Zhuyuwan. Firstly, the two disease models and the intervention effects of Zhuyuwan on the two diseases were evaluated based on serum levels of biochemical indicators [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GT), and total bile acid (TBA)], colon damage score, colon weight index, disease activity index, and histopathological changes in rats. Secondly, the rat serum samples were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to screen the common core pathways of the two disease models, and the expression of core genes in the pathways was determined by Real-time PCR, on the basis of which the biological mechanism of the treatment of the two disease models by Zhuyuwan was ultimately elucidated. ResultsThe results of the experiment regarding IC showed that the ANIT model group had higher ALT, AST, γ-GT, and TBA levels than the normal group (P<0.01). Compared with the ANIT model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showed declined ALT and TBA levels (P<0.01) and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed lowered ALT, TBA, AST, and γ-GT levels (P<0.01). The results of the experiment regarding UC showed that compared with the normal group, the TNBS model group presented increases in the colonic damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). Compared with the TNBS model group, the low-dose Zhuyuwan group showcased declines in colon weight index (P<0.01) and disease activity index (P<0.05), and the high-dose Zhuyuwan group showed reductions in the colon damage score, colon weight index, and disease activity index (P<0.01). GC-MS metabolomics analysis combined with qRT-PCR demonstrated that Zhuyuwan had a similar inverse regulatory effect on arginine metabolism disruption in the above two disease models. ConclusionZhuyuwan exhibited definite therapeutic effects on both IC and UC, and the regulation of arginine biosynthesis pathway is the core mechanism for the treatment of both diseases by Zhuyuwan.


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