1.Methods and Strategies Employed in Compatibility and Formulation of New Chinese Medicinal Material Resources
Wenhua MING ; Qingqing LI ; Caifeng LI ; Yeran WANG ; Lan WANG ; Yanwen LI ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):248-256
Chinese medicinal materials serve as the material foundation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture. The sustainable development of Chinese medicinal material resources is a focal point in the modernization of TCM. With the increasing scarcity of Chinese medicinal material resources, the expansion of new Chinese medicinal material resources has become a crucial means for the sustainable utilization of these resources. New Chinese medicinal material resources refer to natural resources that have been newly discovered or developed, possessing potential medicinal value or healthcare functions, which fall outside the traditional application scope of herbal medicines. These resources have not yet been widely recognized or applied within the framework of traditional TCM theory. They specifically include artificial substitutes for endangered medicinal materials, new medicinal parts of medicinal plants, medicinal materials with expanded clinical applications, and foreign medicinal resources. The rational compatability and formulation of new Chinese medicinal material resources are essential pathways for integrating them into the TCM system. Due to the weak foundational research on new Chinese medicinal material resources in China, the characteristics of these resources that align with the TCM theory are not yet fully understood, posing numerous constraints on formulating prescriptions based on the traditional compatibility principles of TCM. This paper integrates the traditional formulation theory of TCM with modern data integration methods, proposing four formulation models for new TCM resources: synergistic compatibility, substitutive compatibility, symptom-based compatibility, and efficacy semantic compatibility. These models provide new insights for the application of new Chinese medicinal material resources, not only facilitating their rational use in clinical practice but also offering theoretical support for the development and compatibility research of these resources.
2.Methods and Strategies Employed in Compatibility and Formulation of New Chinese Medicinal Material Resources
Wenhua MING ; Qingqing LI ; Caifeng LI ; Yeran WANG ; Lan WANG ; Yanwen LI ; Zhiyong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):248-256
Chinese medicinal materials serve as the material foundation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) culture. The sustainable development of Chinese medicinal material resources is a focal point in the modernization of TCM. With the increasing scarcity of Chinese medicinal material resources, the expansion of new Chinese medicinal material resources has become a crucial means for the sustainable utilization of these resources. New Chinese medicinal material resources refer to natural resources that have been newly discovered or developed, possessing potential medicinal value or healthcare functions, which fall outside the traditional application scope of herbal medicines. These resources have not yet been widely recognized or applied within the framework of traditional TCM theory. They specifically include artificial substitutes for endangered medicinal materials, new medicinal parts of medicinal plants, medicinal materials with expanded clinical applications, and foreign medicinal resources. The rational compatability and formulation of new Chinese medicinal material resources are essential pathways for integrating them into the TCM system. Due to the weak foundational research on new Chinese medicinal material resources in China, the characteristics of these resources that align with the TCM theory are not yet fully understood, posing numerous constraints on formulating prescriptions based on the traditional compatibility principles of TCM. This paper integrates the traditional formulation theory of TCM with modern data integration methods, proposing four formulation models for new TCM resources: synergistic compatibility, substitutive compatibility, symptom-based compatibility, and efficacy semantic compatibility. These models provide new insights for the application of new Chinese medicinal material resources, not only facilitating their rational use in clinical practice but also offering theoretical support for the development and compatibility research of these resources.
3.Transzonal Projections and Follicular Development Abnormalities in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Di CHENG ; Yu-Hua CHEN ; Xia-Ping JIANG ; Lan-Yu LI ; Yi TAN ; Ming LI ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2499-2511
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.
4.Cloning and Transcriptional Activity Analysis of Endogenous U6 Promoters in Artemisia annua
Yuting PU ; Bohan CHENG ; Mengyue WANG ; Jun ZOU ; Ranran GAO ; Lan WU ; Qinggang YIN ; Li XIANG ; Yuhua SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):161-167
ObjectiveThe U6 promoter is an essential element for driving sgRNA expression in the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat sequences/CRISPR-associated protein 9(CRISPR/Cas9)gene editing system in dicotyledonous plants. Endogenous U6 promoters typically exhibit higher transcriptional activity, which can significantly improve gene editing efficiency. This study aims to identify endogenous U6 promoters in Artemisia annua to optimize its CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, which holds significant importance for its molecular breeding. MethodsOn the basis of the highly conserved U6 snRNA sequences in Arabidopsis thaliana, endogenous U6 promoters were screened in the A. annua genome. Expression vectors were constructed with candidate AaU6 promoter driving the firefly luciferase (LUC) reporter gene, and then transiently transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana. Transcriptional activities of the promoters were measured and compared by in vivo imaging and the Dual Luciferase Reporter assay. ResultsEight endogenous U6 promoters were successfully cloned from A. annua. Sequences alignment revealed that all these promoters contained the two conserved cis-acting elements, upstream sequence element (USE) and TATA-box, which affected their transcriptional activity. Dual-luciferase activity assays indicated that the transcriptional activities of AaU6-3, AaU6-1, and AaU6-5 were significantly higher than that of the Arabidopsis AtU6-26 promoter, with AaU6-3 exhibiting the highest activity. ConclusionThis study identified three endogenous AaU6 promoters with high transcriptional activity in A. annua, providing key functional elements for establishing an efficient gene editing system in A. annua. These findings will contribute to advancing precision molecular breeding and high-quality germplasm innovation in A. annua.
5.Reflection and prospect on mechanism of dopamine reward system involvement in depression loop and traditional Chinese medicine intervention research
Zhuo-Xian LI ; Liu-Chang ZHOU ; Li-Hong YE ; Di DENG ; Jin-Lan ZHAO ; Ya-Fei SHI ; Rong ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1424-1429
In the process of seeking new strategies to improve the efficacy of antidepressants,traditional Chinese medicine inter-vention has gradually revealed its unique prevention and treat-ment advantages.The dopamine reward system is closely in-volved in the pathological occurrence and development of depres-sion.Currently,research has mostly focused on the functional mechanism of a specific nucleus in the dopamine reward system,and there is less research focused on the functional mechanism of the neural circuit.In the current micro research on reward cir-cuits,the association between abnormal reward circuits and neg-ative emotions such as anxiety and depression has been widely recognized.Traditional Chinese medicine intervention can exert antidepressant effects by influencing reward circuits.This article provides a review on the loop mechanism of dopamine reward system involvement in depression and research on traditional Chinese medicine intervention.
6.Research progress of fluorescent probes in uric acid detection
Di-Di XING ; Ruo-Jin LIU ; Jia-Yu QI ; Ning MA ; Ya-Kun JI ; Jia-Xin ZHOU ; Yu-Shan XING ; Xiao-Lan ZHEN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(6):93-104
The advantages of fluorescence detection of uric acid were introduced compared to the traditional detection methods.The preparation process,detection principle and performance of organic,inorganic and organic-inorganic hybrid fluorescent probes were reviewed.The advantages and disadvantages of kinds of fluorescent probes were analyzed when used for uric acid detection,and the futural directions were pointed out for related research.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(6):93-104]
7.Dynamic changes and function of mitochondria in development of em-bryonic hematopoietic stem cells
Rong ZHANG ; Haixin ZHAO ; Jie ZHOU ; Di LIU ; Yu LAN ; Bing LIU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(5):769-776
AIM:To describe the dynamic characteristics of mitochondria in the development of mouse embryonic hematopoietic stem cells,and to explore the function of mitochondria in this process.METHODS:Single-cell transcrip-tomic data of continuous developmental hematopoietic stem cell-related populations were analyzed to describe the dynamic changes of genes related to mitochondrial synthesis and energy metabolism.To explore the dynamic changes in the number and activity of mitochondria during the development of hematopoietic stem cells,we detected the mitochondrial number and mitochondrial membrane potential of the cells in each stage of hematopoietic stem cell development by fluorescent probe staining combined with flow cytometry.We added small molecule inhibitors of mitochondrial synthesis and energy metabolism and used hematopoietic cell colony formation assay to detect the effect of mitochondrial function inhibition on the induction of hematopoietic products in vitro.RESULTS:(1)Single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that genes in-volved in mitochondrial synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation were significantly up-regulated in endothelial cell and type Ⅰ pre-hematopoietic stem cell compared with those involved in glycolysis,and these genes could significantly distinguish continuous dynamic populations.(2)The results of fluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis showed that mito-chondrial number and mitochondrial membrane potential had an increasing trend during the continuous development of he-matopoietic stem cell,reaching the highest level in the precursor stage of type 2 pre-hematopoietic stem cell,and decreasing in the mature hematopoietic stem cell of fetal liver.(3)Compared with control group,inhibition of mitochondrial respirato-ry chain Ⅰ and Ⅴ significantly reduced the number of hematopoietic colonies(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:(1)Genes re-lated to mitochondrial synthesis and oxidative phosphorylation are highly expressed in hemogenic endothelial cells and type Ⅰpre-hematopoietic stem cells,and can be used to distinguish continuous developing populations.(2)The mitochondrial number and mitochondrial membrane potential increased continuously during hematopoietic stem cell development and reached the highest level in type 2 pre-hematopoietic stem cells.(3)Inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain Ⅰ and Ⅴ significantly reduced the production of hematopoietic products in vitro.
8.Correlation of anti-C1q antibodies with active systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis in children
Yong-Zhen LI ; Jin-Rong YANG ; Yu-Di ZHANG ; Yan CAO ; Xiao-Yan LI ; Lan-Jun SHUAI ; Ying WANG ; Tian SHEN ; Xiao-Chuan WU
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(8):835-839
Objective To study the correlation of anti-C1q antibodies with active systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE)and lupus nephritis(LN)in children,as well as their diagnostic value for active SLE and LN.Methods A retrospective selection of 90 hospitalized children with SLE at the Children's Medical Center of Second Xiangya Hospital,Central South University from January 2016 to March 2019 as the SLE group,all of whom were tested for anti-C1q antibodies.A control group was formed by collecting 70 hospitalized children with other autoimmune diseases(OAD)during the same period.The differences in anti-C1q antibody levels were compared between two groups.The correlation of anti-C1q antibodies with various indicators of SLE and LN was analyzed,and the diagnostic value of anti-C1q in SLE and LN was evaluated.Results The serum levels of anti-C1q antibodies in the SLE group were higher than those in the OAD group(P<0.05).The SLE disease activity index score was positively correlated with anti-C1q antibodies(rs=0.371,P<0.001)and positively correlated with anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies(rs=0.370,P<0.001).The sensitivity and specificity of anti-C1q antibodies for diagnosing active SLE were 89.90%and 53.90%,respectively,with an area under the curve of 0.720(P<0.05)and a critical value of 5.45 U/mL.The sensitivity and specificity of anti-C1q antibody levels for diagnosing active LN were 58.50%and 85.00%,respectively,with an area under the curve of 0.675(P<0.05)and a critical value of 22.05 U/mL.Conclusions Anti-C1q antibodies can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for evaluating the activity of SLE or predicting the activity of LN in children.
9.In vitro degradation behavior of Mg-Zn-Ca alloys
Weiwei LAN ; Yaodong YU ; Di HUANG ; Weiyi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(5):717-723
BACKGROUND:Due to the complex physiological environment of the human body,a wide variety of simulated physiological fluids have been chosen for the current degradation experiments.Therefore,it is of great interest to analyze the degradation behavior of Mg-Zn-Ca alloys in different simulated body fluid environments. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the degradation process and property changes of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy in different simulated body fluids,and to clarify the influence of Ca content and simulated body fluid type on the alloy. METHODS:Mg-Zn-Ca alloys with calcium content of 0.2%,0.5%and 1%were prepared by melting extrusion molding process and were named Mg-Zn-0.2Ca,Mg-Zn-0.5Ca and Mg-Zn-1Ca alloys in turn,with Mg-Zn alloy as the control.The prepared alloys were placed into three simulated body liquids(physiological saline,PBS and Hank's solution),and the morphology,compositional changes,mass loss,pH value and mechanical properties were characterized and analyzed during the degradation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the extension of degradation time,a large number of nanoscale lamellae and columnar structures were generated on the surface of the degraded alloy,and the main components were MgO and Mg(OH)2.The degradation rate of the four kinds of alloys in physiological saline was the fastest,and that in Hank's solution was the slowest.The degradation rate in physiological saline was as follows:Mg-Zn
10.The Development of Chinese Herbal Formulae for Non-severe COVID-19 Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology and Investigation of Its Action Mechanisms
Wenting HUANG ; Liansheng QIAO ; Di YAN ; Tengwen LIU ; Hongmei CAO ; Hongyan GUO ; Zhi ZHANG ; Jing CHENG ; Lan XIE ; Qingquan LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):103-112
ObjectiveTo develop traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae for the treatment of nonsevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism. MethodsThe dysregulated signaling pathways were determined in macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of COVID-19 patients and in lung epithelial cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 in vitro based on transcriptome analysis. A total of 102 TCM formulae for the clinical treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 were collected through literature. The pathway-reversing rates of these formulae in macrophages and lung epithelial cells were evaluated based on signature signaling pathways, and the basic formula was determined in conjunction with TCM theory. The commonly used Chinese materia medica for nonsevere COVID-19 were summarized from the 102 TCM formulae as abovementioned. And together with the screening results from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, a “Chinese materia medica pool” was esta-blished for the development of TCM formulae for COVID-19. The regulatory effects of each herb on signaling pathways were obtained based on targeted transcriptome analysis. Oriented at reversing dysregulated signaling pathways of COVID-19, the calculation was carried out, and the artificial intelligent methods for compositing formulae, that are exhaustive method and parallel computing, were used to obtain candidate compound formulas. Finally, with reference to professional experience, an innovative formula for the treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 was developed. The ethanol extract of the formula was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory effects by detecting the mRNA expression of interleukin 1b (Il1b), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Cxcl2), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (Cxcl10), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2), nitric oxide synthase 2 (Nos2), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in RAW264.7 cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ResultsIn macrophages and lung epithelial cells, 34 dysregulated signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 were identified respectively. The effects of the 102 formulae for clinical treatment of nonsevere COVID-19 were evaluated based on the dysregulated signaling pathways and targeted transcriptome, and the result showed that Yinqiao Powder and Pingwei Powder (银翘散合平胃散, YQPWP) ranked first, reversing 91.18% of the dysregulated signaling pathways in macrophages and 100% of the dysregulated signaling pathways in lung epithelial cells. Additionally, YQPWP had the function of scattering wind and clearing heat, resolving toxins and removing dampness in accordance with the pathogenesis of wind-heat with dampness in COVID-19. It was selected as the basic formula, and was further modified and optimized to develop an innovative fomula Qiaobang Zhupi Yin (翘蒡术皮饮, QBZPY) based on expert experience and artificial intelligence in composing formulae. QBZPY can reverse all the dysregulated signaling pathways associated with COVID-19 in macrophages and lung epithelial cells, with the reversing rates of 100%. The chief medicinal of QBZPY, including Lianqiao (Fructus Forsythiae), Xixiancao (Herba Siegesbeckiae) and Niubangzi (Fructus Arctii), can down-regulate multiple signaling pathways related with virus infection, immune response, and epithelial damage. RT-qPCR results indicated that compared with the model group, the QBZPY group down-regulated the mRNA expression of Il1b, tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), Cxcl2, Cxcl10, Ccl2, Nos2 and Ptgs2 induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionBased on targeted transcriptome analysis, expert experience in TCM and artificial intelligence, QBZPY has been developed for the treatment of nonsevere COVID-19. The ethanol extract of QBZPY has been found to inhibit mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory genes in a cellular inflammation model.

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