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.Carthamus tinctorius L.-derived nanovesicles alleviate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway
Guojun ZHANG ; Zhongpeng DU ; Lu WANG ; Junyu CHEN ; Huanjun RUAN ; Ye LUO ; Weili DUAN ; Shiyu CHEN ; Teng LI ; Xiao KE
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1416-1423
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Carthamus tinctorius L.-derived nanovesicles (CDNVs) can alleviate angiotensin Ⅱ (ANGⅡ)-induced cardiomyocyte (H9C2) hypertrophy by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. MethodsCDNVs were isolated and purified by ultracentrifugation combined with sucrose density gradient centrifugation, and their morphology and particle size distribution were identified by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into the normal control group (NC), ANGⅡ (1.0 μmol/L) group, ANGⅡ+CDNVs group, and ANGⅡ+CDNVs+NF-κB activator 1 group. After 24 h of intervention, cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 assay, the expression of myocardial hypertrophy-related genes (ANP, BNP) was determined by qPCR, the relative cell area was measured by phalloidin staining, the expression of hypertrophy marker proteins and NF-κB pathway proteins (P-p65/p65, P-IκBα/IκBα) was examined by Western blot, and nuclear translocation of p65 was observed by immunofluorescence. Subsequently, NF-κB signaling pathway agonist activator 1 was added, and the expression of myocardial hypertrophy marker proteins and NF-κB pathway proteins was detected. ResultsCDNVs exhibited a typical round-like vesicle structure with an average particle size of 140.4 nm, which was consistent with the morphological characteristics of exosomes. ANGⅡ at concentrations of 0.1-1.0 μmol/L had no significant effect on cardiomyocyte viability. Compared with the NC group, ANGⅡ significantly upregulated the gene expression of ANP and BNP, increased the relative surface area of cardiomyocytes, elevated the levels of myocardial hypertrophy marker proteins and NF‑κB pathway proteins, and promoted the nuclear translocation of p65 (P<0.05). Following treatment with CDNVs, all the above indicators were markedly reduced in comparison with the ANGⅡ group (all P<0.05). However, all these experimental results were reversed after the addition of an NF‑κB agonist. ConclusionCDNVs alleviate ANGⅡ-induced H9C2 cell hypertrophy by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.
4.Astragaloside Ⅳ alleviates D-galactose-induced cardiomyocytes senescence and apoptosis by inhibiting the STING pathway
Wenyu GUO ; Jiajia GAO ; Weili DUAN ; Huanjun RUAN ; Yulang HUANG ; Kemei WANG ; Xiao KE
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(1):133-142
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced cardiomyocytes senescence and its potential mechanisms. MethodsUsing H9C2 cardiomyocytes as a model, D-gal was used to induce cardiomyocyte senescence. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, senescenceextent was evaluated via β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured to assess intracellular oxidative stress, apoptosis extent was determined using the TUNEL assay, and qRT-PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to examine the expression levels of senescence-related genes and proteins (p21、p53) and key genes (STING, CXCL10, and MX-1) and proteins (STING, cGAS, p-IRF3/IRF3) of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. ResultsThe 50 g/L D-gal significantly reduced myocardial cell viability, increased SA-β-Gal positivity, apoptosis rate, and intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and upregulated the expression of p16, p21, and STING, cGAS, p-IRF3/IRF3 pathway proteins (P< 0.05); After intervention with 200 μmol/L of AS-Ⅳ, cell viability was significantly enhanced, the SA-β-Gal-positive rate decreased, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels decreased, oxidative stress damage was alleviated, myocardial cell apoptosis was inhibited, and the mRNA and protein levels of aging-related p21 and p53 were downregulated (P<0.05). Further detection of STING pathway-related molecules showed that 200 μmol/L of AS-IV inhibited D-galactose-induced STING mRNA and protein expression and reduced p-IRF3/IRF3 protein expression levels, as demonstrated by qRT-PCR and Western blot results. However, the SA-β-Gal positivity rate, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, DNA damage results, and Western blot findings suggested that the STING agonist (STING agonist-7) could reverse the ameliorative effects of AS-Ⅳ on D-galactose-induced cardiomyocytes senescence. ConclusionAS-Ⅳ may mitigate D-gal-induced cardiomyocytes senescence by inhibiting STING pathway activation, providinga new strategy for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular senescence-related diseases.
5.Microstructural mapping of time-dependent diffusion MRI for the discrimination of clinically significant prostate cancer
Yanling CHEN ; Wenxin CAO ; Jinhua LIN ; Jian LING ; Zhihua WEN ; Long QIAN ; Yan GUO ; Huanjun WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(7):777-783
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of time-dependent diffusion MRI (t d-dMRI)-derived microstructural parameters for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and their associations with the pathological grade of prostate cancer(PCa) based on the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades. Methods:This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled 196 patients suspected of PCa from March 2023 to March 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. All patients underwent multiparametric MRI and t d-dMRI to obtain microstructural parameters, including cell diameter (d), intracellular volume fraction (f in), extracellular diffusion coefficient (D ex), cellularity, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value at oscillation frequencies of 33 Hz, 17 Hz, 0 Hz (ADC 33, ADC 17, and ADC 0). Pathologically, 95 cases were classified as csPCa (ISUP 2-5), and the rest 101 cases were classified as non-csPCa (benign or ISUP 1). Comparison of these microstructural metrics was made between csPCa and non-csPCa groups by independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. A combined diagnostic model was then constructed based on the independent predictors. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Finally, in PCa, the correlation between microstructural parameters and ISUP grades was investigated by Spearman correlation. Results:The t d-dMRI measurements, including d, f in, cellularity, ADC 33,ADC 17 and ADC 0, were significantly different between csPCa and non-csPCa groups (All P<0.05). But D ex was not significantly different between the two groups ( Z=-1.27, P=0.204). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for diagnosing csPCa were 0.701 (95% CI 0.628-0.775) for d, 0.869 (95% CI 0.819-0.920) for f in, 0.884 (95% CI 0.835-0.932) for cellularity, 0.777 (95% CI 0.712-0.842) for ADC 33, 0.852 (95% CI 0.799-0.905) for ADC 17, and 0.840 (95% CI 0.786-0.894) for ADC 0. Cellularity ( OR=6.142, 95% CI 2.920-12.929, P<0.001) and ADC 17 ( OR=0.108, 95% CI 0.027-0.429, P=0.002) were identified as the independent predictors, and their combined model achieved an AUC of 0.896 (95% CI 0.852-0.941). In PCa f in and cellularity were positively correlated with ISUP grades ( r=0.490 and 0.397, P<0.001), while ADC 33, ADC 17, and ADC 0 were negatively correlated with ISUP grades ( r=-0.198, -0.345, -0.360; P=0.041,<0.001,<0.001). d and D ex were not correlated with ISUP grades ( P>0.05). Conclusion:t d-dMRI based microstructural mapping correlates with ISUP grades of PCa and may be useful for the differential diagnosis of csPCa.
6.Efficacy and safety analysis of denosumab in the treatment of osteoporosis in elder female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Huanjun WANG ; Lin LI ; Li HU ; Xuanyu DENG ; Guangpeng RUAN ; Yinzhen PI
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(6):439-443
Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of denosumab(DEN)in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellius(T2DM)complicated with osteoporosis(OP).Methods The DEN's efficacy on bone metabolism and glucose metabolism in patients with T2DM and OP was retrospectively analyzed through a before-and-after self-controlled design.Forty-one T2DM patients combined with OP who were treated in The First Hospital of Changsha from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected.All patients were observed with subcutaneous injection of DEN 60 mg every 6 months for 12 months.The changes of HbA1c,FPG,bone metabolism indexes,25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]and bone mineral density(BMD)of patients before and after DEN treatment were compared.The adverse reactions of DEN were recorded.Results After 12 months of treatment,25(OH)D,the BMD oflumbar vertebra(L1~4),left femoral neck and left hip were higher than before treatment(P<0.05),while the osteocalcin,β-collagen special series,parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase were lower than before treatment(P<0.05),and the adverse reactions were reduced.Conclusions DEN can significantly improve bone metabolism in patients with T2DM and osteoporosis,increase BMD of lumbar spine and whole hip with fewer adverse reactions.
7.Efficacy and safety analysis of denosumab in the treatment of osteoporosis in elder female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Huanjun WANG ; Lin LI ; Li HU ; Xuanyu DENG ; Guangpeng RUAN ; Yinzhen PI
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2025;33(6):439-443
Objective To analyze the efficacy and safety of denosumab(DEN)in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellius(T2DM)complicated with osteoporosis(OP).Methods The DEN's efficacy on bone metabolism and glucose metabolism in patients with T2DM and OP was retrospectively analyzed through a before-and-after self-controlled design.Forty-one T2DM patients combined with OP who were treated in The First Hospital of Changsha from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected.All patients were observed with subcutaneous injection of DEN 60 mg every 6 months for 12 months.The changes of HbA1c,FPG,bone metabolism indexes,25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D]and bone mineral density(BMD)of patients before and after DEN treatment were compared.The adverse reactions of DEN were recorded.Results After 12 months of treatment,25(OH)D,the BMD oflumbar vertebra(L1~4),left femoral neck and left hip were higher than before treatment(P<0.05),while the osteocalcin,β-collagen special series,parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase were lower than before treatment(P<0.05),and the adverse reactions were reduced.Conclusions DEN can significantly improve bone metabolism in patients with T2DM and osteoporosis,increase BMD of lumbar spine and whole hip with fewer adverse reactions.
8.Microstructural mapping of time-dependent diffusion MRI for the discrimination of clinically significant prostate cancer
Yanling CHEN ; Wenxin CAO ; Jinhua LIN ; Jian LING ; Zhihua WEN ; Long QIAN ; Yan GUO ; Huanjun WANG
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2025;59(7):777-783
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of time-dependent diffusion MRI (t d-dMRI)-derived microstructural parameters for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and their associations with the pathological grade of prostate cancer(PCa) based on the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grades. Methods:This cross-sectional study prospectively enrolled 196 patients suspected of PCa from March 2023 to March 2024 at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. All patients underwent multiparametric MRI and t d-dMRI to obtain microstructural parameters, including cell diameter (d), intracellular volume fraction (f in), extracellular diffusion coefficient (D ex), cellularity, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value at oscillation frequencies of 33 Hz, 17 Hz, 0 Hz (ADC 33, ADC 17, and ADC 0). Pathologically, 95 cases were classified as csPCa (ISUP 2-5), and the rest 101 cases were classified as non-csPCa (benign or ISUP 1). Comparison of these microstructural metrics was made between csPCa and non-csPCa groups by independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors. A combined diagnostic model was then constructed based on the independent predictors. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Finally, in PCa, the correlation between microstructural parameters and ISUP grades was investigated by Spearman correlation. Results:The t d-dMRI measurements, including d, f in, cellularity, ADC 33,ADC 17 and ADC 0, were significantly different between csPCa and non-csPCa groups (All P<0.05). But D ex was not significantly different between the two groups ( Z=-1.27, P=0.204). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for diagnosing csPCa were 0.701 (95% CI 0.628-0.775) for d, 0.869 (95% CI 0.819-0.920) for f in, 0.884 (95% CI 0.835-0.932) for cellularity, 0.777 (95% CI 0.712-0.842) for ADC 33, 0.852 (95% CI 0.799-0.905) for ADC 17, and 0.840 (95% CI 0.786-0.894) for ADC 0. Cellularity ( OR=6.142, 95% CI 2.920-12.929, P<0.001) and ADC 17 ( OR=0.108, 95% CI 0.027-0.429, P=0.002) were identified as the independent predictors, and their combined model achieved an AUC of 0.896 (95% CI 0.852-0.941). In PCa f in and cellularity were positively correlated with ISUP grades ( r=0.490 and 0.397, P<0.001), while ADC 33, ADC 17, and ADC 0 were negatively correlated with ISUP grades ( r=-0.198, -0.345, -0.360; P=0.041,<0.001,<0.001). d and D ex were not correlated with ISUP grades ( P>0.05). Conclusion:t d-dMRI based microstructural mapping correlates with ISUP grades of PCa and may be useful for the differential diagnosis of csPCa.
9.The correlation between sleep disorder and bone mineral density and fracture risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Jiali QIN ; Minting HUANG ; Xingyao XIAO ; Huanjun WANG ; Lin LI ; Yinzhen PI
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(7):519-523
Objective To analyze the correlation between sleep disorder and bone mineral density(BMD)and fracture risk in middle-aged and elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods 150 T2DM patients over 50 years old who were hospitalized in the Endocrine Metabolism Department of Changsha First Hospital from September 2022 to April 2023 were selected.According to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),they were divided into a non-sleep disorder group(66 cases)and a sleep disorder group(84 cases).The general data and biochemical indicators of the two groups were compared.The relationship between sleep disorder and BMD,fracture risk was analyzed.Results Compared with the non-sleep disorder group,HbA1c,FPG,female proportion,the proportion of hypnotics and risk scores of vertebral fracture in the sleep disorder group were higher,and BMI,BMD of femoral neck and hip were lower(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative correlation between PSQI score and BMD of femoral neck and hip(P<0.05).Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis showed that the risk scores of vertebral fracture was positively correlated with age,duration of DM,use of hypnotics and sleep disorder(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and negatively correlated with BMD of femoral neck and hip(P<0.01).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that FPG,use of hypnotics and hip BMD were influencing factors of sleep disorders,while sleep disorders and PSQI scores were influencing factors of osteoporosis.Conclusions For middle-aged and elderly T2DM patients,improving sleep may help reduce the occurrence of osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.
10.Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of expression of forkhead box P1 in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Chenwei TANG ; Huanjun TONG ; Xiaopeng YU ; Shouhua WANG ; Changzhen SHANG ; Zhaohui TANG
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2022;28(2):91-96
Objective:To study the expression of forkhead box P1 (FOXP1) in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), and its clinicopathological and prognostic significance.Methods:The clinical data of ICC patients treated with radical resection at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from January 1, 2013 to December 12, 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Of 48 ICC patients, there were 24 males and 24 females, with age of (59.1±10.1) years old (range 42 to 83 years old). Their clinicopathological data, including age, gender, tumor size, degree of differentiation, and staging were recorded. Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of FOXP1 protein in ICC cancer tissues and the corresponding adjacent normal tissues. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and to construct survival curves of patients. Cox regression model was used to analyze factors affecting prognosis of patients.Results:Forty-eight ICC cancer tissues and 40 corresponding paracancerous tissues were collected. The positive rates of FOXP1 proteins in ICC were significantly lower than the adjacent normal tissues [54.2%(26/48) vs. 92.5%(37/40), χ 2=15.76, P<0.05]. The degrees of tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, organ invasion and TNM staging were related to expression of FOXP1 ( P<0.05). Forty-two patients were followed-up with a median follow-up time of 11.5 (7.75, 19.25) months. Cox multivariate analysis revealed that invasion to adjacent organs, lymph node metastasis, high TNM staging (stage Ⅲ) and negative expression of FOXP1 were independent risk factors affecting overall survival of ICC patients. The overall survival and recurrence-free survival of FOXP1-positive ICC patients were 17.5 months and 15.5 months, which were significantly higher than the 14.0 months and 11.1 months, respectively, in FOXP1-negative patients. Conclusion:Negative FOXP1 expression was closely correlated with aggressive biological behavior and poor prognosis of ICC. FOXP1 may be used as new diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

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