1.Effective Components of Epimedii Folium in Regulating Related Signaling Pathways for Treatment of Steroid-induced Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head: A Review
Jingxuan CHANG ; Jinyao WU ; Meiying JIN ; Fanqi MENG ; Wenhai ZHAO ; Zhenhai CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):277-288
Steroid-induced avascular necrosis of femoral head(SANFH) is a bone and joint disease caused by prolonged and excessive steroid use. Its typical pathological features involve progressive circulatory disorders in the blood supply system of femoral head, leading to osteocyte apoptosis and bone tissue necrosis. As the disease progresses, it ultimately results in structural collapse and necrotic lesions of the femoral head, severely affecting patients' limb function and quality of life. Glucocorticoids mediate pathological damage through dual mechanisms, on the one hand, they disrupt the dynamic equilibrium between bone formation and resorption by suppressing osteoblast differentiation activity and activating osteoclastogenesis, on the other hand, they induce lipid metabolism disorders, inhibit angiogenesis, and impair endothelial cell function, thereby triggering microcirculatory disorders. Epimedii Folium and its active components exhibit multidimensional regulatory effects in SANFH prevention and treatment. Literature review reveals that it is rich in multiple active ingredients, primarily including total flavonoids of Epimedii Folium, icaritin, icariin, kaempferol, icariside Ⅱ, etc. These compounds exert multiple pharmacological effects(regulating bone metabolic homeostasis, modulating angiogenesis, correcting lipid metabolism disorders, and controlling cellular autophagy processes) through multiple signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, transforming growth factor(TGF)-β/bone morphogenetic protein(BMP)/Smad, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt), osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB(OPG/RANKL/RANK), etc. Based on existing research findings, this paper systematically elucidates the intervention mechanisms of active components in Epimedii Folium on key pathological processes of SANFH through the above pathways. It also deeply analyzes their regulatory roles in key nodes of different signaling pathways, aiming to provide valuable references for future clinical treatment and experimental research.
2.Key Issues and Research Ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine Anti-aging Guided by Essence-Qi-spirit Theory of Qiluo Doctrine
Peipei JIN ; Liping CHANG ; Cong WEI ; Mengnan LI ; Hui QI ; Hongrong LI ; Yunlong HOU ; Zhenhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):240-246
Aging has emerged as a cutting edge and hotspot in global life science field, with anti-aging and geriatric disease prevention and treatment becoming critical issues urgently demanding solutions in international medical communities. In the face of the challenge of accelerating global population aging, in-depth exploration of aging mechanisms and the development of effective intervention strategies hold significant scientific and clinical value. This study supported by the national key research and development program of China, employed the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine as its guiding framework, focusing on the key scientific issue of the core traditional Chinese pathogenesis of aging, namely "depletion of kidney essence, deficiency of primordial Qi, and impairment of body and spirit". The treatment principle of "tonifying the kidney to replenish essence, harmonizing Yin and Yang, warming and invigorating primordial Qi, and nourishing the body and spirit" was established. Centered on holistic aging, systemic aging, and aging-related diseases, the research integrated multidisciplinary research approaches to construct multi-modal aging models and a multi-dimensional evaluation system, and it utilized multi-omics technologies to deeply analyze aging mechanisms. By systematically reviewing historical kidney-tonifying and anti-aging formulas and combining big data with artificial intelligence technologies, an information database of anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine substance was developed to reveal the differences and synergistic effects of various treatment methods and formulas on anti-aging. Based on this treatment method, the research integrated two millennia of kidney-tonifying medicinal experience to develop the innovative anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine, namely Bazhi Bushen capsules. It was validated that this capsule can delay holistic and systemic aging through multiple targets and mechanisms, thereby elucidating the scientific connotation of the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine in guiding anti-aging research from multiple dimensions and providing robust support for leveraging the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine to occupy the commanding heights of international anti-aging research.
3.Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Potential Drug Targets
Han CHANG ; Meng-Xiang ZHAO ; Xiao-Feng JIN ; Bin-Bin YING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(10):2512-2534
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common head and neck malignancy worldwide, accounting for more than 90% of all oral cancers, and is characterized by high invasiveness and poor long-term prognosis. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Oral leukoplakia and erythroplakia are the main precancerous lesions lesions, with oral leukoplakia being the most common. Both OSCC and premalignant lesions are closely associated with aberrant activation of multiple signaling pathways. Post-translational modifications (such as ubiquitination and deubiquitination) play key roles in regulating these pathways by controlling protein stability and activity. Growing evidence indicates that dysregulated ubiquitination/deubiquitination can mediate OSCC initiation and progression via aberrant activation of signaling pathways. The ubiquitination/deubiquitination process mainly involves E3 ligases (E3s) that catalyze substrate ubiquitination, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that remove ubiquitin chains, and the 26S proteasome complex that degrades ubiquitinated substrates. Abnormal expression or mutation of E3s and DUBs can lead to altered stability of critical tumor-related proteins, thereby driving OSCC initiation and progression. Therefore, understanding the aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC and the ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms within these pathways will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms and improve OSCC treatment by targeting relevant components. Here, we summarize four aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC―the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Hippo pathway, and canonical NF-κB pathway―and systematically review the regulatory mechanisms of ubiquitination/deubiquitination within these pathways, along with potential drug targets. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is aberrantly activated in approximately 70% of OSCC cases. It is modulated by E3s (e.g., FBXW7 and NEDD4) and DUBs (e.g., USP7 and USP10): FBXW7 and USP10 inhibit signaling, while NEDD4 and USP7 potentiate it. Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway leads to β‑catenin nuclear translocation and induction of cell proliferation. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., c-Cbl and RNF43) and DUBs (e.g., USP9X and USP20): c-Cbl and RNF43 inhibit signaling, while USP9X and USP20 potentiate it. Hippo pathway inactivation permits YAP/TAZ to enter the nucleus and promotes cancer cell metastasis. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., CRL4DCAF1 and SIAH2) and DUBs (e.g., USP1 and USP21): CRL4DCAF1 and SIAH2 inhibit signaling, while USP1 and USP21 potentiate it. Persistent activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance. This pathway is modulated by E3s (e.g., TRAF6 and LUBAC) and DUBs (e.g., A20 and CYLD): A20 and CYLD inhibit signaling, while TRAF6 and LUBAC potentiate it. Targeting these E3s and DUBs provides directions for OSCC drug research. Small-molecule inhibitors such as YCH2823 (a USP7 inhibitor), GSK2643943A (a USP20 inhibitor), and HOIPIN-8 (a LUBAC inhibitor) have shown promising antitumor activity in preclinical models; PROTAC molecules, by binding to surface sites of target proteins and recruiting E3s, achieve targeted ubiquitination and degradation of proteins insensitive to small-molecule inhibitors, for example, PU7-1-mediated USP7 degradation, offering new strategies to overcome traditional drug limitations. Currently, NX-1607 (a Cbl-b inhibitor) has entered phase I clinical trials, with preliminary results confirming its safety and antitumor activity. Future research on aberrant E3s and DUBs in OSCC and the development of highly specific inhibitors will be of great significance for OSCC precision therapy.
4.Analgesic effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique of acupuncture on primary dysmenorrhea based on NOD1/RIP2/NF-κB signaling pathway in the rats.
Xu JIN ; Yanlin ZHANG ; Boya CHANG ; Jia REN ; Jianheng HAO ; Yuxia CAO ; Haijun WANG ; Laixi JI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(2):209-216
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique on the relative protein expression of the signaling pathway of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1)/ receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PD), so as to explore the underlying mechanism of this acupuncture technique for pain alleviation in PD.
METHODS:
Thirty female SD rats of SPF grade with normal estrous cycle were randomized into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. Using the intraperitoneal injection with estradiol benzoate combined with oxytocin, PD model was prepared in the model group and the acupuncture group. In the acupuncture group, during model preparation, the intervention with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique was delivered simultaneously, 20 min each time, once daily for consecutive 10 days. On day 11, within 30 min after the intraperitoneal injection with oxytocin, the writhing reaction (latency, frequency and score) was recorded; the morphology of uterine tissue was observed with HE staining, the contents of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the serum were detected using ELISA method; the relative protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65, phosphorylation-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) was detected in the uterine tissue using Western blot method; and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 was detected with the quantitative real-time PCR employed.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the writhing latency was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing frequency and score increased (P<0.01) in the rats; the endometrial epithelial cells showed massive degeneration and necrosis, with severe endometrial edema and widespread shedding, combined with neutrophil infiltration; the serum PGE2 content was dropped (P<0.01), while those of PGF2α, IL-1β, IL-18, COX-2, and TNF-α elevated (P<0.01); the protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65, and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in uterine tissue increased (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the writhing latency was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing frequency and score were reduced (P<0.01) in the rats; there was less degeneration and necrosis of endometrial epithelial cells, with mild endometrial edema and very little neutrophil infiltration; the serum PGE2 content increased (P<0.01), while those of PGF2α, IL-1β, IL-18, COX-2, and TNF-α decreased (P<0.01); the protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in uterine tissue were dropped (P<0.05, P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
"Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique can alleviate the pain symptom of PD rats, and its action mechanism may be related to inhibiting the active expression of NOD1/RIP2/NF-κB signaling pathway in the uterine tissue, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.
Animals
;
Female
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Signal Transduction
;
Dysmenorrhea/metabolism*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Humans
;
Acupuncture Analgesia
;
Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein/metabolism*
;
Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase 2/metabolism*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
5.Mechanism research of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture technique for improving reproductive function in mice with asthenospermia based on the ferroptosis pathway.
Jianheng HAO ; Boya CHANG ; Qingkai JIN ; Jia REN ; Haijun WANG ; Laixi JI
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(3):351-360
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the underlying mechanism of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture technique for improving reproductive function in mice with asthenospermia by regulating ferroptosis pathway.
METHODS:
Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an acupuncture group and a Fer-1 group, 15 mice in each one. Except the blank group, the intraperitoneal injection with cyclophosphamide (50·kg-1·d-1) was administered to establish the asthenospermia model in the mice of the rest 3 groups for 5 consecutive days. In the acupuncture group, "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture technique was operated in the mice, for 20 min each time; and in the Fer-1 group, Fer-1 solution (1 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally. The interventions of these two groups were delivered once daily and for 2 consecutive weeks. The testicular wet weight was measured and the testicular coefficient was calculated. Using sperm quality detection system, the sperm quality was detected. With ELISA used, the contents of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the serum were detected. With HE staining, testicular and epididymal morphology was observed. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the testes. Biochemical assay was conducted to determine the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total iron ion (TFe) in the testicular tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial structure of the testis, while JC-1 staining was used to assess mitochondrial membrane potential in the testicular tissue. Fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot analyses were employed to measure the mRNA and protein expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in the testicular tissue.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the testicular wet weight and testicular coefficient decreased (P<0.01); the sperm concentration and sperm motility reduced (P<0.01), and the contents of T, FSH, and LH decreased in the serum (P<0.01); and the seminiferous tubules in the testis showed loose structure and deformed lumen, sperm cells were disorganized and the sperm numbers reduced; the tubular walls became thinner, and sperm numbers in the lumen less; the expression of ROS in testicular tissue, as well as the contents of MDA and TFe increased (P<0.01), and the content of GSH decreased (P<0.01); and the numbers of mitochondria reduced, the structure of cristae was serious damaged, and mitochondrial membrane potential level declined (P<0.01); the mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1 decreased (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression of ACSL4 increased (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the acupuncture and Fer-1 groups showed the increase of testicular wet weight and coefficient (P<0.01), sperm concentration and motility (P<0.01), and the serum contents of T, FSH, and LH (P<0.01); and the improvements in testicular and epididymal histopathology; ROS expression and the contents of MDA and TFe decreased (P<0.01), and the content of GSH elevated (P<0.05); the mitochondrial structure and numbers were ameliorated and mitochondrial membrane potential rose (P<0.01). Besides, in comparison with the model group, the mRNA expression of SLC7A11 was higher (P<0.05, P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expression of GPX4 and FTH1 increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expression of ACSL4 decreased (P<0.01) in the acupuncture and the Fer-1 groups; and the protein expression of SLC7A11 was higher in the Fer-1 group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
"Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture technique may improve the reproductive capacity in the mice with asthenospermia by alleviating ferroptosis-induced cellular damage and ameliorating testicular function.
Animals
;
Male
;
Ferroptosis
;
Mice
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Asthenozoospermia/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Testis/metabolism*
;
Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism*
;
Malondialdehyde/metabolism*
;
Reproduction
;
Testosterone/metabolism*
6.Effect of "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on gut microbiota in mice with poor ovarian response.
Boya CHANG ; Jia REN ; Xu JIN ; Jianheng HAO ; Zhen GAO ; Yuxia CAO ; Haijun WANG
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(6):770-780
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the possible mechanism by which the "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture improves ovarian function in mice with poor ovarian response (POR) by observing its effect on gut microbiota.
METHODS:
A total of 35 SPF-grade C57BL/6 female mice were screened for normal estrous cycles using vaginal smears, and 30 mice were selected. Ten mice were assigned to the blank group, while the remaining mice were used to establish the POR model by intragastric administration of tripterygium wilfordii suspension. The successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into a model group and an acupuncture group, with 10 mice in each group. After modeling, the acupuncture group received the "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture method once daily for 20 minutes per session. Ovulation induction began the day after the intervention, and samples were collected after ovulation induction. Vaginal cytology was used to observe estrous cycle changes, and the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index were recorded. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were detected using ELISA. HE staining was used to observe ovarian histology. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Western blot was used to detect the relative protein expression levels of Occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in colonic tissue. Correlation analysis was conducted among serum hormone indexes, the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian index and gut microbiota.
RESULTS:
Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a higher estrous cycle disorder rate (P<0.01), increased serum FSH and LH levels, and a higher LH/FSH ratio (P<0.01), while the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, and serum E2 and AMH levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed a lower estrous cycle disorder rate (P<0.01), decreased serum FSH and LH levels, and a lower LH/FSH ratio (P<0.01), along with an increased number of oocytes obtained, higher ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, and elevated serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01, P<0.05). The blank group had a large number of well-developed primordial follicles, with abundant and closely arranged follicles at various stages. In the model group, there was a significant increase in the number of atretic follicles, a reduction in the number of follicles at various stages, and loosely arranged ovarian tissue. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant decrease in the number of normal follicles (P<0.01) and an increase in the number of atretic follicles (P<0.01). The acupuncture group showed a reduction in atretic follicles and an increase in the number of follicles at various stages compared with the model group, with a significant increase in normal follicles (P<0.01) and a decrease in atretic follicles (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited reduced gut microbiota diversity and richness, with significantly lower Chao1 and Shannon indices (P<0.01), and a greater clustering distance from the blank group. The model group also showed an increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes_D, Verrucomicrobiota, Paramuribaculum, Dubosiella, and Muribaculum (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Firmicutes_A and the relative protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1 in colonic tissue were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed improved gut microbiota diversity and richness, with increased Chao1 and Shannon indices (P<0.05), and a clustering distance closer to the blank group. The acupuncture group exhibited reduced relative abundance of Firmicutes_D, Verrucomicrobiota, and Muribaculum (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the relative abundance of Firmicutes_A and the relative protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a relationship between gut microbiota and serum hormone indicators, as well as the ovarian index. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the metabolic pathways of the intersecting species were related to amino acid biosynthesis and nucleotide metabolism.
CONCLUSION
The "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture method improves ovarian function in POR mice, and its mechanism may be related to regulating gut microbiota structure and maintaining intestinal barrier homeostasis.
Animals
;
Female
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
;
Mice
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Humans
;
Ovary/physiopathology*
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism*
;
Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism*
;
Estrous Cycle
;
Anti-Mullerian Hormone/blood*
7.Research progress in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla and prediction of its quality markers.
Shi-Han GUAN ; Chang LIU ; Xiao-Tong YAN ; Jin-Wei HAN ; Feng-Ting YIN ; Hui SUN ; Guang-Li YAN ; Ling KONG ; Ying HAN ; Xi-Jun WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(4):908-921
Abelmoschi Corolla, the dried corolla of Abelmoschus manihot, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrosis activities. Its chemical constituents mainly include flavonoids, organic acids, steroids, and polysaccharides. This study reviewed the research progress in the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Abelmoschi Corolla in recent 20 years. According to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), the Q-markers of Abelmoschi Corolla were predicted from plant phylogeny, chemical constituent specificity, traditional efficacy, chemical constituent measurability, and absorbed constituents. The primary Q-markers for Abelmoschi Corolla were anticipated to include quercetin-3'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, gossypetin-8-O-β-D-glucuronide, isoquercetin, myricetin,quercetin, and hyperoside, with the aim of providing reference data for improving the quality evaluation system of Abelmoschi Corolla.
Abelmoschus/chemistry*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Flowers/chemistry*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
Quality Control
;
Flavonoids/chemistry*
8.Quality control in manufacturing process of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations and its application in evaluation and decision-making of changes in marketed TCM preparations.
Hao CHEN ; Chang-Ming YANG ; Wei HAN ; Jian-Bo QU ; Ping YANG ; Xia CHEN ; Ruo-Jin WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2589-2595
The manufacturing process is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations. Using advanced technologies, innovative methods, and new equipment tailored for TCM to enhance the quality control of TCM preparations in the manufacturing process helps to ensure the product quality and foster high-quality development of the TCM industry. Upon current technical requirements, such as Guideline for Studies on Pharmaceutical Changes in Marketed Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations(Trial) and Guideline for Study on Quality Control in Manufacturing Process of Oral Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparations(Trial), this paper analyzes the characteristics and current development of quality control in the manufacturing process of TCM preparations. It also discusses the significant roles that quality control in manufacturing process plays in ensuring the quality consistency and in the evaluation and decision-making of changes in marketed TCM preparations. Furthermore, to benefit the high-quality development of the TCM industry, this paper offers recommendations for improving quality control of TCM preparations in the manufacturing process and implementing new technologies and methods.
Quality Control
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
;
Decision Making
;
Humans
9.Exploration of pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Jinbei Oral Liquid against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and network pharmacology.
Jin-Chun LEI ; Si-Tong ZHANG ; Xian-Run HU ; Wen-Kang LIU ; Xue-Mei CHENG ; Xiao-Jun WU ; Wan-Sheng CHEN ; Man-Lin LI ; Chang-Hong WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2825-2840
This study aims to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis of Jinbei Oral Liquid(JBOL) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology was employed to analyze and identify the components absorbed into rat blood after oral administration of JBOL. Combined with network pharmacology, the study explored the pharmacodynamic material basis and potential mechanism of JBOL against IPF through protein-protein interaction(PPI) network construction, "component-target-pathway" analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. First, a total of 114 compounds were rapidly identified in JBOL extract according to the exact relative molecular mass, fragment ions, and other information of the compounds with the use of reference substances and a self-built compound database. Second, on this basis, 70 prototype components in blood were recognized by comparing blank serum with drug-containing serum samples, including 28 flavonoids, 25 organic acids, 4 saponins, 4 alkaloids, and 9 others. Finally, using these components absorbed into blood as candidates, the study obtained 212 potential targets of JBOL against IPF. The anti-IPF mechanism might involve the action of active ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid, cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and forsythoside A on core targets like AKT1, TNF, and ALB and thereby the regulation of multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, and TNF. In conclusion, JBOL exerts the anti-IPF effect through multiple components, targets, and pathways. The results would provide a reference for further study on pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of JBOL.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics*
;
Animals
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
;
Network Pharmacology
;
Rats
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Male
;
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Administration, Oral
;
Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
10.Development of core outcome set for traditional Chinese medicine interventions in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Lu-Jie WANG ; Liang-Zhen YOU ; Chang CHANG ; Yu-Meng GENG ; Jin-Dong ZHAO ; Zhao-Hui FANG ; Ai-Juan JIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4071-4080
This study developed a core outcome set(COS) for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) interventions in diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN), standardizing evaluation metrics for TCM efficacy and providing a new framework for DPN treatment and management. A systematic search was conducted across databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, and PubMed, targeting clinical trial literature published between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2023. The search focused on extracting outcome indicators and measurement tools used in TCM treatments for DPN. Retrospective data collection was performed from January 2018 to June 2023, involving 200 DPN patients hospitalized at the Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with inpatients, outpatients, their families, and nursing staff to further refine and enhance the list of outcome indicators. After two rounds of Delphi questionnaire survey and consensus meeting, a consensus was reached. The study initially retrieved 3 421 publications, of which 170 met the inclusion criteria after review. These publications, combined with retrospective analysis and semi-structured interviews, supplemented the list of indicators. After two rounds of Delphi surveys, experts agreed on 24 indicators and 6 measurement tools. The final COS determined by expert consensus meeting included 5 domains and 13 outcome indicators: neurological function signs, quality of life, TCM syndrome score, nerve conduction velocity, current perception threshold test, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, complete blood count, urinalysis, liver function test, kidney function test, and electrocardiogram.
Humans
;
Diabetic Neuropathies/drug therapy*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Male
;
Female

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