1.Construction of Perimenopausal Depression Animal Models and Mechanism of Action of Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Xiaoting LI ; Shouzhu XU ; Jun KE ; Zhan ZHANG ; Bao XIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):258-267
Perimenopausal depression (PMD) is an affective disorder that occurs in women during the transition from sexual maturity to old age. It can induce various complications, such as insomnia and cognitive decline. The etiology of PMD is complex. Although multiple hypotheses have been proposed, there is still no unified theory that fully explains its pathogenesis. Research into its mechanisms relies heavily on animal experiments, and establishing reliable animal models is crucial for experimental studies. Appropriate animal models can better simulate human pathophysiological states, rapidly evaluate the efficacy and safety of drugs and intervention methods, grasp the essence of the disease, and uncover its intrinsic connections, thereby exploring more advanced intervention strategies. However, there is a lack of systematic review and summarization of literature related to model construction. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), adhering to the principles of ''syndrome differentiation and treatment'' and ''holistic concept'', has shown significant efficacy in treating PMD. In recent years, research exploring and analyzing its therapeutic mechanisms has been increasing. Therefore, to gain a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of PMD animal modeling methods and the mechanisms of TCM, this paper reviewed Chinese and English literature on PMD animal models and mechanisms of TCM in PMD treatment. It summarized the construction methods of single-factor and multi-factor PMD models, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each modeling approach. Furthermore, it delved into the mechanisms of TCM intervention in PMD, revealing that TCM formulas primarily exert their effects by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, gut-brain axis, cell signaling pathways, neural circuits, hormone levels, and neurotransmitter levels. This review aims to provide a reference for future research in this field. In summary, by summarizing the progress in the methods for PMD animal model construction and the mechanisms of TCM, the paper seeks to offer new insights into the mechanistic research of TCM intervention in PMD.
2.Network meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in first-line treatment of advanced gastric cancer
Liyuan KE ; Yan WANG ; Anping WANG ; Danxue HUANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):383-388
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) as first-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, CNKI, and VIP databases were searched to collect phase Ⅲ clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ICIs as first-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer, as well as abstracts from relevant oncology academic conferences. The search period spanned from database inception to June 1, 2025. After screening literature, extracting data, and assessing quality, a network meta-analysis was performed using R software version 4.3.2. RESULTS A total of 8 studies involving 7 801 patients were included. Network meta-analysis results showed that, in terms of efficacy, compared with chemotherapy (Chemo), SHR-1701_Chemo, Cadonilimab_Chemo, Sintilimab_Chemo, Pembrolizumab_Chemo, and Tislelizumab_Chemo significantly prolonged median overall survival (OS) and median progression free survival (PFS) in patients (P<0.05); whereas Nivolumab_Chemo only significantly improved median PFS (P<0.05). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) results indicated that the top 2 interventions for median OS were SHR-1701_Chemo and Cadonilimab_Chemo; for PFS, the top 2 were Cadonilimab_Chemo and SHR-1701_Chemo. For patients with combined positive score (CPS) ≥5 points for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), Cadonilimab_Chemo and SHR- 1701_Chemo also demonstrated the optimal OS and PFS benefits (P<0.05). Regarding safety, there were no statistically significant differences among the interventions in the incidence of any adverse events (AEs) or grade ≥3 AEs (P>0.05). The SUCRA ranking for the incidence of any AEs showed the top 2 were SHR-1701_Chemo and Chemo; for grade ≥3 AEs, the top 2 were Chemo and Sugemalimab_Chemo. CONCLUSIONS For patients with advanced gastric cancer, Cadonilimab_Chemo and SHR-1701_Chemo demonstrate the best benefits in terms of OS and PFS, with their advantages remaining clear in patients with PD-L1 CPS≥5 points. In terms of safety, the risk of developing any AEs and grade ≥3 AEs is relatively lowest with Chemo.
3.Effect of Changji'an Formula (肠激安方) on the miR-29b-3p/TRAF3/NF-κB/MLCK Axis in Colonic Tissues in Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Model Rat with Liver Depression and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Yongfu WANG ; Wei KE ; Xiangyu XIE ; Hongmei TANG ; Liuze SI ; Yuna CHAI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):439-446
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Changji'an Formula (肠激安方) on intestinal permeability for rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome by the microRNA-29b-3p (miR-29b-3p)/tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) axis. MethodsTwenty-four 1-day-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) suckling rats were selected, and the IBS-D rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome was established via a three-factor method,i.e. maternal separation plus acetic acid stimulation and restraint stress, for 6 consecutive weeks. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, pinaverium bromide group, low-dose and high-dose Changji'an Formula groups, with 6 rats in each group. Another 6 age-matched non-modeled SD rats were included as the control group. The low-dose and high-dose Changji'an Formula groups were given intragastric administration of Changji'an Formula solution at doses of 16.74 g/(kg·d) and 33.48 g/(kg·d), respectively; the pinaverium bromide group received intragastric administration of pinaverium bromide tablets at 0.018 g/(kg·d); and the control group was given distilled water at 10 ml/(kg·d) via intragastric gavage. The intervention was conducted once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the gavage treatment, the fecal water content of rats in each group was measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of intestinal permeability indicators, including D-lactic acid (D-LA), diamine oxidase (DAO), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TRAF3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p65, p50, and MLCK in colonic tissues. Western Blot analysis was employed to detect the protein expression levels of TRAF3, TNF-α, p65, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), MLCK, myosin light chain (MLC), phosphorylated MLC (p-MLC), and tight junction proteins including junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colonic tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased fecal water content and serum levels of D-LA, DAO, and LPS, along with decreased protein expression levels of JAM-A, Occludin, and Claudin-1 in colonic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, in the model group, the mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TNF-α, p65, p50, and MLCK in colonic tissues were up-regulated, while the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRAF3 were down-regulated; the protein levels of TNF-α and MLCK, as well as the ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-MLC/MLC, significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed reduced fecal water content and serum levels of D-LA, DAO, and LPS, along with down-regulated mRNA expression levels of miR-29b-3p, TNF-α, p65, p50, and MLCK, and up-regulated TRAF3 mRNA expression in colonic tissues. Moreover, the pinaverium bromide group and high-dose Changji'an Formula group presented increased protein levels of Occludin, Claudin-1, and TRAF3, as well as decreased protein levels of TNF-α and MLCK, and reduced ratios of p-p65/p65 and p-MLC/MLC in colonic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the low-dose Changji'an Formula group, the high-dose group had lower fecal water content and serum levels of DAO and LPS (P<0.01). In comparison with the pinaverium bromide group, the high-dose Changji'an Formula group showed a significant decrease in serum DAO level (P<0.01). ConclusionsChangji'an Formula can reduce intestinal permeability and restore intestinal barrier function in IBS-D rats of liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome by regulating the miR-29b-3p/TRAF3/NF-κB/MLCK axis.
4.Five-year survival analysis and influencing factors of elderly lung cancer patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Mianyang City
Haishi XUE ; Ling HUANG ; Junjie XIA ; Yu QIU ; Ke GE ; Jincheng WANG ; Yuting CHEN ; Runjiao CHEN ; Lingna LI ; An LAN ; Yan HOU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):138-141
Objective To study the five-year survival status and influencing factors of elderly patients with lung cancer complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods A cohort study was conducted to follow up 450 patients with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2023. The endpoint of the follow-up was the end of a five-year period or death. The Life Tables method was used to calculate survival rates and plot survival curves. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the influencing factors of five-year survival. Results The results indicated that the overall five-year survival rate of patients was 4.89%, and it decreased year by year. Cox regression analysis showed that age, gender, family functioning, and psychological status significantly influenced patient survival rate (all P<0.05). Stratified analysis found that the smoking status, family functioning, and psychological status of male patients all had an impact on survival rate (all P<0.05), while the psychological status of female patients had a more significant impact on survival (P=0.008). Conclusion This study provides a scientific basis for comprehensive intervention of elderly lung cancer patients with COPD. It is recommended that clinical attention should be paid to psychological and family factors to improve patient prognosis.
5.Study on the effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder against bronchial asthma based on transcriptomics
Jiacheng JIN ; Wenyan CHEN ; Xin LI ; Qing XU ; Hangyu WANG ; Ke ZHANG ; Pinghua SUN ; Jinhui WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):595-601
OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qiwei dongqingye powder (QDP) on bronchial asthma in mice. METHODS The mice were divided into blank group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), dexamethasone group (2 mg/kg), and QDP low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (200, 400, 800 mg/kg), with 14 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice in all other groups were given ovalbumin via intraperitoneal injection followed by aerosol inhalation to induce a bronchial asthma model. During the modeling process, mice in each group were administered corresponding drug solutions or normal saline intragastrically/intraperitoneally. After the last medication, the number of cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the mice was observed and counted; the pathological changes of the bronchus and lung tissue were observed; the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the lung tissue of the mice were determined, and the level of interleukin-17 (IL-17) in the BALF and serum was determined. Transcriptomics was employed to predict and validate the mechanism of action of QDP against bronchial asthma. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the total cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and macrophage counts in the BALF of the QDP high-dose group were all significantly reduced ( P <0.05); the levels of MDA and NO in the lung tissue, and the levels of IL-17 in the BALF and serum were all decreased significantly ( P <0.05); the levels of T-SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased ( P <0.05); the arrangement of lung tissue cells tended to normalize, with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and decreased exfoliation of bronchial simple columnar epithelial cells. The transcriptomic results revealed that the differentially expressed genes were B-cell receptor signaling pathway, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, ferroptosis signaling pathway, and others. Further validation revealed that, compared with the model group, the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and chemokine ligand 20, as well as the phosphorylation level of NF-κB inhibitor protein α, were significantly decreased in the lung tissues of the mice in all QDP groups ( P <0.05). Conversely, the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were significantly increased ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS QDP can effectively alleviate bronchial asthma by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, regulating oxidative stress, and reducing inflammatory responses.
6.Laboratorydiagnosis and perinatal blood management of HDFN in a Jr(a-) pregnant woman
Pan XIAO ; Ke SONG ; Wei YANG ; Lingling LI ; Yi LIU ; Chunya MA ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):248-255
Objective: To report the antibody identification, blood management during pregnancy and the monitoring process of fetal hemolytic disease of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in a pregnant woman with a history of blood transfusion and pregnancy who developed anti-Jr
. Methods: Saline tube technique and anti-human globulin technique were used for maternal blood typing, unexpected antibody screening and identification, as well as for determining antibody titer and IgG subclasses. PCR-SSP was employed for genotyping of 18 blood group systems. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was utilized for gene sequencing of 38 blood group systems. Sanger sequencing was applied to verify rare blood group mutations detected by NGS and to investigate the corresponding rare blood group genes in family members. Blood preparation was achieved through anemia management in prenatal clinics and autologous blood collection during pregnancy. The newborn underwent the three primary tests for HDFN and plasma IgG subclass testing. Results: The pregnant woman's blood type was B, RhD positive, with a positive unexpected antibody screen, and the antibody identification pattern was consistent with a high-frequency antigen antibody. Gene sequencing revealed a homozygous ABCG2 c.376C>T mutation in the woman, resulting in the Jr(a-) phenotype, and anti-Jr
antibody was present in her plasma. No compatible Jr(a-) blood was found among family members. The maternal anti-Jr
IgG titer remained stable at 256 during pregnancy, with no detectable IgG1 or IgG3 subclasses against the Jr
antigen. A total of 800 mL of autologous blood was collected in two stages during pregnancy. The newborn was B, RhD positive, Jr(a+), with a positive unexpected antibody screen (anti-Jr
). IgG subclass typing detected no IgG1 or IgG3. The direct antiglobulin test was positive, while the acid elution test was negative. Conclusion: The combination of serology and blood group genetic analysis provides a diagnostic basis for identifying antibodies to high-frequency antigens. Managing perinatal anemia and implementing staged autologous blood storage can secure blood supply for the perioperative period. IgG antibody subclass typing offers a reference for clinical assessment and prevention of HDFN.
7.Effect of Ligustilide on Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Qian WU ; Yang WANG ; Jianing ZHOU ; Zhihan WAN ; Ke HU ; Qi HUANG ; Ning WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):82-88
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms by which ligustilide (LIG) exerts neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke (IS) by inhibiting the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), promoting blood-brain barrier repair, and alleviating post-ischemic neuroinflammation, thereby providing a new direction for IS treatment. MethodsA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in rats. The rats were divided into the sham operation (Sham) group, model (Model) group, low- and high-dose LIG groups (20, 40 mg·kg-1), and the NET inhibitor CI-amidine group (CI-amidine, 10 mg·kg-1). Drug treatments were administered for 3 days. Neurological injury after ischemia was evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, neurological deficit scoring, and brain index measurement. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to analyze changes in neutrophil expression. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the fluorescence intensity of the NET marker citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of blood-brain barrier tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory factors, including interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the Model group exhibited significant brain tissue injury (P<0.05), significantly increased neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.05), significantly impaired blood-brain barrier permeability (P<0.05), and significantly increased expression of inflammatory factors (P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, both low- and high-dose LIG significantly alleviated brain tissue injury in rats (P<0.01), inhibited neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.01), reduced blood-brain barrier damage (P<0.01), and suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors IL-18 and IL-1β (P<0.01), thereby ultimately exerting a neuroprotective effect. ConclusionThe neuroprotective effect of LIG in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury may be related to inhibition of neutrophils and the NETs induced by them.
8.Exploring on Processing Mechanism of Enhanced "Invigorating Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea" Effect of Soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Based on "Microscopic Characterization, Chemical Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation" Trinity
Guoshun SHAN ; Yuyan XIAO ; Chu YUAN ; Xiuai CHEN ; Qimiao ZHAO ; Xiang LIU ; Hao WU ; Ke ZHANG ; Siqi LIU ; Yongduo YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):182-193
ObjectiveTo analyze the processing mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of invigorating spleen and stopping diarrhea of soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) by analyzing the changes of microstructure, chemical composition and anti-ulcerative colitis(UC) activity before and after soil stir-frying. MethodsThe microstructure and elemental composition of AMR before and after soil stir-frying were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS), to investigate the differences in microstructure and the underlying causes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with UNIFI 1.9.2 natural product analysis platform were used to analyze and identify the chemical constituents in raw and soil-fried products, and multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to explore the differences and sources of chemical constituents between them. A dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC mouse model was established. The method of disease activity index(DAI) was used to evaluate the severity of intestinal inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to analyze the expressions of key genes and proteins involved in the intestinal mucosal barrier. The 16S rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora, headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) was used to explore the levels of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in feces. Base on the above findings, this paper investigated the effects of raw and soil-fried AMR on the biological, chemical, mechanical and immune barriers of model animals, and the differences in pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. ResultsSEM observation revealed numerous hearth soil particles on the surface of soil-fried AMR, accompanied by bubble-like bulges. At the same time, there were many cracks and folds on the surface of the hearth soil. EDS analysis revealed that the contents of Si, Al, Mg and Ca in soil-fried AMR were significantly higher than those of raw products, and these elements constituted the primary components of hearth soil. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with database comparison was used to identify the chemical constituents of raw and soil-fried AMR. In positive ion mode, a total of 132 components were identified, primarily comprising three categories of terpenoids, polyphenols and amino acids. In negative ion mode, a total of 40 components were identified, primarily polyphenolic and glycoside compounds. Among them, the contents of sesquiterpenes and polyphenolic acids were changed significantly before and after processing. Soil-fried AMR could reduce the DAI score of UC mice, alleviate the shortening of colon length, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-17, IL-18, γ-interferon(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in serum, increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA), IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in serum, increase the expressions of key genes and proteins of intestinal mucosal barrier such as tight junction protein-1(ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1 and mucin 2(MUC2) in colonic mucosa, and improve the disorders of intestinal flora diversity and the levels of SCFAs(P<0.05, P<0.01). The raw and stir-fried products of AMR also exhibited the aforementioned effects, but they were weaker than the soil-fried products. Additionally, the auxiliary material hearth soil also had a certain pharmacodynamic effect. ConclusionSoil-fried AMR can enhance the protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. These changes or heating-induced alterations in the microscopic structure and chemical composition of AMR may be attributed to the dual effects of adsorption of hearth soil.
9.Effect of Ligustilide on Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Rats with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Qian WU ; Yang WANG ; Jianing ZHOU ; Zhihan WAN ; Ke HU ; Qi HUANG ; Ning WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):82-88
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms by which ligustilide (LIG) exerts neuroprotective effects on ischemic stroke (IS) by inhibiting the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), promoting blood-brain barrier repair, and alleviating post-ischemic neuroinflammation, thereby providing a new direction for IS treatment. MethodsA middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in rats. The rats were divided into the sham operation (Sham) group, model (Model) group, low- and high-dose LIG groups (20, 40 mg·kg-1), and the NET inhibitor CI-amidine group (CI-amidine, 10 mg·kg-1). Drug treatments were administered for 3 days. Neurological injury after ischemia was evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, neurological deficit scoring, and brain index measurement. Flow cytometry and Western blot were used to analyze changes in neutrophil expression. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the fluorescence intensity of the NET marker citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit). Western blot was performed to detect the expression of blood-brain barrier tight junction-related proteins and inflammatory factors, including interleukin-18 (IL-18) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the Model group exhibited significant brain tissue injury (P<0.05), significantly increased neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.05), significantly impaired blood-brain barrier permeability (P<0.05), and significantly increased expression of inflammatory factors (P<0.05). Compared with the Model group, both low- and high-dose LIG significantly alleviated brain tissue injury in rats (P<0.01), inhibited neutrophil numbers and NET expression (P<0.01), reduced blood-brain barrier damage (P<0.01), and suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors IL-18 and IL-1β (P<0.01), thereby ultimately exerting a neuroprotective effect. ConclusionThe neuroprotective effect of LIG in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury may be related to inhibition of neutrophils and the NETs induced by them.
10.Exploring on Processing Mechanism of Enhanced "Invigorating Spleen and Stopping Diarrhea" Effect of Soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Based on "Microscopic Characterization, Chemical Analysis and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation" Trinity
Guoshun SHAN ; Yuyan XIAO ; Chu YUAN ; Xiuai CHEN ; Qimiao ZHAO ; Xiang LIU ; Hao WU ; Ke ZHANG ; Siqi LIU ; Yongduo YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):182-193
ObjectiveTo analyze the processing mechanism underlying the enhanced effect of invigorating spleen and stopping diarrhea of soil-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) by analyzing the changes of microstructure, chemical composition and anti-ulcerative colitis(UC) activity before and after soil stir-frying. MethodsThe microstructure and elemental composition of AMR before and after soil stir-frying were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM-EDS), to investigate the differences in microstructure and the underlying causes. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with UNIFI 1.9.2 natural product analysis platform were used to analyze and identify the chemical constituents in raw and soil-fried products, and multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were used to explore the differences and sources of chemical constituents between them. A dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced UC mouse model was established. The method of disease activity index(DAI) was used to evaluate the severity of intestinal inflammation. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to analyze the expressions of key genes and proteins involved in the intestinal mucosal barrier. The 16S rRNA sequencing was used to evaluate the diversity of intestinal flora, headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) was used to explore the levels of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) in feces. Base on the above findings, this paper investigated the effects of raw and soil-fried AMR on the biological, chemical, mechanical and immune barriers of model animals, and the differences in pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms from the perspective of regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. ResultsSEM observation revealed numerous hearth soil particles on the surface of soil-fried AMR, accompanied by bubble-like bulges. At the same time, there were many cracks and folds on the surface of the hearth soil. EDS analysis revealed that the contents of Si, Al, Mg and Ca in soil-fried AMR were significantly higher than those of raw products, and these elements constituted the primary components of hearth soil. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with database comparison was used to identify the chemical constituents of raw and soil-fried AMR. In positive ion mode, a total of 132 components were identified, primarily comprising three categories of terpenoids, polyphenols and amino acids. In negative ion mode, a total of 40 components were identified, primarily polyphenolic and glycoside compounds. Among them, the contents of sesquiterpenes and polyphenolic acids were changed significantly before and after processing. Soil-fried AMR could reduce the DAI score of UC mice, alleviate the shortening of colon length, reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-17, IL-18, γ-interferon(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in serum, increase the levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as secretory immunoglobulin A(sIgA), IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) in serum, increase the expressions of key genes and proteins of intestinal mucosal barrier such as tight junction protein-1(ZO-1), Occludin, Claudin-1 and mucin 2(MUC2) in colonic mucosa, and improve the disorders of intestinal flora diversity and the levels of SCFAs(P<0.05, P<0.01). The raw and stir-fried products of AMR also exhibited the aforementioned effects, but they were weaker than the soil-fried products. Additionally, the auxiliary material hearth soil also had a certain pharmacodynamic effect. ConclusionSoil-fried AMR can enhance the protective effect on intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice. These changes or heating-induced alterations in the microscopic structure and chemical composition of AMR may be attributed to the dual effects of adsorption of hearth soil.


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