1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Gardeniae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yuanjun SHANG ; Bo GENG ; Xin CHEN ; Qi WANG ; Guohua ZHENG ; Chun LI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Junjie HU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):225-234
ObjectiveBased on traditional quality evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) recorded in historical materia medica, this study systematically compared the quality differences between wild and cultivated GF from morphological characteristics, microscopic features, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. MethodsVernier calipers and analytical balances were used to measure the length, diameter and individual fruit weight of wild and cultivated GF, and the aspect ratio was calculated. A colorimeter was used to determine the chromaticity value of wild and cultivated GF, and the paraffin sections of them were prepared by safranin-fast green staining and examined under an optical microscope to observe their microstructure. Subsequently, the contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of wild and cultivated GF were detected by hot immersion method under the general rule 2201 in volume Ⅳ of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the starch content was measured by anthrone colorimetric method, the content of total polysaccharides was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method, the sucrose content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection(HPLC-ELSD), and the contents of representative components in them were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC). Finally, correlation analysis was conducted between quality traits and phenotypic traits, combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), key differential components between wild and cultivated GF were screened. ResultsIn terms of traits, the wild GF fruits were smaller, exhibiting reddish yellow or brownish red hues with significant variation between batches. While the cultivated GF fruits are larger, displaying deeper orange-red or brownish red. The diameter and individual fruit weight of cultivated GF were significantly greater than those of wild GF, while the blue-yellow value(b*) of wild GF was significantly higher than that of cultivated GF. In the microstructure, the mesocarp of wild GF contained numerous scattered calcium oxalate cluster crystals, while the endocarp contained stone cell class round, polygonal or tangential prolongation, undeveloped seeds were visible within the fruit. In contrast, the mesocarp of cultivated GF contained few calcium oxalate cluster crystals, or some batches exhibited extremely numerous cluster crystals. The stone cells in the endocarp were predominantly round-like, with the innermost layer arranged in a grid pattern. Seeds were basically mature, and only a few immature seeds existed in some batches. Regarding primary metabolite content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher total polysaccharide level than cultivated GF(P<0.01). In category-specific component content, wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of total flavonoids and total polyphenols compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Analysis of 12 secondary metabolites revealed that wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of Shanzhiside, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, gardenoside and chlorogenic acid compared to cultivated GF(P<0.01). Conversely, the contents of genipin 1-gentiobioside, geniposide and genipin were significantly lower in wild GF(P<0.01). ConclusionThere are significant differences between wild and cultivated GF in terms of traits, microstructure, and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. At present, the quality evaluation system of cultivated GF remains incomplete, and this study provides a reference for guiding the production of high-quality GF medicinal materials.
2.Thromboelastographic features of patients with primary liver cancer and their value in assessing coagulation function
Chunjuan YE ; Chun ZHANG ; Jialu LI ; Sinan LIU ; Zheng WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):111-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical application value of thromboelastographic parameters in assessing coagulation function by analyzing the thromboelastographic features of patients with primary liver cancer (PLC), and to provide a basis for coagulation management and prognostic evaluation in liver cancer patients. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 1 253 PLC patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from May 2015 to December 2022. According to the presence or absence of cirrhosis, the patients were divided into non-cirrhosis group with 262 patients and cirrhosis group with 991 patients, and according to the presence or absence of HBV infection, they were divided into HBV infection group with 1 055 patients and non-HBV infection group with 198 patients. The patients were stratified based on the severity of liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class and MELD score) and liver reserve function (indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes [ICGR15]), and thromboelastography was used to measure thromboelastographic parameters (reaction time [R], coagulation formation time [K], α-angle, maximum thrombosis amplitude [MA], and coagulation composite index [CI]) and conventional coagulation markers. The t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Bonferroni correction method was used for further comparison between two groups. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between grouips, and the Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. ResultsAmong the 991 patients in the cirrhosis group, 826 had Child-Pugh class A (5 — 6 points), and 165 had Child-Pugh class B (7 — 9 points); 812 had an MELD score of <10, and 179 had an MELD score of ≥10; 679 had an ICGR15 of <10%, and 294 had an ICGR15 of ≥10%. Compared with the patients with Child-Pugh class A, the patients with Child-Pugh class B had a significantly longer K time and significant reductions in α-angle, MA, and CI (all P <0.001); compared with the MELD score <10 group, the MELD score ≥10 group had a significantly longer K time and significant reductions in α-angle, MA, and CI (all P<0.001); compared with the ICGR15 <10% group, the ICGR15 ≥10% group had a significantly longer K time and a significant reduction in MA (both P <0.001). Among the 1 253 patients, MA was strongly positively correlated with fibrinogen and platelet count (r=0.675 and 0.667, both P<0.001); The MA had a weak correlation with Child-Pugh score, MELD score, and ICGR15 (r=-0.112, -0.250, and -0.117, all P<0.001), while the K time,α-angle and CI were weakly correlated with the MELD score (r=0.222, -0.184, and -0.183, all P<0.001),R time was negatively correlated with ICGR15 (r=-0.080, P=0.005). The HBV infection group had significantly higher MA and CI than the non-HBV infection group (P<0.05). ConclusionThromboelastography can sensitively identify the hypocoagulable state associated with the progression of liver cirrhosis and the hypercoagulable tendency in HBV-related liver cancer, which provides an important reference for individualized anticoagulant therapy in clinical practice.
3.Optimization of Quality Standards for Polygalae Radix Based on Characteristic Chromatograms and QAMS for Xanthones
Humin XIE ; Xiaoqing CUI ; Weihong FENG ; Yu LU ; Xiaoqian LIU ; Xiaoli SUN ; Yanrong LI ; Zhimin WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):196-204
ObjectiveTo address the limitations of the current quality standard for Polygalae Radix(PR), which relies on a single component for quality assessment and struggles to holistically control its intrinsic quality, by constructing a comprehensive quality evaluation system integrating "macro-characterization of chemical profile, synchronous quantification of multiple index components, and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for key component groups". This study aims to facilitate the scientific revision of the quality standard for PR. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) characteristic chromatograms were established for 11 batches of PR medicinal materials(YZ), 10 batches of PR decoction pieces(YP), and 10 batches of licorice-processed PR decoction pieces(ZYZ), followed by similarity evaluation and identification of common peaks. HPLC-QAMS was developed for xanthones(sibiricaxanthone B, polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, polygalaxanthone Ⅲ) in the characteristic chromatograms. Simultaneously, the external standard method(ESM) was used to determine the contents of the corresponding xanthones and 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose in YZ, YP, and ZYZ, followed by multivariate statistical analysis and Spearman correlation analysis. ResultsThe similarity between the characteristic chromatograms of 31 batches of PR samples and the reference chromatogram was>0.9. A total of 13 common peaks were identified, and 10 of these peaks were characterized through reference standard comparison. The successfully constructed QAMS method showed that the relative correction factors(RCFs) of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ to polygalaxanthone Ⅲ were 0.76 and 0.88, and their relative retention times(RRTs) were 0.85 and 0.97, respectively. The results calculated by the QAMS method showed no significant difference from those obtained by the ESM. According to the limit standard for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China(hereinafter referred to as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia), the pass rate of 31 batches of samples was only 19.35%. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated certain compositional differences between different batches of YZ and YP, as well as between YP and ZYZ, with 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose identified as the main differentiating component. Furthermore, correlation analysis revealed that the content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ was positively correlated with the contents of sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ, but showed no association with the content of 3,6'-disinapoyl sucrose. ConclusionIt is recommended that the content limit for polygalaxanthone Ⅲ in YZ,YP and ZYZ be revised to not less than 0.07%, or the total content of polygalaxanthone Ⅲ, sibiricaxanthone B and polygalaxanthone Ⅺ be not less than 0.18%. The newly established triple quality control model of "holistic control via characteristic chromatograms, precise quantification of oligosaccharide esters, and efficient detection of xanthones by QAMS" provides a systematic and precise solution for quality evaluation of PR and similar Chinese herbal medicines.
4.Pharmacological Review, Challenges, and Future Prospects of Zhusha Anshenwan
Xiaosong HU ; Zhou LAN ; Ping WANG ; Li DING ; Chun GUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):329-335
Zhusha Anshenwan is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula originating from LI Dongyuan's Treatise on the Differentiation of Endogenous and Exogenous Injuries (Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun) of the Jin-Yuan period. It is composed of five medicinal ingredients: Cinnabaris (Zhusha), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdihuang), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao). Under the guidance of TCM theory, this formula is used to treat syndromes of disturbed spirit, including insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety, caused by hyperactivity of heart fire and deficiency of Yin-blood, and it also exerts auxiliary anticonvulsant effects in epilepsy and related conditions. However, the potential neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity of its monarch drug, Cinnabaris (mainly composed of mercuric sulfide, HgS), together with the risk of in vivo accumulation, have rendered its clinical application controversial, and it has not yet been formally included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. In addition, restrictions imposed by the Minamata Convention on Mercury have led to an increasing shortage of natural medicinal Cinnabaris resources, making the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of synthetic Cinnabaris particularly urgent. This contradiction highlights the complexity of safety evaluation for traditional medicines. Existing studies indicate that Zhusha Anshenwan exhibits definite pharmacological activities in calming the mind, improving sleep, and regulating emotional disorders. Moreover, other components of the formula may exert antagonistic effects on the toxicity of Cinnabaris, and reports of severe mercury poisoning caused by standardized clinical use of this prescription are extremely rare. Research suggests that other ingredients in the compound formula, such as Rehmanniae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, may effectively alleviate the hepatorenal toxicity of Cinnabaris through mechanisms including modulation of the gut microbiota, formation of mercury complexes, and direct protection of target organs. This article aims to systematically review the progress in pharmacodynamic research on Zhusha Anshenwan, to explore its mechanisms of action in depth, and to analyze the toxicokinetic characteristics and safety risks of Cinnabaris, as well as the scientific connotations of toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement achieved through compound compatibility. In addition, it compares Zhusha Anshenwan with other commonly used sedative formulas, with the aim of providing a scientific basis and forward-looking perspectives for the safe and rational application and in-depth development of this classical prescription in a modern context, and of emphasizing the important value of holistic research on TCM compound formulas in addressing the challenges of single-component toxicity.
5.Effects of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方) on Methylation Key Genes and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway in Myocardial Tissue of Coronary Heart Disease Model Rats with Blood Stasis Syndrome
Chun ZHANG ; Shumeng ZHANG ; Yan MAO ; Xing CHEN ; Huifang KUANG ; Yi YANG ; Lingli CHEN ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):784-791
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yangxin Tongmai Formula (养心通脉方, YTF) in trea-ting coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome based on DNA methylation. MethodsSeventy-two SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=12) and a modeling group (n=60). The modeling group was subjected to a high-fat diet, intragastric administration of vitamin D3, and subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline to establish the rat model of coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome. Forty-one successfully modeled rats were then randomly allocated into model group, YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, and the atorvastatin calcium group, with 8 rats in each group and 1 rat reserved. The YTF low-, medium-, and high-dose groups received YTF at 6, 12, and 18 g/(kg·d) by gavage, respectively. The atorvastatin calcium group received atorvastatin calcium tablets at 1.8 mg/(kg·d) by gavage. The control group and the model group received 0.9% sodium chloride injection at 4 ml/(kg·d) by gavage. All administrations were performed once daily for 3 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, serum lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), myocardial enzymes including cardiac troponin T (cTnT), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by ELISA. Pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed via HE staining. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing was used to analyze differential methylation gene expression among the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group. Western Blotting was used to verify the protein levels of the key genes and downstream signaling pathways. ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group showed increased levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, cTnT, CK-MB, LDH, and IL-1β, along with decreased levels of HDL-C and IL-10 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, all treatment groups exhibited decreased levels of TC, LDL-C, CK-MB, and LDH, along with increased IL-10 levels. Among these, the high-dose YTF group demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing cTnT levels compared to the other TCM groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining indicated that the YTF high-dose group ameliorated myocardial cell swelling, disordered arrangement, pyknosis, and disappearance of nuclei, thereby reducing myocardial cell damage. Whole blood DNA methylation sequencing identified 240 differentially methylated genes shared by the control group, model group, and YTF high-dose group, including 109 hypermethylated and 131 hypomethylated genes; eif2ak3 was identified as a key differentially methylated gene. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited increased protein levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3 (eIf2ak3), phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and Bax, along with a decreased level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the YTF high-dose group showed decreased protein levels of eIf2ak3, p-PERK, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax, and an increased level of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionYTF may regulate key differentially methylated genes such as eIf2ak3 and the PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress, reducing myocardial cell apoptosis, and exerting therapeutic effects in coronary heart disease blood stasis syndrome.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of sexually transmitted diseases in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023
XU Chun ; LI Jincheng ; YANG Wenbin ; JIANG Yan ; YANG Kejiao ; BU Chunhong
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):158-162
Objective:
o analyze the epidemic characteristics of five sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including syphilis, gonorrhea, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes and genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province from 2019 to 2023, so as to provide the reference for the prevention and control strategies of STDs.
Methods:
Data of the onset time and diagnostic types of STDs cases in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023 were collected from the Infectious Disease Surveillance System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The temporal, regional and population characteristics of five types of STDs was analyzed using the descriptive epidemiological method.
Results:
A total of 10 895 cases of STDs were reported in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 47.83/105. The average annual reported incidence rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, condyloma acuminatum, genital herpes and genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections were 41.11/105, 2.83/105, 2.59/105, 0.43/105 and 0.85/105, respectively. The reported incidence rate of STDs showed a decreasing trend from 2019 to 2023 (P<0.05), with an average annual growth rate of -3.44%. The reported incidence rates of syphilis and gonorrhea showed a decreasing trend (both P<0.05), with average annual growth rates of -4.26% and -6.47%, respectively. The reported incidence rate of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection showed an increasing trend (P<0.05), with an average annual growth rate of 22.32%. Baoying County, Guangling District and Hanjiang District had the top three reported incidence rates of STDs, at 56.61/105, 55.61/105 and 46.50/105, respectively. The average annual reported incidence rate of STDs among males was higher than that among females (53.19/105 vs. 42.54/105, P<0.05). The STD cases were primarily people aged 50 years and above, with 6 641 cases accounting for 60.95%. The occupations of STD cases were mainly farmers, housekeepers and unemployed, with 4 670 and 3 273 cases accounting for 42.86% and 30.04%, respectively.
Conclusions
The overall reported incidence of STDs in Yangzhou City from 2019 to 2023 showed a downward trend, while the reported incidence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection showed an upward trend. The individuals aged 50 years and above, farmers, housekeepers and the unemployed were identified as high-risk groups for STDs.
7.Mechanism of Intervening with Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Rats with Spleen Deficiency by Xingpi Capsules Through Regulating 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 Pathway
Gang WANG ; Lingwen CUI ; Xiangning LIU ; Rongxin ZHU ; Mingyue HUANG ; Ying SUN ; Boyang JIAO ; Ran WANG ; Chun LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):60-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Xingpi capsules (XPC) in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) with spleen deficiency and elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. MethodsA rat model of IBS-D with spleen deficiency was established by administering senna leaf in combination with restrained stress and swimming fatigue for 14 d. Ten specific pathogen free (SPF)-grade healthy rats were used as the normal control group. After successful modeling, SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a model group, a pinaverium bromide group (1.5 mg·kg-1), and low- and high-dose XPC groups (0.135 and 0.54 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the normal control group and the model group were given distilled water by gavage, while the remaining groups were administered corresponding drug solutions by gavage once a day for 14 consecutive days. The rat body weights and fecal condition were observed every day, and the Bristol score was recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in serum and colon tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the microvilli and tight junctions in the colon. The integrity of the colonic barrier, intestinal motility, and expression of related pathway proteins were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot. ResultsCompared with those in the normal control group, rats in the model group showed a significantly decreased body weight and increased diarrhea rate, diarrhea grade, and Bristol score (P<0.01). HE staining revealed incomplete colonic mucosa in the model group, with evident congestion and edema observed. Electron microscopy results indicated decreased density and integrity of the colonic barrier, shedding and disappearance of microvilli, and significant widening of tight junctions. The expression levels of colonic tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin-5 were downregulated (P<0.01), and the levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue were elevated (P<0.01). The small intestine propulsion rate significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of contractile proteins Ras homolog family member A (RhoA) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) in colon and phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20) were upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the treatment groups showed alleviated diarrhea, diarrhea-associated symptoms, and pathological manifestations of colon tissue to varying degrees. Specifically, high-dose XPC exhibited effectively relieved diarrhea, promoted recovery of colonic mucosal structure, significantly reduced congestion and edema, upregulated expression of Occludin and Claudin-5 (P<0.01), decreased levels of 5-HT in serum and colon tissue (P<0.05,P<0.01), significantly slowed small intestine propulsion rate (P<0.01), and significantly downregulated expression of contractile proteins RhoA and ROCK2 in colon and phosphorylation of MLC20 (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionXPC effectively alleviates symptoms of spleen deficiency and diarrhea and regulates the secretion of brain-gut peptide. The characteristics of XPC are mainly manifested in alleviating IBS-D with spleen deficiency from the aspects of protecting intestinal mucosa and inhibiting smooth muscle contraction, and the mechanism is closely related to the regulation of the 5-HT-RhoA/ROCK2 pathway expression.
8.Herbal Textual Research on Spatholobi Caulis in Famous Classical Formulas
Yajie XIANG ; Yangyang LIU ; Jian FENG ; Chun YAO ; Erwei HAO ; Wenlan LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):238-248
Through consulting herbal medicine, medical books, and local chronicles from past dynasties to modern times, this paper systematically researched Spatholobi Caulis from name, origin, producing areas, harvesting, processing, usage, quality evaluation, functions and indications, providing a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Spatholobi Caulis. According to the research, Spatholobi Caulis was first recorded in the Annals of Shunning Prefecture from the Qing dynasty. It was originally a medicinal herb commonly used in Shunning, Yunnan, and was named from the red juice resembling chicken blood that flowed out after the vein was cut off. The mainstream original plants of each dynasty were Kadsura heteroclita and Spatholobus suberectus. Among them, K. heteroclita mainly focused on dispersing blood stasis and unblocking meridians, mainly treating rheumatic pain and injuries caused by falls or blows, and it is mostly used as the raw material of Jixueteng ointments. S. suberectus was commonly used as decoction pieces in decoction, which had the functions of promoting blood circulation and replenishing blood, activating meridians and collaterals, and mainly used for treating anemia, irregular menstruation, and rheumatic bone pain. The production area of Spatholobi Caulis recorded in the Qing dynasty was Yunnan. Currently, the main production area of S. suberectus is Guangxi, while the main production area of K. interior is Yunnan. In the Qing dynasty, the usage of Spatholobi Caulis was an individual prescription with other herbs before making ointments, which was usually composed of the juice of it, safflower, angelica, and glutinous rice. But in modern times, Spatholobi Caulis is mostly sliced and dried for use. The quality of Spatholobi Caulis is often determined by the number of reddish-brown concentric circles on the cut surface, with a higher number indicating better quality. Additionally, the presence of resinous secretions is also considered desirable. Based on the research findings, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing Spatholobi Caulis, the choice of the primary source should be S. suberectus or K. heteroclita, taking into consideration the therapeutic effects of the formula. It is also recommended that the latest plant classification be referenced in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, adjusting the primary source of Kadsurae Caulis to K. heteroclita to avoid confusion caused by inconsistent original names, and the functions adjust to promote Qi circulation and relieve pain, disperse blood stasis and unblock collaterals, treating injuries caused by falls and bruises.
9.Research and Application of Scalp Surface Laplacian Technique
Rui-Xin LUO ; Si-Ying GUO ; Xin-Yi LI ; Yu-He ZHAO ; Chun-Hou ZHENG ; Min-Peng XU ; Dong MING
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):425-438
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive, high temporal-resolution technique for monitoring brain activity. However, affected by the volume conduction effect, EEG has a low spatial resolution and is difficult to locate brain neuronal activity precisely. The surface Laplacian (SL) technique obtains the Laplacian EEG (LEEG) by estimating the second-order spatial derivative of the scalp potential. LEEG can reflect the radial current activity under the scalp, with positive values indicating current flow from the brain to the scalp (“source”) and negative values indicating current flow from the scalp to the brain (“sink”). It attenuates signals from volume conduction, effectively improving the spatial resolution of EEG, and is expected to contribute to breakthroughs in neural engineering. This paper provides a systematic overview of the principles and development of SL technology. Currently, there are two implementation paths for SL technology: current source density algorithms (CSD) and concentric ring electrodes (CRE). CSD performs the Laplace transform of the EEG signals acquired by conventional disc electrodes to indirectly estimate the LEEG. It can be mainly classified into local methods, global methods, and realistic Laplacian methods. The global method is the most commonly used approach in CSD, which can achieve more accurate estimation compared with the local method, and it does not require additional imaging equipment compared with the realistic Laplacian method. CRE employs new concentric ring electrodes instead of the traditional disc electrodes, and measures the LEEG directly by differential acquisition of the multi-ring signals. Depending on the structure, it can be divided into bipolar CRE, quasi-bipolar CRE, tripolar CRE, and multi-pole CRE. The tripolar CRE is widely used due to its optimal detection performance. While ensuring the quality of signal acquisition, the complexity of its preamplifier is relatively acceptable. Here, this paper introduces the study of the SL technique in resting rhythms, visual-related potentials, movement-related potentials, and sensorimotor rhythms. These studies demonstrate that SL technology can improve signal quality and enhance signal characteristics, confirming its potential applications in neuroscientific research, disease diagnosis, visual pathway detection, and brain-computer interfaces. CSD is frequently utilized in applications such as neuroscientific research and disease detection, where high-precision estimation of LEEG is required. And CRE tends to be used in brain-computer interfaces, that have stringent requirements for real-time data processing. Finally, this paper summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of SL technology and envisages its future development. SL technology boasts advantages such as reference independence, high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, enhanced source connectivity analysis, and noise suppression. However, it also has shortcomings that can be further improved. Theoretically, simulation experiments should be conducted to investigate the theoretical characteristics of SL technology. For CSD methods, the algorithm needs to be optimized to improve the precision of LEEG estimation, reduce dependence on the number of channels, and decrease computational complexity and time consumption. For CRE methods, the electrodes need to be designed with appropriate structures and sizes, and the low-noise, high common-mode rejection ratio preamplifier should be developed. We hope that this paper can promote the in-depth research and wide application of SL technology.
10.Chinese Materia Medica by Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Prevention and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Review
Yasheng DENG ; Lanhua XI ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Tianwei LIANG ; Hui HUANG ; Shan LI ; Xian HUANG ; Chun YAO ; Guochu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):321-330
Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa and submucosa, and its complex pathogenesis involves immune abnormality, oxidative stress and other factors. The nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), encoded by the Nfe212 gene, plays a central role in antioxidant responses. It not only activates various antioxidant response elements such as heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), but also enhances the activity of glutathione-S-transferase(GST) and superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1), effectively eliminating reactive oxygen species(ROS) accumulated in the body, and mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal mucosa. In addition, Nrf2 can reduce the release of inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune cells by regulating immune response, cell apoptosis and autophagy pathways, thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation and promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged mucosa. Based on this, this paper reviews the research progress of Chinese materia medica in the prevention and treatment of UC by modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It deeply explores the physiological role of Nrf2, the molecular mechanism of activation, the protective effect in the pathological process of UC, and how active ingredients in Chinese materia medica regulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway through multiple pathways to exert their potential mechanisms. These studies have revealed in depth that Chinese materia medica can effectively combat oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It can also play a role in anti-inflammatory, promoting autophagy, inhibiting apoptosis, protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, and promoting intestinal mucosal repair, providing new ideas and methods for the multi-faceted treatment of UC.


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