1.Optimization of Extraction Process and Material Basis Analysis of Modified Banxia Xiexintang
Yuling LIU ; Ruying TANG ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Donghan BAI ; Longfei LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):129-139
ObjectiveTo optimize and validate the optimal sequential alcohol-water extraction process of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) based on pharmacodynamic evaluation, combined with the G1-entropy weight method and Box-Behnken response surface methodology, and to systematically and comprehensively analyze the material basis of this formula, providing a scientific basis for its quality control and industrial production. MethodsRats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, metformin group, and MBXT water extraction, water extraction and ethanol precipitation, sequential ethanol-water extraction groups. Except for the normal group, a polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) model was established in all rats via a high-fat diet combined with letrozole induction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) biochemical assay kits and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were used to compare sex hormone levels in serum and ovarian histopathology, thereby screening extraction process routes. Based on this, a comprehensive score was constructed using the G1-entropy weight method based on the transfer rates of index components(berberine hydrochloride and baicalin) and the dry extract rate. Box-Behnken response surface methodology was then utilized to optimize the extraction process parameters. Finally, the chemical constituents of the sample from the optimal process were qualitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that compared with the normal group, serum testosterone(T) and luteinizing hormone(LH) levels were significantly elevated in the model group, while estradiol(E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01), with polycystic changes observed in ovarian tissues. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups significantly reversed the changes in sex hormone levels, with the sequential ethanol-water extraction group showing the optimal effect in improving the aforementioned indicators and pathological morphology, followed by subsequent process optimization. The optimized process involved adding 12 times the amount of 70% ethanol for extracting twice, each lasting 120 min, and adding 12 times the amount of water for extracting thrice, each lasting 90 min. Validation test results showed that under optimal process conditions, the average transfer rates of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin were 76.05% and 93.38%, respectively. MS analysis identified a total of 377 compounds, including 112 flavonoids, 41 terpenoids, 28 organic acids, 22 coumarins, and 8 alkaloids, while elucidating the cleavage patterns of key components. ConclusionThe optimized sequential ethanol-water extraction process is stable and feasible, effectively preserving the material basis of MBXT for treating PCOS-IR. It further clarifies the main chemical composition of this formula, providing a scientific basis for the development and quality control of its preparations.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
3.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
4.Construction of a Three-dimensional Syndrome Differentiation System for Pulmonary Nodules under the Perspective of Qi, Blood and Fluids
Longfei ZHANG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Xi FU ; Fang LI ; Xueke LI ; Chuan ZHENG ; Fengming YOU ; Yifeng REN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(2):144-148
Based on the theory of qi, blood and fluids, and taking into account of the pathogenesis evolution process from constraint to phlegm, stasis and then mass in pulmonary nodules, an attempt has been made to construct a three-dimensional differentiation system for pulmonary nodules from the dimensions of time and space. The temporal progression of the early, middle, and late stages of pulmonary nodules reflects the pathological changes from constraint to phlegm and then stasis in the metabolism disorders of qi, blood and fluid. The spatial structures such as size, density, and morphology of pulmonary nodules reflect the pathological states of the duration, severity, and primary and secondary conditions of qi, blood and fluid metabolism disorders. Based on the temporal progression, the therapeutic principles have been proposed, which are dispelling pathogenic factors and promoting the use of beneficial factors to interrupt the growth momentum in the early stage, removing turbidity and dispersing phlegm to reduce the degree of nodules in the middle stage, and dispersing nodulation and eliminating abnormalities in the late stage. Based on the spatial structures, the suggested therapeutic methods are using wind herbs, employing multiple approaches to treat phlegm, and promoting blood circulation to resolve stasis, so as to provide theoretical reference for the systematic diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules in traditional Chinese medicine.
5.Analysis on Heart Rate Variability and Its Influencing Factors of Hypertensive Patients from Different TCM Syndrome
Zhijun LIU ; Hua JIN ; Lili SU ; Longfei ZHENG ; Shuangfang LIU ; Qiang CAO ; Yanping HAN
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2017;24(9):15-20
Objective To investigate the syndrome type distribution of hypertensive patients; To analyze the correlation of characteristics of HRV time domain parameters and its influence factors. Methods Totally 515 cases of hypertensive patients were included and were put under syndrome type distribution. Demographic information, laboratory test parameters, risk factors and clinical symptoms were collected for correlation analysis. HRV time domain parameters were recorded by using 24 h ambulatory electrocardiogram. The differences in SDNN, SDNN Index, HRV Index, PNN50, and RMSSD of different TCM syndrome types were compared. Results Among 515 patients: 160 cases with hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency syndrome, 136 cases with turbid phlegm and blood stasis syndrome, 83 cases with overabundant liver-fire syndrome, 69 cases with deficiency of kidney qi, and 67 cases with abundant phlegm-dampness syndrome. By comparing different TCM syndromes, the level of SDNN was significantly reduced in the hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency syndrome, overabundant liver-fire syndrome,deficiency of kidney qi syndrome compared with turbid phlegm and blood stasis syndrome, abundant phlegm-dampness syndrome (P<0.05); SDNN Index and HRV Index decreased significantly in the hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency and overabundant liver-fire syndrome compared with abundant phlegm-dampness syndrome (P<0.05). SDNN Index decreased significantly in the deficiency of kidney qi compared with abundant phlegm-dampness syndrome (P<0.05). The level of PNN50 was significantly reduced in the deficiency of kidney qi compared with hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency syndrome (P<0.05). RMSSD decreased significantly in the hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency syndrome, deficiency of kindney qi syndrome, overabundant liver-fire syndrome compared with turbid phlegm and blood stasis syndrome (P<0.05). Discriminant analysis showed that SBP, DBP, MBPS, SDNN, SDNN Index, HRV Index, PNN50, RMSSD were correlated with the diagnosis of five syndrome types. Logistic regression analysis showed that the factors including gender (female), insomnia, elevated systolic blood pressure, MBPS, decreased SDNN Index and PNN50 were positively correlated to hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency; other factors including gender (female), advanced age, elevated blood pressure, decreased SDNN, HRV Index and RMSSD were positively correlated with turbid phlegm and blood stasis syndrome. And the study also showed that advanced age, family history of hypertension, elevated blood pressure, decreased SDNN Index, HRV Index and PNN50 were positively correlated to abundant phlegm-dampness syndrome. Conclusion HRV time domain parameters can be significantly reduced in the hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency, overabundant liver-fire syndrome, and deficiency of kidney qi syndrome. The autonomic nerve function is damaged seriously. Hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency syndrome, abundant phlegm-dampness syndrome turbid phlegm and blood stasis syndrome are closely related to the influencing factors that lead to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

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