1.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
2.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
3.Study on the mechanism of Huatan qushi huoxue formula in improving metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis
Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Junjiao XU ; Yijia SONG ; Dongfang SHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):864-869
OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula (HQHF) inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups: Control group (10% blank serum), Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], HQHF-L group (2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), HQHF-M group (5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), and HQHF-H group (10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS). After 24 h of routine culture post-administration, cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy; localization and expression of gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N) were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA; mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group, the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology (cell membrane bulging and pore formation), increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane ( P <0.05), significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). Compared with the Model group, the HQHF-L, HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology, reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N ( P <0.05), significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis, and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.
4.Association between serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adults
Qizhen ZHANG ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Yajie GUAN ; Junjiao XU ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1083-1089
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio (CCR) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on the NHANES database, and to evaluate the potential significance of CCR as an indicator reflecting the metabolic status of the body. MethodsBased on the data from the NHANES database in 1999 — 2004, a total of 4 217 participants were enrolled and divided into NAFLD group with 1 726 participants and non-NAFLD group with 2 491 participants. CCR was compared between the two groups, and the association between CCR and NAFLD was analyzed. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between CCR and NAFLD; CCR was divided into 4 groups based on quartiles, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in the regression model was calculated with the first quartile as reference. In addition, the restricted cubic spline analysis was used to investigate whether there was a non-linear relationship between CCR and NAFLD, and interaction items were introduced into the Logistic regression model to perform an interaction analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the stratification of variables to investigate the difference in the association between CCR and NAFLD in different populations. ResultsThe non-NAFLD group had a significantly higher CCR than the NAFLD group (Z=-4.76,P<0.01). The Logistic regression analysis showed that in model 1 without adjustment of variables, CCR was negatively associated with NAFLD (OR=0.993,95%CI:0.989 — 0.996,P<0.01), and in model 3 with adjustment of all variables, CCR was still negatively associated with NAFLD (OR=0.986,95%CI:0.981 — 0.991,P<0.01). The analysis of CCR based on quartiles showed a significant association between the increase in CCR and the reduction in the risk of NAFLD. In model 3, compared with the individuals with the lowest quartile of CCR, the individuals with the highest quartile of CCR had a significantly lower risk of NAFLD (OR=0.426,95%CI:0.316 — 0.574,P<0.01). Further interaction and subgroup analyses showed that the interaction between CCR and age/sex had a statistical significance (Pinteraction<0.01 and Pinteraction=0.04). The subgroup analysis based on age showed a more significant association between CCR and NAFLD in the middle-aged population (≤60 years) (OR=0.982,95%CI:0.976 — 0.987), and the subgroup analysis based on sex showed a stronger association between CCR and NAFLD in women (OR=0.979,95%CI:0.972 — 0.986). ConclusionThis study shows a significant negative association between CCR and NAFLD, and such association is more significant in middle-aged individuals and women.
5.Role and clinical application prospect of epigenetics in lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Junjiao XU ; Sutong LIU ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Yajie GUAN ; Beilei CUI ; Wenjing WU ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(6):1161-1166
Epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially among lean individuals. The research on related epigenetic mechanisms has provided new clues and directions for revealing the underlying causes and treatment strategies of NAFLD. This article introduces the role of epigenetics in the development and progression of NAFLD among lean individuals in recent years, analyzes the latest research advances in the epigenetics of NAFLD in this population, and briefly describes the basic concepts of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA regulation. This article also discusses how epigenetic alterations impact the pathogenesis, disease progression, and treatment strategies of NAFLD in lean individuals.
6.90 Years'History Review and Prospects on the Domestic Pharmacognosy Textbooks
Qizhen CHEN ; Tianyi XIN ; Wenjie XU ; Yuanhao HUANG ; Chunsheng LIU ; Jingyuan SONG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(9):2198-2211
Domestic Pharmacognosy textbooks are characterized by numerous editions,complex content structure,and a rapid pace of updates.Thus,systematical summerization of textbooks has been an urgent need.In this paper,a total of 90 editions of Pharmacognosy textbooks were integrated and divided into three types based on their content structure via National Library and other information sources:comprehensive,basic,and application.Through the analysis of publication trend,the use of taxonomy,and other informations,we believe that the publication and content structure of Pharmacognosy textbooks show a certain correlation with the development of the discipline over the same period of time.Furthermore,the historical changes and the current frontier topics of Pharmacognosy textbooks over the past 90 years were compared and analyzed.We put forward the following suggestions for the future development:Pharmacognosy and Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine would borrow from each other but need to be distinguished strictly;The contents of textbooks may be combined with frontier technologies and include the expanding scope;The adjustment of structure and the summarization of textbooks should be enhanced.Therefore,the systematic analysis of Pharmacognosy textbooks will provide an important reference for the future compilation,improving the level and overall quality of textbooks.Additionally,this review will also promote professional education and the training of professionals in Pharmacy,benefiting the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.
7.90 Years'History Review and Prospects on the Domestic Pharmacognosy Textbooks
Qizhen CHEN ; Tianyi XIN ; Wenjie XU ; Yuanhao HUANG ; Chunsheng LIU ; Jingyuan SONG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(9):2198-2211
Domestic Pharmacognosy textbooks are characterized by numerous editions,complex content structure,and a rapid pace of updates.Thus,systematical summerization of textbooks has been an urgent need.In this paper,a total of 90 editions of Pharmacognosy textbooks were integrated and divided into three types based on their content structure via National Library and other information sources:comprehensive,basic,and application.Through the analysis of publication trend,the use of taxonomy,and other informations,we believe that the publication and content structure of Pharmacognosy textbooks show a certain correlation with the development of the discipline over the same period of time.Furthermore,the historical changes and the current frontier topics of Pharmacognosy textbooks over the past 90 years were compared and analyzed.We put forward the following suggestions for the future development:Pharmacognosy and Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine would borrow from each other but need to be distinguished strictly;The contents of textbooks may be combined with frontier technologies and include the expanding scope;The adjustment of structure and the summarization of textbooks should be enhanced.Therefore,the systematic analysis of Pharmacognosy textbooks will provide an important reference for the future compilation,improving the level and overall quality of textbooks.Additionally,this review will also promote professional education and the training of professionals in Pharmacy,benefiting the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.
8.Energy supply nutrients and mineral composition analysis in breast milk in Lanzhou urban
Xiaoying XU ; Lin YANG ; Dehua YANG ; Qizhen WU ; Wenling WANG ; Min ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2019;27(1):62-64
Objective To analyze the energy supply nutrients (protein,fat and lactose) and mineral elements (calcium,copper,iron,zinc,magnesium,sodium,potassium) supplied in breast milk from the resident of Lanzhou,and investigate the problems of those energy supply nutrients and mineral elements in breast milk of this population so that to provide basis for breast feeding.Methods Breast milk from 1 215 mothers whose babies were fed totally by the breast milk and grew well was collected and assayed for the contents of protein,fat,lactose,calcium,copper,iron,zinc,magnesium,sodium and potassium in Lanzhou region.The optimal range for breast feeding was set by normal distribution method.The results were compared with the breast milk from other internal region in order to clarify the contents difference.Results The prevalence of mother-milk-fed in this region was 48.5%.The normal ranges (unit:g/100 g) of fat,lactose and protein were 1.57-5.11,6.58-7.16 and 0.79-1.35,and the normal ranges of calcium,copper,iron,zinc,magnesium,sodium and potassium were 5.25-7.83 mmol/L,5.66-8.28 mmol/L,0.14-0.3 mmol/L,15-64.48 μmol/L,0.98-1.62 mmol/L,1.92-18.82 mmol/L,7.95~ 17.31 mmol/L in the high quality breast milk.Compared with the other internal region,the normal ranges of the protein,fat and lactose in Lanzhou were lower.The contents of protein,fat,lactose,calories,calcium,copper,zinc and sodium in the breast milk from the whole investigated population were significantly lower compared with breast milk of high quality (P<0.01).Conclusion The quality of breast milk in Lanzhou is not so good.The contents of various nutrients in breast milk should be improved to a proper level by appropriate ways so that to improve the growth and development of the baby.
9.Research advances in the association of miRNAs with EGFR mutation, EGFR-TKI, and radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2017;26(10):1222-1226
Epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR) is most popular in targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) . In recent years, there have been a great number of molecular biology studies of EGFR. Radiotherapy is well-known as a traditional and important treatment for NSCLC, and the treatment outcome is associated with EGFR mutation and overexpression. Phase Ⅲ trials are needed to evaluate the effect of a combination of radiotherapy and EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor ( EGFR-TKI) in the treatment of NSCLC. MicroRNAs ( miRNAs) can modulate tumor-associated gene expression and influence the biological process of tumor. Recent studies have demonstrated that miRNAs play a positive or negative role in EGFR mutation, EGFR-TKI treatment, and radiotherapy, which mechanism has been partially clarified. In this article, we review the research advances in the association of miRNAs with EGFR mutation, EGFR-TKI, and radiotherapy, so as to provide the latest evidence for the application of miRNAs in the combination of radiotherapy and EGFR-TKI for the treatment of NSCLC.
10.Comparative Study on the Preventive Use of 3 Kinds of Cephalosporins for 1 066 Patients with Breast Lesion Resection in Shaanxi Province
Wei SUN ; Linlin JING ; Liting XU ; Yanyan JIA ; Qizhen WANG ; Aidong WEN
China Pharmacy 2016;27(35):5006-5007,5008
OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects of prophylactic application of 3 different antibiotics on prognosis in patients underwent breast lesion resection. METHODS:1 066 patients with breast lasion resection from 12 hospitals of Shaanxi province were divided into trial group(360 cases),control group A(352 cases)and control group B(354 cases)according to random num-ber table. Trial group was given first generation cephalosporin cefazolin;control group A was given second generation cephalospo-rin cefuroxime;control group B was given third generation cephalosporin cefoperazone sodium and tazobactam sodium. The dosage regimens of 3 groups were as follows:relevant drug 2 g added into 0.9%Sodium chloride injection 100 ml,ivgtt,0.5 h before sur-gery,medication course≤24 h after surgery in trial group. Those indexes of 3 groups were observed,such as post-operative ADR, incision healing,infection,hospitalization duration,phamaceutical costs per capita. RESULTS:There was no statistical signifi-cance in the rate of incision healing and the rate of post-operative infection among 3 groups(P>0.05). The incidence of post-opera-tive ADR,hospitalization duration and phamaceutical costs per capita in observation group were significantly lower or shorter than in control group A and B,with statistical significance(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Cefazolin is better than cefuroxime and cefo-perazone sodium and tazobactam sodium to reduce the postoperative adverse reaction,antibiotics cost per capita and hospital drug cost per capita,shorten the hospitalization duration.

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