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.Differentiation and treatment strategies for ulcerative colitis based on the"midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory
Lingfei MENG ; Chaolun ZHU ; Zixu ZHAO ; Ranran SONG ; Yifan WANG ; Congling FAN ; Liuyue MI ; Shuangxi zhang
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):16-23
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Modern research indicates that immune dysregulation resulting from disruptions in circadian rhythm is closely associated with its pathogenesis. Both Western chronomedicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)" treatment based on temporal factors" emphasize the temporal relationship between natural rhythms and human physiology and pathology. The " midnight-noon and ebb-flow " theory represents the concrete application and deepening of TCM " treatment based on temporal factors" within the realm of chronomedicine. This article correlates the onset time of ulcerative colitis with specific periods in the " midnight-noon and ebb-flow"theory:the Mao period(05:00-07:00),when the yangming large intestine meridian of hand is dominant; the Si period(09:00-11:00),when the taiyin spleen meridian of foot is dominant; and the You period(17:00-19:00),when the shaoyin kidney meridian of foot is dominant. According to this perspective,if the disease manifests during the Mao period,the pathogenesis is attributed to dampnessheat accumulation and disorder of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on clearing heat,resolving dampness,and harmonizing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Shaoyao Decoction or Baitouweng Decoction. If it occurs during the Si period,the pathogenesis involves spleen deficiency with dampness obstruction and disharmony of qi and blood. Treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen,eliminating dampness,and restoring qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Huangya Decoction or Shenling Baizhu Powder. If it presents during the You period,the pathogenesis is characterized by fire failing to warm earth,and consumption resulting in qi and blood leakage. Treatment should focus on warming the kidney and spleen,and securing qi and blood,using modified formulas such as Sishen Pill or Tianhun Decoction. In addition to oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine,comprehensive therapies including acupuncture,herbal enemas,and acupoint application can provide novel insights for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis.
4.Effect of Shaoyao Gancaotang on Proliferation and Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells in Rats with Limb Spasticity of Cerebral Apoplexy
Runbo WU ; Chunxue MENG ; Fei WANG ; Qianxi NA ; Bin GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):11-20
ObjectiveThis paper aims to analyze the damage degree of muscle tone in rats with spasticity of cerebral apoplexy (SCA) and the expression of Nestin and β-catenin in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex, thereby investigating the action mechanism of different doses of Shaoyao Gancaotang on rats with SCA. MethodsThe rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a positive control group (baclofen, 5.25 mg·kg-1), and low, medium, and high-dose groups of Shaoyao Gancaotang (2.1, 4.2, 8.4 g·kg-1), with nine rats in each group. A rat model with SCA was established by using a modified phrenic nerve block combined with intraventricular injection of anhydrous ethanol. Following behavioral scoring to confirm model validity, drug interventions were conducted. Neurological deficits and muscle tone were evaluated by behavioral assessments. The open field test was used to measure locomotor distance. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to examine the synaptic structures. Skeletal muscle adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase staining was used to analyze myofibrillar changes. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histomorphological changes. Immunohistochemistry, Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and Western blot were employed to detect mRNA levels and protein expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in the M1 region of the cerebral cortex. ResultsCompared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores (P<0.01), markedly elevated muscle tone scores (P<0.01), substantially reduced locomotor distance (P<0.01), prominent structural swelling and blurring, severe destruction of cerebral cortical cells, a significant increase in the proportion of skeletal muscle ATPase type Ⅰ fibers (P<0.01), a significant decrease in mRNA levels and protein expression of Nestin (P<0.01), and a significant increase in mRNA levels and protein expression of β-catenin (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shaoyao Gancaotang group exhibited reduced neurological deficit scores and muscle tone scores in rats with SCA (P<0.01) and increased locomotor distance (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed clearer and more intact synaptic structures in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group, with increased vesicle numbers and improved morphology. HE staining revealed intact neuronal cell structures with regular arrangement and reduced vacuolated cells in the rats from Shaoyao Gancaotang. ATPase staining result indicated a decreased proportion of type Ⅰ muscle fibers in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.01). Real-time PCR results demonstrated increased mRNA expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in the rats from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses indicated elevated protein expressions of Nestin and β-catenin in rats with SCA from the Shaoyao Gancaotang group (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShaoyao Gancaotang may improve neurological function impairment and limb spasticity in model rats with SCA by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells in the cerebral cortex M1 region.
5.Network analysis of pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after total knee arthroplasty from an ethical equity perspective
Zhiwei WANG ; Lijun MENG ; Yu WU ; Jian LIU ; Zhaojin DA ; Zeping YAN ; Shicai WU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):364-372
ObjectiveTo explore the complex network relationships among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to analyze the moderating effects of different socio-structural factors on the rehabilitation network from an ethical equity perspective. MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to select 291 patients who underwent TKA in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from May to July, 2023. Pain was assessed using Numerical Rating Scale, kinesiophobia with Chinese short version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, social participation with Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, and knee function with Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score. A partial correlation network among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function was constructed using Graphical Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator. Key variables were identified through node centrality and bridge centrality analysis. Network Comparison Tests (NCT) were used to analyze network differences among subgroups based on different socio-structural characteristics. ResultsIn the network model, the nodes with the highest strength centrality were indoor participation, activity behavior and activity pain. Bridge centrality analysis indicated that activity pain, knee function, indoor participation and activity cognition were key bridge nodes. NCT revealed no significant differences in overall network structure or global strength among subgroups based on residence, education level or payment method (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in edge weights were found for specific edges such as activity cognition-activity behavior and knee function-indoor participation (P < 0.05). ConclusionThere is a network of interactions among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after TKA, with nodes such as indoor participation and activity pain playing key roles in the rehabilitation process. Although the overall rehabilitation network is similar across different socio-structural groups, variations exist in specific relational pathways among patients from rural areas, those with lower education levels, and those with out-of-pocket payment. This suggests that clinical rehabilitation interventions should focus on these core nodes and implement targeted support strategies for socio-structurally disadvantaged groups to promote rehabilitation equity.
6.Network analysis of pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after total knee arthroplasty from an ethical equity perspective
Zhiwei WANG ; Lijun MENG ; Yu WU ; Jian LIU ; Zhaojin DA ; Zeping YAN ; Shicai WU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):364-372
ObjectiveTo explore the complex network relationships among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to analyze the moderating effects of different socio-structural factors on the rehabilitation network from an ethical equity perspective. MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to select 291 patients who underwent TKA in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from May to July, 2023. Pain was assessed using Numerical Rating Scale, kinesiophobia with Chinese short version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, social participation with Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, and knee function with Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score. A partial correlation network among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function was constructed using Graphical Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator. Key variables were identified through node centrality and bridge centrality analysis. Network Comparison Tests (NCT) were used to analyze network differences among subgroups based on different socio-structural characteristics. ResultsIn the network model, the nodes with the highest strength centrality were indoor participation, activity behavior and activity pain. Bridge centrality analysis indicated that activity pain, knee function, indoor participation and activity cognition were key bridge nodes. NCT revealed no significant differences in overall network structure or global strength among subgroups based on residence, education level or payment method (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in edge weights were found for specific edges such as activity cognition-activity behavior and knee function-indoor participation (P < 0.05). ConclusionThere is a network of interactions among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after TKA, with nodes such as indoor participation and activity pain playing key roles in the rehabilitation process. Although the overall rehabilitation network is similar across different socio-structural groups, variations exist in specific relational pathways among patients from rural areas, those with lower education levels, and those with out-of-pocket payment. This suggests that clinical rehabilitation interventions should focus on these core nodes and implement targeted support strategies for socio-structurally disadvantaged groups to promote rehabilitation equity.
7.Network analysis of pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after total knee arthroplasty from an ethical equity perspective
Zhiwei WANG ; Lijun MENG ; Yu WU ; Jian LIU ; Zhaojin DA ; Zeping YAN ; Shicai WU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(3):364-372
ObjectiveTo explore the complex network relationships among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to analyze the moderating effects of different socio-structural factors on the rehabilitation network from an ethical equity perspective. MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to select 291 patients who underwent TKA in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from May to July, 2023. Pain was assessed using Numerical Rating Scale, kinesiophobia with Chinese short version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, social participation with Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, and knee function with Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score. A partial correlation network among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function was constructed using Graphical Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator. Key variables were identified through node centrality and bridge centrality analysis. Network Comparison Tests (NCT) were used to analyze network differences among subgroups based on different socio-structural characteristics. ResultsIn the network model, the nodes with the highest strength centrality were indoor participation, activity behavior and activity pain. Bridge centrality analysis indicated that activity pain, knee function, indoor participation and activity cognition were key bridge nodes. NCT revealed no significant differences in overall network structure or global strength among subgroups based on residence, education level or payment method (P > 0.05). However, significant differences in edge weights were found for specific edges such as activity cognition-activity behavior and knee function-indoor participation (P < 0.05). ConclusionThere is a network of interactions among pain, kinesiophobia, social participation and knee function in patients after TKA, with nodes such as indoor participation and activity pain playing key roles in the rehabilitation process. Although the overall rehabilitation network is similar across different socio-structural groups, variations exist in specific relational pathways among patients from rural areas, those with lower education levels, and those with out-of-pocket payment. This suggests that clinical rehabilitation interventions should focus on these core nodes and implement targeted support strategies for socio-structurally disadvantaged groups to promote rehabilitation equity.
8.From Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4.0 to DeepSeek-R1: Innovative scenarios and ethical governance paradigm shift of artificial intelligence applications in the field of medical and health care
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(3):300-306
The iterative evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is reshaping the global healthcare system. From the foundational large model of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) 4.0 to the in-depth adaptation of DeepSeek-R1, AI technology is triggering paradigm shifts across four core domains, including pharmaceutical research and development, personalized diagnosis and treatment, primary healthcare, and the secure application of medical data. Nevertheless, while AI technology becomes deeply embedded in the field of medical and health care, it has also brought about ethical risk changes, such as “exacerbated risks of model hallucination” in pharmaceutical research and development, “weakened autonomous judgment capabilities” in personalized diagnosis and treatment, “prominent human-machine collaboration conflicts” in primary healthcare, and “deepened infringement upon sensitive information” in health management. In view of this, this paper focused on four dimensions of current ethical risk changes in the field of medical and health care and proposed corresponding risk governance strategies. This is of crucial significance for constructing a novel human-machine collaborative medical ethics paradigm and refining the global digital medical governance system.
9.Evolving Paradigms in IgA Nephropathy Management: from Traditional Risk Stratification to Biomarker-Driven Precision Medicine
Dingding WANG ; Meng YAO ; Xiao LIU ; Qingxian ZHAI ; Qiong WEN ; Wei CHEN
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(2):317-323
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and a major cause of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. IgAN exhibits marked heterogeneity in clinical presentation, histopathology, and pathogenic mechanisms, contributing to variable treatment responses and prognosisamong patients. Precise risk assessment and individualized intervention are therefore of critical importance. This review systematically traces the evolution of IgAN management from traditional risk stratification toward biomarker-driven precision medicine. We first review the clinical utility and limitations of established risk stratification tools, including the KDIGO guidelines, the Oxford MEST-C classification, and the International IgAN Prediction Tool. We then discuss emerging biomarkers closely linked to disease pathogenesis, including galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), anti-Gd-IgA1 autoantibodies, B cell activating factor (BAFF), a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), and complement components, as well as the targeted therapies they have informed. In addition, urinary biomarkers and multi-omics approaches show promise for dynamic disease monitoring and individualized risk stratification.
10.Effect of morin on alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice by regulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway
Chunyan DING ; Ruijuan WANG ; Yijun WANG ; Liying MENG ; Guanglin FANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):902-907
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect and mechanism of morin on alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice based on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)/nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, morin group (40 mg/kg), SRT1720 (SIRT1 activator) group (5 mg/kg), and morin+EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor) group (40 mg/kg morin+7.5 mg/kg EX527), with 18 mice in each group. Except for control group, mice in other groups were subjected to silk ligation to establish periodontitis model. After successful modeling, mice in each group were treated with corresponding medicinal solutions or normal saline intragastrically or intraperitoneally, once a day, for two consecutive weeks. After the last medication, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured. The distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest was determined, and bone volume fraction and bone mineral density were calculated. Pathological changes of periodontal tissue were observed, and the number of osteoclasts was measured. mRNA expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in periodontal tissue, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as protein expressions of SIRT1, PGC-1α, and Nrf2 were determined. RESULTS Compared with model group, the alveolar bone resorption and inflammatory cell infiltration in the periodontal tissues of mice were improved in morin group and SRT1720 group. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, the distance between cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest, the number of osteoclasts in periodontal tissue, RANKL mRNA expression and the MDA level were decreased, shortened and reduced significantly ( P <0.05); however, serum level of IL-10, bone volume fraction and bone mineral density, OPG mRNA expression in periodontal tissue, SOD level and protein expressions of SIRT1, PGC-1α and Nrf2 were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with morin group, the above pathological changes were significantly aggravated in the morin+EX527 group; and the levels of quantitative indicators were markedly reversed ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Morin may inhibit alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis mice by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway to reduce inflammatory reaction and oxidative stress.


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