1.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.
2.Neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B on Parkinson’s disease model mice by regulating the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiaoli WANG ; Hua RONG ; Siwen PAN ; Chunlei YU ; Tianjiao XU ; Yu SUN ; Huan CONG ; Yu PANG ; Gang CHEN ; Xiaoming LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):998-1002
OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B (ELB) on Parkinson’s disease (PD) model mice by regulating the IκB kinase β (IKKβ)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, positive control group (selegiline hydrochloride, 10 mg/kg), and ELB low-dose and high-dose groups (80, 160 mg/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically for 14 consecutive days. Starting from the 10th day of administration, the model group and all administration groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 30 mg/kg, for five consecutive days to establish the chronic PD model. After the last administration for 24 h, six mice were randomly selected from each group to test their behavioral abilities; detect the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in brain tissue and their mRNA expressions were measured, and positive expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), protein expressions of TH, α -synuclein ( α -syn), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in the brain tissue were detected. The ultrastructure of neurons in substantia nigra was observed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, rotarod endurance time and climbing score of each administration group (except for the ELB low-dose group) were increased significantly ( P <0.05), while the levels and mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, α -syn, and Iba-1, as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in brain tissue were decreased significantly (except for TNF-α in the ELB low-dose group). Conversely, the level and mRNA expression of IL-10 (except for the ELB low-dose group), TH positive expression and protein expressions were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Typical neurodegenerative pathological changes, such as neuronal karyopyknosis, mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization, and endoplasmic reticulum dilation, all showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS ELB may exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the activation of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway, alleviating inflammatory responses, reducing abnormal α -syn aggregation and neuronal loss, and further improving motor dysfunction in PD mice.
3.Research progress on antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Danna LIU ; Shuangshuang SONG ; Lu CHEN ; Yongqiang SUN ; Bo SUN ; Hanli ZHOU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Tiandong KONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):124-129
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a novel class of anti-tumor agents composed of a targeted monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug, and a linker connecting the two. They combine the high specificity of antibodies with the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by high aggressiveness, elevated risks of recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis, largely due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the research progress of ADCs in the treatment of TNBC. It has been found that ADCs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (such as trastuzumab deruxtecan), trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (such as sacituzumab govitecan and datopotamab deruxtecan), zinc transporter LIV-1 (such as ladiratuzumab vedotin), HER-3 (such as patritumab deruxtecan), epidermal growth factor receptor (such as AVID100), and glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (such as glembatumumab vedotin) have all demonstrated promising therapeutic effects against TNBC. Despite challenges including acquired resistance and treatment-related toxicities, ADCs are undoubtedly reshaping the therapeutic landscape for TNBC and are expected to occupy a more central position in TNBC treatment in the future.
4.Influencing factors of stroke complicated with hypertension and its compliance with antihypertensive drugs
Mei LI ; Xiaoli LIU ; Fan ZHANG ; Fujuan YUE ; Tiantian GUO ; Xiuli NIU ; Jixin SUN ; Dongsheng JIANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):94-98
Objective To investigate the influencing factors of stroke patients with hypertension and their compliance with antihypertensive drugs, and to provide targeted intervention measures for stroke prevention in hypertensive patients. Methods Using the method of multi-stage cluster sampling, a total of 59,434 permanent residents aged 40 and above were selected from 48 monitoring sites in 9 cities of Hebei Province from December 2019 to December 2020. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of stroke complicated with hypertension and the compliance of patients with antihypertensive drugs. Results Among the 59 434 subjects, the prevalence rate of stroke was 4.33% and the prevalence rate of stroke complicated with hypertension was 82.47%. The results of univariate analysis showed that the proportion of women, rural areas, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and people with family history of stroke was higher in stroke patients with hypertension, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that rural areas, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and family history of stroke significantly increased the risk of stroke, and the OR (95%CI) values were 1.29 (1.03-1.62), 1.39 (1.12-1.72), 1.58 (1.25-1.99), 1.61 (1.22-2.12) and 1.60 (1.26-2.04), respectively. Among stroke patients with hypertension, 92.71% of patients took antihypertensive drugs. It was found that women's compliance with antihypertensive drugs was good, with an OR (95%CI) value of 1.46 (1.01-2.09). Conclusion The prevalence rate of stroke complicated with hypertension is high in people aged 40 and above in Hebei Province. Hypertensive people should lower blood lipids, control blood glucose, and lose weight as soon as possible to prevent the occurrence of stroke.
5.Study on the capture of Helicobacter pylori released from Candida using immunomagnetic bead
Tingting LUO ; Jianchao SUN ; Tingxiu YANG ; Xiaoli XU ; Guzhen CUI ; Qing LUO ; Shuwei ZHUO ; Qi LIU ; Zhenghong CHEN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):402-408
ObjectiveTo investigate the ability of clinically isolated, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-specific gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive gastric, vaginal, and fecal Candida to release H. pylori. MethodsResuscitate 4 strains of H. pylori -specific 16S rDNA and ureA gene PCR-positive Candida strains isolated in laboratory from clinical sources, including 1 strain of gastric Candida, 1 strain of fecal Candida, 2 strains of vaginal Candida and the standard Candida albicans strain ATCC10231 (Ca10231). The presence of H. pylori-specific ureA in the 5 strains of Candida isolates was confirmed by PCR. The aforementioned strains of Candida and H.pylori were inoculated into urea medium and cultured in a constant temperature incubator at 37 ℃. The color change of the medium was observed daily. A change in the medium's color from yellow to red indicated the presence of urease activity. Then, the five strains of Candida and H. pylori were co-incubated with the magnetic beads coated with H. pylori antibodies respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to observe the presence of bacilli adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic beads. PCR was used to detect the presence of H.pylori-specific 16S rDNA and ureA genes on magnetic beads. ResultsThe PCR analysis of the ureA gene in the four Candida isolates was positive, whereas the Ca10231 strain tested negative. Upon culturing the four Candida isolates on urea medium, the medium color changed from yellow to red which was determined to be urease positive, while the medium containing Ca10231 remained unchanged, which was urease negative. SEM revealed that bacilli could be observed on the surface of magnetic beads co-incubated with the 4 strains of Candida of clinical origin and H.pylori isolate. Specifically, PCR testing of the magnetic beads co-incubated with one vaginal Candida, one gastric Candida and H.pylori isolate showed positive results for the 16S rDNA and ureA genes of H. pylori; however, the PCR tests for the two genes were negative for the magnetic beads co-incubated with the other two Candida isolate. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that H. pylori-specific genes Candida can release H. pylori.
6.Analysis of differential interactions between SARS-CoV-NP and SARS-CoV-2-NP with host proteins
Xinyi LI ; Lüyin SUN ; Zhuping MA ; Yonggang LI ; Xiaoli TAO
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(8):1348-1354
ObjectiveTo compare the differences in the interactions with host proteins between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) nucleocapsid protein (NP) and SARS-CoV-2-NP, and to screen out specific differential proteins for analyzing the pathogenicity differences between the two at the protein level. MethodsAll proteins in Vero cells interacting with SARS-CoV-NP or SARS-CoV-2-NP were screened by the pull-down assay, and the screened proteins were analyzed by mass spectrometry for quantitative and qualitative analysis, protein function annotation, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction by mass spectrometry. ResultsA total of 1 345 proteins were retrieved from the database. Compared with the SARS-CoV-2-NP group, the SARS-CoV-NP group had 358 downregulated differentially expressed proteins and 476 upregulated differentially expressed proteins. Biosignature analysis revealed that these proteins were predominantly located in the cytoplasm and nucleus. They participated in biological processes such as regulation of biological processes and metabolic processes. Their molecular functions included ion-binding, nucleotide-binding, and carbohydrate derivative-binding. These proteins were closely associated with diseases linked to metabolism and genetic information processing. Many of them contained functional structural domains like RNA recognition motifs and tryptophan-aspartic acid repeat (WD) domains. ConclusionCompared with the SARS-CoV-NP group, the SARS-CoV-2-NP group exhibited multiple differential host proteins, providing a basis for investigating the molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic targets of SARS-CoV-2.
7.PAGE5 in Promoting Breast Cancer Invasion and Hepatic Metastasis via Regulation of the PI3K/AKT/MMP1 Axis
Zenghui LIU ; Ying LU ; Xiaoli LIANG ; Wanna CHEN ; Xiangdong XU ; Hongbiao XU ; Zhen SHAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):833-842
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the specific molecular mechanism by which PAGE5 promotes breast cancer cell invasion and hepatic metastasis through regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream effector, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1). MethodsBioinformatics analysis using the TCGA database was performed to evaluate PAGE5 expression in metastatic breast cancer tissues. The effects of PAGE5 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of breast cancer cells were analyzed using CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, and wound healing assays. A splenic injection hepatic metastasis model in NOD-SCID mice was employed to validate the impact of PAGE5 on breast cancer liver metastasis. Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis were conducted to identify potential signaling pathways regulated by PAGE5. Western blot was used to detect AKT phosphorylation levels. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was applied to screen and validate downstream target molecules of PAGE5. ResultsBioinformatic analysis revealed that PAGE5 expression was significantly upregulated in distant metastasis of breast cancer. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that PAGE5 overexpression markedly enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of breast cancer cells and promoted the formation of liver metastatic lesions, whereas PAGE5 knockdown suppressed breast cancer liver metastasis (P<0.000 1). Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that PAGE5 significantly activated the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway (P=0.028 5). Western blot confirmed that PAGE5 upregulated p-AKT levels, which could be reversed by MK2206. The qPCR results confirmed that MMP1 is a key downstream effector of PAGE5, and its expression can be inhibited by MK2206 (P<0.000 1). ConclusionsThis study preliminarily demonstrates that PAGE5 can activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and mediate the invasion and liver metastasis of breast cancer through MMP1.
8.Analysis of Clinicopathological Features in 12 Cases of BRG-1/INI-1-deficient Undifferentiated Tumors of the Digestive System
Kaiying ZHANG ; Zhengjun YANG ; Yiyang ZHAO ; Zhengyi QIAN ; Yihong LING ; Xiaoli WEI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(3):561-572
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinicopathological features, molecular profile, treatment response, and prognosis of SMARCA4 (BRG-1) and SMARCB1 (INI-1)-deficient undifferentiated tumors of the digestive system, aiming to enhance the understanding of this rare and highly aggressive molecular subtype. MethodsThis study is a single-center retrospective analysis. We included 9 cases of malignant digestive system tumors with loss of BRG-1 expression and 3 cases with loss of INI-1 expression, all pathologically confirmed at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between April 2022 and December 2025. By reviewing clinical data, histological morphology,immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing (NGS) results from partial cases, we systematically summarized their clinicopathological and molecular characteristics, treatment strategies, and survival outcomes. Results Among the 12 patients, 6 were male and 6 were female, with a median age of 62 (44-70) years. 9 cases exhibited SMARCA4 deficiency, and 3 cases exhibited SMARCB1 deficiency. Tumors originated in the stomach (5 cases), colon (3 cases), pancreas (1 case), with the primary site unknown in 3 cases. The histology predominantly showed undifferentiated carcinoma, with 1 case of poorly differentiated carcinoma. The tumor cells were epithelioid with significant atypia. Epithelial markers (e.g. CKpan) were often lost or markedly decreased, while vimentin could be positive. All 9 cases tested for MMR status were mismatch repair proficient (pMMR), and the Ki-67 proliferation index was high [median 80% (60%-90%)]. A discordance was observed between IHC findings and NGS results in the 6 sequenced cases. The NGS profiling revealed frequent co-occurring mutations, including TP53, KRAS, and NRAS, with no germline mutations identified.The median follow-up time was 277 (55-867) days. 9 of the 12 patients presented with stage Ⅳ disease at the time of initial diagnosis. Among 3 newly diagnosed patients without metastasis who received treatment, 2 achieved prolonged recurrence-free survival. Patients with advanced disease at initial diagnosis primarily underwent platinum-based chemotherapy or combination regimens, yet their prognosis was generally poor, with a median overall survival of 60 (45-541) days, ranging from 16 to 867 days. Notably, several patients who received chemotherapy combined with targeted therapy and immunotherapy achieved extended survival. ConclusionSMARCA4/SMARCB1-deficient undifferentiated tumor of the digestive system is a distinct molecular subtype characterized by high aggressiveness and poor prognosis, predominantly affecting middle-aged and elderly individuals. Diagnosis relies on the immunohistochemical loss of BRG-1 or INI-1 proteins. While no standard of care currently exists, treatment often refers to regimens for adenocarcinoma of the primary site. Combined immunotherapy and targeted therapy may offer potential benefits, warranting further validation in large-scale prospective studies.
9.PAGE5 in Promoting Breast Cancer Invasion and Hepatic Metastasis via Regulation of the PI3K/AKT/MMP1 Axis
Zenghui LIU ; Ying LU ; Xiaoli LIANG ; Wanna CHEN ; Xiangdong XU ; Hongbiao XU ; Zhen SHAN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(5):833-842
ObjectiveThis study aimed to elucidate the specific molecular mechanism by which PAGE5 promotes breast cancer cell invasion and hepatic metastasis through regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream effector, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1). MethodsBioinformatics analysis using the TCGA database was performed to evaluate PAGE5 expression in metastatic breast cancer tissues. The effects of PAGE5 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of breast cancer cells were analyzed using CCK-8, EdU, Transwell, and wound healing assays. A splenic injection hepatic metastasis model in NOD-SCID mice was employed to validate the impact of PAGE5 on breast cancer liver metastasis. Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis were conducted to identify potential signaling pathways regulated by PAGE5. Western blot was used to detect AKT phosphorylation levels. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was applied to screen and validate downstream target molecules of PAGE5. ResultsBioinformatic analysis revealed that PAGE5 expression was significantly upregulated in distant metastasis of breast cancer. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that PAGE5 overexpression markedly enhanced the migration and invasion abilities of breast cancer cells and promoted the formation of liver metastatic lesions, whereas PAGE5 knockdown suppressed breast cancer liver metastasis (P<0.000 1). Transcriptome sequencing and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that PAGE5 significantly activated the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway (P=0.028 5). Western blot confirmed that PAGE5 upregulated p-AKT levels, which could be reversed by MK2206. The qPCR results confirmed that MMP1 is a key downstream effector of PAGE5, and its expression can be inhibited by MK2206 (P<0.000 1). ConclusionsThis study preliminarily demonstrates that PAGE5 can activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and mediate the invasion and liver metastasis of breast cancer through MMP1.
10.Clinical Observation of Mind-Regulating and Meridians-Dredging Acupuncture Combined with Rehabilitation Training in Treating Limb Dysfunction in Recovery Period of Cerebral Infarction
Wen ZHANG ; Shanbin SUN ; Chong CHEN ; Xiaoli SUN ; Yanju LI ; Ermei CAO ; Yueguang LIANG ; Sifang CHEN ; Haowen TIAN ; Yujie YANG ; Panfu HAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):71-77
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of mind-regulating and meridians-dredging acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training in treating limb dysfunction in recovery period of cerebral infarction(CI).Methods A total of 110 cases of patients with limb dysfunction in recovery period of CI were randomly divided into observation group and control group,55 cases in each group,the control group was given routine rehabilitation training,and the observation group was treated with mind-regulating and meridians-dredging acupuncture on the basis of intervention of the control group,the course of treatment covered two consecutive weeks.After two weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes of scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome,Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),Berg Balance Scale(BBS)and Modified Barthel Index(MBI)before and after treatment of patients in the two groups were observed.The changes of electromyographic signal before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.And the safety and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate was 98.18%(54/55)in the observation group and 87.27%(48/55)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(3)After treatment,the FMA scores of patients in the two groups improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(4)After treatment,the BBS scores and MBI scores of the patients in the two groups improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(5)After treatment,the root mean square value(RMS)of biceps brachii muscle elbow flexion and triceps brachii muscle elbow extention of the two groups of patients improved significantly(P<0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P<0.05).(6)During the treatment,there were no obvious adverse reactions occurred in both groups.Conclusion Mind-regulating and meridians-dredging acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training in treating limb dysfunction in recovery period of CI can significantly improve the motor ability of patients,and adjust the electromyographic signals of the affected limbs,with high safety.


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