1.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
2.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
3.Effects of eugenol combined with traditional Chinese medicine five-elements music therapy on symptoms of atopic dermatitis and associated anxiety-and depression-like behaviors
Peirong LIU ; Dingwen WANG ; Yue CHEN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xiaoqin CAO
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(8):1116-1132
Objective To explore the effects of eugenol combined with traditional Chinese medicine Wuxing music(EUG+MUSIC)on skin inflammation,behavioral characteristics,hormone and neurotransmitter levels,and the intestinal microbiota in a mouse model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene(DNFB)-induced atopic dermatitis(AD).Methods A mouse model of AD was established by induction with DNFB for 21 consecutive days;throughout the study,changes in dorsal skin lesions and scratching behavior were recorded in mice and changes in dorsal skin lesions and pruritus were recorded.Mice underwent open-field,elevated 0 maze,tail-suspension,and forced-swimming tests on days 19 and 20.The mice were then sacrificed on day 21 and the organ index was calculated.Serum levels of immunoglobulin E,interleukin(IL)-4,and IL-10 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Pathological changes in back-skin sections were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)and toluidine blue staining,and brain levels of corticosterone,dopamine,and serotonin were measured.The composition of the intestinal microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Results The skin lesion score and skin inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced in the EUG+MUSIC group.Regarding the behavioral tests,mice in the EUG+MUSIC group showed more active locomotion,an increased desire to explore unfamiliar environments,and increased struggling time in stressful situations.Brain levels of serotonin,dopamine,and corticosterone were also increased in the EUG+MUSIC group.16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that DNFB affected the diversity of the intestinal microbiota in AD mice,while EUG+MUSIC treatment remodeled the gut microbial composition,including increasing the relative abundance of gut microbes such as Ligilactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae and decreasing Parabacteroides and Bacteroides spp.Spearman's analysis showed significant correlations among altered gut microbiota,AD-associated skin manifestations,and anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors arising from comorbidities.Conclusions Eugenol combined with traditional Chinese medicine five-elements music therapy may have a positive effect on comorbid anxiety-and depression-like behaviors by regulating the intestinal microbiota and improving the behavioral performance in mice with AD,thus providing new ideas and method for improving AD and its associated anxiety-and depressive behaviors.
4.A cross-sectional survey of mental problem in elderly male prisoners
Yong TIAN ; Yi WANG ; Jundong LIAO ; Xiaoqin HE ; Lingyu LI ; Yulin CHEN ; Qianhui ZHAO ; Lu ZHANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(2):128-134
Objective:To understand the mental problem in elderly male prisoners and its related factors.Methods:A total of 289 elderly male prisoners from five prisons in Sichuan Province were selected.They were assessed with the self-compiled general situation questionnaire,12-item General Health Questionnaire(GHQ-12,with a total score ≥ 3 indicating a tendency towards mental problem),short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale(ULS-8)and Insomnia Severity Index-Chinese Version(ISI-C).Results:The detection rate of mental problem was 41.52%.Multiple factor logistic regression analysis indicated that having a remaining sentence of≥5 years,educa-tional levels of primary school and below,high school or technical secondary school and above,involvement in drug-related crimes,property crimes,violent crimes,good and poor relationships with spouses,average relationships with fellow inmates,self-assessed blood pressure levels that were low and high,and having insomnia were risk fac-tors for mental problem(OR=9.55,11.75,13.88,82.24,33.96,363.52,5.77,113.27,2.33,1.87,3.80,42.89).Conclusion:The mental problem among elderly male prisoners are related to their sentence,education lev-el,crime type,relationship with spouse and cellmates,self-rated blood pressure and sleep status.
5.Role of intensive insulin pump therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic kidney disease
Wanrong DOU ; Ruixue DUAN ; Xiaoqin CHEN ; Yongliang FENG ; Shiwei LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2025;33(5):364-371
Objective:To investigate the effect of short-term intensive insulin pump therapy on blood glucose control and renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Methods:The clinical data of 360 T2DM patients with DKD in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2022 to October 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into an observation group ( n=192; treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion) and a control group ( n=168; treated with conventional hypoglycemic therapy) according to the different treatment modalities; subsequently, 103 pairs of patients entered final analysis by using the propensity score matching method. The differences in glycemic control and improvement of renal function were compared between these two groups. Results:Before the treatment, the blood glucose-, blood glucose fluctuation-, and kidney function-related indicators showed no significant differences between these two groups (all P>0.05). After the treatment, fasting blood glucose, two-hour postprandial blood glucose, and average blood glucose significantly decreased in both groups and were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05). In addition, the amplitude of postprandial blood glucose fluctuation, standard deviation of intraday multi-point blood glucose, and difference between the maximum and minimum intraday blood glucose values significantly declined after treatment and were also significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (all P<0.05). The observation group had a significantly higher total glycemic control rate and a significantly lowr incidence of hypoglycemia (both P<0.05). Finally, the 24-hour urine protein level, serum creatinine level, and urine albumin/creatinine ratio of the observation group significantly dropped after the treatment, and these results were significantly lower than those in the observation group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Intensive insulin pump therapy benefits T2DM patients with DKD by improving glycemic control and enhancing renal function.
6.A cross-sectional survey of mental problem in elderly male prisoners
Yong TIAN ; Yi WANG ; Jundong LIAO ; Xiaoqin HE ; Lingyu LI ; Yulin CHEN ; Qianhui ZHAO ; Lu ZHANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(2):128-134
Objective:To understand the mental problem in elderly male prisoners and its related factors.Methods:A total of 289 elderly male prisoners from five prisons in Sichuan Province were selected.They were assessed with the self-compiled general situation questionnaire,12-item General Health Questionnaire(GHQ-12,with a total score ≥ 3 indicating a tendency towards mental problem),short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale(ULS-8)and Insomnia Severity Index-Chinese Version(ISI-C).Results:The detection rate of mental problem was 41.52%.Multiple factor logistic regression analysis indicated that having a remaining sentence of≥5 years,educa-tional levels of primary school and below,high school or technical secondary school and above,involvement in drug-related crimes,property crimes,violent crimes,good and poor relationships with spouses,average relationships with fellow inmates,self-assessed blood pressure levels that were low and high,and having insomnia were risk fac-tors for mental problem(OR=9.55,11.75,13.88,82.24,33.96,363.52,5.77,113.27,2.33,1.87,3.80,42.89).Conclusion:The mental problem among elderly male prisoners are related to their sentence,education lev-el,crime type,relationship with spouse and cellmates,self-rated blood pressure and sleep status.
7.Symptom clusters in patients with chronic heart failure:A scoping review
Jiemei ZHENG ; Xiaoqin QIU ; Jisi WEI ; Xinyu QIU ; Na LIU ; Sifan CHEN
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(10):25-28
Objective A scoping review of studies on symptom clusters in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)was conducted to provide reference for the treatment and management of CHF.Methods According to reporting framework of scoping review put forward by Arksey,the related literatures of Cochrane Library,CINAHL,Web of Science,PubMed,Embase,Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform,SinoMed,CNKI and VIP from January 2014 to July 2024 were searched,and the contents of the literatures were screened,extracted and analyzed.Results Ten articles were included,involving many symptom clusters,mainly including mood,ischemia,congestion,digestive tract and fatigue.Symptom group assessment tool mainly adopted Chinese version of Memorial symptom assessment scale-heart failure.Conclusion There are various types of symptom clusters in CHF patients,and they show dynamic changes in each disease stage.It is still necessary to strengthen the research on the evaluation tools,occurrence principles and standardized naming of symptom clusters.Medical staff can give first-class care to the main symptom clusters in each period,formulate personalized nursing intervention measures in advance,and improve the efficiency of symptom management in clinical nursing.
8.Clinical Significance of Unipolar Electrogram and Bipolar Electrogram in Guiding Radiofrequency Ablation of Outflow Tract Ventricular Premature Contraction
Liqi GE ; Xiaoqin HU ; Fei LI ; Wensu CHEN ; Hui WEI ; Quan ZHANG ; Baixiang ZHANG ; Chaoqun ZHANG ; Zhirong WANG ; Chengzong LI
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(5):480-485
Objectives:We evaluated the clinical significance of unipolar electrogram and bipolar electrogram in guiding radiofrequency ablation for outflow tract ventricular premature contractions(PVC).Methods:Data were collected from 78 patients who underwent successful radiofrequency ablation of PVC.Pre-procedure electrocardiogram showed a LBBB morphology on inferior leads.In the included patients,the right-side ablation was performed at first,and if the ablation failed,the left-side ablation was then performed.According to the location of the successful ablation target,they were divided into unilateral ablation successful group and bilateral ablation successful group.The differences in the earliest bipolar local activation to QRS(LATBi),unipolar-dV/dTmax to QRS(LATUni),and local activation time were compared between the two groups.Furthermore,the electrogram characteristics predicting bilateral ablation were explored.Results:Patients were divided into unilateral ablation group(n=57)and bilateral ablation group(n=21)according to the ablation site.There were statistically significant differences in LATBi(25[21,30]ms vs.14[10,24]ms),LATUni(7[0,17]ms vs.-23[-41,-11]ms),and ΔLATBi-Uni(15[11,25]ms vs.44[25,56]ms)between the unilateral ablation group and the bilateral ablation group(all P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis suggested that LATBi,LATUni,and ΔLATBi-Uni were independent predictors of the need for bilateral ablation.There was no significant difference between left and right LATBi,LATUni and ΔLATBi-Uni in the bilateral ablation group.LATUni≤-1 was the most accurate parameter for predicting the need for bilateral ablation(AUC=0.941;specificity 80.7%;sensitivity 100%).Conclusions:LATUni≤-1ms is a useful indicator for predicting the need for bilateral PVC ablation in this patient cohort.
9.Clinical features of chronic hepatitis C patients with genotype 3 infection:A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Jingyi XIE ; Yujia JING ; Yishan LIU ; Manling BAI ; Zhangqian CHEN ; Qiang XU ; Hong DU ; Yuxiu MA ; Liting ZHANG ; Shanshan ZHU ; Xiaoqin GAO ; Xinggang BAI ; Guoying YU ; Jianqi LIAN ; Xiaozhong WANG ; Yongping ZHANG ; Jiuping WANG ; Fanpu JI ; Jianjun FU ; Ning GAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(8):1533-1540
Objective To investigate the clinical features of chronic hepatitis C(CHC)patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3(HCV GT3)infection and the risk factors for disease progression.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among 1 002 CHC patients from 11 clinical centers in Northwest China from December 2017 to November 2023,and according to their genotype,they were divided into GT1,GT2,GT3,and GT6 groups.Clinical features were compared between the patients with different genotypes.The one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups,and the Scheffe test was used for further comparison between two groups.The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of data with skewed distribution between groups;the chi-square test or Fisher test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.The multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors for the progression of CHC to liver cirrhosis.Results In terms of the genotype,there were 427 patients with GT1 infection,242 with GT2 infection,299 with GT3 infection(210 patients with GT3a infection,87 with GT3b infection,and 2 with unclassified genotype),and 34 with GT6 infection.The patients with GT3 infection had a significantly younger age than those with GT1 infection(51.3±0.5 years vs 53.2±0.6 years,P<0.05)or GT2 infection(51.3±0.5 years vs 53.7±0.8 years,P<0.05),and for the patients with liver cirrhosis,the patients with GT3 infection had a significantly younger age than those with GT1 infection(52.1±0.5 years vs 59.4±0.9 years,P<0.001)or GT2 infection(52.1±0.5 years vs 58.1±1.1 years,P<0.001).Among the patients with GT3 infection,male patients accounted for 77.9%and the patients with liver cirrhosis accounted for 46.2%,which were significantly higher than those among the patients with GT1,GT2 or GT6 infection(all P<0.001).At baseline,the patients with GT3 infection had significantly higher levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)than those with GT1 or GT2 infection,significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index(APRI)and fibrosis-4(FIB4)than those with GT1,GT2 or GT6 infection,a significantly lower platelet count(PLT)than those with GT2 or GT6 infection,a significantly higher level of alpha-fetoprotein than those with GT2 or GT6 infection,and a significantly lower level of albumin(Alb)than those with GT6 infection(all P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the patients with GT3a infection and those with GT3b infection in age,sex,the proportion of patients with liver cirrhosis,comorbidities,HCV RNA quantification,PLT,ALT,AST,alkaline phosphatase,Alb,APRI,and FIB-4(all P>0.05).The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PLT≤150×109/L(odds ratio[OR]=10.72,95%confidence interval[CI]:5.76-35.86,P<0.001)and Alb≤35 g/L(OR=3.74,95%CI:1.22-11.45,P=0.021)were risk factors for liver cirrhosis.Conclusion Most CHC patients with GT3 infection are male in Northwest China,and compared with the patients with other genotypes,such patients tend to have a younger age of onset and higher degrees of liver inflammation activity and fibrosis.Low PLT and a low level of Alb are risk factors for progression to liver cirrhosis in CHC patients with GT3 infection.
10.Mesothelin-specific T-cell immune reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia
Xiaohua LUO ; Yuting CHEN ; Lan WANG ; Wen PENG ; Xiaoqin DUAN ; Liping SHUI
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(9):2237-2242
Objective:To investigate the pattern of Mesothelin(MSLN)-specific T-cell(CTLs)immune reconstitution after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Methods:Two cases of Mesothelin-positive patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML)were screened,and the number of MSLN-CTLs and its subpopulations,the expression of surface PD-1/CTLA-4/TIM-3 im-mune exhaustion molecules,and the functions of secreted cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ were monitored by flow cytometry after trans-plantation.They were compared with WT1-CTLs and cytomegalovirus(CMV)CTLs.Meanwhile,the relationship between CTL recon-stitution and Minimal residual disease(MRD)and leukemia recurrence was analyzed.Results:After transplantation,MSLN-CTLs,WT1-CTLs and CMV-CTLs can be detected,and intracellular factors were secreted.The phenotypes of WT1 specific CD8+T cells,MSLN specific CD8+T cells and CMV specific CD8+T cells were mainly TEM subsets and TEMRA subsets,and the TEM subsets of CMV specific CD8+T cells were more obvious.Compared with CMV-CTLs,the proportions of T Naive,TCM and TEMRA subsets were relatively higher in MSLN-specific CD8+T cells and WT1-specific CD8+T cells,and the expression levels of PD-1,CTLA-4 and TIM-3 were higher in MSLN-CTLs and WT1-CTLs.The dynamic changes of MSLN-CTLs and WT1-CTLs after transplantation were related to leukemia load and the chimerism rate of donor and recipient.Conclusion:After allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,im-mune recovery to MSLN is found,which is different from WT1-CTLs and CMV-CTLs.

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