1.Quality Evaluation of Gegen Qinlian Tablets Based on HPLC Multi-component Quantification Combined with Chemical Pattern Recognition and TOPSIS Analysis
Ping QIN ; Yingying LU ; Wenming ZHANG ; Zifang FENG ; Lihong GU ; Chenjie XIA ; Minmin HU ; Xiaowei CHEN ; Zhenhua BIAN ; Xiwan LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):217-224
ObjectiveTo establish a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) for the quantitative analysis of multiple components in Gegen Qinlian tablets, and to comprehensively evaluate the quality of samples from different manufacturers by integrating chemical pattern recognition and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS), in order to provide a reference basis for quality evaluation and control of Gegen Qinlian tablets. MethodsHPLC was employed to determine the contents of 10 components in 28 batches of Gegen Qinlian tablets collected from 6 manufacturers, and taking the detection results as variables, SIMCA 14.1 and SPSS 26.0 were employed for cluster analysis(CA), principal component analysis(PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) to identify key components affecting the quality. Then, TOPSIS analysis was employed to rank the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets from the 6 manufacturers and establish a comprehensive quality evaluation method. ResultsA quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets was established. After methodological validation, the method was found to be stable and reliable, and could be used for the quantitative analysis of this preparation. The contents of 3′-hydroxy puerarin, puerarin, 3′-methoxy puerarin, daidzein, coptisine hydrochloride, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride and baicalin in 28 batches of samples were 3.58-7.35, 24.88-42.32, 4.20-9.36, 4.33-7.60, 2.52-6.44, 0.93-4.10, 0.58-3.05, 10.68-22.92, 0.82-4.82, 11.73-60.16 mg·g-1, respectively. Among them, puerarin, berberine hydrochloride and baicalin all met the limit requirements for this preparation specified in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. CA and PCA clustered the 28 batches of samples into 5 categories, PCA extracted 2 principal components with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 90.588%, and OPLS-DA screened out 4 differential markers with variable importance in the projection(VIP) values>1.0, namely baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride, which might be the main components affecting the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets. TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive score of each evaluation index(Ci) values of different manufacturers were different. Among them, the Ci of manufacturer B was ranked higher, indicating potentially superior quality, while the Ci of manufacturer A was ranked lower, suggesting potentially inferior quality. ConclusionThis study establishes a quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets, and the content uniformity of the same manufacturer is good, while there are differences in the contents of active components among different manufacturers. Through the chemical pattern recognition analysis, it is found that the content differences of Gegen Qinlian tablets may be related to baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride.
2.Efficacy of the dynamic changes of noninvasive indicators in evaluating clinical outcomes of metabolic associated fatty liver disease
Xiaowei AI ; Mengyang ZHANG ; Yameng SUN ; Hong YOU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):167-171
Histopathological examination is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD); however, due to its invasiveness, high risks, and low feasibility, application of noninvasive indicators in the staging and classification of MAFLD has become a research hotspot. This article systematically reviews the efficacy of dynamic changes in various noninvasive markers in reflecting histological changes and clinical outcome events in MAFLD patients, in order to provide theoretical support for dynamic monitoring and individualized management of the disease.
3.Level and related factors of latent tuberculosis infection in junior and senior high school freshmen in Lanzhou from 2023 to 2024
FANG Qian, ZHANG Li, QIAO Xiaowei, WANG Yuhong, JIA Juanli, HOU Yan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(2):287-290
Objective:
To investigate the current status of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among freshmen in junior and senior high schools in Lanzhou, so as to provide scientific basis for improving the tuberculosis prevention and control strategy in schools.
Methods:
The screening results of 74 516 freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou during 2023 and 2024 were collected. The Chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression model were applied to analyze LTBI level, strongly positive risk for tuberculin skin test (TST) and related factors of the freshmen.
Results:
During 2023 and 2024, the screening rate of tuberculosis among freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou was 93.45%, of which the positive rate for TST was 5.71%, the infection rate for LTBI was 3.80%, and the strongly positive rate for TST was 1.24%. There were statistically significant differences in the screening rate of tuberculosis among freshmen in different years, grades, regions, school types and districts ( χ 2=5.34, 2 463.88, 3 516.13, 132.34, 4 436.56, all P <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that senior high schools ( OR =1.62, 2.18) and urban areas ( OR =2.08, 3.07 ) were all related factors for LTBI and strong positivity for TST among freshmen; schools located in Xigu District, Honggu District, Yongdeng County, Yuzhong County, and Lanzhou New Area ( OR =3.57, 5.67, 9.12, 3.70, 3.64) were related factors of strong positivity for TST among freshmen (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The LTBI level among freshmen in senior and boarding junior high schools in Lanzhou is relatively low. Grades and regions are related factors for LTBI and strong positivity for TST.
4.Exploring the mechanism of myofascial trigger points deactivation by Tuina via the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway
Liya TANG ; Xiaowei LIU ; Jiadong ZANG ; Yuqiao ZHANG ; Xiang FENG ; Wu LI ; Jiangshan LI
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):103-113
Objective:
To investigate whether Tuina alleviates fibrotic symptoms in myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) by regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, thereby deactivating these points.
Methods:
This study comprised two experimental phases. In phase 1, 27 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into three groups: control 1, model 1, and Tuina 1 groups. Model 1 and Tuina 1 groups underwent an 8-week MTrPs modeling protocol involving blunt impact and eccentric exercise. After successful modeling, rats in Tuina 1 group received manual pressing on nodules or cord-like taut bands on the medial aspect of the left hindlimb. Pain sensitivity and tissue stiffness were evaluated via pressure pain threshold (PPT) and soft tissue tension (STT). Muscle histopathology and fibrosis were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Inflammatory factors in muscle were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) were used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, and TGF-β1. In phase 2, 45 SPF female SD rats were randomized into five groups: control 2, model 2, Tuina 2, TGF-β1 inhibitor (TI), and Tuina + TGF-β1 agonist (Tuina + TA) groups. All groups except control 2 underwent standardized MTrPs modeling. Rats in Tuina 2 group received consistent pressing manipulation. TI group received intraperitoneal injections of oxymatrine, while Tuina + TA group received intraperitoneal injections of SRI-011381 hydrochloride followed by the same pressing protocol as Tuina 2 group. WB was used to detect the expression of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, and phosphorylated-Smad3 (p-Smad3)/Smad3.
Results:
In phase 1, Tuina significantly improved PPT and STT in MTrPs of rats (P < 0.01), reversed pathological damages including disorganized muscle fiber arrangement, abnormal myocyte morphology, and exacerbated fibrosis. In addition, in MTrPs of rats in model 1 group, expression levels of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) were upregulated, and all exhibited a significant downward trend after Tuina intervention (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). This indicates that the therapeutic effects of Tuina are directly associated with reduced local inflammation and fibrosis in MTrPs. In phase 2, compared with model 2 group, rats in TI and Tuina 2 groups had decreased expression levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad3/Smad3 in MTrPs, alongside reduced levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III) (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). When co-administered with TGF-β1 agonist, the therapeutic effects of Tuina were significantly attenuated, with rebounded TGF-β1 expression and p-Smad3/Smad3 in local MTrPs, and fibrosis and inflammatory responses were re-exacerbated (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).
Conclusion
Tuina can effectively reduce inflammatory responses and fibrosis in MTrPs tissue, and its mechanism is closely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which plays a critical role in Tuina-mediated regulation of MTrPs fibrosis.
5.A-to-I RNA editing of miR-411 attenuates post-infarction cardiac fibrosis via dual targeting of TGFBR2 and CD44
Suling DING ; Zhiwei ZHANG ; Xiyang YANG ; Dili SUN ; Jianfu ZHU ; Xiaowei ZHU ; Xiangdong YANG ; Junbo GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):191-192
Objective To explore the functional impact of A-to-I editing in the seed region of miR-411 during post-myocardial infarction (MI) fibrosis and elucidate its therapeutic potential. Methods Integrating GEO database with myocardial RNA-seq data from MI mouse models, we identified dynamic A-to-I RNA editing in small noncoding RNAs across MI progression (1 day to 8 weeks post-MI). Four miRNAs exhibited differential editing rates between MI and controls, with miR-411 showing progressive editing enhancement at seed region position 4 (P<0.01). This editing event was validated in both murine MI models and human heart failure specimens. Results The A-to-I editing ratio change of the 4th nucleotide in the seed region of miR-411 mainly occurs in cardiac fibroblasts rather than cardiomyocytes, and the editing at this site depends on ADAR2 rather than ADAR1. Edited miR-411 (ED-miR-411) diverged from wild-type miR-411 (WT-miR-411) in suppressing collagen-related pathways (extracellular matrix [ECM]-receptor interaction, collagen-containing ECM, ECM organization; P<0.01) in cardiac fibroblasts. Mechanistically, dual-luciferase assays confirmed ED-miR-411 directly targeted the 3′UTR and suppressed expression of type Ⅱ transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor (TGFBR2) and CD44, which were key drivers of TGF-β-mediated fibroblast activation. ED-miR-411 overexpression blunted TGF-β-induced collagen synthesis and myofibroblast proliferation (P<0.05). In vivo, intramyocardial delivery of ED-miR-411 mimics at 1 week post-MI reduced fibrosis by 40% and improved ejection fraction by 15% (P<0.01 vs controls), whereas WT-miR-411 showed no therapeutic effect. Conclusions A-to-I editing of miR-411 emerges as an endogenous anti-fibrotic mechanism by repressing TGFBR2 and CD44, thereby disrupting TGF-β signaling and ECM dysregulation. Our findings highlight ED-miR-411 as a novel RNA-based therapeutic candidate to mitigate post-infarction cardiac remodeling.
6.Experimental Research and Clinical Application of Shenling Baizhusan in Gastric Ulcer Treatment: A Review
Changyue SUN ; Hua ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHU ; Qian LI ; Xiaowei ZHONG ; Xiaoping ZHANG ; Xiaofan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):271-281
Gastric ulcer (GU) is a high-incidence digestive system disease characterized pathologically by disruption of gastric mucosal integrity, with clinical features including a prolonged course and periodic recurrence. Modern medicine attributes its pathogenesis to the dynamic imbalance between aggressive and defensive factors,while traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) posits its development as closely linked to spleen deficiency. Current therapies combining acid suppressants and antibiotics face challenges such as high recurrence rates,poor mucosal healing,and adverse drug reactions. Long-term use may induce metabolic disturbances like hypergastrinemia and reduced intestinal microbiota diversity. Therefore,exploring safer and longer-lasting therapeutic strategies has become a critical focus. TCM has extensive clinical experience and unique advantages in GU prevention and treatment. Studies demonstrate that the classic formula Shenling Baizhu San exhibits therapeutic properties of "invigorating spleen and tonifying Qi to restore physiological balance and eliminating dampness and regulating middle energizer to unblock Qi movement", enabling a holistic approach targeting both symptoms and root causes in GU with spleen deficiency as the core pathology by suppressing aggressive factors and strengthening defensive factors. Experimental research reveals its mechanisms involve enhancing the physicochemical barrier of the mucus layer,repairing epithelial barriers and microcirculation,modulating gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility,and regulating microecological barriers and mucosal immunity. Clinical evidence confirms its synergistic effects in promoting ulcer healing,improving Helicobacter pylori eradication rates,and reducing recurrence risks. This review examined the etiology and pathogenesis of GU and systematically evaluated Shenling Baizhu San from three perspectives-clinical application,pharmacological effects, and experimental research-to provide insights for optimizing integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine protocols and expanding its clinical applications.
7.Investigation and analysis of hepatitis E virus in rodents from selected regions of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region
Shanshan WANG ; Xiaoyan SI ; Mengmeng ZHANG ; Man LUO ; Zhen YAN ; Lili LI ; Xiaowei NAN ; Zhongbing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(9):925-931
This study investigated the prevalence of hepatitis E virus(HEV)in rodents within the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.In 2024,liver,spleen,kidney,and lung tissue samples were collected from rodents in 11 leagues and cities across the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,including Hohhot,Baotou,Hulunbuir,Xing'an League,Tongliao,Chifeng,Xilin Gol League,Ulan-qab,Ordos,Bayannur,and Wuhai.Nested PCR(RT-PCR)was used to detect the conserved regions of the HEV open reading frame 1(ORF1)gene.The RT-PCR-positive products were sequenced,and phylogenetic and homology analysis of the obtained sequences was performed.A total of 816 rodents were captured in this investigation,including 319 Rattus norvegicus(39.09%,319/816),206 Musmusculus(25.25%,206/816),and 140 Mongolian gerbils(17.16%,140/816).The HEV infection rate among rodents in the In-ner Mongolia region was 3.68%(30/816).Sequencing of the RT-PCR-positive results and analysis of the nucleotide sequences yielded 30 HEV-positive rodent samples.Phylogenetic analysis identified these sequences as belonging to the HEV-C1 genotype.The prevalence of HEV was observed in brown rats(Rattus norvegicus)in five leagues and cities within the Inner Mongolia region,includ-ing Xing'an League,Chifeng City,Hulunbuir City,Xilin Gol League,and Tongliao City,with infection rates of 16.67%,10.00%,5.98%,3.30%,and 2.50%,respectively.Brown rats,a species of house rats,frequently inhabit areas near human residences and have close interactions with humans and livestock.Studies have shown that multiple subtypes of HEV can cause zoonotic infections.Therefore,strengthening the monitoring of pathogens carried by rodents in residential environments and optimizing the prevention and control of rodent-borne diseases will be essential.Timely dissemination of relevant infectious disease knowledge to local communities will also be crucial,to decrease the risk of human infection.
8.Research progress on cell models of sarcopenia
Yiting SHI ; Peiyuan ZHAO ; Xihong LIU ; Gai GAO ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Zhishen XIE ; Zhenqiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(8):131-145
Sarcopenia is a systemic disease characterized by accelerated loss of skeletal muscle mass and function,leading to an increased incidence of adverse outcomes such as falls and fractures.Sarcopenia is classified into primary and secondary types,with primary sarcopenia being closely related to aging and posing a serious threat to a healthy life among the elderly.Sarcopenia has an insidious onset and is often overlooked in terms of its clinical treatment.Its pathogenesis is complex,involving functional changes and pathological alterations in multiple systems,and presenting major research challenges.Cell models can effectively be used to simulate the pathological changes of diseases under controllable conditions,thus facilitating the investigation of the etiology and factors influencing sarcopenia,and providing an important approach for in-depth studies of its mechanism;however,there is currently no standardized cell model in the field of sarcopenia research.Commonly used cell models currently include models involving protein metabolism interventions,oxidative stress,and inflammatory response interventions.This review considers the commonly used skeletal muscle cell types and modeling method of sarcopenia,to provide a solid foundation and important method ological reference for further simulation of the pathological process of sarcopenia in subsequent experimental studies.
9.Research progress of bisphenol A involved in the occurrence and development of polycystic ovary syndrome
Xi NING ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Kongjia WU ; Yakun PU ; Zhuo WANG ; Xiaowei ZHANG ; Chaohong QIU ; Tao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(2):207-211
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental chemical that is widely exposed in human daily life. It has attracted much attention because of its estrogenic effect. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine metabolic disease in women of reproductive age. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of genetic, environmental and endocrine disorders. In recent years, more and more studies have shown that BPA plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PCOS. BPA promotes the development of PCOS by interfering with insulin sensitivity, immune response and changing ovarian structure and function. In addition, BPA exposure levels are associated with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, and decreased ovarian reserve in PCOS patients. This review summarizes the effects of BPA on PCOS in terms of ovarian function, glucose and lipid metabolism, and inflammatory response, so as to provide theoretical basis for clinical intervention and prevention of BPA in the development of PCOS.
10.Correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and C-reactive protein with the efficacy and prognosis of immunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Chenchen WANG ; Tie XIAOWEI ; Yanshun ZHANG ; Hongjiang ZHANG ; Simeng CHEN ; Yong WANG ; Chengcheng WANG ; Haobiao WANG
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(7):963-967
Objective:To investigate the relationship between the neutrophil- to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:The clinical data of 47 patients with NSCLC who received immunotherapy at The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology from December 2021 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the duration of immunotherapy, patients with a duration of more than 1 year were classified as having a good immune response, while those with a duration of less than 1 year were classified as having a poor immune response. The clinical pathological characteristics of patients with good and poor immune responses were compared. The cutoff values for NLR, LMR, and CRP were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves, and patients were grouped based on these cutoff values. The predictive probabilities of different combinations were compared. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify factors affecting patient survival.Results:Significant differences were observed in the distribution of therapy lines (1 st-line vs. 2 nd-line treatment), NLR, LMR, and CRP levels between patients with good immune response and those with poor immune responses (all P < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for NLR was 0.763 [95% CI: (0.608, 0.918)], the AUC for LMR was 0.715 [95% CI: (0.544, 0.875)], and the AUC for CRP was 0.697 [95% CI: (0.540, 0.853)]. To assess the diagnostic value of combined indicators in predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy in NSCLC, different indicators were combined, resulting in the variables NLR + LMR, NLR + CRP, LMR + CRP, and NLR + LMR + CRP. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were plotted based on the probabilities. The combination of NLR + LMR + CRP showed the best predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.897 [95% CI: (0.806, 0.988)]. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses indicated that LMR [ HR: 0.428; 95% CI: (0.213, 0.858), P = 0.017] and the distribution of treatment lines [ HR: 1.815; 95% CI: (1.005, 3.642), P = 0.033] were important independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival. Conclusions:NLR, LMR, and CRP are correlated with immunotherapy efficacy in patients with NSCLC and provide predictive value. LMR and treatment line are independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival.


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