1.Research progress on the mechanism of tanshinone ⅡA in alleviating sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction
Jingyu DU ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Yang LI ; He SU ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Xinsheng HUANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(15):2063-2067
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome triggered by infection. It progresses rapidly and tends to develop into multiple organ dysfunction. Tanshinone ⅡA, one of the core active ingredients of Salvia miltiorrhiza, exerts remarkable targeted protective effects against sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction. This paper reviews the mechanisms by which tanshinone ⅡA alleviates sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction. Tanshinone ⅡA can relieve sepsis-induced lung injury by inhibiting the activity of Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88/nuclear factor- κB, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathways and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. It ameliorates sepsis- induced myocardial injury via suppressing the activation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3/caspase-1 signaling pathway, downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors and regulating autophagy. It mitigates sepsis-induced renal injury by regulating oxidative stress imbalance and reducing the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. It alleviates sepsis-caused liver injury through inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors and hepatocyte apoptosis. It improves sepsis-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins and restraining inflammatory responses. Furthermore, it relieves sepsis-associated encephalopathy by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α/nuclear respiratory factor 1/mitochondrial transcription factor A signaling pathway. Tanshinone ⅡA is expected to be a vital candidate drug for comprehensive prevention and treatment of sepsis. However, interdisciplinary research is required to break through current bottlenecks and realize the transformation from basic experiments to clinical application.
2."Weibing" in traditional Chinese medicine-biological basis and mathematical representation of disease-susceptible state.
Wanyang SUN ; Rong WANG ; Shuhua OUYANG ; Wanli LIANG ; Junwei DUAN ; Wenyong GONG ; Lianting HU ; Xiujuan CHEN ; Yifang LI ; Hiroshi KURIHARA ; Xinsheng YAO ; Hao GAO ; Rongrong HE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2363-2371
"Weibing" is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), representing a transitional state characterized by diminished self-regulatory abilities without overt physiological or social dysfunction. This perspective delves into the biological foundations and quantifiable markers of Weibing, aiming to establish a research framework for early disease intervention. Here, we propose the "Health Quadrant Classification" system, which divides the state of human body into health, sub-health, disease-susceptible state, and disease. We suggest the disease-susceptible stage emerges as a pivotal point for TCM interventions. To understand the intrinsic dynamics of this state, we propose laboratory and clinical studies utilizing time-series experiments and stress-induced disease susceptibility models. At the molecular level, bio-omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches are highlighted for uncovering intricate changes during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the application of mathematical models and artificial intelligence in developing early warning systems to anticipate and avert the transition from health to disease. This approach resonates with TCM's preventive philosophy, emphasizing proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. Ultimately, our perspective underscores the significance of integrating modern scientific methodologies with TCM principles to propel Weibing research and early intervention strategies forward.
3.Unveiling the metabolic fate of drugs through metabolic reaction-based molecular networking.
Haodong ZHU ; Xupeng TONG ; Qi WANG ; Aijing LI ; Zubao WU ; Qiqi WANG ; Pei LIN ; Xinsheng YAO ; Liufang HU ; Liangliang HE ; Zhihong YAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3210-3225
Effective annotation of in vivo drug metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) remains a formidable challenge. Herein, a metabolic reaction-based molecular networking (MRMN) strategy is introduced, which enables the "one-pot" discovery of prototype drugs and their metabolites. MRMN constructs networks by matching metabolic reactions and evaluating MS2 spectral similarity, incorporating innovations and improvements in feature degradation of MS2 spectra, exclusion of endogenous interference, and recognition of redundant nodes. A minimum 75% correlation between structural similarity and MS2 similarity of neighboring metabolites was ensured, mitigating false negatives due to spectral feature degradation. At least 79% of nodes, 49% of edges, and 97% of subnetworks were reduced by an exclusion strategy of endogenous ions compared to the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform. Furthermore, an approach of redundant ions identification was refined, achieving a 10%-40% recognition rate across different samples. The effectiveness of MRMN was validated through a single compound, plant extract, and mixtures of multiple plant extracts. Notably, MRMN is freely accessible online at https://yaolab.network, broadening its applications.
4.Ten new lignans with anti-inflammatory activities from the leaves of Illicium dunnianum.
Ting LI ; Xiaoqing HE ; Dabo PAN ; Xiaochun ZENG ; Siying ZENG ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Xinsheng YAO ; Wei XIAO ; Haibo LI ; Yang YU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(8):990-996
The anti-inflammatory phytochemical investigation of the leaves of Illicium dunnianum (I. dunnianum) resulted in the isolation of five pairs of new lignans (1-5), and 7 known analogs (6-12). The separation of enantiomer mixtures 1-5 to 1a/1b-5a/5b was achieved using a chiral column with acetonitrile-water mixtures as eluents. The planar structures of 1-2 were previously undescribed, and the chiral separation and absolute configurations of 3-5 were reported for the first time. Their structures were determined through comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis [nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass (HR-ESI-MS), infrared (IR), and ultraviolet (UV)] and quantum chemistry calculations (ECD). The new isolates were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effect on NO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 cells. Compounds 1a, 3a, 3b, and 5a demonstrated partial inhibition of NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays revealed that 1a down-regulated the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), COX-2, and iNOS and the protein expressions of COX-2 and iNOS. This research provides guidance and evidence for the further development and utilization of I. dunnianum.
Lignans/isolation & purification*
;
Plant Leaves/chemistry*
;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
;
Mice
;
Animals
;
Molecular Structure
;
Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
;
Illicium/chemistry*
;
Cyclooxygenase 2/immunology*
;
Interleukin-6/immunology*
;
Nitric Oxide/metabolism*
;
Cell Line
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
;
Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology*
;
Lipopolysaccharides
5.Tapping with plum-blossom needle combined with sulfur ointment and local irradiation for primary cutaneous amyloidosis: a case report.
Fasen DENG ; Xiao CHEN ; Weijuan ZHENG ; Ziyang HE ; Xinsheng CHEN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(12):1800-1802
The paper reports one case of primary cutaneous amyloidosis (PCA) treated by tapping with plum-blossom needle combined with sulfur ointment and local irradiation. PCA in this case was manifested as generalized erythema, papules, plaques, lichenification, and severe pruritus. In treatment, tapping with plum-blossom needle was delivered at typical lesions to induce local congestion, redness, and minimal bleeding. After cleaned with sterile gauze for 10 s, 25% sulfur ointment was evenly applied, followed by local irradiation with a TDP lamp for 15 min. This session was repeated twice a week. In 1 month of treatment, the lesions turned flat and the skin was soft as the normal, with pigmentation and mild pruritus left. In 3 months of follow-up, no papules recurred, and mild pruritus presented occasionally.
Humans
;
Ointments/administration & dosage*
;
Sulfur/administration & dosage*
;
Skin Diseases, Genetic/radiotherapy*
;
Middle Aged
;
Amyloidosis, Familial/radiotherapy*
;
Male
;
Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation*
;
Female
;
Combined Modality Therapy
6.Progress of research on effect of traditional Chinese medicine enema therapy on intestinal flora of patients
Sihan GUO ; He SU ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Xinsheng HUANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2235-2240
The intestinal flora and its metabolites are closely bound up with the metabolism and immune function of human body and at the meantime affect the metabolisms of nutrients and drugs,which play an important role in maintaining the physiological function.As the largest reservoir of microorganisms within the human body,the intestinal flora play a vital role in maintaining the health.Numerous studies have shown that the alteration of intestinal flora may not only affect the emergence of gastrointestinal diseases but also has impact on the common diseases of multiple systems,it may mediate the emergence and development of relevant diseases through gut-kid-ney axis,gut-liver axis,and gut-brain axis,and interact with the diseases.As a traditional Chinese medicine ex-ternal therapy,the traditional Chinese medicine enema therapy has remarkable advantages in treatment of various clinical diseases and shows significant effect on improvement of intestinal flora imbalance during the disease pro-gression.The effect of the traditional Chinese medicine enema therapy on improving the intestinal flora imbalance of the patients during the process of emergence and development of the common diseases is reviewed in the article.
7.Progress of research on effect of traditional Chinese medicine enema therapy on intestinal flora of patients
Sihan GUO ; He SU ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Xinsheng HUANG
Chinese Journal of Nosocomiology 2025;35(14):2235-2240
The intestinal flora and its metabolites are closely bound up with the metabolism and immune function of human body and at the meantime affect the metabolisms of nutrients and drugs,which play an important role in maintaining the physiological function.As the largest reservoir of microorganisms within the human body,the intestinal flora play a vital role in maintaining the health.Numerous studies have shown that the alteration of intestinal flora may not only affect the emergence of gastrointestinal diseases but also has impact on the common diseases of multiple systems,it may mediate the emergence and development of relevant diseases through gut-kid-ney axis,gut-liver axis,and gut-brain axis,and interact with the diseases.As a traditional Chinese medicine ex-ternal therapy,the traditional Chinese medicine enema therapy has remarkable advantages in treatment of various clinical diseases and shows significant effect on improvement of intestinal flora imbalance during the disease pro-gression.The effect of the traditional Chinese medicine enema therapy on improving the intestinal flora imbalance of the patients during the process of emergence and development of the common diseases is reviewed in the article.
8.Deciphering chemical and metabolite profiling of Chang-Kang-Fang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and its potential active components identification.
Fengge YANG ; Sihao ZHANG ; Danmei TIAN ; Guirong ZHOU ; Xiyang TANG ; Xinglong MIAO ; Yi HE ; Xinsheng YAO ; Jinshan TANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2023;21(6):459-480
Chang-Kang-Fang (CKF) formula, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescription, has been widely used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, its potential material basis and underlying mechanism remain elusive. Therefore, this study employed an integrated approach that combined ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) with network pharmacology to systematically characterize the phytochemical components and metabolites of CKF, as well as elucidating its underlying mechanism. Through this comprehensive analysis, a total of 150 components were identified or tentatively characterized within the CKF formula. Notably, six N-acetyldopamine oligomers from CicadaePeriostracum and eight resin glycosides from Cuscutae Semen were characterized in this formula for the first time. Meanwhile, 149 xenobiotics (58 prototypes and 91 metabolites) were detected in plasma, urine, feces, brain, and intestinal contents, and the in vivo metabolic pathways of resin glycosides were elaborated for the first time. Furthermore, network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed that alkaloids, flavonoids, chromones, monoterpenes, N-acetyldopamine dimers, p-hydroxycinnamic acid, and Cus-3/isomer might be responsible for the beneficial effects of CKF in treating IBS, and CASP8, MARK14, PIK3C, PIK3R1, TLR4, and TNF may be its potential targets. These discoveries offer a comprehensive understanding of the potential material basis and clarify the underlying mechanism of the CKF formula in treating IBS, facilitating the broader application of CKF in the field of medicine.
Humans
;
Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods*
;
Irritable Bowel Syndrome/drug therapy*
;
Molecular Docking Simulation
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Glycosides
;
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
9.Research progress in characteristics of B cells in high-, low- and non-responsive individuals after HBV vaccination
Tingwen YANG ; Lina SUN ; Xiaoyan HE ; Xinsheng YAO
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2021;41(2):159-164
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious global health problem, which can lead to acute and chronic liver diseases and a variety of complications. HBV vaccination, which induces B cells to secrete protective hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb), is an important measure to prevent HBV infection. Some studies have shown that different individuals have different responses to HBV vaccine, which can be divided into ultra-high/high, normal/medium and low/non-response. Research on the potential mechanisms can provide reference for the preparation of high-titer HBsAb and the prevention and treatment of HBV infection. This paper reviewed the research situation and progress in the characteristics and mechanism of B cells in different responders after HBV vaccination.
10.Tripodalsporormielones A-C, unprecedented cage-like polyketides with complex polyvdent bridged and fused ring systems.
Guodong CHEN ; Bingxin ZHAO ; Meijuan HUANG ; Jia TANG ; Yanbing LI ; Liangdong GUO ; Rongrong HE ; Dan HU ; Xinsheng YAO ; Hao GAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2021;11(11):3648-3654
A chemical investigation on

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail