1.Research progress on the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine regulating Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve sepsis-induced lung injury
Yang LI ; Ruifen ZHANG ; Tingting JIA ; Hairong ZHANG ; Jian ZHAO ; Xinsheng HUANG ; Xiao LI ; Xin ZHONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1530-1535
Sepsis-induced lung injury is a common type of sepsis complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, whose uncontrolled inflammatory response and oxidative stress are the key pathological mechanisms. As an important pathway of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress, the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway is very important in the occurrence and development of sepsis-induced lung injury. This review summarizes relevant research conducted over the past decade on the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to ameliorate sepsis- induced lung injury. It has been found that 14 kinds of TCM effective ingredients (including five types of compounds: flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, saponins, phenols) and 6 kinds of compound preparations (including three types of formulas: heat-clearing and detoxifying formulas, purgative formulas for promoting bowel movement, and formulas for reinforcing vital qi and consolidating the constitution) can inhibit inflammatory responses and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway and intervening in related pathways such as those involving Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, heme oxygenase-1, antioxidant response element and AMP-activated protein kinase, thereby alleviating sepsis-induced lung injury.
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.Preparation,characterization,and application of acylated collagen with anhydride
Weizhao LI ; Hui ZHOU ; Xinsheng PENG ; Baohong LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(15):2430-2436
BACKGROUND:Collagen is a biomedical material with good biocompatibility,low toxicity,low immunoactivity,and high cellular affinity.However,the defects such as hydrophilicity and poor thermal stability are the key technical problems that need to be solved urgently in biomedical,tissue engineering,and other applications. OBJECTIVE:To elaborate on the preparation method,characterization,and application progress of acylated collagen. METHODS:PubMed,X-mol,and CNKI databases were used to search the literature on acylated collagen preparation methods,characterization,and application.The search time was from January 1992 to May 2023.The English search terms were"acylated collagen,modified collagen,water-soluble collagen,acetic anhydride".Chinese search terms were"acylated collagen,modified collagen,water-soluble collagen".After an initial screening of all articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,53 articles with high relevance were retained for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The preparation of acylated collagen is mainly obtained by the acylation reaction of acid anhydride,and the reaction sites are mainly ε-amino and N-terminus-amino of collagen,and the reaction environment of acylation reaction needs to be carried out in an alkaline environment.(2)Succinic anhydride is the preferred reactant of acylated collagen.Carbonic anhydride,citric anhydride,and bifunctional modifiers with acylation ability have been excavated in recent years to meet various requirements,but it is still limited to laboratory preparation;complex preparation process is difficult to industrialize,and follow-up research is needed to continuously improve.(3)The characterization methods of acylated collagen are similar to those of collagen,but there is still a lack of standards for the water-soluble characterization of acylated collagen.(4)In recent years,acylated collagen has been gradually used in the preparation of lenses,hydrogels,and dressings,as well as cosmetic raw materials.However,there is still little research on the application of acylated collagen,and there is a lack of complete in vivo experiments to verify the practicality of acylated collagen.
6.Exosomes and skin wound healing
Ziteng XIAO ; Tingyu WANG ; Wenwen ZHANG ; Fengyi TAN ; Haiwei SU ; Siting LI ; Yahui WU ; Yanfang ZHOU ; Xinsheng PENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(19):3104-3110
BACKGROUND:Exosomes play a role in all stages of wound repair,and there is currently a large body of research on exosomes in skin wound repair,which has been shown to have great potential for clinical applications. OBJECTIVE:To summarize and discuss the main mechanisms and clinical applications of exosomes in the treatment of skin wounds,in order to promote the clinical translation of exosomes. METHODS:PubMed,clinicaltrials.gov,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Food and Drug Administration database,and Chinese Clinical Trial Register were searched from inception to March 2023.The English search terms were"exosomes,wound healing,stem cells,chronic wound,immunoregulation,inflammation,skin,therapeutic use,isolation,characterization,infections".The Chinese search terms were"exosomes,wound healing,stem cells,immunomodulation,clinical applications".A total of 79 articles were included for the summary. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Exosomes can improve and accelerate wound healing through inflammation regulation,immune protection,angiogenesis,cell proliferation and migration,and collagen remodeling.(2)Exosomes derived from stem cells have mature preparation techniques and related mechanism research,which is currently the mainstream research direction.Non-stem cell-derived exosomes have the advantages of convenience,economy,and easy production,and can be used as a supplement for clinical applications.(3)The clinical application of exosomes is still in its infancy,but has great potential for application.Various exosome modification techniques have laid the foundation for the future development of clinically personalized services and require further research.(4)The clinical translation of exosomes faces many challenges,such as low yield,high heterogeneity,lack of unified standards for isolation,purification,and quality control,and difficulties in storage.
7.Value of skeletal muscle index combined with interleukin-6 and activin A in predicting early-stage pancreatic cancer cachexia
Xinsheng LI ; Limin ZHANG ; Shunxiang WANG ; Ningning FENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2024;40(6):1226-1230
Objective To investigate the value of L3 skeletal muscle index(L3-SMI)combined with interleukin-6(IL-6)and activin A in predicting early-stage pancreatic cancer cachexia.Methods A total of 74 patients with pancreatic cancer who were diagnosed in Hebei Medical University Forth Hospital from July 2020 to July 2023 were enrolled,and according to the presence or absence of cachexia after admission,the patient were divided into cachexia group with 58 patients and non-cachexia group with 16 patients.The levels of L3-SMI,IL-6,and activin A were observed within 48 hours after admission.The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups,and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups.A multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for pancreatic cancer cachexia;the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the value of L3-SMI,IL-6,and activin A alone or in combination in predicting pancreatic cancer cachexia,and the Z test was used for comparison of the area under the ROC curve(AUC).Results Compared with the non-cachexia group,the cachexia group had a significantly higher level of L3-SMI and significantly lower serum levels of IL-6 and activin A(t=8.649,3.049,and 8.100,all P<0.05).The multivariate logistic analysis showed that L3-SMI(odds ratio[OR]=0.266,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.103-0.683,P<0.05),serum IL-6(OR=4.158,95%CI:1.368-12.333,P<0.05),and activin A(OR=5.124,95%CI:1.550-16.939,P<0.05)were influencing factors for pancreatic cancer cachexia.L3-SMI,IL-6,and activin A alone had a significantly lower AUC than the combination of the three indicators in predicting pancreatic cancer cachexia(0.851/0.752/0.791 vs 0.946,Z=-2.841,-2.552,and-2.647,all P<0.001),and the combination of the three indicators had the highest sensitivity(90.9%),specificity(87.8%)and Youden index(0.788).Conclusion L3-SMI combined with serum IL-6 and activin A has a good value in predicting early-stage pancreatic cancer cachexia.
8.Bladder urothelial carcinoma in children:a case report and literature review
Paierhati NUERAILI ; Xinsheng ZHU ; Weihua LI ; Lingling WANG ; Zhaoxing ZHAN ; Ainiwaer AILIYAER
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(8):728-730,736
Objective To analyze the clinicopathological features of bladder urothelial carcinoma BUC in children and to share the experience of diagnosis and treatment.Methods The clinicopathological data,diagnosis and treatment process of a rare 9-year-old boy with BUC treated in the Second People's Hospital of Kashgar were reported and the literature was reviewed.Results The main clinical symptom is hematuria.Both preoperative urinary ultrasound and CT urography(CTU)identified the tumor,which was then removed with transurethral holmium laser resection under general anesthesia.Postoperative pathology confirmed papillary urothelial neoplasm of low malignant potential(PUNLMP).Epirubicin hydrochloride instillation was administered,and no evidence of recurrence or progress was detected during the 3-month follow-up.Conclusion Bladder urothelial carcinoma in children is extremely rare.The most common symptom is hematuria,and there are no characteristic signs.Urinary ultrasound is the first choice for preoperative imaging,and transurethral resection of the carcinoma results in good recovery.There is no recommendable instillation,and patients need long-term postoperative follow-up.
9.Isolation,identification and pathogenicity of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus strain CH/GSMQ/2022
Zhibo LIANG ; Zhongwang ZHANG ; Liping ZHANG ; Ruiming YU ; Li PAN ; Yonglu WANG ; Qiaoying ZENG ; Xinsheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2024;44(10):2101-2109,2233
Feces and intestinal contents of pigs suspected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus were collected from a farm in Minqin County,Gansu Province,China.After the suspected positive sam-ples were detected by RT-PCR,Vero cells were used to isolate and culture them in vitro.The suc-cessfully isolated virus was identified in the laboratory,and its whole genome sequence was ana-lyzed for genetic evolution.The pathogenicity was evaluated by animal regression test.The results showed that typical syncytial lesions could be observed when the PEDV-positive treatment solu-tion was inoculated with Vero cells in the 4th generation,and the virus titer in the 6th generation reached 10-4 75TCID50/mL.PEDV-like virions with a diameter of about 100 nm and a round shape with obvious capsular membranes and spikes were observed by electron microscopy.Whole genome sequencing analysis showed that the total length of this strain was 28 085 bp,which was far from the G1 subtype represented by the classical strain CV777(96.6%),and had a high homology with the G2b strains BC-2011-1,IA1,USA/Colorado/2013 and WELL(98.6%).This indicated that the strain belonged to the G2b epidemic strain.The animal regression test showed that the 5-day-old piglets developed vomiting,acute watery diarrhea,emaciation and mental depression within 12 h after the attack,and the symptoms worsened and died within 24 h.After autopsy,the infected piglets could be observed with stomach swelling,high intestinal heave,thin and transparent intesti-nal wall,and undigested milk clots inside.In summary,a PEDV G2b epidemic strain was success-fully isolated and identified in this study,and its whole genome sequence and pathogenicity were analyzed,providing research materials for future studies on PEDV gene function,pathogenic mech-anism and vaccine development.
10.Research Progress on Chemical Constituents of Alpinia oxyphylla and its Pharmacological Activities
Haibo LI ; Mi ZHOU ; Jie DONG ; Zhenzhong WANG ; Liang CAO ; Xinsheng YAO ; Yang YU ; Wei XIAO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;26(7):1870-1887
As a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine,Alpinia oxyphylla is widely used as both medicine and edible resources.A.oxyphylla has the effects of warming the kidney,consolidating essence,contracting urine,warming the spleen,stopping diarrhea and absorbing saliva,which mainly treated diseases caused by kidney deficiency and spleen cold.A.oxyphylla is rich in chemical components,mainly including 194 volatile oil,121 terpenoids(including 111 sesquiterpenoids),19 diphenylheptanes,ten flavonoids,ten bases and nucleosides,four steroids,eight glycosides and 13 organic acids.It has a wide range of pharmacological effects such as anti-AD/PD,anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,etc.This article reviews the chemical components and pharmacological effects of A.oxyphylla,in order to provide reference for its further development and rational application.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail