1.Exploring Anti-inflammatory Synergistic Mechanism of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice Based on Differential Component Tracking Strategy
Hongda XUAN ; Shengnan SHEN ; Linlin LI ; Jingjing LIAO ; Xianyu XU ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Haining LYU ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):228-237
ObjectiveTaking Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AFI)-processed Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) as an example, this study aims to systematically compare the volatile and non-volatile components of AMR and its processed products, investigate the key differential components, evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities, and elucidate the synergistic mechanism of processing. MethodsThe chemical compositions of volatile and non-volatile components in AMR and AFI-processed AMR were systematically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), with relative mass fractions and response values determined separately. Volatile components were identified through searches in the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST)17 database, comparison with retention index(RI) and fragmentation pattern matching. Non-volatile components were identified by searching Waters Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spectral library, in conjunction with PubChem and MassBank, characteristic fragmentation patterns and response values were also used to support identification. Differential components were screened using principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1. Components with high log2fold change(FC) among major differential groups were selected as those exhibiting significant changes before and after processing. The anti-inflammatory activity of the differential compounds was evaluated by assessing their effects on nitric oxide(NO) production in a lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the effects of the differential components on tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein(MCP)-1 levels, and immunofluorescence(IF) was employed to assess their effects on nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 translocation, thereby elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms. ResultsA total of 36 compounds were identified in the volatile components of AMR and AFI-processed AMR, among which, sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes were significantly increased after processing. In the non-volatile components, 36 compounds were identified, and the main differential components were flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids. Flavonoids were the primary differential components distinguishing AMR from its processed products, representing compounds directly introduced during processing. Five compounds, including atractylenolide Ⅲ, tangeritin, nobiletin, hesperidin and narirutin, were selected as representatives of three classes based on their most prominent differential expression among different compound types for subsequent anti-inflammatory activity studies. The results showed that 100 μmol·L-1 tangerine and narirutin could significantly inhibit LPS-induced NO production(P<0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner. Tangeritin was able to significantly inhibit the levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 secreted by RAW264.7(P<0.05), while narirutin significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1 and IL-6(P<0.01). IF revealed that both tangeritin and narirutin significantly blocked the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. ConclusionAFI-processed AMR significantly alters the chemical composition profile of AMR, and the newly introduced flavonoid components during processing may be key to its enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.
2.Comparative analysis of hematopoietic reconstitution after different stem cell infusions in a murine model of bone marrow acute radiation syndrome
Xuan LIU ; Yixi HOU ; Qianqian XIAO ; Fang ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):407-413
Objective To compare the therapeutic efficacy and identify differences between haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with mesenchymal stem cells (Haplo-MSC) and umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation combined with mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSC) in mice with bone marrow acute radiation syndrome (ARS). Methods Eight-to ten-week-old CB6F1 mice were exposed to 8 Gy of 60Co γ-ray irradiation to establish a bone marrow-type ARS model.The mice were then randomly assigned to three groups: the Haplo-MSC group (haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells combined with MSCs), the UCB-MSC group (umbilical cord blood stem cells combined with MSCs), and a saline control group. The survival rate, peripheral blood cell counts, pathological changes in target organs, colony formation of bone marrow cells, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were observed. Results All mice in the saline control group died within 14 days, with a median survival time of 8.9 days. The 30 day survival rate was 65% in the Haplo-MSC group and 60% in the UCB-MSC group. The Log-rank test showed no significant difference in survival time between the two transplantation groups (P=0.561). At 28 days post-transplantation, no significant differences were observed in WBC, PLT, RBC, or Hb counts between the two groups (P=0.151, 0.733, 0.856, and 0.300, respectively). Pathological changes in bone marrow cells showed that bone marrow failure occurred later in the UCB-MSC group than in the Haplo-MSC group. In contrast, the Haplo-MSC group exhibited faster hematopoietic stem cell engraftment. Furthermore, the numbers of CFU-E, CFU-GM, and CFU-GEMM differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Both the Haplo-MSC and UCB-MSC regimens promoted hematopoietic engraftment and reconstitution in mice with lethal-dose radiation-induced bone marrow ARS. However, the onset of bone marrow failure was delayed in mice treated with the UCB-MSC regimen. In contrast, mice treated with the Haplo-MSC regimen showed faster engraftment.
3.PPARα activation alleviates lithocholic acid-induced liver injury by inhibiting pyroptosis
Hang-Fei Liang ; Chuo-Ying Mai ; Xuan Li ; Jia-Ning Tian ; Hai-Guo Su ; Min Huang ; Jian-Hong Fang ; Hai-Tao Wang ; Xiao Yang ; Hui-Chang Bi
Liver Research 2026;10(2):177-188
Background and aims
The mechanism of cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is unclear, and effective therapies are lacking. While peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists show potential hepatoprotective effect and pyroptosis is implicated in hepatocellular damage, how PPARα activation mitigates lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced pyroptosis remains unknown.
Methods
The hepatoprotective effect of PPARα agonists was evaluated in a mouse model of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by LCA. Liver injury was assessed via serum biochemistry, hematoxylin and eosin and TUNEL staining, and electron microscopy. Pyroptosis pathways were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.
Results
Combined morphological, histopathological, and biochemical analyses confirmed that PPARα activation protects against CLI. Compared with LCA treatment alone, PPARα activation significantly attenuated the elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), the increased TUNEL-positive cells, and the formation of hepatocyte membrane pores. Mechanistically, PPARα activation suppressed both NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and apoptosis protease-activating factor-1 (APAF-1)/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, PPARα agonist pretreatment inhibited activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) signaling pathways.
Conclusions
PPARα protects against LCA-induced CLI by inhibiting both NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis associated with NF-κB and APAF-1/CASPASE-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis associated with the FOXO1 signaling pathway.
4.Treatment of Globus Hystericus Based on the Theory of "Regulating the Five Zang Organs and Harmonizing the Spleen and Stomach"
Nailin ZHANG ; Jingxi WANG ; Hongyang WANG ; Fang SHI ; Xuan JING ; Qiquan LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):541-544
Based on the concept of "regulating the five zang organs and harmonizing the spleen and stomach", globus hystericus is believed to originate from dysfunction of the five zang organs and disharmony of the spleen and stomach. Treatment primarily focuses on regulating the spleen and stomach while also considering other affected organs, with a self-prescribed Anpiwei Jingyan Formula (安脾胃经验方) for harmonizing the spleen and stomach as the foundational treatment. Additionally, syndrome-based modifications are applied according to imbalances in the heart, lung, kidney, or liver. For heart-yang deficiency, modified Linggui Zhugan Decoction (苓桂术甘汤) could be combined; for heart-yin deficiency, modified Tianwang Buxin Pill (天王补心丹) could be combined. For lung failing to disperse and descend and fluid retention, modified Sanao Decoction (三拗汤) could be combined; for lung and stomach yin deficiency, modified Shashen Maidong Decoction (沙参麦冬汤) could be combined. For kidney-yang deficiency with ascending counterflow of cold water, modified Jingui Shensi Pill (金匮肾气丸) could be combined; for kidney-yin deficiency, modified Liuwei Dihuang Pill (六味地黄丸) could be combined. For liver constraint and spleen deficiency, modified Sini Powder (四逆散) could be combined; for liver-yin deficiency or liver stagnation transforming into fire and attacking the stomach, modified Yiguan Decoction (一贯煎) could be combined.
5.Surveillance results of respiratory syncytial virus outbreaks in kindergarten and school in Shenzhen, 2017-2023
WANG Xin, FANG Shisong, WU Weihua, LIU Hui, SUN Ying, ZOU Xuan, TANG Xiujuan
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(3):435-437
Objective:
To analyze respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) outbreaks surveillance results and the epidemiological characteristics in kindergarten and school in Shenzhen during 2017-2023 , so as to provide a scientific reference for control and prevention of RSV.
Methods:
Epidemiological data and surveillance results of RSV outbreaks in kindergarten and school from 2017 to 2023 were collected for descriptive analyses.
Results:
A total of 31 RSV outbreaks were identified in kindergarten and school in 2017-2023 in Shenzhen, 346 cases were reported, the average incidence rate was 22.02%. The most annual RSV outbreaks were reported in 2020 with 14 outbreaks, followed by 8 outbreaks in 2023. A total of 64.52% of RSV outbreaks were identified in kindergarten with rest occurring in primary school or middle school. The greatest monthly count of outbreak was 18 (58.06%) in September, followed by 3 outbreaks (9.68%) in March and October. A total of 244 swab samples were collected, 169 samples were positive for respiratory viruses, the positive rate was 69.26%, 121 samples were positive for RSV,from 31 respiratory syncytical virus outbreaks 57 and samples were positive for other respiratory viruses(9 samples were positive for two respiratory viruses). A toral of 14(45.16%) outbreaks are caused by RSV alone, 17 outbreaks (54.84%) were caused by RSV and other respiratory viruses.
Conclusions
Most RSV outbreaks in kindergarten and school are reported after 2020 in Shenzhen, most RSV outbreaks occur in kindergarten, peak seasons of RSV outbreaks are autumn and spring.
6.Epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in 2022 and 2023
Hongju DUAN ; Xianglin WU ; Tianbo MA ; Rongting QI ; Fang YAN ; Xuan LIU ; Junling SUN
Chinese Journal of Endemiology 2025;44(5):394-398
Objective:To investigate the changes and characteristics of human brucellosis epidemic in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (Ningxia), and provide reference for development of brucellosis prevention and control measures in the future.Methods:The data of reported cases of brucellosis in Ningxia in 2022 and 2023 were collected from the "Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management System of China Disease Prevention and Control Information System". Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to compare and analyze the epidemic data.Results:A total of 10 891 cases of human brucellosis were reported in Ningxia in 2022 and 2023, with an average annual incidence rate of 74.94/100 000, and no death cases. The incidence rate of brucellosis decreased from 86.76/100 000 in 2022 to 63.17/100 000 in 2023, with a statistically significant difference (χ 2 = 269.96, P < 0.001). In 2022 and 2023, 22 counties (cities, districts) in Ningxia had reported brucellosis cases, and the incidence rate of brucellosis in each county (city, district) had decreased by 7.88% to 58.43%. There were reports of brucellosis cases in every month of the year. The incidence rates of brucellosis in males were higher than those in females (χ 2 = 831.79, 715.24, P < 0.001). There were statistically significant differences in incidence rates among different age groups (χ 2 = 2 113.28, 1 455.83, P < 0.001), the age distribution were mainly concentrated in the 45 - 59 year old age group [41.62% (2 618/6 290), 41.84% (1 925/4 601)]. The occupational distribution were mainly dominated by farmers and herdsmen [88.71% (5 580/6 290), 89.52% (4 119/4 601)]. Compared with those in 2022, the incidence rates of brucellosis in males and females and all age groups in 2023 were significantly lower (χ 2 = 163.23, 108.56, 14.83, 27.10, 106.81, 110.89, 37.22, P < 0.001). The outbreak of brucellosis had decreased from 6 cases in 2022 to 1 case in 2023. Conclusions:In 2023, the incidence rate of human brucellosis in Ningxia is significantly decreased compared to 2022, the epidemic still affects various regions, with cases occurring in every month of the year. The affected population is mainly male, middle-aged, and farmers and herdsmen.
7.Research progress of phytochemicals in tumor immunotherapy
Xuan ZHANG ; Juan LI ; Chuanfeng FANG ; Hong TIAN ; Jiaren LIU
Practical Oncology Journal 2025;39(5):428-432
In recent years,the incidence and mortality of malignant tumors have been increasing year by year,becoming a se-rious challenge to global public health.Unlike traditional treatment methods,tumor immunotherapy activates the body's own immune system to against tumors,and has significant advantage such as minimal side effects,long-lasting efficacy,and strong targeting.Howev-er,immunotherapy also has issues such as frequent adverse reactions and high treatment costs.In order to enhance the efficacy of im-munotherapy,some phytochemicals are used in the field of immunotherapy as modulators.These phytochemicals not only increase the sensitivity of tumor cells to immune cells,but also reduce the expression of immune checkpoint proteins.Therefore,this article provides a review of phytochemicals that play an important role in tumor immunotherapy and their related mechanisms of action.
8.Forensic pathological analysis of deaths due to craniocerebral injury in traffic acci-dents
Haisheng YU ; Lingqing CAI ; Yanzhi CHEN ; Xuan LI ; Keli ZHANG ; Yihu FANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology 2025;41(3):365-368
Purpose To explore the forensic pathological features of deaths caused by craniocerebral injury in traf-fic accidents,in order to provide forensic practitioners with a more rigorous approach to identification.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 225 autopsy reports of traffic accident fatalities resulting from craniocerebral in-jury.The causes of death were classified,tabulated,and analyzed.Results Among the 225 autopsy reports,the main causes of death included primary brain injury,secondary brainstem injury,and complications.The main types of injuries craniocerebral injuries observed were skull fractures,cerebral hemorrhage,cerebral contusion,cerebral edema and so on.Conclusion The occurrence of craniocerebral injury is related to factors such as age,vehicle,collision speed,and road conditions,and there is an inherent regularity to these factors.Forensic practitioners should combine comprehesive and systematic pathological examinations,clinical data,and the inherent regularities of related factors to make objective,comprehensive,and accurate determinations of the cause of death in traffic accident-related craniocere-bral injuries.
9.Development of the Motivation for Bedtime Procrastination Questionnaire for College Students
Yifan ZHANG ; Meijiao HUANG ; Min LI ; Xuan WANG ; Zhijun YU ; Haihui CHEN ; Runtong JIA ; Fang FAN
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(5):471-476
Objective:To develop the Motivation for Bedtime Procrastination Questionnaire for College Students(CS-MBPQ)and evaluate its validity and reliability.Methods:Based on literature analysis,interviews with severe bedtime procrastinators,and open-ended surveys with college students,the initial questionnaire was formed.A total of 389 college students were recruited to conduct item analysis and exploratory factor analysis.Additionally,691 college students were selected for confirmatory factor analysis,criterion validity testing,and internal consistency reliability analysis,and 132 of them were retested two weeks later.The subscale of behav-ioral intention from the Theory of Planned Behavior Questionnaire(TPBQ),Bedtime Procrastination Scale(BPS),and a self-made question for the frequency of bedtime procrastination were used as criterion tools.Results:The CS-MBPQ consists of 10 items,encompassing three factors:emotional need,external influence,and behavioral attitude,explaining 63.31%of the variance.Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the three-factor structure model of CS-MBPQ fitted well(x2/df=4.90,RMSEA=0.07,CFI=0.96,TLI=0.94).The CS-MBPQ total scores and scores for each factor were positively associated with the score of intentions to sleep on time,BPS scores,and bed-time procrastination frequency(ICC=0.14-0.53,Ps<0.05).The internal consistency reliabilities for CS-MBPQ and the three factors were 0.87,0.89,0.74,and 0.66,respectively,and the test-retest reliabilities(ICC)were 0.74,0.66,0.69,and 0.58,respectively.Conclusion:The Motivation for Bedtime Procrastination Questionnaire for College Students(CS-MBPQ)demonstrates good validity and reliability,which could be used as a tool to evaluate motivations for bedtime procrastination among Chinese college students.
10.Investigation of effects of petroleum ether fraction from Derris eriocarpa on glucose and lipid metabolism in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome via ATF3/HNF4ɑ/CYP7A1 pathway
Jing YAN ; Jie WENG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Xue LI ; Chao-nan KONG ; Hong-cun LIU ; Li-fang YANG ; Ming-guo JIANG ; Qiu-yan LIANG ; Li-ting HE
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2902-2911
AIM To investigate effects of petroleum ether fraction from Derris eriocarpa How on glucose and lipid metabolism in a mouse model of metabolic syndrome(MS).METHODS KM mice were fed a high-fat diet and administered streptozotocin intraperitoneally to establish MS models.The MS mice were then randomly assigned to the model group,the metformin hydrochloride group,the lovastatin group,the ursolic acid group,and the high-,medium-and low-dose D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction groups,with 10 mice in each group.Ten additional mice maitained on a normal diet served as the normal control group.After 4 weeks of intragastric administration,glucose and lipid metabolism indicators were measured.Hepatic pathological changes were assessed using HE staining and oil red O staining.Liver tissue mRNA expressions of ATF3,PEPCK,FXR,CYP7A1,HNF4ɑ,CYP8B1 and SRB1 were quantified by RT-qPCR.Hepatic protein expressions of ATF3,HNF4ɑ,PEPCK,FXR and CYP7A1 was analyzed by Western blot in MS mice.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the high-dose D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction group exhibited significant glucose tolerance improvement(reduced OGTT-AUC,P<0.01);favorable serum lipid modulation in terms of increased HDL-C levels(P<0.01)and decreased TG,TC,LDL-C(P<0.01);reduced renal biomarkers(BUN,SCR)and hepatotoxic indicators of TBA,AST and ALT activities(P<0.01);alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation and histopathological damage;downregulated mRNA and protein expressions of ATF3,HNF4ɑ and PEPCK,as well as CYP8B1 mRNA expression(P<0.01);and upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of FXR and CYP7A1,along with SRB1 mRNA expression(P<0.01).CONCLUSION D.eriocarpa petroleum ether fraction ameliorates glucose and lipid metabolism dysregulation in MS mice by modulating the ATF3/HNF4ɑ/CYP7A1 signaling pathway,consequently eliciting hypoglycemic,hypolipidemic,hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects.


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