1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Fengfan WANG ; Yajie XIANG ; Jian FENG ; Wencheng HOU ; Wenlan LI ; Yangyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):235-244
ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(WAOF) and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(CAOF) through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF, followed by microscopic identification, thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification, moisture content(toluene method), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts(hot dipping method), water-soluble protein, total polysaccharides and total flavonoids(ultraviolet spectrophotometry), and volatile oil content(method A under general rule 2204). The contents of five active components(protocatechuic acid, chrysin, kaempferol, tectochrysin and nootkatone) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF, quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter, length, plumpness(diameter/length ratio), and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation, TLC identification, moisture content, protocatechuic acid content, kaempferol content, odor, or antioxidant activity measured by 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts, alcohol-soluble extracts, total polysaccharide content, water-soluble protein content, 100-grain weight, length, and total color difference(ΔE*ab) compared to CAOF(P<0.01). In contrast, CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, content of total flavonoids, volatile oil content, chrysin content, tectochrysin content, nootkatone content, diameter, plumpness, lightness(L*), red-green chromaticity(a*), yellow-blue chromaticity(b*), and antioxidant activity measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) method compared to WAOF(P<0.01). Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits, plumpness, L*, a*, and b* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits, total flavonoids, volatile oils, nootkatone, chrysin, and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness, L*, a*, and b* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality, and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.
2.Study on the mechanism of Huatan qushi huoxue formula in improving metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis
Yajie GUAN ; Qizhen ZHANG ; Junjiao XU ; Yijia SONG ; Dongfang SHANG ; Wenxia ZHAO ; Minghao LIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):864-869
OBJECTIVE To focus on the classic NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/Caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pyroptosis pathway and explore the mechanism by which Huatan qushi huoxue formula (HQHF) inhibits macrophage pyroptosis to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). METHODS RAW264.7 cells were divided into 5 groups: Control group (10% blank serum), Model group [10% blank serum+5 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS)], HQHF-L group (2.5% drug-containing serum+7.5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), HQHF-M group (5% drug-containing serum+5% blank serum+5 μg/mL LPS), and HQHF-H group (10% drug-containing serum+5 μg/mL LPS). After 24 h of routine culture post-administration, cells and supernatants were collected for assays. Cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy and phase-contrast microscopy; localization and expression of gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N) were observed by immunofluorescence. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 contents in supernatants were detected by ELISA; mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD were measured using real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Compared with the Control group, the Model group showed typical pyroptotic morphology (cell membrane bulging and pore formation), increased aggregation and fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N on the cell membrane ( P <0.05), significantly increased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). Compared with the Model group, the HQHF-L, HQHF-M and HQHF-H groups showed improved pyroptotic morphology, reduced membrane localization and significantly weakened fluorescence intensity of GSDMD-N ( P <0.05), significantly decreased the contents of IL-1β and IL-18 in cell supernatants ( P <0.05), and significantly down-regulated mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD in cells ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS HQHF inhibits LPS-induced macrophage pyroptosis, and its mechanism of improving MASH may be associated with the suppression of the activation of the classical NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.
3.A prediction model for mild cognitive impairment risk among the elderly
MA Zongkang ; LIU Xinglang ; LI Huihui ; HE Guowei ; YAN Ping ; ZHANG Chuanrong ; MA Xuan ; CHE Yajie ; YU Shan ; CHEN Fenghui
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):124-129
Objective:
To develop a prediction model for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk among the elderly, so as to provide a tool for MCI early screening.
Methods :
From July 2022 to September 2024, a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to recruit permanent residents aged ≥65 years from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as study participants. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, body composition indices, bone mineral density, and handgrip strength were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Sarcopenia was defined based on appendicular skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength. MCI was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, with adjustments for educational level. Participants were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio. LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to screen for predictors and construct an MCI risk prediction model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results:
A total of 1 641 participants were surveyed, including 755 males (46.01%) and 886 females (53.99%). The majority of participants were aged 65-<75 years, comprising 1 154 individuals (70.32%). MCI was detected in 517 participants, corresponding to a detection rate of 31.51%. Resultsfrom LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residence (rural, OR = 2.323, 95% CI: 1.682-3.210), age (75-<85 years, OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.019-1.937; ≥85 years, OR = 3.655, 95% CI: 1.696-7.875), educational level (primary school, OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.247-0.472; junior high school, OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.160-0.408; high school, OR = 0.286, 95% CI: 0.154-0.531; bachelor's degree or above, OR = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.041-0.351), history of alcohol consumption (yes, OR = 3.216, 95% CI: 2.164-4.779), risk of malnutrition (yes, OR = 1.464, 95% CI: 1.064-2.014), sarcopenia (yes, OR = 3.197, 95% CI: 2.332-4.385), and waist-to-hip ratio (abnormal, OR = 1.540, 95% CI: 1.159-2.048) were identified as predictive factors for MCI among the elderly. In the training set, the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.788, 0.719, and 0.712, respectively. In the validation set, the corresponding values were 0.784, 0.913, and 0.542, respectively. DCA demonstrated that the model provided a higher clinical net benefit for predicting MCI risk when the risk threshold probability ranged from 0.124 to 0.764.
Conclusion
The prediction model developed in this study demonstrates good discriminative ability and clinical utility, indicating its substantial value for predicting the MCI risk among the elderly.
4.Treating Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque from the Perspective of "Abscess and Ulcer within the Vessels"
Yajie WANG ; Min WU ; Zihao ZHANG ; Zeping WANG ; Longtao LIU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1349-1352
The morphological characteristics and pathological progression of vulnerable plaques in atherosclerosis (AS) exhibit a high degree of similarity to the concept of "abscesses and ulcers" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore, vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques can be analogized as "abscesses and ulcers within the vessels", for which deficiency, stasis and toxin constitute the core pathogenesis. The pathological evolution progresses through three sequential stages, deficiency leading to pathological substances, with phlegm and stasis accumulating into a mass; the mass transforming into putridity, with internal decay and external thinning; putridity brewing toxin, and toxin accumulation threatening rupture, ultimately resulting in plaque instability. Accordingly, a stage-specific treatment strategy is established. In the early stage, it is suggested to supplement deficiency, resolve the mass, dissipate stasis, and prevent putridity, using Liujunzi Decoction (六君子汤) combined with Danshen Decoction (丹参饮) with modifications. In the middle stage, the treatment should focus on transforming putridity to generate new tissue, and rectifying healthy qi to consolidate the body, with modified Tuoli Xiaodu Powder (托里消毒散). In the late stage, the treatment principle is clearing and resolving putridity toxin, cooling the blood, and preventing ulcerative rupture, using modified Simiao Yong'an Decoction (四妙勇安汤) combined with Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤).
5.Research progress on the regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle by bioactive constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in the anti-atherosclerotic process
Yukai SU ; Yajie ZHANG ; Nana ZHANG ; Chang LIU ; Hongzhen YIN ; Yumin YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1784-1790
The development of atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities. These alterations are fundamentally characterized by metabolic reprogramming, in which the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle serves as a central regulatory hub. Disruption of the homeostasis of TCA cycle intermediates, including succinate, α -ketoglutarate, and itaconate, contributes to AS progression through multiple mechanisms, such as the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolic networks. Owing to their multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory properties, bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have demonstrated unique advantages in correcting metabolic dysregulation. Flavonoids, glycosides, and other bioactive constituents of TCM can target key enzymes and metabolites involved in the TCA cycle, thereby restoring aberrant metabolic reprogramming, alleviating endothelial injury induced by oxidative stress, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, ultimately improving metabolic homeostasis and attenuating the progression of AS.
6.Research progress on the regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle by bioactive constituents of traditional Chinese medicine in the anti-atherosclerotic process
Yukai SU ; Yajie ZHANG ; Nana ZHANG ; Chang LIU ; Hongzhen YIN ; Yumin YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1784-1790
The development of atherosclerosis (AS) is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and mitochondrial metabolic abnormalities. These alterations are fundamentally characterized by metabolic reprogramming, in which the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle serves as a central regulatory hub. Disruption of the homeostasis of TCA cycle intermediates, including succinate, α -ketoglutarate, and itaconate, contributes to AS progression through multiple mechanisms, such as the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolic networks. Owing to their multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory properties, bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have demonstrated unique advantages in correcting metabolic dysregulation. Flavonoids, glycosides, and other bioactive constituents of TCM can target key enzymes and metabolites involved in the TCA cycle, thereby restoring aberrant metabolic reprogramming, alleviating endothelial injury induced by oxidative stress, inflammation, and glucose and lipid metabolic disorders, ultimately improving metabolic homeostasis and attenuating the progression of AS.
7.Effect and mechanism of action of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid on an in vitro cell model of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Junjiao XU ; Tong LIU ; Sutong LIU ; Lihui ZHANG ; Yijia SONG ; Wenjing WU ; Beilei CUI ; Yajie GUAN ; Minghao LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(7):1586-1596
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential targets of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA) in the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and the molecular mechanism by which it regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsA network pharmacology analysis was performed at first, and related databases were used to obtain the common action targets of 2,5-DHBA and MAFLD, followed by molecular docking and pathway enrichment analysis to predict the potential biological processes and signaling pathways regulated by these targets. Then mouse normal hepatocytes AML-12 were used for cell experiments, and CCK-8 assay was used to determine the three optimal intervention concentrations of 2,5-DHBA. AML-12 cells were divided into control group, model group (cells cultured in a medium containing 2 mmol/L free fatty acid [FFA] to establish a cell model of MAFLD), and three 2,5-DHBA intervention groups (cells cultured with FFA and 2,5-DHBA at the three different concentrations of 1.25, 5, and 20 μmol/L, respectively). Oil red O staining was used to observe intracellular lipid accumulation; the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA was used to measure the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS); biochemical assays were used to measure the content of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC); quantitative real-time PCR and Western Blot were used to measure the expression levels of related genes and proteins. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsA total of 32 common targets were obtained for 2,5-DHBA and MAFLD. Within a concentration range of 1.25 — 20 μmol/L, 2,5-DHBA treatment, starting from the concentration of 2.5 μmol/L, increased the viability of AML-12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The minimum effective concentration of 1.25 μmol/L, the intermediate gradient concentration of 5 μmol/L, and the maximum safe concentration within the effective range of 20 μmol/L were selected for low-, middle-, and high-dose intervention, respectively. Compared with the model group, 2,5-DHBA intervention at concentrations of 1.25, 5, and 20 μmol/L could significantly reduce lipid droplet accumulation in cells (all P<0.05), and there were significant differences in TG and TC between the model group and the three intervention groups (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a significant increase in ROS fluorescence intensity (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, there was a dose-dependent reduction in intracellular ROS level after treatment with 5 μmol/L or 20 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 2,5-DHBA treatment at concentrations of 5 and 20 μmol/L significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of the lipogenic genes SREBf1 and FASN and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of the key antioxidant gene Nrf2 and its downstream target gene HO-1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in the model group was significantly increased (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the protein expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt were significantly decreased after 5 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein in the model group were significantly decreased (all P<0.05). The protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were significantly increased after treatment with 1.25 μmol/L 2,5-DHBA (P<0.05). ConclusionNetwork pharmacology and cellular experiments confirm that 2,5-DHBA can alleviate lipid deposition and oxidative stress by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect on MAFLD.
8.Construction of a regional collaborative cloud-based treatment model for patients with severe traffic injuries and evaluation of the timeliness of care
Shuaishuai ZHOU ; Sa WANG ; Danping YAN ; Shurong XU ; Yajie LIU ; Meiling WANG ; Yulin LI ; Yuwei WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(2):170-176
Objective To construct a regional collaborative cloud-based treatment model treatment model for patients with severe road traffic injuries,and to preliminarily evaluate the differences in nursing timeliness indicators and outcomes.Methods The regional collaborative cloud-based treatment platform includes 4 ports,including public security traffic police,pre-hospital emergency center,regional trauma center triage,and regional trauma center resuscitation unit.This forms a standardized real-time interactive treatment process between regional medical services and police for patients with severe road traffic injuries.Using a concurrent control study design,241 patients with severe road traffic injuries admitted to the emergency department of a regional trauma center in Zhejiang Province from May 2022 to May 2024 were selected as the study subjects.Among them,120 patients treated with the regional real-time collaborative cloud-based treatment model were designated as an experimental group,while 121 patients treated with the original trauma care process were designated as a control group.The differences in timeliness indicators and outcomes between the 2 groups were compared.Results The study included 241 patients with severe trauma.After the application of the regional collaborative cloud-based treatment model,the time from the scene of the accident to the hospital,the proportion of information early waming,completion time of pre-examination and triage,waiting time of the trauma team,the time of the first CT,the length of multidisciplinary consultation,and the time for completing hospitalization procedures in the experimental group were shorter than those in the control group(P<0.05),the proportion of information early waming in the experimental group was 100%(120/120),and the proportion of information early waming in the control group was 52.1%(63/121).The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.001).The survival rate of the experimental group was 90.8%(109/120),and that of the control group was 86.0%(104/121).There was no significant difference between the two groups(x2=1.399,P=0.237).Conclusion The regional collaborative cloud-based treatment model improves the timeliness and standardization of the treatment of patients with severe road traffic injury,which has certain reference significance and promotion value.
9.Emergency care for a patient with severe hypothermia Parkinson's disease complicated with cardiac arrhy-thmia
Yuwei WANG ; Shuaishuai ZHOU ; Danping YAN ; Yajie LIU ; Meiling WANG ; Shurong XU ; Sa WANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(13):1642-1645
This report summarizes the emergency care and nursing interventions for a Parkinson's disease patient with severe hypothermia complicated by ventricular arrhythmia.Key nursing points included continuous core temperature monitoring with goal-directed,phased,progressive rewarming;proactive identification and rapid response to arrhythmias;precise fluid management and skin protection to dynamically optimize blood perfusion and pressure redistribution;vigilant prevention and early intervention of hypothermia-related complications.With multidisciplinary treatment and meticulous nursing care,the patient was successfully discharged after 17 days of hospitalization with a favorable recovery.At the three-month follow-up after discharge,the patient had recovered well with no recurrence of similar episodes.
10.Exploration on the Mechanism of Shugan Zhixie Prescription in Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Jinxue ZHANG ; Junhong LIU ; Lining SU ; Xueqian LAI ; Dan WANG ; Jiale CHEN ; Yajie CHEN ; Hongmei LI ; Yajing LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(12):39-45
Objective To investigate the mechanism of Shugan Zhixie Prescription in treating irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D)using network pharmacology;To validate the findings through in vivo experiments.Methods Active components and potential targets of Shugan Zhixie Prescription were identified via the TCMSP database.Disease targets for IBS-D were retrieved from GeneCards,DisGeNET and OMIM databases.The intersection of drugs and disease targets was taken,and the protein interaction network was constructed by using STRING database.GO and KEGG pathways were enriched to identify the key signaling pathways of Shugan Zhixie Prescription in the treatment of IBS-D.The rat model of liver depression and spleen deficiency type IBS-D was established by the method of abnormal hunger and satiety,restraint pinch stress and intestinal perfusion of acetic acid.The rats were intervened with low-,medium-and high-dosage of Shugan Zhixie Prescription respectively for 14 days.Serum contents of diamine oxidase(DAO),interleukin(IL)-8,and IL-18 were measured by ELISA.Protein expressions and mRNA expressions of relevant targets in colonic tissue were detected using Western blot and RT-qPCR.Results A total of 26 active components and 553 targets of Shugan Zhixie Prescription were obtained,and 1 930 targets of IBS-D disease were obtained,with 184 drug-disease intersection targets.The possible mechanism was related to NF-κB,AGE-RAGE,Th17 cell differentiation and other signaling pathways.Animal experiments demonstrated that Shugan Zhixie Prescription could significantly reduce defecation frequency,fecal water content,and inflammatory cytokine levels in model rats.It markedly decreased TLR4 and NF-κB protein expressions(P<0.01),while increased AQP3,AQP8 and Occludin protein expressions in colonic tissue(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Shugan Zhixie Prescription exerts therapeutic effects on IBS-D through multiple pathways and targets,and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting intestinal barrier repair.


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