1.Anti-frostbite effect of miglitol on cold-exposed mice through UCP1-mediated thermogenic activation
Xiang LI ; Hongyuan LU ; Mingyu ZHANG ; Huan GAO ; Dong YAO ; Zihua XU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(1):1-5
Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of miglitol on regulating the energy metabolism of brown adipocytes by activating UCP1 and preventing cold injury in mice after cold exposure. Methods Primary brown adipocytes were induced into mature adipocytes, the effect of miglitol on the viability of brown adipocytes was investigated by MTT method, the lipid droplet consumption level of cells after drug administration was investigated by Oil Red O staining technology, and the level of UCP1, a key protein of thermogenesis in brown adipocytes, was detected by Western blotting. The activity of anti-frostbite was investigated in cold exposure at 4 ℃ and −20 ℃. KM mice, which were randomly divided into control group, cold exposure group, miglitol group and all-trans retinoic acid group, and after 7 days of repeated administration, the body surface temperature of mice was detected by infrared thermal imaging system, the anal temperature change was detected by anal thermometer, and the expression levels of UCP1 and PGC1-α in adipose tissue were detected by immunoblotting. Results Compared with the control group, the lipid droplet consumption and UCP1 expression levels in brown adipocytes in the miglitol group were significantly increased. The levels of body surface temperature and rectal temperature increased significantly after cold exposure, and the levels of UCP1 and PGC1α in the brown adipose tissue of mice increased significantly, which indicated that the miglitol could activate the critical proteins UCP1 and PGC1α of the thermogenesis pathway, increase the thermogenesis of mice after cold exposure, and thus improve the effect of cold injury for toe swelling. Conclusion Miglitol could play a role in improving cold injury and body temperature in mice by increasing the level of UCP1 and PGC1α, which are key targets of the thermogenesis pathway to promote the thermogenesis of brown fat.
2.Clinical Observation of Modified Zhigancao Tang in Treating Patients with Liver and Kidney Deficiency of Parkinson's Disease and Its Effect on Neuronal Signal-related Proteins
Yifo WEI ; Furong LYU ; Jia YAO ; Guonian LI ; Xianyi LUO ; Meng LUO ; Zhengzheng WEN ; Qiuqi LI ; Yihan LIU ; Linlin YANG ; Rui ZUO ; Wenxin DANG ; Fang MI ; Xiaoyan WANG ; Zhigang CHEN ; Fan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):166-173
ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 (MAP-2), alpha-tubulin (α-tubulin), and synaptophysin (SYP) are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein (α-Syn) and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease (PD), analyzed their correlation, and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine, and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score, TCM syndrome score, and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, MAP-2, α-tubulin, and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment, the TCM syndrome score, UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The UPDRS score, UPDRS-Ⅱ score, and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% (19/30), and that of the treatment group was 86.7% (26/30). The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group (Z=-2.03, P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers, as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group, were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin (P<0.05, P<0.01) but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 (P<0.05). ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.
3.Investigation of Component Difference of Astragali Radix Before and After Rice Stir-frying by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Chemometrics
Miaoshi YAO ; Yimeng ZHAO ; Zekun WANG ; Minglu LI ; Chenxi LIU ; Chen CHEN ; Yajun CHEN ; Yachun SHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):189-197
ObjectiveA qualitative analysis method was established for the composition of Astragali Radix(AR) before and after rice stir-frying. On the basis of systematic characterization of the chemical compositions in AR and stir-fried AR with rice(ARR), the structures of their major compounds were deduced and identified, and the differential compositions between them were analyzed. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to detect the samples of AR and ARR in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. The compounds were analyzed and identified through self-constructed databases, literature, and reference standards, etc. And the data were analyzed by chemometrics, in order to screen for the differential components between AR and ARR. ResultsA total of 123 compounds were identified in AR and ARR, including 41 flavonoids, 19 terpenoids, 26 organic acids, 8 amino acids, 5 nucleotides, 5 carbohydrates and 19 other compounds. Among them, there were 95 common components in both, 18 unique components in AR, and 10 unique components in ARR. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) results both showed that there were significant differences in the chemical constituents of AR before and after rice stir-frying, and a total of 26 constituents with differences in the content were screened out, including L-canavanine, L-pyroglutamic acid, L-phenylalanine, cis-caffeic acid, and malonylastragaloside Ⅰ. Among them, 19 constituents of ARR were down-regulated and 7 constituents were up-regulated by comparing with AR. ConclusionThis study clarifies that the chemical composition of AR and ARR is mainly composed of flavonoids, terpenoids, and organic acids, and analyzes the components with significant differences in content between the two in combination with chemometrics, and the differential components are dominated by amino acids, organic acids and terpenoids, which can provide reference for the subsequent quality control and material basis research.
4.Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Its Active Components in Treating Depression: A Review
Ziyang HUANG ; Zhiyi WANG ; Zibo LI ; Erping XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):288-296
Depression is a common mental disorder in clinical practice, and it falls under the category of depression syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Qi depression is considered as the root cause of all depression syndromes. Qi depression can lead to blood stasis, which is a key cause of diseases due to depression syndrome. Therefore, treating stasis is an important therapeutic approach for depression syndrome. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a representative herbal medicine for activating blood and removing stasis, is effective in activating blood, removing stasis, dredging meridians, and alleviating pain. Currently, it is primarily used in clinical practice to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as neurasthenia, coronary heart disease, insomnia, and palpitations. The active components of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are complex and exhibit a variety of pharmacological effects. These components include water-soluble salvianolic acids and lipid-soluble tanshinones. Modern pharmacological studies have proven that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its active components possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-fibrosis, and neuroprotective properties. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its active components in treating depression. This paper systematically reviews the antidepressant mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and its main active components from the regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotrophic factors, and neuroinflammation. In addition, this paper summarizes the clinical applications of the prescriptions containing Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in the treatment of depression, providing new insights for further research on the pharmacological mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in treating depression.
5.Chinese Materia Medica by Regulating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Prevention and Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: A Review
Yasheng DENG ; Lanhua XI ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Tianwei LIANG ; Hui HUANG ; Shan LI ; Xian HUANG ; Chun YAO ; Guochu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):321-330
Ulcerative colitis(UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa and submucosa, and its complex pathogenesis involves immune abnormality, oxidative stress and other factors. The nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), encoded by the Nfe212 gene, plays a central role in antioxidant responses. It not only activates various antioxidant response elements such as heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1), but also enhances the activity of glutathione-S-transferase(GST) and superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1), effectively eliminating reactive oxygen species(ROS) accumulated in the body, and mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal mucosa. In addition, Nrf2 can reduce the release of inflammatory factors and infiltration of immune cells by regulating immune response, cell apoptosis and autophagy pathways, thereby alleviating intestinal inflammation and promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged mucosa. Based on this, this paper reviews the research progress of Chinese materia medica in the prevention and treatment of UC by modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It deeply explores the physiological role of Nrf2, the molecular mechanism of activation, the protective effect in the pathological process of UC, and how active ingredients in Chinese materia medica regulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway through multiple pathways to exert their potential mechanisms. These studies have revealed in depth that Chinese materia medica can effectively combat oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. It can also play a role in anti-inflammatory, promoting autophagy, inhibiting apoptosis, protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier, and promoting intestinal mucosal repair, providing new ideas and methods for the multi-faceted treatment of UC.
6.Research on the standardization of “Indications”in package inserts for Chinese patent medicines
Meiwei ZHANG ; Keqian LI ; Keyu YAO ; Yan ZHU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):513-518
OBJECTIVE To promote the standardization of the “Indications” section in package inserts for Chinese patent medicines and ensure rational clinical and patient use. METHODS The “Function and Indications” information of package inserts for Chinese patent medicines was retrieved and collected from the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Volume Ⅰ) and various national and regional standards. Identification criteria were established for syndrome, pathogenesis, disease name, and symptom terminology in the “Indications” section. Microsoft Office Access 2021 was utilized to create query tables for manual extraction of terminological elements, followed by the construction of a three-tier classification system for “Indications” descriptions. A standardized template for “Indications” was developed through quantitative analysis. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 9 851 valid package inserts for Chinese patent medicines were included. Among these, the majority (7 991) contained symptom terminology, followed by disease names (5 867) and pathogenesis descriptions (5 167). Within disease name terminology, Western medical disease names predominated (4 446), followed by traditional Chinese medicine disease names (2 018). The “Function and Indications” content of 6 962 package inserts complied with existing requirements. Notably, the secondary classifications of “disease name”, as well as the tertiary classification of “disease name+symptoms” and “symptoms”, failed to meet established standards. Two standardized templates for “Indications” were formulated based on pathogenesis and syndrome:“pathogenesis+disease name+symptoms” and “disease name+syndrome+symptoms”. The “Indications”section should provide complete and accurate information, adhere to standardized formatting, and employ appropriate conjunctions and punctuation. For non-prescription patent medicines, package inserts should be categorized into professional and patient versions. These measures will facilitate the standardization of “Indications” descriptions and advance the overall package inserts for Chinese patent medicines documentation.
7.Research progress on antimicrobial peptides against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Yuxuan WANG ; Weichang GUO ; Cheng CHEN ; Yao LUO ; Yaxiong XIAO ; Jiangtao LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):636-640
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium with strong pathogenicity. With the widespread use of antibiotics, its multi-drug resistance has gradually increased. Among them, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is one of the main pathogens of hospital and community infections. Antimicrobial peptides are short-chain peptides with good antibacterial effects and low drug resistance, which have been widely studied in recent years. This study summarizes the mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides and related study on antimicrobial peptides against MRSA from different sources. It is found that the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides include targeting bacterial cell membranes, bacterial cells, and bacterial cell walls, etc. Besides isolating antimicrobial peptides with anti-MRSA activity from animals, plants, and microorganisms, antimicrobial peptides can also be obtained through synthetic methods. Among them, GHa-derived peptides from animal sources, Ib-AMP4 from plant sources, Ph-SA from microbial sources, the synthetic peptide LLKLLLKLL-NH2, and so on, due to their effective antibacterial activity, rapid bactericidal speed, and low toxicity, are promising candidates for anti-MRSA drugs.
8.Interpretation of 2024 ESC guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension
Yu CHENG ; Yiheng ZHOU ; Yao LÜ ; ; Dongze LI ; Lidi LIU ; Peng ZHANG ; Rong YANG ; Yu JIA ; Rui ZENG ; Zhi WAN ; Xiaoyang LIAO
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):31-40
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) released the "2024 ESC guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension" on August 30, 2024. This guideline updates the 2018 "Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension." One notable update is the introduction of the concept of "elevated blood pressure" (120-139/70-89 mm Hg). Additionally, a new systolic blood pressure target range of 120-129 mm Hg has been proposed for most patients receiving antihypertensive treatment. The guideline also includes numerous additions or revisions in areas such as non-pharmacological interventions and device-based treatments for hypertension. This article interprets the guideline's recommendations on definition and classification of elevated blood pressure and hypertension, and cardiovascular disease risk assessment, diagnosing hypertension and investigating underlying causes, preventing and treating elevated blood pressure and hypertension. We provide a comparison interpretation with the 2018 "Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension" and the "2017 ACC/AHA guideline on the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults."
9.Antidepressant Mechanisms of Polygalae Radix: A Review
Liming LIU ; Shuaijun PENG ; Pan SU ; Yucheng LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):300-309
Depression is a high-incidence mental disorder with complex causes and multifaceted pathogenic mechanisms. Its pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated, which has hindered the development of novel and highly effective antidepressant drugs. This condition severely affects human physical and mental health while imposing a significant socio-economic burden. At present, several hypotheses exist regarding the pathogenesis of depression, including monoamine neurotransmitter imbalances, neurotrophic factor deficiencies, neural plasticity impairments, glutamate dysregulation, neuroinflammatory disorders, gut microbiota imbalances, and mitochondrial autophagy dysfunction. Currently, most clinical antidepressants are monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors. Although they exhibit certain therapeutic effects, they are associated with significant drawbacks, such as severe adverse reactions and poor patient compliance. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by its multi-targeted effects, mild efficacy, and minimal side effects, has demonstrated significant advantages in the treatment of depression. Chinese medicine Polygalae Radix possesses the functions of calming the mind, enhancing cognitive functions, harmonizing the heart and kidneys, and dispelling phlegm to open orifices. It is often included in compound prescriptions for the clinical treatment of depression. Based on current hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of depression, this paper systematically reviews research progress on the antidepressant mechanisms of Polygalae Radix from multiple perspectives, including its active components, its use in herbal pairings, and its inclusion in TCM compound prescriptions. This review aims to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of Polygalae Radix in antidepressant therapy and to serve as a reference for the modernization of its antidepressant research.
10.Mechanism of inhibitory effect of total flavonoids from Taraxacum mongolicum on obesity in mice by regulating intestinal flora
Yixue GAO ; Lin GUO ; Linyan LANG ; Jing WU ; Haoyang WANG ; Jing YANG ; Mingsan MIAO ; Zhanzhan LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):293-299
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of the inhibitory effect of total flavonoids from Taraxacum mongolicum on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice through modulation of intestinal flora. METHODS Twenty-four C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group and T. mongolicum total flavonoid group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, the other 2 groups were given a high-fat diet, while T. mongolicum total flavonoid group was given T. mongolicum total flavonoid [400 mg/(kg·d)] intragastrically, once a day, for 8 consecutive weeks. During the experiment, the food intake of each group of mice was recorded. After the last medication, the body mass, fat weight, blood lipid level and pathological changes of liver and epididymal fat in mice were evaluated to observe the effect of T. mongolicum total flavonoid on the treatment of obesity in mice. The changes in abundance and structure of intestinal flora in mice were detected by amplicon sequencing; the effects of T. mongolicum total flavonoids on fat metabolism related genes were analyzed by qPCR. RESULTS Compared with model group, the body weight of mice in T. mongolicum total flavonoids group was decreased significantly (P<0.05); the levels of total lipid cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol were all decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the level of HDL cholesterol was increased significantly (P<0.01); the fat indexes of inguinal white adipose tissue and epididymal white wind_lz@hactcm.edu.cn adipose tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.05); significant improvement in hepatocellular steatosis and adipose cytopathy were significantly improved; mRNA expressions of COX7A1 and COX8B were significantly upregulated (P<0.05). The results of bacterial colony detection showed that compared with the model group, there was a rising trend in the diversity of the bacterial colony in T. mongolicum total flavonoids group, and the Sobs index characterization and β diversity were increased significantly (P<0.05). Relative abundances of Blautia, norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, Bilophila, Alistipes, classified_f_Ruminococcaceae, Parabacteroides, norank_f_Desulfovibrionaceae, Anaerotruncus were significantly up-regulated(P<0.05), while those of Faecalibaculum, Erysipelatoclostridium, GCA-900066575, Tuzzerella, Lactobacillus, norank_f_norank_o_RF39, achnospiraceae_FCS020_group were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS T. mongolicum total flavonoids can reduce body mass, fat weight and blood lipid levels, and repair the pathological damage to liver and epididymal fat in obese mice, which is related to improving intestinal flora disorders caused by high-fat diet.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail