1.Quantitative Molecular Detection of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Its Processed Products Based on Herb-Q Method
Mingyu ZHANG ; Wenjun JIANG ; Baoyu JI ; Yue WANG ; Haitao ZHANG ; Haobo ZHANG ; Xue FENG ; Xiwen LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):192-200
ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix, a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties, is frequently adulterated in the market, severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature, quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant, "Tu Danggui" (Angelica gigas), was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection (Herb-Q) method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products, providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations (linearity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, and reproducibility) by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios (15%, 25%, and 35%) was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, based on the principles of intraspecies conservation, interspecies specificity, and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing, it was determined that 9 674th locus (A/G) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592nd locus (T/C) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai, respectively. The linear relationship R2 of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674th locus (A/G) of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 (R2>0.99), indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%, exhibiting excellent reproducibility [relative standard deviation(RSD)<2.0%]. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder, with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674th locus (A/G) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability, objectivity, and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas, and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives, including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals.
2.Quantitative Molecular Detection of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Its Processed Products Based on Herb-Q Method
Mingyu ZHANG ; Wenjun JIANG ; Baoyu JI ; Yue WANG ; Haitao ZHANG ; Haobo ZHANG ; Xue FENG ; Xiwen LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):192-200
ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix, a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties, is frequently adulterated in the market, severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature, quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant, "Tu Danggui" (Angelica gigas), was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection (Herb-Q) method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products, providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations (linearity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, and reproducibility) by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios (15%, 25%, and 35%) was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, based on the principles of intraspecies conservation, interspecies specificity, and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing, it was determined that 9 674th locus (A/G) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592nd locus (T/C) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai, respectively. The linear relationship R2 of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674th locus (A/G) of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 (R2>0.99), indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%, exhibiting excellent reproducibility [relative standard deviation(RSD)<2.0%]. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder, with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674th locus (A/G) in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability, objectivity, and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas, and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives, including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals.
3.Considerations on Whole-Course Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Based on Theories of "Struggle Between Pathogenic Qi and Healthy Qi" and "Relapse Due to Overexertion After Recovery"
Yishuang PAN ; Xilun TAN ; Xuesen WANG ; Jia WANG ; Meili GAO ; Mingyu CHEN ; Ming ZHANG ; Chenhao ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1677-1681
Infectious diseases occur and evolve through a dynamic contest between pathogenic qi and the body's healthy qi, with marked stage-dependent progression. This paper constructs a whole-course system of syndrome differentiation and treatment based on the theories of "struggle between pathogenic qi and healthy qi" and "relapse due to overexertion after recovery". The former reveals the intrinsic link between the waxing and waning of pathogenic and healthy qi and the evolution of syndromes, guiding stratified interventions during acute stage by discerning the location and nature of pathogenic factors and determining appropriate strategies for eliminating pathogens and supporting healthy qi according to the dynamics of deficiency and excess syndromes. The latter focuses on the recovery stage after infection and disease relapse, emphasizing harmonizing yin, yang, qi and blood to restore functions of zang-fu (脏腑) organs, and combining unblocking, tonifying, and turbidity-dispelling methods to eliminate both new and lingering pathogens. Throughout the whole-course treatment, attention should be paid to dynamic pathogenesis and stage-to-stage coherence, with emphasis on formula-syndrome correspondence, and integration of modern diagnostic and therapeutic measures, to construct individualized strategies bridging disease stages and integrating prevention with treatment, thereby systematically leveraging the integrative strengths of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
4.Considerations on Whole-Course Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Based on Theories of "Struggle Between Pathogenic Qi and Healthy Qi" and "Relapse Due to Overexertion After Recovery"
Yishuang PAN ; Xilun TAN ; Xuesen WANG ; Jia WANG ; Meili GAO ; Mingyu CHEN ; Ming ZHANG ; Chenhao ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1677-1681
Infectious diseases occur and evolve through a dynamic contest between pathogenic qi and the body's healthy qi, with marked stage-dependent progression. This paper constructs a whole-course system of syndrome differentiation and treatment based on the theories of "struggle between pathogenic qi and healthy qi" and "relapse due to overexertion after recovery". The former reveals the intrinsic link between the waxing and waning of pathogenic and healthy qi and the evolution of syndromes, guiding stratified interventions during acute stage by discerning the location and nature of pathogenic factors and determining appropriate strategies for eliminating pathogens and supporting healthy qi according to the dynamics of deficiency and excess syndromes. The latter focuses on the recovery stage after infection and disease relapse, emphasizing harmonizing yin, yang, qi and blood to restore functions of zang-fu (脏腑) organs, and combining unblocking, tonifying, and turbidity-dispelling methods to eliminate both new and lingering pathogens. Throughout the whole-course treatment, attention should be paid to dynamic pathogenesis and stage-to-stage coherence, with emphasis on formula-syndrome correspondence, and integration of modern diagnostic and therapeutic measures, to construct individualized strategies bridging disease stages and integrating prevention with treatment, thereby systematically leveraging the integrative strengths of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
5.Treatment of IgA Nephropathy by Tonifying Kidney and Invigorating Spleen as Well as Detoxifying and Relieving Sore-throat Based on PIgR-CR1-mediated Mucosal-renal Axis
Fan LI ; Hongan WANG ; He NAN ; Mingyu HE ; Chengji CUI ; Yinping WANG ; Yutong LIU ; Shoulin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):237-244
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the primary glomerulonephritis with the highest incidence rate in the world. It is also the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in China, which has brought heavy economic burden to the society and patient families. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in treating IgAN. In TCM, IgAN is classified into consumptive disease, hematuria, and edema categories, with the location in the kidney and involving the lung, liver, and spleen. Professor Ren Jixue, a master of TCM, believes that kidney deficiency and spleen deficiency are the root causes of IgAN, and the throat is the source of the disease. He proposed the theory of throat-kidney correlation and used the method of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat to treat IgAN, achieving significant therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that IgAN is closely related to mucosal immune defense. IgAN patients often experience recurrent and gradually worsening symptoms due to mucosal infections, and polymeric Ig receptor (PIgR) is an important component of mucosal defense function. The lack of PIgR leads to the accumulation of IgA molecules in the mucosal lamina propria, and the molecules enter the bloodstream in large quantities and ultimately deposit in the kidneys, causing kidney damage. Complement regulatory protein complement receptor type 1 (CR1) exists on red blood cells and glomeruli and has the function of inhibiting the activation and differentiation of B cells, clearing immune complexes, and inhibiting excessive activation of the complement system. Therefore, regulating the immune defense function through the mucosal-renal axis mediated by PIgR-CR1 will be an important target for preventing and treating IgAN. Based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation, this article explores the effects and molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat in preventing and treating IgAN by regulating the mucosal-kidney axis mediated by PIgR-CR1. It provides effective theoretical support and a scientific basis for TCM prevention and treatment of IgAN based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation.
6.Treatment of IgA Nephropathy by Tonifying Kidney and Invigorating Spleen as Well as Detoxifying and Relieving Sore-throat Based on PIgR-CR1-mediated Mucosal-renal Axis
Fan LI ; Hongan WANG ; He NAN ; Mingyu HE ; Chengji CUI ; Yinping WANG ; Yutong LIU ; Shoulin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):237-244
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the primary glomerulonephritis with the highest incidence rate in the world. It is also the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in China, which has brought heavy economic burden to the society and patient families. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in treating IgAN. In TCM, IgAN is classified into consumptive disease, hematuria, and edema categories, with the location in the kidney and involving the lung, liver, and spleen. Professor Ren Jixue, a master of TCM, believes that kidney deficiency and spleen deficiency are the root causes of IgAN, and the throat is the source of the disease. He proposed the theory of throat-kidney correlation and used the method of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat to treat IgAN, achieving significant therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that IgAN is closely related to mucosal immune defense. IgAN patients often experience recurrent and gradually worsening symptoms due to mucosal infections, and polymeric Ig receptor (PIgR) is an important component of mucosal defense function. The lack of PIgR leads to the accumulation of IgA molecules in the mucosal lamina propria, and the molecules enter the bloodstream in large quantities and ultimately deposit in the kidneys, causing kidney damage. Complement regulatory protein complement receptor type 1 (CR1) exists on red blood cells and glomeruli and has the function of inhibiting the activation and differentiation of B cells, clearing immune complexes, and inhibiting excessive activation of the complement system. Therefore, regulating the immune defense function through the mucosal-renal axis mediated by PIgR-CR1 will be an important target for preventing and treating IgAN. Based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation, this article explores the effects and molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat in preventing and treating IgAN by regulating the mucosal-kidney axis mediated by PIgR-CR1. It provides effective theoretical support and a scientific basis for TCM prevention and treatment of IgAN based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation.
7.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.
8.Novel araucarene diterpenes from Agathis dammara exert hypoglycemic activity by promoting pancreatic β cell regeneration and glucose uptake.
Zhewei YU ; Yi ZHANG ; Wenhui WANG ; XinYi WU ; Shunzhi LIU ; Yanlin BIN ; Hongsheng LI ; Bangping CAI ; Zheng WANG ; Meijuan FANG ; Rong QI ; Mingyu LI ; Yingkun QIU
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):492-503
In this study, araucarene diterpenes, characterized by a pimarene skeleton with a variably oxidized side chain at C-13, were investigated. A total of 16 araucarene diterpenoids and their derivatives were isolated from the woods of Agathis dammara, including 11 previously unreported compounds: dammaradione (1), dammarones D-G (2, 5, 14, 15), dammaric acids B-F (8-12), and dammarol (16). The structures of these new compounds were elucidated using high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (HR-ESI-MS) and one-dimensional/two-dimensional (1D/2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), while their absolute configurations were determined through the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) exciton chirality method and Snatzke's method. The hypoglycemic activity of all isolated compounds was evaluated using a transgenic zebrafish model, and a structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis was conducted. Araucarone (3) and dammaric acid C (9), serving as representative compounds, demonstrated significant hypoglycemic effects on zebrafish. The primary mechanism involves the promotion of pancreatic β cell regeneration and glucose uptake. Specifically, these compounds enhance the differentiation of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells (PEP cells) into β cells in zebrafish.
Zebrafish
;
Animals
;
Diterpenes/isolation & purification*
;
Insulin-Secreting Cells/cytology*
;
Glucose/metabolism*
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Hypoglycemic Agents/isolation & purification*
;
Molecular Structure
;
Structure-Activity Relationship
;
Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
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Regeneration/drug effects*
9.Expression and functional study of FKBP10 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
FANG Zhikai ; JIN Hui ; YANG Shan ; JIANG Nan ; ZHANG Mingyu ; ZHOU Shuang ; LI Chang ; LI Lili
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(7):529-541
Objective:
To investigate the expression and functional role of FK506 binding protein 10 (FKBP10) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to provide a research basis for the estimated prognosis and targeted therapy of OSCC.
Methods:
A total of 284 OSCC samples and 19 normal samples were selected from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and diagnostic analysis was performed to determine mRNA expression. Survival analysis for FKBP10 and OSCC was conducted on a gene expression profile interaction analysis website. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of FKBP10 in four OSCC cell lines and SAS and SCC9 cells transfected with siRNA. The cell proliferation ability of FKBP10-silenced cells was detected using the CCK8 method, and the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion ability were detected through wound healing and invasion experiments. The expression changes of total protein and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-serine/threonine kinase (AKT) after FKBP10 silencing were analyzed by proteomics and Western Blot.
Results:
According to the analysis of gene expression levels, the mRNA expression level of FKBP10 in OSCC was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P < 0.001). In terms of diagnosis, the expression level of FKBP10 has unique diagnostic value for OSCC (P < 0.05). The survival analysis of FKBP10 and OSCC showed that a high expression of FKBP10 led to a decrease in patient survival and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). The expression of FKBP10 mRNA and protein in OSCC cell lines was higher than that in normal oral keratinocytes (P < 0.001). Silencing FKBP10 can reduce the proliferation, invasion, and migration ability of SAS and SCC9 (P < 0.001), and also block their cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase (P < 0.001), with a significant increase in apoptosis (P < 0.05). Protein mass spectrometry and Western blot analysis revealed that FKBP10 silencing significantly downregulated the expression of multiple proteins in the RAP1 signaling pathway, mainly RAP guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (RAPGEF1) (P < 0.05) and the phosphorylation of PI3K-AKT proteins (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
FKBP10 is highly expressed in OSCC, leading to poor prognosis for patients. Downregulated FKBP10 expression can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of OSCC cells, hinder cell cycle progression, and promote apoptosis via the RAP1-PI3K-AKT axis. FKBP10 is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for OSCC.
10.Alteration of static and dynamic fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation in patients with methamphetamine dependence using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Jie WANG ; Yadi LI ; Shuyuan WANG ; Ping CHENG ; Mingyu ZHANG ; Wenhua ZHOU ; Huifen LIU ; Wenwen SHEN ; Gaoyan WANG ; Haibo DONG
Chinese Journal of Psychiatry 2025;58(1):12-21
Objective:To investigate the difference in brain activity intensity between methamphetamine (MA) dependent patients (MA group) and healthy controls (control group) using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF), and to establish a classification model between these two groups using support vector machine (SVM).Methods:From February 2014 to October 2019, a total of 46 male MA-dependent patients and 46 male healthy controls were recruited from the Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University. The study collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data and analyzed the differences in brain functional activity between the two groups. This analysis was conducted using both static and dynamic fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (d-fALFF). Additionally, the study examined the correlation between fALFF/d-fALFF values in specific brain regions and the total scores, as well as each factor score, of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Furthermore, the relationship between fALFF/d-fALFF values and the age of first use and total dose of MA in the MA group was investigated. Finally, the fALFF map and d-fALFF map of brain regions with significant differences between groups were used as features for constructing classification.Results:Compared to the healthy control group, those dependent on MA showed significantly increased fALFF mainly in the nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus, thalamus, and amygdala nucleus( t=-5.21--2.72, all P<0.05). The MA group exhibited decreased fALFF in the superior frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, orbital gyrus, and cingulate gyrus( t=3.59-5.00, all P<0.05). Most of the brain regions with decreased d-fALFF overlapped with those exhibiting decreased fALFF( t=3.33-4.87, all P<0.05). The results of the correlation analysis showed that the fALFF value of the right nucleus accumbens was positively correlated with the age of first use of MA ( r=0.537, P<0.001). There is no significant relationship between the abnormal fALFF and d-fALFF values in the MA group and the total scores and each factor scores of BPRS, as well as the total dose of MA taken (after removing outliers). Based on fALFF and d-fALFF values, the SVM classifier achieved accuracies of 90.33%±6.89% and 71.56%±7.80%, respectively. Conclusions:There are significant abnormalities in the low-frequency fluctuation of the resting brain in patients dependent on MA. These abnormalities reflect the rigidity of prefrontal cortex activity, functional impairment, and dysfunction of the anti-reward system. These factors may be one of the causes for MA dependent behavior and repeated episodes. In addition, the fALFF values may be helpful for distinguishing MA dependent individuals from the control group.


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