1.Herbal Textual Research on Zanthoxylum armatum and Zanthoxyli Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Zhen ZENG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Yapeng WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):252-262
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Manjiao and Zanthoxyli Radix by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing the two medicinal materials. According to the herbal textual research, Manjiao was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty with aliases such as Zhujiao, Goujiao and Zhijiao. Throughout history, Manjiao was sourced from the stems and roots of Zanthoxylum armatum in the Rutaceae family, and its leaves and fruits can also be used in medicine. The traditional recorded production area was mainly in Yunzhong(now Tuoketuo region in Inner Mongolia), with mentions in Zhejiang, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Taiwan, and other provinces. Presently, this species is distributed from the south of Shandong, to Hainan, Taiwan, Tibet and other regions. The roots can be harvested year-round, while the fruits are harvested in autumn after maturity. In ancient times, the roots and stems were mostly used for brewing or soaking in wine, whereas nowadays, the roots are often sliced and then used as a raw material in traditional Chinese medicine, and the fruits should be stir-fried before use. Manjiao has a bitter taste and warm property, and was historically used to treat wind-cold dampness, joint pain, limb numbness, and knee pain. Modern researches have summarized its effects as dispelling wind, dispersing cold, promoting circulation, and relieving pain, and it is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, toothache, bruises, as well as an anthelmintic. Zanthoxyli Radix initially known as Rudi Jinniugen, recorded in Bencao Qiuyuan of the Qing dynasty, with the alternate name of Liangbianzhen. In recent times, it is more commonly referred to as Liangmianzhen, sourced from the dried roots of Z. nitidum of the Rutaceae family, mainly produced in Guangxi and Guangdong. It can be harvested throughout the year, cleaned, sliced, and dried after harvesting. Zanthoxyli Radix is pungent, bitter, warm and slightly toxic, with the functions of promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, relieving pain, dispelling wind, and resolving swelling. Based on the results of herbal textual research, it is clarified that the ancient Manjiao and the modern Zanthoxyli Radix are not the same species. This article corrects the mistaken belief of by previous scholars that Zanthoxyli Radix is the same as ancient Manjiao, and suggests that formulas described as Manjiao should use Z. armatum as the medicinal herb, while those described as Liangmianzhen or Rudi Jinniu should use Z. nitidum. The processing was performed according to the processing requirements prescribed in the formulas, otherwise, the raw products are recommended for use.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Zanthoxylum armatum and Zanthoxyli Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Zhen ZENG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Yapeng WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):252-262
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Manjiao and Zanthoxyli Radix by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing the two medicinal materials. According to the herbal textual research, Manjiao was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty with aliases such as Zhujiao, Goujiao and Zhijiao. Throughout history, Manjiao was sourced from the stems and roots of Zanthoxylum armatum in the Rutaceae family, and its leaves and fruits can also be used in medicine. The traditional recorded production area was mainly in Yunzhong(now Tuoketuo region in Inner Mongolia), with mentions in Zhejiang, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Taiwan, and other provinces. Presently, this species is distributed from the south of Shandong, to Hainan, Taiwan, Tibet and other regions. The roots can be harvested year-round, while the fruits are harvested in autumn after maturity. In ancient times, the roots and stems were mostly used for brewing or soaking in wine, whereas nowadays, the roots are often sliced and then used as a raw material in traditional Chinese medicine, and the fruits should be stir-fried before use. Manjiao has a bitter taste and warm property, and was historically used to treat wind-cold dampness, joint pain, limb numbness, and knee pain. Modern researches have summarized its effects as dispelling wind, dispersing cold, promoting circulation, and relieving pain, and it is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, toothache, bruises, as well as an anthelmintic. Zanthoxyli Radix initially known as Rudi Jinniugen, recorded in Bencao Qiuyuan of the Qing dynasty, with the alternate name of Liangbianzhen. In recent times, it is more commonly referred to as Liangmianzhen, sourced from the dried roots of Z. nitidum of the Rutaceae family, mainly produced in Guangxi and Guangdong. It can be harvested throughout the year, cleaned, sliced, and dried after harvesting. Zanthoxyli Radix is pungent, bitter, warm and slightly toxic, with the functions of promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, relieving pain, dispelling wind, and resolving swelling. Based on the results of herbal textual research, it is clarified that the ancient Manjiao and the modern Zanthoxyli Radix are not the same species. This article corrects the mistaken belief of by previous scholars that Zanthoxyli Radix is the same as ancient Manjiao, and suggests that formulas described as Manjiao should use Z. armatum as the medicinal herb, while those described as Liangmianzhen or Rudi Jinniu should use Z. nitidum. The processing was performed according to the processing requirements prescribed in the formulas, otherwise, the raw products are recommended for use.
3.Enzyme-directed Immobilization Strategies for Biosensor Applications
Xing-Bao WANG ; Yao-Hong MA ; Yun-Long XUE ; Xiao-Zhen HUANG ; Yue SHAO ; Yi YU ; Bing-Lian WANG ; Qing-Ai LIU ; Li-He ZHANG ; Wei-Li GONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):374-394
Immobilized enzyme-based enzyme electrode biosensors, characterized by high sensitivity and efficiency, strong specificity, and compact size, demonstrate broad application prospects in life science research, disease diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Immobilization of enzyme is a critical step in determining the performance (stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility) of the biosensors. Random immobilization (physical adsorption, covalent cross-linking, etc.) can easily bring about problems, such as decreased enzyme activity and relatively unstable immobilization. Whereas, directional immobilization utilizing amino acid residue mutation, affinity peptide fusion, or nucleotide-specific binding to restrict the orientation of the enzymes provides new possibilities to solve the problems caused by random immobilization. In this paper, the principles, advantages and disadvantages and the application progress of enzyme electrode biosensors of different directional immobilization strategies for enzyme molecular sensing elements by specific amino acids (lysine, histidine, cysteine, unnatural amino acid) with functional groups introduced based on site-specific mutation, affinity peptides (gold binding peptides, carbon binding peptides, carbohydrate binding domains) fused through genetic engineering, and specific binding between nucleotides and target enzymes (proteins) were reviewed, and the application fields, advantages and limitations of various immobilized enzyme interface characterization techniques were discussed, hoping to provide theoretical and technical guidance for the creation of high-performance enzyme sensing elements and the manufacture of enzyme electrode sensors.
4.Advances in methionine metabolism for the remodeling of the tumor metabolic-immune microenvironment
Yao HUANG ; Zhen CHEN ; Hongxi WU
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(3):280-286
Tumor metabolic reprogramming and immune escape synergistically promote tumor progression, in which methionine (Met) metabolism plays a key role through epigenetic regulation and immune microenvironment remodelling. This paper systematically summarzes the mechanisms by which aberrant Met metabolism leads to “methionine addiction” and maintains the malignant phenotype of tumor cells, and describes its multiple modulations of the immune system: inducing T-cell depletion, promoting the polarization of M2-type macrophages, inhibiting the activity of NK cells, and enhancing the function of tumor-associated fibroblasts. Furthermore, therapeutic strategies targeting Met metabolism, including methionine-restricted diets, metabolic enzyme (MAT2A, NNMT) inhibitors, and epigenetic targets (PRMT5 inhibitors), are explored to provide theoretical reference for the development of Met-targeted therapies.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Abri Herba and Abri Mollis Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Zhen ZENG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):193-201
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, academic name, medicinal parts, origin, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Abri Herba and Abri Mollis Herba by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the modern literature, so as to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing this type of medicinal materials. According to the herbal textual research, Abri Herba was first recorded in Lingnan Caiyaolu, with other aliases such as Huangtoucao and Xiye Longlincao. It originates from the dried whole plant of Abrus cantoniensis, a Fabaceae plant, which can be used medicinally except for its fruits. Currently, this species is mainly distributed in Guangdong and Guangxi, and also found in Hunan and Thailand, it can be harvested throughout the year, mainly in spring and autumn. The roots, stems, and leaves can be used for medicinal purposes, but the pods are toxic and need to be removed. After harvesting, impurities and pods are removed, and it is dried and processed for medicinal use. Abri Herba has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, is cool in nature, and is associated with the liver and stomach meridians, it is used for clearing heat and relieving dampness, dispersing blood stasis and relieving pain, and is mainly used to treat jaundice-type hepatitis, stomach pain, rheumatic bone pain, contusion and ecchymosis pain, and mastitis. Abri Mollis Herba was first recorded in the 1982 edition of Zhongyaozhi as another origin for Abri Herba, and was singled out in some monographs such as Xinhua Bencao Gangyao in 1988 for use, while some other monographs use it as a local habitual products or confused products of Abri Herba with aliases such as Daye Jigucao, Qingtingteng, and Maoxiangsi. It comes from the dried whole herb of A. mollis without pods, and is mainly produced in Guangxi and Guangdong, and occasionally found in Hong Kong, Hainan and Fujian. The collection and processing are similar to Abri Herba, after harvesting, impurities and pods are removed, and it is dried and cut for medicinal use. Abri Mollis Herba has a sweet and light taste, is cool in nature, and is associated with the liver and stomach meridians, with the efficacy of clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting dampness, it is mainly used to treat infectious hepatitis, mastitis, furuncles, burns and scalds, and pediatric malnutrition. Based on the research, A. mollis was first recorded to be used as a medicine in the same origin as A. cantoniensis, and as plants of the same genus, have similar morphological characteristics, and their medicinal parts, collection and processing, properties and flavors, and meridian affiliations are consistent. And in the folk, Abri Mollis Herba is often used as Abri Herba, which has been used for a long time and is now dominated by the cultivation of A. mollis. So it is recommended that the subsequent version of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should include A. mollis in the origin of Abri Herba, and it is also recommended that in famous classical formulas refered to Jiguccao can use A. cantoniensis and A. mollis as the sources of the herb, refered to Mao Jiguccao can use A. mollis as the sources of the herb. Processing is carried out according to the requirements specified in the original formulas, and raw products are recommended to be included in the medicine if there are no requirements.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Abri Herba and Abri Mollis Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Zhen ZENG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):193-201
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, academic name, medicinal parts, origin, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Abri Herba and Abri Mollis Herba by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the modern literature, so as to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing this type of medicinal materials. According to the herbal textual research, Abri Herba was first recorded in Lingnan Caiyaolu, with other aliases such as Huangtoucao and Xiye Longlincao. It originates from the dried whole plant of Abrus cantoniensis, a Fabaceae plant, which can be used medicinally except for its fruits. Currently, this species is mainly distributed in Guangdong and Guangxi, and also found in Hunan and Thailand, it can be harvested throughout the year, mainly in spring and autumn. The roots, stems, and leaves can be used for medicinal purposes, but the pods are toxic and need to be removed. After harvesting, impurities and pods are removed, and it is dried and processed for medicinal use. Abri Herba has a sweet and slightly bitter taste, is cool in nature, and is associated with the liver and stomach meridians, it is used for clearing heat and relieving dampness, dispersing blood stasis and relieving pain, and is mainly used to treat jaundice-type hepatitis, stomach pain, rheumatic bone pain, contusion and ecchymosis pain, and mastitis. Abri Mollis Herba was first recorded in the 1982 edition of Zhongyaozhi as another origin for Abri Herba, and was singled out in some monographs such as Xinhua Bencao Gangyao in 1988 for use, while some other monographs use it as a local habitual products or confused products of Abri Herba with aliases such as Daye Jigucao, Qingtingteng, and Maoxiangsi. It comes from the dried whole herb of A. mollis without pods, and is mainly produced in Guangxi and Guangdong, and occasionally found in Hong Kong, Hainan and Fujian. The collection and processing are similar to Abri Herba, after harvesting, impurities and pods are removed, and it is dried and cut for medicinal use. Abri Mollis Herba has a sweet and light taste, is cool in nature, and is associated with the liver and stomach meridians, with the efficacy of clearing heat and detoxifying, and promoting dampness, it is mainly used to treat infectious hepatitis, mastitis, furuncles, burns and scalds, and pediatric malnutrition. Based on the research, A. mollis was first recorded to be used as a medicine in the same origin as A. cantoniensis, and as plants of the same genus, have similar morphological characteristics, and their medicinal parts, collection and processing, properties and flavors, and meridian affiliations are consistent. And in the folk, Abri Mollis Herba is often used as Abri Herba, which has been used for a long time and is now dominated by the cultivation of A. mollis. So it is recommended that the subsequent version of Chinese Pharmacopoeia should include A. mollis in the origin of Abri Herba, and it is also recommended that in famous classical formulas refered to Jiguccao can use A. cantoniensis and A. mollis as the sources of the herb, refered to Mao Jiguccao can use A. mollis as the sources of the herb. Processing is carried out according to the requirements specified in the original formulas, and raw products are recommended to be included in the medicine if there are no requirements.
7.Analysis of T7 RNA Polymerase: From Structure-function Relationship to dsRNA Challenge and Biotechnological Applications
Wei-Chen NING ; Yu HUA ; Hui-Ling YOU ; Qiu-Shi LI ; Yao WU ; Yun-Long LIU ; Zhen-Xin HU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2280-2294
T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.
8.Determination of radionuclide levels in food and assessment of effective dose in Beijing, China
Huan WANG ; Yaru SUN ; Meinan YAO ; Yongzhong MA ; Shuchang YAN ; Hui ZHANG ; Zhen WU ; Bin BAI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(5):733-739
Objective To investigate the levels of radionuclides in food in Beijing, China, and assess the committed effective dose to local residents from food intake. Methods From 2021 to 2022, a total of 65 food samples across 7 categories were collected in Beijing. The activity concentrations of radionuclides, including 137Cs, 210Pb, 238U, 228Ra, 226Ra, 40K, 90Sr, 210Po, 3H and 14C, were measured using gamma spectrometry and radiochemical methods. By combining the monitoring results with dietary consumption data of Beijing residents and the internal dose coefficients for Chinese reference adult phantom, the committed effective dose was estimated. Results The levels of radionuclides in food in Beijing were within the normal background range, consistent with related surveys in China and abroad, with activity concentrations below national standard limits. No significant differences were found in the activity concentrations of 137Cs, 238U, 228Ra, 226Ra and 40K between food samples collected from key areas and those from control areas (P > 0.05). The committed effective doses calculated according to internal dose coefficients for Chinese reference adult male phantom and GB 18871-2002 were 0.26 mSv and 0.19 mSv, respectively. Based on the Chinese reference adult male phantom, the majority of the committed effective dose was attributed to 210Pb (45.1%), 228Ra (37.1%), 210Po (12.3%), and 226Ra (4.7%). Conclusion The levels of radionuclides in food in Beijing fluctuated within the background range, resulting in a low radiation dose burden to the population.
9.Role and mechanism of RASAL1 in increase of pulmonary vascular endothelial permeability induced by homocysteine
Xin-Yi LI ; Kai-Yue QIN ; Zi-Yao YANG ; Ling ZHANG ; Zhen LI ; Ya-Li YANG ; Xi XU ; Xiao-Ling YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(8):1454-1461
Aim To investigate the effect of homocys-teine(Hcy)on the permeability of pulmonary micro-vascular endothelial cells(PMVECs)and the role and mechanism of RASAL1.Methods CBS+/-mice were fed a high methionine diet(HMD)for 16 weeks to replicate an animal model of hyperhomocysteinemia(HHcy).HE staining was used to observe the changes in lung tissue structure.qRT-PCR was used to detect the levels of RASAL1 and DNMT1 mRNA in lung tis-sue.Western blot was used to detect the expression of RASAL1,DNMT1,ZO-1,and VE cadherin proteins.Methylation specific PCR was used to detect methyla-tion in the RASAL1 promoter region.PMVECs were transfected with Ad-RASAL1 to detect the expression of ZO-1 and VE cadherin.The si-DNMT1 interference fragment was transfected into PMVECs,and the ex-pression of the RASAL1 was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.Results Serum Hcy level of HMD mice was significantly raised,and HE staining showed severe structural disorder in lung tissue.The expres-sion of RASAL1,ZO-1,and VE cadherin was de-creased,while the expression of DNMT1 was in-creased.The degree of methylation in the RASAL1 promoter region was raised.The expression of ZO-1 and VE cadherin increased after PMVECs were trans-fected with Ad-RASAL1.After knocking down DN-MT1,RASAL1 expression was increased.Conclusion Hcy can increase the permeability of PMVECs,and its mechanism is related to the upregulation of RASAL1 methylation level.
10.Antimicrobial activity of a novel R-type phage tail-like bacteriocin against MRSA
Wei TANG ; Ying LIU ; Zhen-Hai TANG ; Ying TANG ; Xin LI ; Jie YAO ; Wei-Zu LI ; Yuan-Hong XU ; Qiang ZHOU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1760-1765
Aim To explore the antimicrobial activity of a novel R-type phage tail-like bacteriocin(PTLB)secreted by Enterobacter cloacae SHAMU191747 a-gainst methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MR-SA).Methods Antagonistic activity of E.cloacae SHAMU191747 against MRS A was detected by LB agar plate antagonistic test and LB broth micro-fermentation test.The crude extract of fermentation supernatant of E.cloacae SHAMU191747 was prepared by ultra-high-speed centrifugation and density gradient centrifuga-tion.The novel R-type PTLB in the crude extract was detected by transmission electron microscopy.The an-timicrobial activity of the crude extract against MRSA was verified by LB agar plate spot-seeding method.The molecular weight of the novel R-type PTLB was detected by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis.Results E.cloacae SHAMU191747 secreted a novel R-type PTLB,and had a strong antagonistic effect on MRSA.The no-vel R-type PTLB had a molecular weight of approxi-mately 35 ku and could efficiently kill MRSA.The physical dimensions of its tail-sheath-uncontracted functional molecules were(142.7±4.3)×(13.8±0.6)nm,and those of the tail-sheath-contracted non-functional molecules were(57.7±1.2)×(20.8±1.5)nm.Conclusions The novel R-type PTLB pro-duced by E.cloacae SHAMU191747 can efficiently kill MRSA,and has the potential to be developed into a novel antimicrobial drug with great prospects for clini-cal application.

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