1.Mechanism and clinical research progress of calcineurin inhibitor-induced hyperglycemia
Suna LU ; Qiuxia MIN ; Xi WEN ; Ling ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):407-412
Calcineurin inhibitor(CNI) is potent immunosuppressive agents and serve as cornerstone therapies in the treatment of organ transplantation and autoimmune diseases, with cyclosporine A and tacrolimus being the representative drugs. Long-term use of CNI can lead to drug-induced hyperglycemia, severely affecting patients’ prognosis. The pathogenesis involves multilevel pathological alterations: at the pancreatic β-cell level, CNI directly damage β-cell by inducing calcium overload, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, suppressing the expression of key insulin synthesis factors and promoting apoptosis; in peripheral tissues, CNI interfere with insulin receptor substrate phosphorylation and inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway, resulting in decreased glucose uptake and insulin resistance; additionally, CNI can also induce β-cell injury by suppressing the secretion and receptor signal transduction of glucagon-like peptide-1, as well as by activating the nuclear factor kappa B pathway to promote inflammatory responses. Clinical studies demonstrate that the incidence of CNI-associated hyperglycemia is closely related to drug type, dosage, and individual patient factors. For high-risk patients, dose adjustment of CNI, switching to agents with lower metabolic toxicity when necessary, and selection of appropriate glucose-lowering regimens based on glycemic levels are recommended. Future research should further elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CNI metabolic toxicity and optimize individualized pharmacotherapy strategies to improve long-term patient outcomes.
2.Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Solanum nigrum on Hepatic Fibrosis Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats
Min WU ; Zhenxiang AN ; Yuanli HE ; Weinong WEN ; Qiang SU ; Song HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):117-125
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Solanum nigrum on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats. MethodsSixty SD rats were randomly allocated into blank, model, low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.9, 1.8, 3.6 g·kg-1, respectively) S. nigrum, and silibinin capsules (18.9 mg·kg-1) groups. Except the blank group, the other groups were subjected to intraperitoneal injection of 40% CCl4 solution for the modeling of hepatic fibrosis. After 4 weeks of gavage, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta following intraperitoneal anesthesia. The rats were sacrificed, and the liver was separated. The pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and liver fibrosis indexes [type Ⅲ procollagen (PCⅢ), type Ⅳ collagen (Col Ⅳ), laminin (LN), and hyaluronic acid (HA)] in the rat serum were determined. The mRNA and protein levels of B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) pathway-related factors were determined by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited significant hepatocyte edema, infiltration of inflammatory cells, connective tissue proliferation, and collagen fiber deposition in the liver tissue. Compared with the model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose S. nigrum and silymarin capsules significantly improved the structure of liver cells and alleviated the edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, connective tissue proliferation, and collagen fiber deposition. Compared with those in the blank group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, PCⅢ, Col Ⅳ, LN, and HA were elevated in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of ALT, AST, PCⅢ, Col Ⅳ, LN, and HA were reduced in all the treatment groups (P<0.05). Real-time PCR and Western blot results showed that compared with the blank group, the model group had up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all the treatment groups showed down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2 and up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), with the high-dose S. nigrum group showing the best therapeutic effect. ConclusionS. nigrum modulates the progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats by regulating apoptosis through the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 pathway.
3.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
4.Analysis of follow-up and prognosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases associated with pulmonary embolism
Tong YUE ; Yuchun YAN ; Min KANG ; Jia ZHU ; Yingjie XU ; Dan ZHANG ; Ming LI ; Min WEN ; Feifei WU ; Jianming LAI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):89-94
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.
5.Analysis of follow-up and prognosis in pediatric rheumatic diseases associated with pulmonary embolism
Tong YUE ; Yuchun YAN ; Min KANG ; Jia ZHU ; Yingjie XU ; Dan ZHANG ; Ming LI ; Min WEN ; Feifei WU ; Jianming LAI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):89-94
Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.
6.Intraspecific variation of Forsythia suspensa chloroplast genome.
Yu-Han LI ; Lin-Lin CAO ; Chang GUO ; Yi-Heng WANG ; Dan LIU ; Jia-Hui SUN ; Sheng WANG ; Gang-Min ZHANG ; Wen-Pan DONG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2108-2115
Forsythia suspensa is a traditional Chinese medicine and a commonly used landscaping plant. Its dried fruit is used in medicine for its functions of clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling, dissipating masses, and dispersing wind and heat. It possesses extremely high medicinal and economic value. However, the genetic differentiation and diversity of its wild populations remain unclear. In this study, chloroplast genome sequences were obtained from 15 wild individuals of F. suspensa using high-throughput sequencing technology. The sequence characteristics and intraspecific variations were analyzed. The results were as follows:(1) The full length of the F. suspensa chloroplast genome ranged from 156 184 to 156 479 bp, comprising a large single-copy region, a small single-copy region, and two inverted repeat regions. The chloroplast genome encoded a total of 132 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes.(2) A total of 166-174 SSR loci, 792 SNV loci, and 63 InDel loci were identified in the F. suspensa chloroplast genome, indicating considerable genetic variation among individuals.(3) Population structure analysis revealed that F. suspensa could be divided into five or six groups. Both the population structure analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction results indicated significant genetic variation within the wild populations of F. suspensa, with no obvious correlation between intraspecific genetic differentiation and geographical distribution. This study provides new insights into the genetic diversity and differentiation within F. suspensa species and offers additional references for the conservation of species diversity and the utilization of germplasm resources in wild F. suspensa.
Genome, Chloroplast
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Forsythia/classification*
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Phylogeny
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Genetic Variation
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Chloroplasts/genetics*
;
Microsatellite Repeats
7.Mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction in improving autophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal of rats with functional dyspepsia by regulation of IRE1/ASK1/JNK pathway.
Ming-Kai LYU ; Yong-Qiang DUAN ; Jin JIN ; Wen-Chao SHAO ; Qi WU ; Yong TIAN ; Min BAI ; Ying-Xia CHENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2237-2244
This study explored the mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction(XSLJZD) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD) based on inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) pathway-mediated autophagy in interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC). Forty-eight SPF-grade male SD suckling rats were randomly divided into a blank group and a modeling group, and the integrated modeling method(iodoacetamide gavage + disturbance of hunger and satiety + swimming exhaustion) was used to replicate the FD rat model. After the model replications were successfully completed, the rats were divided into a model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups of XSLJZD(12, 6, and 3 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and a positive drug group(mosapride of 1.35 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and the intervention lasted for 14 days. The gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate of rats in each group were measured. The histopathological changes in the gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The ultrastructure of ICC was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The immunofluorescence double staining technique was used to detect the protein expression of phospho-IRE1(p-IRE1), TNF receptor associated factors 2(TRAF2), phospho-ASK1(p-ASK1), phospho-JNK(p-JNK), p62, and Beclin1 in ICC of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Western blot was used to detect the related protein expression of gastric sinus tissue of rats in each group. Compared with those in the blank group, the rats in the model group showed decreased body weight, gastric emptying rate, and intestinal propulsion rate, and transmission electron microscopy revealed damage to the endoplasmic reticulum structure and increased autophagosomes in ICC. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that the ICC of gastric sinus tissue showed a significant elevation of p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins and a significant reduction of p62 protein. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. Compared with the model group, the body weight of rats in the high-dose and medium-dose groups of XSLJZD was increased, and the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were increased. Transmission electron microscopy observed amelioration of structural damage to the endoplasmic reticulum of ICC and reduction of autophagosomes, and the p-IRE1, TRAF2, p-ASK1, p-JNK, and Beclin1 proteins in the ICC of gastric sinus tissue were significantly decreased. The p62 protein was significantly increased. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of relevant proteins in gastric sinus tissue were consistent with those of proteins in ICC. XSLJZD can effectively treat FD, and its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the expression of molecules related to the endoplasmic reticulum stress IRE1/ASK1/JNK pathway in ICC and the improvement of autophagy to promote gastric motility in ICC.
Animals
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Male
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Autophagy/drug effects*
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Interstitial Cells of Cajal/metabolism*
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Dyspepsia/physiopathology*
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
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MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5/genetics*
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MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
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Humans
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Endoribonucleases/genetics*
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Multienzyme Complexes
8.Identification and expression analysis of seed dehydration tolerance and PLD gene family in Panax medicinal plants.
Chao-Lin LI ; Min HUANG ; Na GE ; Qing-Yan WANG ; Jin-Shan JIA ; Ting LUO ; Jin-Yan ZHANG ; Ping ZHOU ; Jun-Wen CHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3307-3321
Panax species are mostly valuable medicinal plants. While some species' seeds are sensitive to dehydration, the dehydration tolerance of seeds from other Panax species remains unclear. The phospholipase D(PLD) gene plays an important role in plant responses to dehydration stress. However, the characteristics of the PLD gene family and their mechanisms of response to dehydration stress in seeds of Panax species with different dehydration tolerances are not well understood. This study used seeds from eight Panax species to measure the germination rates and PLD activity after dehydration and to analyze the correlation between dehydration tolerance and seed traits. Bioinformatics analysis was also conducted to characterize the PnPLD and PvPLD gene families and to evaluate their expression patterns under dehydration stress. The dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds was ranked from high to low as follows: P. ginseng, P. zingiberensis, P. quinquefolius, P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, P. japonicus var. angustifolius, P. japonicus, P. notoginseng, and P. stipuleanatus. A significant negative correlation was found between dehydration tolerance and seed shape(three-dimensional variance), with flatter seeds exhibiting stronger dehydration tolerance(r=-0.792). Eighteen and nineteen PLD members were identified in P. notoginseng and P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, respectively. These members were classified into five isoforms: α, β, γ, δ, and ζ. The gene structures, subcellular localization, physicochemical properties, and other characteristics of PnPLD and PvPLD were similar. Both promoters contained regulatory elements associated with plant growth and development, hormone responses, and both abiotic and biotic stress. During dehydration, the PLD enzyme activity in P. notoginseng seeds gradually increased as the water content decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, PLD activity first decreased and then increased. The expression of PLDα and PLDδ in P. notoginseng seeds initially increased and then decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, the expression of PLDα and PLDδ consistently decreased. In conclusion, the dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds showed a significant negative correlation with seed shape. The dehydration tolerance in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus and dehydration sensitivity of P. notoginseng seeds may be related to differences in PLD enzyme activity and the expression of PLDα and PLDδ genes. This study provided the first systematic comparison of dehydration tolerance in Panax seeds and analyzed the causes of tolerance differences and the optimal water content for long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures, thus providing a theoretical basis for the short-term and ultra-low temperature long-term storage of medicinal plant seeds with varying dehydration tolerances.
Seeds/metabolism*
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Panax/physiology*
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Plant Proteins/metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Phospholipase D/metabolism*
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Plants, Medicinal/enzymology*
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Germination
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Multigene Family
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Water/metabolism*
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Dehydration
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Phylogeny
9.Mechanism of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix processed by milk in reducing intestinal toxicity.
Chang-Li SHEN ; Hao WU ; Hong-Li YU ; Hong-Mei WEN ; Xiao-Bing CUI ; Hui-Min BIAN ; Tong-la-Ga LI ; Min ZENG ; Yan-Qing XU ; Yu-Xin GU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3204-3213
This study aimed to investigate the correlation between changes in intestinal toxicity and compositional alterations of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix(commonly known as Langdu) before and after milk processing, and to explore the detoxification mechanism of milk processing. Mice were intragastrically administered the 95% ethanol extract of raw Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix, milk-decocted(milk-processed), and water-decocted(water-processed) Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix. Fecal morphology, fecal water content, and the release levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in different intestinal segments were used as indicators to evaluate the effects of different processing methods on the cathartic effect and intestinal inflammatory toxicity of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix. LC-MS/MS was employed to analyze the small-molecule components in the raw product, the 95% ethanol extract of the milk-processed product, and the milky waste(precipitate) formed during milk processing, to assess the impact of milk processing on the chemical composition of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix. The results showed that compared with the blank group, both the raw and water-processed Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix significantly increased the fecal morphology score, fecal water content, and the release levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in various intestinal segments(P<0.05). Compared with the raw group, all indicators in the milk-processed group significantly decreased(P<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in the water-processed group, indicating that milk, as an adjuvant in processing, plays a key role in reducing the intestinal toxicity of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix. Mass spectrometry results revealed that 29 components were identified in the raw product, including 28 terpenoids and 1 acetophenone. The content of these components decreased to varying extents after milk processing. A total of 28 components derived from Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix were identified in the milky precipitate, of which 27 were terpenoids, suggesting that milk processing promotes the transfer of toxic components from Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix into milk. To further investigate the effect of milk adjuvant processing on the toxic terpenoid components of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix, transmission electron microscopy(TEM) was used to observe the morphology of self-assembled casein micelles(the main protein in milk) in the milky precipitate. The micelles formed in casein-terpenoid solutions were characterized using particle size analysis, fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy. TEM observations confirmed the presence of casein micelles in the milky precipitate. Characterization results showed that with increasing concentrations of toxic terpenoids, the average particle size of casein micelles increased, fluorescence intensity of the solution decreased, the maximum absorption wavelength in the UV spectrum shifted, and significant changes occurred in the infrared spectrum, indicating that interactions occurred between casein micelles and toxic terpenoid components. These findings indicate that the cathartic effect of Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix becomes milder and its intestinal inflammatory toxicity is reduced after milk processing. The detoxification mechanism is that terpenoid components in Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae Radix reassemble with casein in milk to form micelles, promoting the transfer of some terpenoids into the milky precipitate.
Animals
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Mice
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Milk/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Male
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*
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Intestines/drug effects*
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Interleukin-1beta/immunology*
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Female
10.Quality evaluation of Bidentis Herba derived from different original plants based on HPLC fingerprints, characteristic chromatograms, multi-component content determination combined with chemical pattern recognition.
Guo-Li SHI ; Yun MA ; Feng-Xia SHEN ; Han-Wen DU ; Cong-Min LIU ; Rui-Xia WEI ; Yan-Fang LI ; Jian-Wei FAN ; Yong-Xia GUAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4284-4292
This study established the HPLC fingerprints, characteristic chromatograms, and a multi-component content determination method for Bidens bipinnata and B. biternata. The chemical pattern recognition analysis was then employed to clarify the characteristic indexes of quality differences between the two original plants of Bidentis Herba, providing a reference for establishing the quality standards of Bidentis Herba. HPLC was launched on an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C_(18) chromatographic column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 4 μm) by gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0.1% aqueous phosphoric acid-acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.7 mL·min~(-1), detection wavelength of 270 nm, column temperature of 25 ℃, and an injection volume of 5 μL. The similarity between the fingerprints of 18 batches of Bidentis Herba samples and the common pattern(R) ranged from 0.572 to 0.933. A total of 23 chromatographic peaks were calibrated. Through comparison with the reference substances, six components(neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, rutin, and hyperoside) were identified and subjected to quantitative analysis. The characteristic fingerprints of B. bipinnata and B. biternata were calibrated with 20 and 17 characteristic peaks, respectively. Among them, peaks 8, 9, 22, and 23 were the characteristic peaks of B. bipinnata, and peak 7 was the characteristic peak of B. biternata, which can be used to distinguish the two original plants of Bidentis Herba. The relative standard deviation of the content of the above-mentioned six components ranged from 36% to 123%. The cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) classified the 18 batches of Bidentis Herba samples into two categories. Additionally, through the analysis of variable importance in projection(VIP) under OPLS-DA, three characteristic indexes, rutin, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid B, were identified. The analytical method established in this study can comprehensively evaluate the consistency of Bidentis Herba samples derived from different original plants, specifically identify the differential components between them, and effectively distinguish the two original plants of Bidentis Herba, providing a basis for the differentiation between different original plants and the quality control of Bidentis Herba.
Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
;
Quality Control
;
Bidens/chemistry*

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