1.Comprehensive analysis of the antibacterial activity of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Qingqing CHEN ; Yuhang DING ; Zhongyi LI ; Xingyu CHEN ; Aliya FAZAL ; Yahan ZHANG ; Yudi MA ; Changyi WANG ; Liu YANG ; Tongming YIN ; Guihua LU ; Hongyan LIN ; Zhongling WEN ; Jinliang QI ; Hongwei HAN ; Yonghua YANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):604-613
Given the increasing concern regarding antibacterial resistance, the antimicrobial properties of naphthoquinones have recently attracted significant attention. While 1,4-naphthoquinone and its derivatives have been extensively studied, the antibacterial properties of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives remain relatively unexplored. This study presents a comprehensive in vitro and in vivo analysis of the antibacterial activity of 35 naturally sourced and chemically synthesized derivatives of 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. Kirby-Bauer antibiotic testing identified three compounds with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with one compound (PNP-02) demonstrating activity comparable to vancomycin in minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assays. Microscopic and biochemical analyses revealed that PNP-02 adversely affects the cell wall and cell membrane of MRSA. Mechanistic investigations, including proteomic sequencing analyses, Western blotting, and RT-qPCR assays, indicated that PNP-02 compromises cell membrane integrity by inhibiting arginine biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism pathways, thereby increasing membrane permeability and inducing bacterial death. In an in vivo mouse model of skin wound healing, PNP-02 exhibited antibacterial efficacy similar to vancomycin. The compound demonstrated low toxicity to cultured human cells and in hemolysis assays and remained stable during serum incubation. These findings suggest that PNP-02 possesses promising bioactivity against MRSA and represents a potential novel antibacterial agent.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus/genetics*
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Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry*
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Naphthoquinones/administration & dosage*
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Animals
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Microbial Sensitivity Tests
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Mice
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Humans
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Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology*
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Molecular Structure
2.Diagnosis and treatment of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation
Chen WANG ; Yuecen DING ; Yaqi DONG ; Chengfeng ZHANG ; Leihong XIANG ; Zhongyi XU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(9):873-877
Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH) is a group of diseases clinically characterized by grayish-black macules and patches, with pigment predominantly deposited in the dermis. ADMH includes Riehl's melanosis, lichen planus pigmentosus, and erythema dyschromicum perstans/ashy dermatosis. In light of the remarkable similarities in both morphological and histopathological characteristics among this group of diseases, the academic community has recently proposed the new nosological term "acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation" to achieve integration and unified classification of these related disorders. This review comprehensively elaborates on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ADMH, including clinical manifestations, dermoscopic findings, pathological characteristics, and treatment progress.
3.Analysis of the learning curve of transurethral 450 nm blue light vaporization of the prostate in a district hospital
Tao LI ; Lida CHEN ; Zhongyi WANG ; Yongfeng TIAN ; Qirui CAO ; Yangbo NIE
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(3):232-235
Objective: To explore the learning curve of transurethral 450 nm blue light vaporization of the prostate (TUBVP) in a district hospital,in order to provide reference for clinicians who plan to perform TUBVP. Methods: The clinical data of 56 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who received TUBVP performed by the same group of surgeons in Chang'an District Hospital during Jun. and Dec. 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) was used to fit the learning curve of ratio of volume to operating time (RVOT) of prostate volume /450 nm blue light. The learning curve was divided into different stages according to the inflection points,and the clinical data of patients operated at different stages were analyzed and compared. Results: The learning curve of TUBVP was 21 cases,including 1-21 cases in the learning stage,22-38 cases in the improvement stage and 39-56 cases in the maturity stage. With the increase of cases,the postoperative bladder irrigation time reduced \[40.00 (26.00,44.50) h vs. 23.00(20.50,34.00) h vs. 23.50(14.75,40.75) h\],with statistical difference (P<0.05). The surgical efficiency increased \[(0.51±0.14) vs. (0.55±0.17) vs. (0.63±0.23)\],while the reduction of hemoglobin \[(6.43±7.35) g/L vs. (5.65±10.91) g/L vs. (2.61±7.36) g/L\],catheter indwelling time \[70.0 (66.0,106.0) h vs. 71.0 (66.0,89.0) h vs. 66.0 (58.5,78.5) h\],and incidence of complications (9.5% vs. 5.9% vs. 0) in the three stages showed a gradually decreasing trend,but with no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion: The learning curve of TUBVP is 21 cases. For clinicians in district hospitals,TUBVP is a worthy choice.
4.Analysis of Alleviating Effect of Calcium Cyanamide on Replanting Problems of Rehmannia glutinosa
Lianghua LIN ; Hengrui ZHANG ; Haoxiang YU ; Fan YANG ; Yufei WANG ; Caixia XIE ; Tao GUO ; Zhongyi ZHANG ; Liuji ZHANG ; Bao ZHANG ; Suiqing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):212-222
ObjectiveTo investigate the alleviating effect of calcium cyanamide (CaCN2) soil fumigation on replanting problems of Rehmannia glutinosa. MethodsNewly soil (NP) was used as the control group, while three treatment groups were established: replanted soil (RP), newly soil treated with CaCN2 (120 g·m², tillage depth 25 cm) (NPCC), and replanted soil treated with CaCN2 (RPCC). R. glutinosa was cultivated in all groups. At harvest, the tuber agronomic traits (number of enlarged roots, maximum root diameter, fresh weight, dry weight) were measured. The content of catalpol and rehmannioside D was quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) to evaluate medicinal quality. Rhizosphere soil available nutrients and enzyme activities were analyzed by assay kits. The community structure and composition of fungi and bacteria in rhizosphere soil were assessed via internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequencing and 16S rDNA sequencing, respectively. ResultsCompared with NP, the RP group showed obviously reduced in tuber agronomic traits and quality indicators (P0.05). However, the RPCC group showed significant improvement in agronomic traits and a notable increase in rehmannioside D content compared to RP (P0.05). The contents of available phosphorus and potassium in RPCC and NP groups were obviously lower than those in RP (P0.05). The polyphenol oxidase soil (S-PPO) activity in RP was obviously lower than in NP (P0.05), while sucrose soil (S-SC), acid phosphatase soil (S-ACP), and S-PPO activities in RPCC were obviously higher than in RP (P0.05). Microbial richness and diversity in RP were obviously higher than in NP (P0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed between the RPCC and NP. The relative abundances of fungal genera Nectria, Myrothecium, Tomentella, and bacterial genus Skermanella were obviousl lower in RPCC and NP than in RP (P0.05). Correlation analysis that S-ACP activity was positively correlated with the content of rehmannioside D (P0.05). Fungal genera Engyodontium and Alternaria, and bacterial genera Pir4 lineage, Pirellula, Methyloversatilis, Brevundimonas, Ralstonia, and Acidibacter were obviously positively correlated with tuber dry weight (P0.05). Conversely, fungal genera Pseudaleuria, Nectria, Haematonectria, Ceratobasidium, and bacterial genera Streptomyces, Skermanella, RB41, Gemmatimonas, and Bacillus were obviously negatively correlated with dry weight (P0.05). The fungal genus Alternaria and bacterial genera Brevundimonas, Ralstonia, Acidibacter, and Dongia showed positive correlations with medicinal quality of R.glutinosa tuber, while fungal genera Pseudaleuria, Nectria, Stachybotrys, Fusarium, Gibberella, Ceratobasidium, and bacterial genera Sphingomonas, Skermanella, RB41, Gemmatimonas, and Bacillus were obviously negatively correlated (P0.05). ConclusionCaCN2 soil fumigation can significantly improve enzyme activities in replanted Rehmannia rhizosphere soil, enhance the utilization of available nutrients, reshape microbial community structure of replanted R.glutinosa at the family and genus level, and notably improve tuber agronomic traits and medicinal quality. This study provides a novel approach to alleviating replanting problems and offers insights for the integrated development of standardized cultivation techniques, including soil disinfection, nutrient-targeted regulation, and microbial inoculant application.
5.Diagnosis and treatment of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation
Chen WANG ; Yuecen DING ; Yaqi DONG ; Chengfeng ZHANG ; Leihong XIANG ; Zhongyi XU
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2025;58(9):873-877
Acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH) is a group of diseases clinically characterized by grayish-black macules and patches, with pigment predominantly deposited in the dermis. ADMH includes Riehl's melanosis, lichen planus pigmentosus, and erythema dyschromicum perstans/ashy dermatosis. In light of the remarkable similarities in both morphological and histopathological characteristics among this group of diseases, the academic community has recently proposed the new nosological term "acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation" to achieve integration and unified classification of these related disorders. This review comprehensively elaborates on advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ADMH, including clinical manifestations, dermoscopic findings, pathological characteristics, and treatment progress.
6.Analysis of the Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Types and Medication Rules for Novel Coronavirus Infection Complicated with Asthma
Jin CHEN ; Yueyang LI ; Linsheng ZENG ; Chuanjun GUO ; Yuxiang LIU ; Zhizhun MO ; Zhongyi ZENG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):1-8
Objective To investigate the distribution of gender,age,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome elements and syndrome types in patients suffering from novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma,and to explore the medication rules for the patients,thus to provide reference for the formulation of clinical diagnosis and treatment plans for novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma.Methods From December 2022 to January 2023,the information of gender,age,syndrome elements,TCM syndrome types and medication frequency of the herbal medicine was collected among the patients suffering from novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma who were treated in outpatient clinics of the respiratory department and emergency department of Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.The information data were statistically analyzed and then the network visualization of results was presented.Results A total of 63 cases were included,including 27 males and 36 females,with an average age of 51.8 years old.Thirteen TCM syndrome types were involved,of which the three with the leading occurrence frequency were wind-phlegm syndrome(17 cases),spleen deficiency with dampness accumulation syndrome(11 cases),and phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung syndrome(8 cases).There were four disease-location syndrome elements,and the top two were lung(36 cases)and spleen(12 cases).Eight disease-nature syndrome elements were involved,and the top three were wind(36 cases),phlegm(28 cases)and qi deficiency(24 cases).A total of 128 Chinese herbal medicines were used,and their properties and flavors were predomiated by being pungent,bitter,sweet and cold.Most of the Chinese herbal medicines had the meridian tropism of lung,spleen,liver and stomach meridians,and most of the Chinese herbal medicines had the therapeutic actions of resolving phlegm,easing cough and relieving asthma.The top four Chinese herbal medicines with higher medication frequency were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(51 times),Ephedrae Herba(47 times),blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum(44 times),and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus(40 times).The core two-drug groups were Ephedrae Herba-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Ephedrae Herba-Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus,and blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Pinelliae Rhizoma.The core three-drug groups were Pinelliae Rhizoma-blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Ephedrae Herba,and Ephedrae Herba-Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.Conclusion Pathogenic phlegm retention in lung is the core pathogenesis of novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma,which is protracted through the disease.The pathogenic wind is the driving factor of the disease's development and progression,and in the middle and late stages of the disease,the complicated syndrome manifestations of pathogenic heat,qi deficiency,qi and yin deficiency,and blockage of upper orifice are commonly seen.Its therapeutic principles are to relieve exterior syndrome and clear heat,resolve phlegm,ease cough and relieve asthma,thus to restore the qi movement of the zang-fu organs,support the healthy qi,eliminate pathogens and strengthen body resistance.
7.Literature Analysis and Textual Research on the Classical Formula Nuangan Jian
Chuanrong CHEN ; Ruoshui TANG ; Luyang QIAO ; Zhongyi PAN ; Lin ZHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1803-1808
Nuanjian Jian(Decoction for Warming Liver Meridian),originating from Jing Yue Quan Shu(Jingyue's Complete Works)written by Zhang Jingyue,is composed of Angelicae Sinensis Radix(Danggui),Lycii Fructus(Gouqizi),Poria(Fuling),Fructus Foeniculi(Xiaohuixiang),Cinnamomi Cortex(Rougui),Linderae Radix(Wuyao),and Aquilariae Lignum Resinatumd(Chenxiang)or Aucklandiae Radix(Muxiang).Nuanjian Jian is a widely-used classical formula for warming the liver and kidneys,promoting qi circulation and alleviating pain.It was included in the Ancient Classical Formulas Catalog(First Batch)published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2018,and was primarily used to treat lower abdominal pain,hernia,and other disorders differentiated as the syndrome of cold stagnation in the liver and kidneys.Based on the principles of key information verification for classical formulas,this article systematically reviewed the ancient and modern literature on Nuangan Jian,and conducted a comprehensive textual research and analysis of its origin,composition,dosage,method of making a decoction and taking medicines,processing,modifications,historical and modern applications,and experimental studies.The study concluded that the composition and dosage of this formula are relatively clear.The contemporary single-dose equivalents are calculated as Danggui 9.33 g,Gouqizi 11.19 g,Fuling 7.46 g,Xiaohuixiang 7.46 g,Rougui 5.60 g,Wuyao 7.46 g,and Chenxiang 3.73 g.The decoction is prepared by adding 300 mL of water and 4 g of ginger,boiling until reduced to 140 mL,and taken 2-3 times daily,2 hours after meals.Modern practitioners have expanded the indications of this formula,extending its use from hernia and lower abdominal pain to various disorders in andrology,gynecology,and gastroenterology.The indications have the core pathogenesis of cold stagnation in the liver meridian,and usually affect the liver while also involve the spleen,kidneys,and lower energizer.Diseases of the lower abdomen,genitals,and breasts belonging to the region of the liver-meridian route,are also commonly treated with Nuangan Jian.The findings of this study provide a reference for the further development of this classical formula.
8.A Rapid PCR-RFLP Method for Assessing Heterozygosity of Murraya paniculata Germplasm
Bocheng WANG ; Ziyuan CHEN ; Zhongyi HUA ; Hui TIAN ; Wenbo XIE ; Yuan YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):29-34
ObjectiveTo establish a rapid method for evaluating the heterozygosity of Murraya paniculata germplasm materials and provide as a foundation for developing germplasm breeding and innovation measures for M. paniculata. MethodSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened from the genome resequencing data of 65 plants of M. paniculata. A self-written script was used to transform 20 SNPs into restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was employed to detect the 20 RFLP markers in 12 M. paniculata germplasm accessions, and the heterozygosity of M. paniculata germplasm accessions was calculated based on the number of enzyme-cutting bands at the 20 RFLP marker sites. Plink was used to calculate the whole genome heterozygosity of 12 M. paniculata germplasm accessions, and the results obtained with different methods were compared. ResultThere was no significant difference in the heterozygosity calculated by the PCR-RFLP method and the genome resequencing method. The PCR-RFLP and genome resequencing methods identified 8 and 9 germplasm accessions, respectively, with a heterozygosity level less than 30%. Seven germplasm accessions with heterozygosity less than 30.00% were calculated by both methods. ConclusionThe PCR-RFLP method established in this study for evaluating the heterozygosity of M. paniculata germplasm demonstrates the precision of 87.5% and the accuracy of 77.8%. This method serves as a reference for developing heterozygosity evaluation methods in other medicinal plant germplasm resources.
9.Investigation of clinical factors influencing the response to systemic glucocorticoid treatment in patients with progressive non-segmental vitiligo
Yijie XUAN ; Yiwen YANG ; Chen WANG ; Zhongyi XU ; Leihong XIANG ; Chengfeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Dermatology 2024;57(1):17-22
Objective:To compare the clinical data and peripheral blood levels of CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9 and CXCL10 between patients with progressive non-segmental vitiligo who were sensitive to systemic glucocorticoid treatment and those who were resistant, and to clarify key clinical factors influencing the sensitivity to systemic glucocorticoid treatment.Methods:From May 2021 to May 2023, a cohort of patients with progressive non-segmental vitiligo receiving systemic glucocorticoid treatment was established in Huashan Hospital, Fudan University. Clinical data and peripheral blood samples were prospectively collected from all enrolled patients. Standard treatment, i.e., intramuscular injections of 1 ml of compound betamethasone once a month, was administered. After 3-month treatment, the improvement of patients′ skin lesions was estimated, and the vitiligo area and severity index (VASI) score and the Vitiligo European Task Force assessment tool (VETFa) were used to evaluate the efficacy. Patients with VASI changes ≥ 0 and VETFa progression scores ≤ 0 point were included in the glucocorticoid-sensitive group (i.e., the patients′ condition was stable or improved), otherwise those with VASI changes < 0 and VETFa progression scores of 1 point were included in the glucocorticoid-resistant group. Associations of lesion locations, specific clinical markers (trichrome lesions, confetti-like depigmentation, and Koebner phenomenon), previous medication history, family history of vitiligo, etc. with the response to systemic glucocorticoid treatment were analyzed. At baseline and after 3-month treatment, peripheral blood samples were collected from the patients, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect the plasma levels of CXCL9 and CXCL10. Statistical analysis was carried out by using the chi-square test, Fisher′s exact test, binary logistic regression analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results:A total of 142 patients with vitiligo were enrolled, and 127 completed 3-month treatment, including 77 males and 50 females. Their age at diagnosis was 18 to 65 (36.6 ± 11.4) years, and the disease duration ranged from 2 months to 58 (13.5 ± 10.7) years; 25 (19.7%) had a family history of vitiligo; the percentage of lesion area to total body surface area before treatment ranged from 1% to 70% (11.5% ± 12.7%), and the VASI score was 1% to 70% (10.8% ± 11.6%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the absence of specific clinical markers (odds ratio [ OR] = 6.900, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.228, 38.757, P = 0.028), carrying a single specific clinical marker ( OR = 2.579, 95% CI: 1.012, 6.574, P = 0.047), having a history of topical glucocorticoid treatment ( OR = 2.643, 95% CI: 1.019, 6.850, P = 0.041), the absence of family history of vitiligo ( OR = 5.090, 95% CI: 1.070, 24.215, P = 0.030), and lesions on the proximal extremities ( OR = 3.767, 95% CI: 1.315, 10.793, P = 0.037) were risk factors for the resistance to systemic glucocorticoid treatment in the patients with vitiligo. After 3-month treatment, the glucocorticoid-sensitive group showed a significant decrease in plasma CXCL10 levels compared with those before treatment ( W = 571.00, P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment CXCL10 levels in the glucocorticoid-resistant group ( W = 48.00, P = 0.524). Additionally, no significant difference was observed in changes of the plasma CXCL9 level before and after treatment between the glucocorticoid-sensitive and glucocorticoid-resistant groups ( P > 0.05) . Conclusions:Carrying no or a single specific clinical marker, having a history of topical glucocorticoid treatment, the absence of family history of vitiligo, and lesions on the proximal extremities appeared to be risk factors for the resistance to systemic glucocorticoid treatment in patients with progressive non-segmental vitiligo. Changes in CXCL10 levels after treatment may be used as an important evaluation indicator for determining whether patients with progressive vitiligo were resistant to systemic glucocorticoid treatment.
10.Structure and Function of Rhizomicrobes Recruited by Acteoside in Root Exudates of Rehmannia glutinosa
Yongxiang ZHANG ; Bao ZHANG ; Lianghua LIN ; Fan YANG ; Shujuan XUE ; Li GU ; Zhongyi ZHANG ; Liuji ZHANG ; Suiqing CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):156-165
ObjectiveTo reveal the correlation of Rehmannia glutinosa-soil feedback process with the formation of its continuous cropping obstacles through the identification of the root exudates of R. glutinosa and analysis of the specific rhizomicrobes recruited by the root exudate. MethodThe root exudates of R. glutinosa seedlings germinated under sterilized condition and those enriched in the rhizosphere of R. glutinosa cultivated in the field were collected and analyzed using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The highly abundant compounds identified in the root exudates were added into blank soil, and the soil microbial community was profiled using Illumina Miseq sequencing. The bacterial and fungal functions were predicted by PICRUSt and FUNGuild, respectively. ResultThe identification results showed that seven phenylethanoid glycosides were found in R. glutinosa root exudates, and acteoside possessed the highest abundance. In the soil enriched with acteoside, the bacterial genera such as Agromyces, Pseudomonas, Lysobacter, Sphingobium, Pseudoxanthomonas and Sphingomonas were enriched. For the fungi, the genera Neocosmospora, Plectosphaerella and Dactylonectria, and the species such as Neocosmospora rubicola, Plectosphaerella cucumerina, Dactylonectria alcacerensis and Fusarium solani showed higher abundance. The functional analysis indicated the above-mentioned bacterial genera may realize rapid proliferation by utilizing, biodegrading and transforming phenylethanoid glycosides, and some potential fungal pathogens were colonized. ConclusionThe R. glutinsoa-soil feedbacks were likely generated by the phenylethanoid glycosides in the root exudates together with the specific rhizomicrobes. The investigations of R. glutinsoa-soil feedbacks under continuous cropping system are critical to the further understanding of the underlying mechanisms related to its continuous cropping obstacles.

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