1.Construction of the Diagnosis and Treatment System of "Sinew Prescription Correspondence" under the Guidance of Systematic Dialectical Sphygmology
Feng ZHANG ; Baoqiang DONG ; Xingxing LIN ; Yapeng LIU ; Lujia XIAO ; Bodong XING ; Yiyun CAO ; Wenhui ZHANG ; Wenqian QI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1038-1043
"Sinew prescription correspondence" is the principle of selecting prescriptions for channel sinew diseases. On the basis of the theory of syndrome differentiation and treatment, the pulse manifestation corresponds to the channel sinew syndrome, which can improve the flexibility and standardization of clinical prescriptions. From the perspective of systematic dialectical sphygmology, this paper explains the dialectical relationship between channel sinew theory and pulse body elements, pulse wall elements, pulse elements and blood flow elements, and clarifies the internal relationship between pulse manifestation and prescriptions at the level of channel sinew disease. The prescription is derived from the method, while the method is established with the syndrome, and the prescription is unified by the method. According to the theory of "sinew prescription correspondence", the treatment ideas of channel sinew diseases were analyzed from the perspective of channel sinew distribution, functional characteristics and structural changes. On this basis, the diagnosis of channel sinew disease and the application of prescriptions are expanded, and the research on the internal treatment and diagnosis mode of "pulse manifestation-channel sinew-zang fu (脏腑)" is prospected, so as to expand the differentiation and treatment methods of channel sinew theory.
2.Differential Analysis on Chemical Composition and Pharmacodynamic Effect Between Combined Decoction and Single Decoction of Famous Classical Formula Huaganjian
Yang WANG ; Gaoju ZHANG ; Ling LI ; Liping CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Xiao LIU ; Yuyu ZHANG ; Yuan CUI ; Minglong LI ; Chaomei FU ; Xin YAN ; Yuxin HE ; Qin DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):199-207
ObjectiveThrough qualitatively and quantitatively analysis of the differences in chemical composition between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian and comparison of their core efficacy, to explore the rationality of the flexible clinical application of Huaganjian compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and meanwhile, the contents of four index components(geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol) were quantitatively analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) rat model induced by high-fat diet was applied to compare the efficacy of combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian. A total of 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, lovastatin group(1.8 mg·kg-1), combined decoction group(1.26 g·kg-1) and single decoction group(1.18 g·kg-1). After successful modeling, lovastatin group, combined decoction group and single decoction group were given corresponding doses of drugs by intragastric administration every day, and the control group and model group were given equal amounts of normal saline by intragastric administration, after 4 weeks of administration, the serum and liver tissues were collected, and the contents of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) in serum of rats were detected, and the liver pathological examination was carried out by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining, so as to compare differences of their efficacy. ResultsSeventy chemical components were initially identified and attributed from the lyophilized powder of the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and there was no obvious difference in composition between the two. Further quantitative analysis showed that the contents of geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol in the combined decoction samples were significantly increased when compared with those of the single decoction samples(P<0.01). The pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the model group, both the combined and single decoction groups of Huaganjian could improve the liver index of NAFLD rats, reduce the serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG and LDL-C, increase the serum level of HDL-C, and ameliorate the pathological changes of liver cell steatosis and fat accumulation. However, there was no significant difference in pharmacodynamic effects between the combined decoction group and the single decoction group. ConclusionThere is no significant difference between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian in terms of chemical composition, but the contents of the four index components show significantly difference. Both of them can significantly improve the fat accumulation and liver function in NAFLD rats. This study provides a reference basis for the rational clinical application and evaluation of famous classical formula compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules.
3.The Near-infrared II Emission of Gold Clusters and Their Applications in Biomedicine
Zhen-Hua LI ; Hui-Zhen MA ; Hao WANG ; Chang-Long LIU ; Xiao-Dong ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):2068-2086
Optical imaging is highly valued for its superior temporal and spatial resolution. This is particularly important in near-infrared II (NIR-II, 1 000-3 000 nm) imaging, which offers advantages such as reduced tissue absorption, minimal scattering, and low autofluorescence. These characteristics make NIR-II imaging especially suitable for deep tissue visualization, where high contrast and minimal background interference are critical for accurate diagnosis and monitoring. Currently, inorganic fluorescent probes—such as carbon nanotubes, rare earth nanoparticles, and quantum dots—offer high brightness and stability. However, they are hindered by ambiguous structures, larger sizes, and potential accumulation toxicity in vivo. In contrast, organic fluorescent probes, including small molecules and polymers, demonstrate higher biocompatibility but are limited by shorter emission wavelengths, lower quantum yields, and reduced stability. Recently, gold clusters have emerged as a promising class of nanomaterials with potential applications in biocatalysis, fluorescence sensing, biological imaging, and more. Water-soluble gold clusters are particularly attractive as fluorescent probes due to their remarkable optical properties, including strong photoluminescence, large Stokes shifts, and excellent photostability. Furthermore, their outstanding biocompatibility—attributed to good aqueous stability, ultra-small hydrodynamic size, and high renal clearance efficiency—makes them especially suitable for biomedical applications. Gold clusters hold significant potential for NIR-II fluorescence imaging. Atomic-precision gold clusters, typically composed of tens to hundreds of gold atoms and measuring only a few nanometers in diameter, possess well-defined three-dimensional structures and clear spatial coordination. This atomic-level precision enables fine-tuned structural regulation, further enhancing their fluorescence properties. Variations in cluster size, surface ligands, and alloying elements can result in distinct physicochemical characteristics. The incorporation of different atoms can modulate the atomic and electronic structures of gold clusters, while diverse ligands can influence surface polarity and steric hindrance. As such, strategies like alloying and ligand engineering are effective in enhancing both fluorescence and catalytic performance, thereby meeting a broader range of clinical needs. In recent years, gold clusters have attracted growing attention in the biomedical field. Their application in NIR-II imaging has led to significant progress in vascular, organ, and tumor imaging. The resulting high-resolution, high signal-to-noise imaging provides powerful tools for clinical diagnostics. Moreover, biologically active gold clusters can aid in drug delivery and disease diagnosis and treatment, offering new opportunities for clinical therapeutics. Despite the notable achievements in fundamental research and clinical translation, further studies are required to address challenges related to the standardized synthesis and complex metabolic behavior of gold clusters. Resolving these issues will help accelerate their clinical adoption and broaden their biomedical applications.
4.Effect of fasting blood glucose on coronary fractional flow reserve in patients with borderline coronary artery disease
Yi-wen ZHANG ; Ya-dong LIU ; Meng-xiao WANG ; Yi-ru WANG ; Yun-peng YANG ; Yun-fang SU ; Ji-xin ZHI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(5):272-277
Objective To explore the correlation between fasting blood glucose(FBG)level and fractional flow reserve(FFR)in patients with borderline coronary artery disease,and to clarify its potential influence on FFR measurement.Methods From August 2020 to August 2023,the data of 135 patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease who received coronary angiography and FFR evaluation in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were retrospectively collected.According to the exclusion and inclusion criteria,85 cases of borderline diseased vessels of single coronary artery with stenosis degree of 50%-80%were screened out,and they were divided into FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group(47 cases)and FBG<6.1 mmol/L group(38 cases).The baseline data,angiographic and functional indexes of the two groups were compared,and the correlation between FBG and FFR was analyzed.Results Compared with the FBG<6.1 mmol/L group,the FBG≥6.1 mmol/L group had a higher proportion of FFR negative results(72.3%vs.23.7%,P<0.001),and the FFR measurement values were generally increased[0.84(0.80,0.90)vs.0.75(0.68,0.80),P<0.001],with statistically significant differences.Pearson correlation analysis was performed on all lesions,and FFR>0.80(negative result)was positively correlated with FBG≥6.1 mmol/L(r=0.484,P<0.001).Conclusions Among the patients with borderline coronary artery disease(50%-80%stenosis)included in this study,FBG≥6.1 mmol/L is significantly correlated with FFR>0.80.For patients with borderline coronary lesions with elevated FBG,the influence of blood glucose factors should be carefully considered in clinical interpretation of FFR results.
5.Lycium barbarum polysaccharide ameliorates ovarian granulosa cell aging in rats by activating CAMKK2/AMPK/MCU signaling pathway
Xiao-dan LIU ; Chen LING ; Lu LIU ; Jing PU ; Hai-bin MA ; Hui-ming MA ; Wen-ping ZHANG ; Dong-mei CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1116-1125
Aim To explore the mechanism of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide(LbGP)improving aging in rat primary ovarian granulosa cells.Methods This study divided the cells into a normal group,a DOX group,and four different LbGP concentration treatment groups post-DOX intervention.Results Cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8,EDU,and Ki67 assays,while aging markers and mitochondrial function-related fac-tors were detected using immunofluorescence and West-ern blotting.The results showed that,compared to the DOX group,LbGP treatment significantly increased cell viability(P<0.05)and promoted proliferation(P<0.05).Post LbGP treatment,the β-galactosidase-posi-tive area in cells was significantly reduced compared to the DOX group(P<0.05).Immunofluorescence re-sults indicated that,compared to the DOX group,levels of p21 and γH2AX significantly decreased(P<0.05),while pRB increased(P<0.05)after LbGP treatment.Western blot results showed that,compared to the DOX group,the aging phenotype proteins p21 and p53 significantly decreased(P<0.05),and pRB notably increased(P<0.05)in the LbGP treatment group.The release of cytC into the cytoplasm and the activated caspase-9 significantly decreased(P<0.05);levels of CAMKK2,pAMPK,and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis regulator MCU increased(P<0.05);nuclear energy metabolism-related proteins SirT1,PGC1α/β and ATP5A1 significantly increased(P<0.05);compared to the DOX group,ROS levels significantly decreased after LbGP treatment(P<0.05).Conclusions The results suggest that LbGP can ameliorate DOX-induced aging in rat primary ovar-ian granulosa cells,potentially through the upregulation of the CAMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway,thereby im-proving mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and increas-ing the expression levels of cell energy metabolism-re-lated regulatory proteins.This provides an experimen-tal basis for LbGP's potential role in supporting the im-provement of ovarian function.
6.Mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lymphoblastic leukemia based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental verification
Zi-ru LIU ; Zhu-yun SUN ; Ping-liang GE ; Ran SHI ; Xiao-yun LIU ; Dong-xue YE ; Guo-ying ZHANG ; Rong RONG ; Yong YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(6):1167-1176
Aim To explore the mechanism of baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating acute lym-phoblastic leukemia(ALL)based on network pharma-cology and in vitro experiments.Methods The CCK-8 assay was used to screen the suitable conditions for heat stimulation to interfere ALL cell lines Jurkat,CCRF-CEM,Hut-78 and a normal lymphocyte HMy2.CIR,and the effects of baicalin combined with heat stimulation on the proliferation of three ALL cell lines and a normal lymphocyte were tested.The key targets of baicalin combined with fever stimulation for the treatment of ALL were obtained based on network phar-macological analysis,and the potential mechanisms were predicted by gene ontology(GO)annotation and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)en-richment.The expression levels of TNF-α,AKT1,TYMS and CASP3 mRNA in ALL cell lines Jurkat and CCRF-CEM were examined by RT-qPCR with baicalin alone and baicalin combined with heat stimulation.Results The optimal conditions for heat stimulation to intervene ALL cells were 41 ℃ for 24 h,and heat stimulation combined with baicalin synergistically inhibited the growth of ALL cell lines and effectively reduced the cy-totoxicity of baicalin.Based on the network pharmaco-logical analysis,55 intersecting targets of baicalin with ALL diseases and 77 intersecting targets of baicalin with fever were obtained.The results of GO annotation and KEGG enrichment suggested that baicalin com-bined with fever stimulation to intervene ALL might be associated with influencing intracellular reactive oxygen species metabolism,DNA transcription and apoptotic processes involved in cysteine enzymes.Apoptosis,TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways were the key pathways for baicalin combined with heat stimulation in treating ALL.Under heat stimulation at 41 ℃ using SDHA gene as housekeeping gene,in vitro experiments showed that baicalin significantly up-regulated the expression of TNF-α and CASP3,and down-regulated the expression of TYMS in ALL cells.Conclusions Based on net-work pharmacologic analyses and in vitro experiments,baicalin combined with heat stimulation can regulate TNF-α and CASP3 gene levels in ALL cells and de-stroy cellular structure to promote cell apoptosis,thus synergistically treating ALL.
7.Correlation between serum creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio and muscle mass and strength in peritoneal dialysis patients
Nan ZHANG ; Xinqiu LI ; Xiao XU ; Jie DONG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(5):325-331
Objective:To explore the correlation between serum creatinine/cystatin C ratio (Scr/CysC) and muscle mass and muscle strength, and evaluate the predictive value of Scr/CysC for all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.Methods:It was a prospective cohort study. The patients who received regular peritoneal dialysis treatment for more than 3 months and had stable conditions in the Renal Division of Peking University First Hospital from April 1, 2011 to August 1, 2012 were included, and the clinical data were collected. The patients were divided into the male group and the female group, and the differences of clinical data between the two groups were compared. The lean body mass (LBM) directly measured by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (LBM-DEXA) was used as the reference gold standard and compared with the LBM estimated by the creatinine method (LBM-CK) and the anthropometric method (LBM-A). Muscle strength was measured by a grip strength meter for the dominant hand grip strength. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analysis method were used to analyze the correlations between Scr/CysC and LBM as well as grip strength, and subgroup analyses were conducted according to gender groups. Cox regression model was used to analyze the value of Scr/CysC in predicting all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.Results:A total of 213 peritoneal dialysis patients were included in this study, including 95 males (44.6%) and 118 females (55.4%). The age was (56.46±12.42) years old. The dialysis age was 24.0 (9.0, 52.5) months. The baseline Scr/CysC was (1.77±0.73). LBM-DEXA ( t=-17.764, P<0.001), LBM-CK ( t=-7.702, P<0.001), LBM-A ( t=-16.813, P<0.001), grip strength ( t=-11.083, P<0.001) and Scr/CysC ( t=-2.965, P=0.003) in the male group were all significantly higher than those in the female group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that Scr/CysC was positively correlated with LBM-DEXA ( r=0.204, P=0.003), LBM-CK ( r=0.279, P<0.001), LBM-A ( r=0.198, P=0.004), and grip strength ( r=0.341, P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Scr/CysC wasn't independently correlated with LBM-DEXA, but was independently correlated with grip strength ( β=0.134, P=0.006). Cox regression analysis showed that baseline Scr/CysC was not an independent influencing factor of all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients ( HR=1.005, 95% CI 0.751-1.346, P=0.972). Conclusion:Scr/CysC is associated with muscle mass and muscle strength in peritoneal dialysis patients, but has no value in predicting all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients.
8.Determination of sotagliflozin in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS method
Ge-xi CAO ; Xiao-xu ZHANG ; Yan-ru DENG ; Bin YAN ; Zhan-jun DONG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):230-234
Objective To establish a ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer(UPLC-MS/MS)method for determining the concentration of sotagliflozin in rat plasma and apply it to pharmacokinetic studies in rats.Methods Electrospray negative ion multi-reaction ion detection was used.Chromatographic column:EXT-C18(2.1 mm × 100.0 mm,2.7 μm);column temperature:45 ℃;mobile phase:5 mmol·L-1 ammonium acetate aqueous solution-acetonitrile;flow rate:0.35 mL·min-1;ion pairs:sotagliflozin m/z 483.3→315.1,dapagliflozin m/z 467.4→329.2;injection volume:6 μL,plasma samples were processed using methyl tert-butyl ether liquid-liquid extraction.Six male SD rats were administered a single oral dose of sogliflozin at 40 mg·kg-1,and detected the concentration of sogliflozin in plasma.Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using Drug And Statistics(DAS)2.1.1.Results Sotagliflozin showed good linearity within the range of 5-2 000 ng·mL-1,with intra-day and inter-day precision both less than 15%.The recovery rate,matrix effect,and stability were all within the specified range.Pharmacokinetic parameters:Cmax was(3 716.67±568.28)ng·mL-1,tmax was(1.00±0.32)h,t1/2 was(2.28±0.45)h,AUC0-t was(1.70 × 104±2 075.87)ng·mL-1·h.Conclusion This study established a method for determining the concentration of sotagliflozin in rat plasma,which is characterized by high sensitivity,rapid detection,and good repeatability.It is suitable for the determination of sotagliflozin concentration in plasma and pharmacokinetic studies.
9.The anti-heart failure mechanism of N-acetylcysteine in diabetic cardiomyopathy via ERK1/2 path-way
Jian JI ; Ya-hong HUANG ; Ying-min LU ; Dong-mei YUE ; Xiao-hui ZHENG ; Jin-chun ZHANG ; Zhao-xia WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(4):543-547
Objective:To investigate the anti-heart failure mechanism of N-acetylcysteine(NAC)in diabetic cardiomyop-athy independent from coronary artery factors.Methods:A total of 40 diabetic mice after heart failure model construction were randomly divided into two groups,NAC group(n=20,NAC 100mg·kg-1·d-1)and control group(n=20,Saline 100 mg·kg-1·d-1).Echocardiography was performed to detect left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),mitral left ventricular early-dias-tolic peak flow velocity/left ventricular late-diastolic peak flow velocity(E/A),isovolumic relaxation time(IVRT)and cardiac output(CO)after 4 weeks.Terminal uridine nick-end labeling(TUNEL)was performed to detect apoptosis in-dex,and Western Blot was performed to detect the expression of extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK)1/2 after 6 weeks in two groups.Results:Compared to those in control group,mice in NAC group had significant higher LVEF[(40.5±3.4)%vs.(36.9±3.2)%],E/A[(1.5±0.1)vs.(1.4±0.1)]and CO[(10.3±0.6)ml/min vs.(9.9±0.5)ml/min](P<0.05 or<0.01);and significant lower LVESV[(23.1±1.3)μl vs.(24.7±1.5)μl],apoptosis index[(31.2±0.5)%vs.(45.1±0.9)%]and the expression of ERK1/2[(2.2±0.2)vs.(3.9±0.1)](P<0.001 all).Conclusion:NAC exerts anti-heart failure effect by attenuating apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via regulating ERK1/2 pathway.
10.Novel Structural Features of Isoflavone Synthase from Medicago truncatula Shed Light on Its Unique Enzymatic Mechanism
Chao SHI ; Zhao-Yang YE ; Fei XU ; Xiang-Ning DU ; Zhang-Xin CHEN ; Ming-Yue GU ; Jie DENG ; Wei WANG ; Liang-Yu LIU ; Mei-Ying WANG ; Xiao-Dong SU ; He-Li LIU ; Ming-Ying SHANG ; Li-Xin HUANG ; Zhen-Zhan CHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(8):1204-1213,中插1-中插6
Isoflavones which mainly distributed in leguminous plants have plenty of health benefits.Isoflavone synthase(IFS)is a membrane-associated cytochrome P450 enzyme(CYP450)which carries out the unique aryl-ring migration and hydroxylation.So far,few crystal structures of plant P450s have been obtained.We determined the crystal structure of IFS from Medicago truncatula at 1.9 ? by MAD method using a selenomethionine substituted crystal and conducted molecular docking and mutagenesis study.The structure of IFS complexed with imidazole exhibits the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif which cor-responds to helix Ⅰ of other P450s.Compared with structures of common P450s,IFS/imidazole structure contains an extra domain,i.e.,the γ-domain.The structure reveals a homodimer in which the γ-domain of one molecule interacts with the β-domain of another.The plane of heme group makes an angle of ap-proximately 40° with the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif.Molecular docking combined with mutagenesis study suggested that Trp-128 and Asp-300 might play important roles in substrate binding and recogni-tion.Phe-301,Ser-303 and Gly-305 from the helix Ⅰa-loop-helix Ⅰβ motif may play important roles in the aryl-ring migration.These novel structural features reveal insights into the unique reaction mechanism of IFS and provide a basis for engineering IFS in leguminous crops for health purpose.

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