1.Optimization of Extraction Process and Material Basis Analysis of Modified Banxia Xiexintang
Yuling LIU ; Ruying TANG ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Donghan BAI ; Longfei LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):129-139
ObjectiveTo optimize and validate the optimal sequential alcohol-water extraction process of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) based on pharmacodynamic evaluation, combined with the G1-entropy weight method and Box-Behnken response surface methodology, and to systematically and comprehensively analyze the material basis of this formula, providing a scientific basis for its quality control and industrial production. MethodsRats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, metformin group, and MBXT water extraction, water extraction and ethanol precipitation, sequential ethanol-water extraction groups. Except for the normal group, a polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) model was established in all rats via a high-fat diet combined with letrozole induction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) biochemical assay kits and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were used to compare sex hormone levels in serum and ovarian histopathology, thereby screening extraction process routes. Based on this, a comprehensive score was constructed using the G1-entropy weight method based on the transfer rates of index components(berberine hydrochloride and baicalin) and the dry extract rate. Box-Behnken response surface methodology was then utilized to optimize the extraction process parameters. Finally, the chemical constituents of the sample from the optimal process were qualitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that compared with the normal group, serum testosterone(T) and luteinizing hormone(LH) levels were significantly elevated in the model group, while estradiol(E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01), with polycystic changes observed in ovarian tissues. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups significantly reversed the changes in sex hormone levels, with the sequential ethanol-water extraction group showing the optimal effect in improving the aforementioned indicators and pathological morphology, followed by subsequent process optimization. The optimized process involved adding 12 times the amount of 70% ethanol for extracting twice, each lasting 120 min, and adding 12 times the amount of water for extracting thrice, each lasting 90 min. Validation test results showed that under optimal process conditions, the average transfer rates of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin were 76.05% and 93.38%, respectively. MS analysis identified a total of 377 compounds, including 112 flavonoids, 41 terpenoids, 28 organic acids, 22 coumarins, and 8 alkaloids, while elucidating the cleavage patterns of key components. ConclusionThe optimized sequential ethanol-water extraction process is stable and feasible, effectively preserving the material basis of MBXT for treating PCOS-IR. It further clarifies the main chemical composition of this formula, providing a scientific basis for the development and quality control of its preparations.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
3.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
6.Effect of Thunberg Fritillary extract combination with acute inflammatory stimulation on non-small cell lung cancer
Hanxue WANG ; Shuyan XING ; Jia YANG ; Xiaoyun LIU ; Dongxue YE ; Guoying ZHANG ; Rong RONG ; Yong YANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(8):1800-1805
Objective:To study the growth inhibition of Thunberg Fritillary extract on non-small cell lung cancer.Methods:The Thunberg Fritillary extract was prepared and characterized by UPLC-QE/MS.Replicated Lewis lung carcinoma ectopic tumor-bear-ing mouse model,yeast injection induced acute inflammation,compared the effect of Thunberg Fritillary extract combination with acute inflammation on the growth,tumor volume and tumor suppression rate of Lewis lung carcinoma mice,and determine the content of inflammatory factors by the flow CBA method(IL-6,IL-1β,IL-1α,IL-10,IL-27,IL-17A,IL-12p70,IL-23,TNF-α,IFN-γ,IFN-β,GM-CSF,MCP-1).Results:The inhibition of Lewis lung carcinoma mice was similar to that of cisplatin alone,and the tumor suppression rate was 35%;the tumor suppression rate of Thunberg Fritillary extract combined with acute inflammatory stimulation of yeast was 62%,1.8 times that of cisplatin alone.The decrease in the expressions of cytokines IL-23,MCP-1 after acute inflammatory stimulation in yeast was associated with tumor suppression;while the increased expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,IL-1α,IL-10,IL-27,IL-17A,IL-12p70,TNF-α,IFN-γ,IFN-β and GM-CSF cytokines were associated with tumor suppression.Conclusion:The Thun-berg Fritillary extract combination with acute inflammation can play a positive role against non-small cell lung cancer,which will pro-vide new research ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
7.Relationships among coping styles,negative life events,meaning in life,and psychological resilience in adolescents
Guifang CHEN ; Zhenwei DAI ; Feifei GAO ; Xue HAN ; Jiali LIU ; Zhi WANG ; Huamin CHEN ; Dongxue CHEN
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2025;39(11):976-980
Objective:To investigate the relationships among coping styles,negative life events,meaning in life,and psychological resilience in adolescents.Methods:A total of 1 434 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years comple-ted online questionnaire survey.The Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire(SCSQ),Adolescent Self-Rating Life E-vents Checklist(ASLEC),Chinese Meaning in Life Questionnaire(C-MLQ),and Connor-Davidson resilience scale(CD-RISC)were used to assess coping styles,perceived impact of negative life events,experience and pursuit of meaning in life,and ability to cope with and adapt to adversity,respectively.Logistic regression was used to explore the associations among these variables.Results:A total of 723 students(50.4%)tended to adopt negative coping styles when facing adverse events.Positive coping styles were negatively associated with being in senior high school(OR=0.62,P<0.05)and impact of life events(OR=0.97,P<0.001),while positively associated with sense of meaning in life(OR=1.04,P<0.001)and psychological resilience(OR=1.04,P<0.001).Conclusion:Among adolescents,positive coping styles are inversely associated with impact of negative life events,and positively associ-ated with both the sense of life meaning and psychological resilience.
8.A self-cascade nanoCRISPR prompts transcellular penetration to potentiate gene editing and tumor killing.
Chao LIU ; Yangsong XU ; Ning WANG ; Hongyu LIU ; Xi YANG ; Shiyao ZHOU ; Dongxue HUANG ; Yingjie LI ; Yanjie YOU ; Qinjie WU ; Changyang GONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(11):5933-5944
CRISPR/Cas9-based therapeutics face significant challenges in penetrating the dense microenvironment of solid tumors, resulting in insufficient gene editing and compromised treatment efficacy. Current nanostrategies, which mainly focus on the paracellular pathway attempted to improve gene editing performance, whereas their efficiency remains uneven in the heterogenous extracellular matrix. Here, the nanoCRISPR system is prepared with self-cascading mechanisms for gene editing-mediated robust apoptosis and transcellular penetration. NanoCRISPR unlocks its self-cascade capability within the matrix metallopeptidase 2-enriched tumor microenvironment, initiating the transcellular penetration. By facilitating cellular uptake, nanoCRISPR triggers robust apoptosis in edited malignancies, promoting further transcellular penetration and amplifying gene editing in neighboring tumor cells. Benefiting from self-cascade between robust apoptosis and transcellular penetration, nanoCRISPR demonstrates continuous gene transfection/tumor killing performance (transfection/apoptosis efficiency: 1st round: 85%/84.2%; 2nd round: 48%/27%) and homogeneous penetration. In xenograft tumor-bearing mice, nanoCRISPR treatment achieves remarkable anti-tumor efficacy (∼83%) and significant survival benefits with minimal toxicity. This strategy presents a promising paradigm emphasizing transcellular penetration to enhance the effectiveness of CRISPR-based antitumor therapeutics.
9.Prrx1 promotes mesangial cell proliferation and kidney fibrosis through YAP in diabetic nephropathy.
Liu XU ; Jiasen SHI ; Huan LI ; Yunfei LIU ; Jingyi WANG ; Xizhi LI ; Dongxue REN ; Sijie LIU ; Heng WANG ; Yinfei LU ; Jinfang SONG ; Lei DU ; Qian LU ; Xiaoxing YIN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(10):101247-101247
Mesangial cell proliferation is an early pathological indicator of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Growing evidence highlights the pivotal role of paired-related homeobox 1 (Prrx1), a key regulator of cellular proliferation and tissue differentiation, in various disease pathogenesis. Notably, Prrx1 is highly expressed in mesangial cells under DN conditions. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that Prrx1 overexpression promotes mesangial cell proliferation and contributes to renal fibrosis in db/m mice. Conversely, Prrx1 knockdown markedly suppresses hyperglycemia-induced mesangial cell proliferation and mitigates renal fibrosis in db/db mice. Mechanistically, Prrx1 directly interacts with the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) promoter, leading to the upregulation of YAP expression. This upregulation promotes mesangial cell proliferation and exacerbates renal fibrosis. These findings emphasize the crucial role of Prrx1 upregulation in high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation, ultimately leading to renal fibrosis in DN. Therefore, targeting Prrx1 to downregulate its expression presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating renal fibrosis associated with DN.
10.Design and application of a portable vascular access blood collection device and multifunctional arterial pressure monitoring device
Haiying LIU ; Qianna FANG ; Xin LI ; Dongxue HUANG ; Yan GAO ; Yue ZHANG ; Yuehao SHEN
Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine in Intensive and Critical Care 2025;32(2):220-222
The invasive arterial blood pressure(ABP)monitoring technique is widely utilized in the management of critically ill patients,providing medical professionals with real-time,continuous,and dynamic blood pressure data that plays a crucial role in guiding patient treatment.However,current traditional methods for arterial catheter blood collection and zero setting and measurement technology for ABP and central venous pressure(CVP)present certain issues such as complex operation procedures,inaccurate zero setting,and the inability to simultaneously monitor both ABP and CVP.Additionally,these methods may increase the risk of bloodstream infection and occupational exposure.Therefore,the department of critical care medicine at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital has developed a vascular access convenient blood collection device which has been granted a National Utility Model Patent(patent number:ZL 202322581247.4).This device includes a connecting tube,a specimen collection structure,a blood suction structure,a multifunctional pressure measurement device with laser emission structure,a pressure measurement conversion structure,and an efficient vascular access blood collection device.By optimizing the blood collection procedure and simplifying the manometry process,this design reduces the risk of bloodstream infection for patients and minimizes occupational exposure for medical staff.The device ensures accurate zero point adjustment of pressure measurements while guaranteeing the authenticity and reliability of collected data.Additionally,it supports synchronous monitoring of ABP and CVP,thereby saving medical consumables and reducing workload for healthcare professionals.This simple yet safe and efficient device meets clinical requirements effectively and is highly recommended for widespread use.

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