1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Changsheng YUAN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xingyu LIU ; Yu SHI ; Yihan WANG ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Huaizhong GAO ; Yanmeng LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):203-214
ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots(BSR), and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin(YLW) served as the quality reference, we conducted comparative analysis among YLW, locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin(YLC3), Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin(YLDQC3), and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing(DQC3). A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed, including macroscopic traits(appearance, odor), microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem), cell wall component contents(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), carbohydrate contents(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), marker compound contents(ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, liposoluble extracts, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D), metabolomics, and transcriptomics, in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically, Yulin-produced BSR(YLW, YLC3, YLDQC3) exhibited significantly greater weight, length, and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR(DQC3). Odor-wise, YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste, YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor, and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically, Yulin germplasm(YLW, YLC3) and Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3, DQC3) shared similar structural features, respectively. However, Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem, as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents, Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D, while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose, starch, and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin, the Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3) showed increased starch, water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents, decreased cell wall component content, but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm, while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway, including one acetyl-coenzyme A(CoA) acetyltransferase gene(ACAT), one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene(HMGS), two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase genes(HMG), one phosphomevalonate kinase gene(PMK), one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene(CLA), one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene(HDR), two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes(FPPS), one squalene synthase gene(SQS), one β-amyrin synthase gene(BAS), 102 cytochrome P450(CYP450) gene family members, and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types, YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance, microscopic features, contents of major bioactive constituents, metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm, and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings, it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.
2.Genome-wide investigation of transcription factor footprints and dynamics using cFOOT-seq.
Heng WANG ; Ang WU ; Meng-Chen YANG ; Di ZHOU ; Xiyang CHEN ; Zhifei SHI ; Yiqun ZHANG ; Yu-Xin LIU ; Kai CHEN ; Xiaosong WANG ; Xiao-Fang CHENG ; Baodan HE ; Yutao FU ; Lan KANG ; Yujun HOU ; Kun CHEN ; Shan BIAN ; Juan TANG ; Jianhuang XUE ; Chenfei WANG ; Xiaoyu LIU ; Jiejun SHI ; Shaorong GAO ; Jia-Min ZHANG
Protein & Cell 2025;16(11):932-952
Gene regulation relies on the precise binding of transcription factors (TFs) at regulatory elements, but simultaneously detecting hundreds of TFs on chromatin is challenging. We developed cFOOT-seq, a cytosine deaminase-based TF footprinting assay, for high-resolution, quantitative genome-wide assessment of TF binding in both open and closed chromatin regions, even with small cell numbers. By utilizing the dsDNA deaminase SsdAtox, cFOOT-seq converts accessible cytosines to uracil while preserving genomic integrity, making it compatible with techniques like ATAC-seq for sensitive and cost-effective detection of TF occupancy at the single-molecule and single-cell level. Our approach enables the delineation of TF footprints, quantification of occupancy, and examination of chromatin influences on TF binding. Notably, cFOOT-seq, combined with FootTrack analysis, enables de novo prediction of TF binding sites and tracking of TF occupancy dynamics. We demonstrate its application in capturing cell type-specific TFs, analyzing TF dynamics during reprogramming, and revealing TF dependencies on chromatin remodelers. Overall, cFOOT-seq represents a robust approach for investigating the genome-wide dynamics of TF occupancy and elucidating the cis-regulatory architecture underlying gene regulation.
Transcription Factors/genetics*
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Humans
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Chromatin/genetics*
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Animals
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Binding Sites
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Mice
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DNA Footprinting/methods*
4.Visual analysis of treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Xiaodong ZHENG ; Shan GAO ; Wenjin HAN ; Lijun LIU ; Menglong JIA ; Longtan YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):645-653
BACKGROUND:At present,the incidence of scoliosis is increasing year by year,especially in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.Therefore,it is more and more important to strengthen the research on the treatment of adolescent scoliosis. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the current status,hotspots,emerging trends,and frontiers of global research on the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to provide reference and guidance for future related research. METHODS:The literature related to the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was retrieved on the Web of Science Core Collection(WOSCC)database from 2013 to 2023.CiteSpace 6.2.R1 software was used for visual analysis of countries,institutions,authors,and keywords. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 561 English articles were included in this study.Among countries,institutions,and authors,the United States has contributed the most.Nanjing University and Qiu,Yong(Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital,Nanjing University School of Medicine)are the most published institution and author.The academic journal with the largest number of articles is the European Spine Journal.(2)In the analysis of cited literature,the top 10 most cited articles mainly describe the effects of surgical treatment and conservative treatment on improving adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,especially improving the curvature of patients.(3)Through the summary of highly cited articles and the keyword clustering,keyword prominence in-depth mining,the research hotspots are currently the relationship between Cobb angle and treatment choice,the therapeutic effect of exercise therapy and the therapeutic effect of posterior vertebral fusion.(4)The prognosis of patients with different curvatures has not been studied in depth,and the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has not been clarified,so the relationship between curvature and prognosis and the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be a new research trend in the future.
5.Cost-Effectiveness of Inclisilan Injection in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Bing FENG ; Ning GAO ; Shengnan GAO ; Mengna NIU ; Shan GUO ; Guoqiang LIU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):466-472
Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of inclisiran injection treatment in patients with atherosclerotic heart disease(ASCVD)in China.Methods From the perspective of China's health system,according to the Markov model,patients with ASCVD were divided into inclisilan injection group and placebo group,and both groups were treated with convention-al lipid-lowering drugs.The study period was 25 years.The rate parameters,cost parameters,and effectiveness parameters were de-rived from the ORION-18 trial and other literature.Effects were expressed as quality-adjusted life-years(QALYs).The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER)was used to evaluate the economy of inclisilan injection.One-way sensitivity analysis and probabil-ity sensitivity analysis were used to verify the reliability of the results.Results The treatment effect of the inclisilan injection group was higher(10.02 QALYs),and the cost of the placebo group was lower(255 179 yuan).The ICER of the two groups was 137 850 yuan per QALY gained,and using 257 094 yuan per capita by 2022 as the threshold,the treatment would be economically advantageous.Sensitivity analysis supported this result.Conclusion At present,the additional use of inclisilan injection can get a better treatment effect,and it has economic advantages under the threshold of three times GDP per capita in China.
6.Construction of a clinical competence index system for general practitioners based on CIPP evaluation model
Shan CAI ; Qi HAN ; Lin LIU ; Qipei GAO ; Chaowei TIAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2025;24(3):315-319
Objective:To explore the construction of clinical competence index system for general practitioners based on CIPP(context evaluation, input evaluation, process evaluation, product evaluation) evaluation model.Methods:Based on the CIPP evaluation model, a research team was established to conduct a literature review. Research articles were retrieved, screened, and analyzed to formulate the primary clinical competence index system for general practitioners based on CIPP evaluation model and the expert consultation questionnaire. The Delphi method was employed to finalize the clinical competence index system for general practitioners based on CIPP evaluation model.Results:A total of 24 experts from grade A tertiary hospitals in several provinces and cities in China participated in two rounds of consultation. The effective recovery rate for both rounds was 100.00%. The authority coefficients were 0.905 and 0.912, respectively. After the consultations, the coefficients of variation of indexes at all levels were <0.25. The Kendall's W of all indexes ranged between 0.769 and 0.814 in the first round and between 0.867 and 0.905 in the second round of expert consultation ( P<0.001). The final clinical competence index system for general practitioners based on CIPP evaluation model included 4 first-level indexes, 12 second-level indexes, and 42 third-level indicators. Conclusions:The clinical competence index system for general practitioners based on CIPP evaluation model established in this study has reference significance for further research on the training assessment and evaluation index system of clinical competence for general practitioners in China, and has important practical significance for the evaluation tool of clinical work performance of general practitioners.
7.Study on the regulatory mechanism of Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder in estrogen receptor pathway in rats with mammary hyperplasia based on network pharmacology
Boyu SUN ; Qingbao PANG ; Yanli LIU ; Xiangzhong SONG ; Shan GAO ; Jing MING ; Kejiang HUANG
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(7):959-969
Objective:To explore the mechanism of Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder in the treatment of breast hyperplasia using network pharmacology; To verify the mechanism of Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder in the treatment of breast hyperplasia through animal experiments.Methods:The active components and potential targets of Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder were searched in TCMSP and Uniprot databases. Breast hyperplasia genes were searched in GeneCards and OMIM databases. The intersection targets were obtained by online tool Venny, and the "drug-component-target" network was constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. The protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the String platform, and GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID annotation database. Molecular docking was performed using PDB, PubChem database, PyMOL 2.1 and AutoDockvina 1.2.5 software to predict the biological mechanism of Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder in the treatment of breast hyperplasia. Rats were divided into blank group, model group, tamoxifen group and Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder low-, medium- and high-dosage groups according to the random number table method, with 6 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other groups were prepared with the modified estrogen-progesterone-induced rat mammary hyperplasia model. Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder low-, medium- and high-dosage groups were intragastrically administered with Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder solution at 7.425 g/kg, 14.850 g/kg, and 29.700 g/kg respectively, while the tamoxifen group was intragastrically administered with 2.1 mg/kg tamoxifen. The blank group and the model group were intragastrically administered with the same volume of drinking water, once a day, for consecutive 28 d. The thickness of the mammary gland was measured by small animal ultrasound. The height and width of the nipples were measured by vernier calipers. The levels of serum E2 and P were detected by ELISA. The morphology of mammary tissue was observed by HE staining. The expressions of ERα, ERβ, SRC-1 and CBP/p300 proteins were detected by Western blot.Results:A total of 92 active components and 274 disease-drug intersection targets were screened out. GO functional enrichment analysis showed that Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder was closely related to positive regulation of gene expression, positive regulation of RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter transcription, signal transduction, negative regulation of apoptosis process, response to heterogeneous stimulation, and regulation of hormone levels. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the core targets might be related to NF-κB signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and regulating hormone levels. Molecular docking results showed that the core components had a good binding energy with the core target and a stable conformation. Compared with the model group, the thickness of the mammary gland in the tamoxifen group and Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder low-, medium- and high-dosage groups decreased ( P<0.01), the serum P level increased ( P<0.05), the expressions of ERα, SRC-1, and CBP/p300 proteins decreased ( P<0.01), and the expression of ERβ protein increased ( P<0.01); the height of the nipples in the Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder medium- and high-dosage groups and the tamoxifen group decreased ( P<0.01), and the serum E2 level increased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Shiwei Chaihu Shugan Powder may play a role in the treatment of breast hyperplasia by regulating the levels of estrogen and related proteins.
8.Exploring the Differentiation and Treatment Strategies for Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis from the Perspective of Spleen-Kidney Correlation
Yingqi SHAN ; Qingyang LIU ; Tianshu GAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(10):2589-2595
Hypokalemic periodic paralysis(HypoPP)is a very rare but potentially life-threatening condition,often attacking suddenly,usually triggered by overeating or vigorous exercise,which complicates disease prevention and treatment and significantly lowers patients' quality of life.With the deepening of modern traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)research on the spleen's role in water metabolism and the kidney's function in storage,and with the achievements in western medicine's microscopic understanding of the disease,it has been found that TCM can utilize the micro-level physiological and pathological insights of modern medicine to elucidate the pathogenesis of diseases,thereby facilitating the establishment of a TCM management model for high-risk factors of diseases.This article explored the relationship between potassium balance and HypoPP from the perspective of spleen-kidney correlation.It is proposed that spleen failing in transportation and kidney failing in storing essence may lead to potassium imbalance,which constitutes a key pathogenesis of HypoPP.Prevention and treatment should focus on strengthening the middle energizer and simultaneously reinforcing kidney essence.Clinically,modified Buzhong Yiqi Decoction plus Da Buyin Pills has shown favorable therapeutic effects.The approach of making diagnosis and treatment of HypoPP based on potassium balance and from the perspective of spleen-kidney correlation may provide novel insights for its TCM prevention and management.
9.Qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical components of different processed products of Corni Fructus by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS.
Li-Qiang ZHANG ; Guo-Shun SHAN ; Yi-Dan HONG ; Si-Han LIU ; Guo-Wei XU ; Hui GAO ; Wei WANG ; Cheng-Guo JU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(8):2145-2158
Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods for chemical components of different processed products of Corni Fructus were established to systematically characterize and identify these components, and the content of the main differential components was determined. The chemical components of different processed products of Corni Fructus were collected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Through analysis of self-built databases, literature, and reference standards, a total of 93 components were obtained, including 19 iridoids, 15 flavonoids, 16 organic acids, eight triterpenoids, eight tannins, four amino acids, two polysaccharides, five olefins, and 16 other compounds. Additionally, by using multivariate statistical methods, the differential components between different processed products of Corni Fructus were screened under the conditions of VIP>1.0 and FC<0.5 or FC>2.0 and P<0.05. The PCA and OPLS-DA results showed differences in the chemical components between different processed products of Corni Fructus. A total of 21 differential components were screened, including tartaric acid, morroniside, and rutin. On this basis, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) was used to determine the content of 10 main common differential components, including gallic acid, morroniside, ursolic acid, loganin, swertiamarin, rutin, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, cornuside Ⅰ, quercetin, and oleanolic acid. The above 10 components showed a good linear relationship within the determined concentration range, with the precision, stability, repeatability, and sample recovery rate all meeting the requirements. Compared with that in Corni Fructus, the content of iridoid glycosides in wine-prepared Corni Fructus and wine-and honey-prepared Corni Fructus decreased, while the content of gallic acid, rutin, quercetin, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid increased. Compared with wine-prepared Corni Fructus, wine-and honey-prepared Corni Fructus showed varying degrees of increase in all other components, except for a slight decrease in gallic acid content. In summary, this study clarified the influence of different processing methods on the chemical components of Corni Fructus, providing a theoretical basis for the scientific connotation, overall quality evaluation, and clinically rational application of Corni Fructus processing in the future.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
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Cornus/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Fruit/chemistry*
10.Expert consensus on evaluation index system construction for new traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) from TCM clinical practice in medical institutions.
Li LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Wei-An YUAN ; Zhong-Qi YANG ; Jun-Hua ZHANG ; Bao-He WANG ; Si-Yuan HU ; Zu-Guang YE ; Ling HAN ; Yue-Hua ZHOU ; Zi-Feng YANG ; Rui GAO ; Ming YANG ; Ting WANG ; Jie-Lai XIA ; Shi-Shan YU ; Xiao-Hui FAN ; Hua HUA ; Jia HE ; Yin LU ; Zhong WANG ; Jin-Hui DOU ; Geng LI ; Yu DONG ; Hao YU ; Li-Ping QU ; Jian-Yuan TANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3474-3482
Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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Humans
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Consensus
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Surveys and Questionnaires

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