Membrane proteins are integral components of cellular membranes, accounting for approximately 30% of the mammalian proteome and serving as targets for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. They are critical to both physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Their functional protein-protein interactions form the basis for many physiological processes, such as signal transduction, material transport, and cell communication. Membrane protein interactions are characterized by membrane environment dependence, spatial asymmetry, weak interaction strength, high dynamics, and a variety of interaction sites. Therefore, in situ analysis is essential for revealing the structural basis and kinetics of these proteins. This paper introduces currently available in situ analytical techniques for studying membrane protein interactions and evaluates the characteristics of each. These techniques are divided into two categories: label-based techniques (e.g., co-immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, resonance energy transfer, and proximity labeling) and label-free techniques (e.g., cryo-electron tomography, in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance, and structure prediction tools). Each technique is critically assessed in terms of its historical development, strengths, and limitations. Based on the authors’ relevant research, the paper further discusses the key issues and trends in the application of these techniques, providing valuable references for the field of membrane protein research. Label-based techniques rely on molecular tags or antibodies to detect proximity or interactions, offering high specificity and adaptability for dynamic studies. For instance, proximity ligation assay combines the specificity of antibodies with the sensitivity of PCR amplification, while proximity labeling enables spatial mapping of interactomes. Conversely, label-free techniques, such as cryo-electron tomography, provide near-native structural insights, and Raman spectroscopy directly probes molecular interactions without perturbing the membrane environment. Despite advancements, these methods face several universal challenges: (1) indirect detection, relying on proximity or tagged proxies rather than direct interaction measurement; (2) limited capacity for continuous dynamic monitoring in live cells; and (3) potential artificial influences introduced by labeling or sample preparation, which may alter native conformations. Emerging trends emphasize the multimodal integration of complementary techniques to overcome individual limitations. For example, combining in situ cross-linking mass spectrometry with proximity labeling enhances both spatial resolution and interaction coverage, enabling high-throughput subcellular interactome mapping. Similarly, coupling fluorescence resonance energy transfer with nuclear magnetic resonance and artificial intelligence (AI) simulations integrates dynamic structural data, atomic-level details, and predictive modeling for holistic insights. Advances in AI, exemplified by AlphaFold’s ability to predict interaction interfaces, further augment experimental data, accelerating structure-function analyses. Future developments in cryo-electron microscopy, super-resolution imaging, and machine learning are poised to refine spatiotemporal resolution and scalability. In conclusion, in situ analysis of membrane protein interactions remains indispensable for deciphering their roles in health and disease. While current technologies have significantly advanced our understanding, persistent gaps highlight the need for innovative, integrative approaches. By synergizing experimental and computational tools, researchers can achieve multiscale, real-time, and perturbation-free analyses, ultimately unraveling the dynamic complexity of membrane protein networks and driving therapeutic discovery.

This study aims to reveal the correlation between the pharmacokinetics(PK) and pharmacodynamics(PD) of multiple components in Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma and clarify the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of this herb pair in treating osteoarthritis. The Hulth method was used to establish the rat model of osteoarthritis and plasma was collected at various time points after drug administration. The plasma concentrations of multiple components were measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the plasma concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-3, MMP-13, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), nitric oxide(NO), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) as pharmacodynamic indicators. Self-defined weighting coefficients were used to calculate the PK and PD data, and a Sigmoid E_(max) fitting model was used to evaluate the synergistic effect of the compatibility of Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma. The PK-PD models for Epimedii Folium, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma were E=(1.926×C~(2.652))/(0.136 6~(2.652)+C~(2.652)), E=(1.618×C~(345.2))/(0.118 4~(345.2)+C~(345.2)), and E=(2.305×C~(2.786))/(0.240 3~(2.786)+C~(2.786)), respectively. The E_(max) of Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma was larger than those of the two herbal medicines alone. The EC_(50) of the herb pair was lower than the sum of Epimedii Folium and Chuanxiong Rhizoma alone. The concentrations of MMP-3, MMP-13, IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α were correlated with mass concentrations of multiple components in Epimedii Folium and Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and the compatibility was better than single use. Epimedii Folium, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma may play a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis by inhibiting MMP-3, MMP-13, IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α.
Animals ; Rats ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Osteoarthritis/metabolism* ; Epimedium/chemistry* ; Interleukin-1beta/blood* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Nitric Oxide/blood* ; Humans ; Rhizome/chemistry*

This study aims to observe the mind-tranquilizing effect of Fushen Decoction on mice and investigate its effects on the 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) system and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA) in the brain of the mouse model of 4-chloro-DL-phenylalanine(PCPA)-induced insomnia. ICR mice were administrated with coffee(1 g·kg~(-1)) for 3 days, and the effects of Fushen Decoction(10, 20, and 40 g·kg~(-1)) on the autonomic activities of normal mice and coffee-treated mice were observed. Furthermore, the effects of Fushen Decoction on the autonomic activity and sleep induced by a suprathreshold dose of pentobarbital sodium in the mouse model of PCPA(350 mg·kg~(-1) for 3 consecutive days)-induced insomnia were observed. The levels of tryptophan hydroxylase(TPH), 5-hydroxytryptophan(5-HTP), and 5-HT in the serum, as well as those of 5-HTP and 5-HT in the brain stem, hippocampus, and cortex, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The fluorescence intensity of 5-HT in the raphe nucleus, hippocampus, and cortex was measured by the immunofluorescence method. The protein levels of tryptophan hydroxylase-2(TPH2) and 5-HT_(1A) receptor(5-HT_(1A)R) in the brain stem, hippocampus, and cortex were measured by Western blot. The levels of GABA in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cortex were measured by ELISA and immunohistochemistry methods. The results showed that Fushen Decoction(20, 40 g·kg~(-1)) reduced the number of autonomous activities in normal mice, coffee-treated mice, and the mouse model of PCPA-induced insomnia, and prolonged the duration of sleep induced by a suprathreshold dose of pentobarbital sodium in the mouse model. Fushen Decoction(20, 40 g·kg~(-1)) elevated the levels of TPH, 5-HTP, and 5-HT in the serum, and TPH2, 5-HTP, 5-HT, and 5-HT_(1A)R in the brain stem, hippocampus, and cortex, and up-regulated GABA expression in the hypothalamus, cortex, and hippocampus of the mouse model of PCPA-induced insomnia. In conclusion, Fushen Decoction(20, 40 g·kg~(-1)) exerted a mind-tranquilizing effect on mice by up-regulating the expression of TPH2, enhancing the 5-HT system, and elevating the GABA level in the brain.
Animals ; Serotonin/genetics* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/genetics* ; Mice ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Fenclonine/adverse effects* ; Tryptophan Hydroxylase/genetics* ; Brain/metabolism* ; Sleep/drug effects* ; Humans ; 5-Hydroxytryptophan/metabolism*

Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Tic Disorders/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome

The combination of Aidi Injection(ADI) and doxorubicin(DOX) is a common strategy in the treatment of cancer, which can achieve synergistic anti-tumor effects while attenuating the cardiotoxicity caused by DOX. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of ADI in attenuating DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by multi-omics. DOX was used to induce cardiotoxicity in mice, and the cardioprotective effects of ADI were evaluated based on biochemical indicators and pathological changes. Based on the results, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics were employed to analyze the changes of endogenous substances in different physiological states. Furthermore, data from multiple omics were integrated to screen key regulatory pathways by which ADI attenuated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and important target proteins were selected for measurement by ELISA kits and immunohistochemical analysis. The results showed that ADI significantly reduced the levels of cardiac troponin T(cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) and effectively ameliorated myocardial fibrosis and intracellular vacuolization, indicating that ADI showed therapeutic effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. The transcriptomics analysis screened out a total of 400 differentially expressed genes(DEGs), which were mainly enriched in inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and myocardial fibrosis. After proteomics analysis, 70 differentially expressed proteins were selected, which were mainly enriched in the inflammatory response, cardiac function, and energy metabolism. A total of 51 differentially expressed metabolites were screened by the metabolomics analysis, and they were mainly enriched in multiple signaling pathways, including the inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, and energy metabolism. The integrated data of multiple omics showed that linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and glycerophosphate metabolism pathways played an important role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, and ADI may exert therapeutic effects by modulating these pathways. Target validation experiments suggested that ADI significantly regulated abnormal protein levels of cyclooxygenase-1(COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), prostaglandin H2(PGH2), and prostaglandin D2(PGD2) in the model group. In conclusion, ADI may attenuate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and glycerophosphate metabolism, thus alleviating inflammation of the body.
Doxorubicin/toxicity* ; Animals ; Mice ; Cardiotoxicity/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Proteomics ; Metabolomics ; Injections ; Humans ; Multiomics

The interactions between microorganisms and medicinal plants are crucial to the quality improvement of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants attract microorganisms to colonize by secreting specific compounds and provide niche and nutrient support for these microorganisms, with a symbiotic network formed. These microorganisms grow in the rhizosphere, phyllosphere, and endophytic tissues of plants and significantly improve the growth performance and medicinal component accumulation of medicinal plants by promoting nutrient uptake, enhancing disease resistance, and regulating the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Microorganisms are also widely used in the ecological planting of medicinal plants, and the growth conditions of medicinal plants are optimized by simulating the microbial effects in the natural environment. The interactions between microorganisms and medicinal plants not only significantly improve the yield and quality of medicinal plants but also enhance their geoherbalism, which is in line with the concept of green agriculture and eco-friendly development. This study reviewed the research results on the interactions between medicinal plants and microorganisms in recent years and focused on the analysis of the great potential of microorganisms in optimizing the growth environment of medicinal plants, regulating the accumulation of secondary metabolites, inducing systemic resistance, and promoting the ecological planting of medicinal plants. It provides a scientific basis for the research on the interactions between medicinal plants and microorganisms, the research and development of microbial agents, and the application of microorganisms in the ecological planting of medicinal plants and is of great significance for the quality improvement of medicinal plants and the green and sustainable development of TCM resources.
Plants, Medicinal/metabolism* ; Bacteria/genetics* ; Symbiosis

This study aims to explore the impact of host plants on the quality of Taxilli Herba and provide a theoretical basis for the quality control of Taxilli Herba. The components of Taxilli Herba from three different host plants(Morus alba, Salix babylonica, and Cinnamomum cassia) and its 3 hosts(mulberry branch, willow branch, and cinnamon branch) were detected by widely targeted metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS). Principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), and Venn diagram were employed for analysis. A total of 717 metabolites were detected in Taxilli Herba from the three host plants and the branches of these host plants by UPLC-MS/MS. The results of PCA and OPLS-DA of Taxilli Herba from the three different host plants showed an obvious separation trend due to the different effects of host plants. The Venn diagram showed that there were 32, 8, and 26 characteristic metabolites in samples of Taxilli Herba from M. alba host, S. babylonica host, and C. cassia host, respectively. It was found by comparing the characteristic metabolites of Taxilli Herba and its hosts that each host transmits its characteristic components to Taxilli Herba, so that the Taxilli Herba contains the characteristic components of the host. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the differential metabolites of Taxilli Herba from the three hosts were mainly enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Furthermore, the differential metabolites enriching pathways of Taxilli Herba from the three hosts were different depending on the host. In a word, host plants have a significant impact on the metabolites of Taxilli Herba, and it may be an important factor for the quality of Taxilli Herba.
Metabolomics/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Quality Control ; Salix/chemistry* ; Cinnamomum aromaticum/metabolism* ; Principal Component Analysis

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* ; Humans ; Consensus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

This study aims to systematically review and evaluate the quality of clinical research on the treatment of adenomyosis(AM) with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in recent ten years, using evidence graphs. Computer searches were conducted on eight Chinese and English databases, commonly used guideline databases, and guideline-related websites, covering the period from January 1, 2014, to October 1, 2024. Two researchers independently screened, extracted information, and evaluated the quality of the evidence. The distribution and quality of the clinical research evidence were presented using both text and charts. A total of 565 articles were included in the study, comprising 523 intervention studies, 23 observational studies, 18 systematic reviews/Meta-analysis, and 1 guideline. The overall publication volume has shown a downward trend in past two years. The sample sizes of the intervention and observational studies primarily focused on 60 to 120 cases. The intervention schemes mainly involved multi-therapy combinations, including 33 classic prescriptions and 25 Chinese patent medicines. Among these, 48 studies related to 17 classic prescriptions and 45 studies related to 10 types of Chinese patent medicines involved TCM syndrome types. Randomized controlled trial(RCT) tended to focus on overall clinical efficacy and the degree of dysmenorrhea as key outcome measures. Methodological quality issues were found in 97 RCTs related to TCM decoctions and 131 RCTs related to Chinese patent medicines, primarily involving unclear explanations of some information. The AMSTAR scores for the 18 systematic reviews/Meta-analysis ranged from 1 to 8 points, with 16 studies suggesting "evidence of potential therapeutic efficacy". The recommended level for the one included guideline was B-level. TCM shows significant advantages in treating AM. Future clinical research should further standardize study designs, reference relevant reporting guidelines, improve the quality of clinical research, generate higher-level evidence-based results, and promote the high-quality development of clinical research on TCM for treating AM.
Humans ; Adenomyosis/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Female ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Based on the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7nAChR), this study examined how tetrahydropalmatine(THP) affected BV2 microglia exposed to lipopolysaccharide(LPS), aiming to clarify the possible mechanism underlying the anti-depression effect of THP from the perspectives of preventing inflammation and regulating polarization. First, after molecular docking and determination of the content of Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids, THP was initially identified as a possible anti-depression component. The BV2 microglia model of inflammation was established with LPS. BV2 microglia were allocated into a normal group, a model group, low-and high-dose(20 and 40 μmol·L~(-1), respectively) THP groups, and a THP(20 μmol·L~(-1))+α7nAChR-specific antagonist MLA(1 μmol·L~(-1)) group. The CCK-8 assay was used to screen the safe concentration of THP. A light microscope was used to examine the morphology of the cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression of α7nAChR. qRT-PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), cluster of differentiation 86(CD86), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3(SOCS3), arginase-1(Arg-1), cluster of differentiation 206(CD206), tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-6, and IL-1β. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the cell supernatant. The experimental results showed that THP at concentrations of 40 μmol·L~(-1) and below had no effect on BV2 microglia. THP improved the morphology of BV2 microglia, significantly up-regulated the protein level of α7nAChR, significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of iNOS, CD86, SOCS3, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, significantly up-regulated the mRNA levels of Arg-1 and CD206, and dramatically lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the cell supernatant. However, the antagonist MLA abolished the above-mentioned ameliorative effects of THP on LPS-treated BV2 microglia. As demonstrated by the aforementioned findings, THP protected LPS-treated BV2 microglia by regulating the M1/M2 polarization and preventing inflammation, which might be connected to the regulation of α7nAChR on BV2 microglia.
Berberine Alkaloids/chemistry* ; alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/chemistry* ; Microglia/metabolism* ; Mice ; Animals ; Cell Line ; Corydalis/chemistry* ; Humans ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II/immunology* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology*