1.Phlorizin Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in T2DM Rats by Modulating IRS-1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Nuer AILI ; Qingyu CAO ; Huan LIU ; Junwei HE ; Weihong ZHONG ; Lan CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):139-148
ObjectiveTo observe the pharmacodynamic efficacy of phlorizin in improving hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) rats and to explore its mechanism of action based on the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsA high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) were used to establish T2DM rat models. The rats were randomly assigned into six groups: the blank control group, model group, metformin group (300 mg·kg-1), and phlorizin high-dose (100 mg·kg-1) and low-dose groups (25 mg·kg-1). The rats were given intragastric administration for 6 weeks. The changes in body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were observed, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glycated serum protein (GSP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by the biochemical assays. The pancreas index, liver index, and insulin resistance index were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes in liver and pancreatic tissues. The immunofluorescence method was used to detect the changes in insulin and glucagon in pancreatic tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression of related proteins in the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway of liver tissue and its downstream glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the body weight of rats in the model group continued to decrease, while the FBG level increased significantly. The area under the OGTT blood glucose curve (AUC), GSP, TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, pancreatic index and liver index increased significantly, while the levels of HDL-C, SOD, and FINS decreased significantly (P0.05, P0.01). Histological results showed that the pancreatic islets of rats in the model group exhibited atrophy and severe structural abnormalities. The insulin-positive β-cells decreased significantly (P0.01), while the glucagon-positive α-cells increased significantly (P0.01). Inflammatory cell infiltration and partial necrosis were observed in the liver tissues of the model group rats. The expressions of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and p-FoxO1/FoxO1 proteins in the liver of the model group increased significantly (P0.01), while the expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt proteins decreased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the diabetic symptoms of rats in all administration groups were improved. The changes in body weight and FBG were close to those of the blank control group. The levels of OGTT-AUC, GSP, TC, TG, LDL-C, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and the pancreatic index, liver index were obviously reduced (P0.05, P0.01), while the levels of HDL-C, SOD, and FINS obviously increased (P0.05, P0.01). The pathological changes of the pancreas and liver in rats in all treatment groups were effectively improved. The insulin-positive β-cells in the pancreas increased significantly (P0.01), while the glucagon-positive α-cells decreased significantly (P0.01). The protein expressions of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and p-FoxO1/FoxO1 in the liver were significantly reduced (P0.01), while the protein expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt significantly increased (P0.01). ConclusionPhlorizin reversed the weight loss and abnormal increase of FBG in T2DM rats, improved blood lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory levels, alleviated insulin resistance, and had certain protective effects on the liver and pancreas. The hypoglycemic mechanism may involve regulating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit the activities of GSK-3β and FoxO1, thereby promoting liver glycogen synthesis and suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, ultimately improving glycolipid metabolism disorders.
2.Phlorizin Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in T2DM Rats by Modulating IRS-1/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Nuer AILI ; Qingyu CAO ; Huan LIU ; Junwei HE ; Weihong ZHONG ; Lan CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):139-148
ObjectiveTo observe the pharmacodynamic efficacy of phlorizin in improving hepatic glycolipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) rats and to explore its mechanism of action based on the insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsA high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) were used to establish T2DM rat models. The rats were randomly assigned into six groups: the blank control group, model group, metformin group (300 mg·kg-1), and phlorizin high-dose (100 mg·kg-1) and low-dose groups (25 mg·kg-1). The rats were given intragastric administration for 6 weeks. The changes in body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were observed, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glycated serum protein (GSP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum were detected by an automatic biochemical analyzer. The levels of fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by the biochemical assays. The pancreas index, liver index, and insulin resistance index were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes in liver and pancreatic tissues. The immunofluorescence method was used to detect the changes in insulin and glucagon in pancreatic tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression of related proteins in the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway of liver tissue and its downstream glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and forkhead box transcription factor O1 (FoxO1) proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank control group, the body weight of rats in the model group continued to decrease, while the FBG level increased significantly. The area under the OGTT blood glucose curve (AUC), GSP, TC, TG, LDL-C, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, pancreatic index and liver index increased significantly, while the levels of HDL-C, SOD, and FINS decreased significantly (P0.05, P0.01). Histological results showed that the pancreatic islets of rats in the model group exhibited atrophy and severe structural abnormalities. The insulin-positive β-cells decreased significantly (P0.01), while the glucagon-positive α-cells increased significantly (P0.01). Inflammatory cell infiltration and partial necrosis were observed in the liver tissues of the model group rats. The expressions of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and p-FoxO1/FoxO1 proteins in the liver of the model group increased significantly (P0.01), while the expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt proteins decreased significantly (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the diabetic symptoms of rats in all administration groups were improved. The changes in body weight and FBG were close to those of the blank control group. The levels of OGTT-AUC, GSP, TC, TG, LDL-C, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and the pancreatic index, liver index were obviously reduced (P0.05, P0.01), while the levels of HDL-C, SOD, and FINS obviously increased (P0.05, P0.01). The pathological changes of the pancreas and liver in rats in all treatment groups were effectively improved. The insulin-positive β-cells in the pancreas increased significantly (P0.01), while the glucagon-positive α-cells decreased significantly (P0.01). The protein expressions of p-IRS-1/IRS-1, p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β, and p-FoxO1/FoxO1 in the liver were significantly reduced (P0.01), while the protein expressions of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt significantly increased (P0.01). ConclusionPhlorizin reversed the weight loss and abnormal increase of FBG in T2DM rats, improved blood lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory levels, alleviated insulin resistance, and had certain protective effects on the liver and pancreas. The hypoglycemic mechanism may involve regulating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit the activities of GSK-3β and FoxO1, thereby promoting liver glycogen synthesis and suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, ultimately improving glycolipid metabolism disorders.
3.Skeleton Binding Protein 1 of Plasmodium berghei Influences Deformability and Cytoskeletal Ultrastructure of Infected Erythrocyte
Xin-Yue GUO ; Huan-Qi ZHAO ; Yan-Xuan ZHONG ; Ru-Meng JIANG ; Yao-Xian LI ; Lei-Ting PAN ; Qian WANG ; Xiao-Yu SHI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1015-1027
ObjectiveThe malaria parasites remodel the host erythrocyte structure by exporting parasite proteins that interact with the membrane skeleton proteins of red blood cells (RBCs), facilitating their intracellular survival and pathogenicity. Skeleton-binding protein 1 (SBP1) is a conserved exported protein across Plasmodium species. In Plasmodium falciparum, SBP1 has been reported to interact with erythrocyte membrane skeleton proteins 4.1R and spectrin, while its contribution to erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence in Plasmodium berghei (Pb) remains unclear. This study aims to determine whether PbSBP1 associates with the host cytoskeletal protein 4.1R and to investigate its role in the remodeling of host RBCs and the pathogenicity of Plasmodium berghei. MethodsIn Plasmodium berghei, the relationship between PbSBP1 and the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R was examined using co-immunoprecipitation. A Pbsbp1 gene knockout mutant of Plasmodium berghei (Pbsbp1∆) was generated based on the principle of double crossover homologous recombination. The deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was assessed using microfluidic methods. Microchannels with an array of cylindrical pillars were used to detect modifications in infected RBC deformability. The infected RBCs were squashed between the rows and recovered between the columns and the transit velocity (μm/s) of infected RBCs travelling through the microchannel was recorded. The component of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton junctional complex, tropomodulin (TMOD), was fluorescently labeled, and the cytoskeletal network of infected erythrocytes was imaged using super-resolution stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to analyze ultrastructural changes in the cytoskeleton of wild-type (WT) and Pbsbp1∆-infected erythrocytes. Actin-based junctional complexes were displayed as individual clusters by the labeled TMOD in the STORM images, and the cluster densities and distances between adjacent clusters of infected RBCs were calculated. Additionally, rodent malaria models (BALB/c mice) and experimental cerebral malaria models (C57BL/6 mice) were employed to monitor the growth of Pbsbp1∆ and WT parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage and their capacity to induce cerebral malaria in mice. ResultsPbSBP1 may participate in the remodeling of infected erythrocytes through direct or indirect interaction with the erythrocyte cytoskeletal protein 4.1R. Microfluidic assays revealed that the deformability of erythrocytes infected with Pbsbp1∆ parasites was significantly enhanced compared to those infected with WT parasites. STORM imaging further demonstrated that the ultrastructure of the erythrocyte cytoskeleton in Pbsbp1∆-infected cells was altered relative to that in WT-infected erythrocytes. The distances between nearest neighbors of clusters had a tendency to increase while the cluster densities were decreased in Pbsbp1∆-infected RBCs compared to WT-infected RBCs. Subsequent phenotypic analysis indicated that the growth rate of Pbsbp1∆ parasites during the intraerythrocytic stage was significantly slower than that of WT parasites, and their ability to induce cerebral malaria in mice was also attenuated. These findings suggest that PbSBP1 is involved in the remodeling of the erythrocyte membrane skeleton, likely through its direct or indirect interaction with protein 4.1R, thereby regulating the deformability of infected erythrocytes and influencing the pathogenicity of the blood-stage parasites. ConclusionThis study establishes a role for PbSBP1 in host erythrocyte remodeling and parasite virulence, providing new research strategies for the prevention and treatment of malaria.
4.Immunodynamic changes in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion
Xiao-Lei WEI ; Xu GUO ; Chuang-Xin ZHANG ; Qi WANG ; Xiao-Fan LIU ; Ming-Ming SHAO ; Huan-Zhong SHI ; Kan ZHAI
Laboratory Animal Research 2026;42(1):59-67
Background:
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), a common complication of advanced cancers, is associated with poor prognosis and reduced quality of life. Although host–tumor interactions are known to drive MPE development, the associated immune dynamics during disease progression remain unclear. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma-induced MPE model in C57BL/6JNidfc mice, we systematically evaluated general parameters and immune cell changes at two-day intervals throughout disease progression.
Results:
The day of Lewis lung carcinoma cell injection into the pleural space was designated as day 0. By day 10 post-injection (p.i.), MPE-bearing mice exhibited ~ 10% body weight loss, marking the experimental endpoint. Pleural tumor mass and pleural effusion volume were minimal up to day 4 p.i. but increased sharply from day 6 onward.CD45⁺ immune cell counts rose over time, and days 6, 8, and 10 p.i. marked key stages of MPE progression. On day 6, B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells, but not macrophages and neutrophils, increased significantly compared to earlier timepoints. By day 8, all immune cell subsets except T cells exceeded day 6 levels, and at day 10, natural killer cell numbers declined while others continued to increase. Besides, the numbers of CD8⁺ T cells, Th1 cells, regulatory T cells, and M2 macrophages progressively increased from day 6 to 10. Based on these data, days 6 and 10 were defined as early and advanced MPE stages, respectively, with distinct immune phenotypes. In advanced MPE, CD8⁺ T cells displayed reduced IFN-γ, TNF-α, Granzyme B, Perforin, FasL, and Ki-67, but upregulated PD-1 and CTLA-4 relative to early stage. Similarly, Th1 cells showed decreased IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2 production along with reduced Ki-67 expression. Advanced-stage M2 macrophages exhibited lower MHC-II levels and impaired phagocytosis, but higher PD-L1 and IL-10 production, while neutrophils showed reduced TNF-α release and phagocytic activity.
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the temporal immune dynamics associated with MPE progression in a mouse model, revealing a transition from an early immunostimulatory state to a late immunosuppressive state. This study enhances our understanding of MPE immunopathogenesis and provides a foundation for developing precise, stagespecific therapeutic strategies.
5.Meta-analysis of the efficacy of plate fixation and external fixator fixation in the treatment of AO-C type distal radius fractures.
Guang-Yao LI ; Yong-Zhong CHENG ; Huan LIU ; Jun-Jie JIANG ; Yong-Yao LI ; Yang CHEN ; Yu-Xiang YAO
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2025;38(1):66-80
OBJECTIVE:
Meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy of plate and external fixator fixation in the treatment of AO-C type distal radius fractures.
METHODS:
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Medical Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed databases were searched for all literature on randomized controlled clinical trials of AO-C distal radius fractures. The search time limits were from each database. The database will be established until June 30, 2023. The included studies were extracted according to the Cochrane Handbook (Version 6.3, 2022) for information extraction and literature quality evaluation. RevMan 5.4 was used to evaluate the risk of Publication bias, test heterogeneity and Perform Meta-analysis. The outcome indicators were:imaging anatomy indicators (volar inclination angle, ulnar deviation angle, radial height), wrist joint mobility (flexion, extension, rotation, ulnar deviation), complication rate, and comparison of surgical treatments (operative blood loss, operation time, hospitalization time, fracture healing time) and wrist joint function scores and related scales.
RESULTS:
(1) A total of 28 studies were included, with a total of 2 192 patients, including 1 096 cases in the plate internal fixation group and 1 096 cases in the external fixation group.(2) Meta analysis results showed:the surgical treatment situation of the external fixation group:surgical blood loss MD=-37.93, 95%CI(-48.54, -27.31), P<0.000 01;operation time MD=-31.58, 95%CI(-48.96, -14.20), P<0.000 4;hospitalization time MD=-4.58, 95%CI(-5.44, -3.71), P<0.000 01;the fracture healing time MD=-0.88, 95%CI(-1.35, -0.41), P<0.000 2, which were significantly better than that of the plate internal fixation group(P<0.05).(3) The two groups:palmar inclination angle MD=-0.17, 95%CI(-0.95, 0.61), P=0.68;ulnar declination MD=0.22, 95%CI(-0.73, 1.17), P=0.65, radial height MD=-0.24, 95%CI(-1.15, 0.67), P=0.60;flexion and extension MD=-5.63, 95%CI(-11.85, 0.58), P=0.08;rotation MD=-5.80, 95%CI(-12.77, 1.17), P=0.10, radioulnar deviation MD=-2.86, 95%CI(-10.87, 5.15), P=0.48;complication rate RR=0.96, 95%CI(0.63, 1.46), P=0.83;Gartland-Werley clinical wrist score MD=0.13, 95%CI(-0.80, 1.06), P=0.78;excellent and good rate of Gartland-Werley wrist clinical score RR=0.93, 95%CI(0.87, 1.01), P=0.08;excellent and good rate of Cooney wrist score RR=0.99, 95%CI(0.62, 1.59), P=0.98;wrist DASH score MD=-4.67, 95%CI(-14.96, 5.62), P=0.37;the differences were not significant (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Compared with internal fixation with plate, external fixation can significantly reduce the amount of surgical bleeding, shorten the operation time, hospitalization time and fracture healing time, and its imaging anatomical indicators, wrist mobility, and complications can be significantly reduced in treating AO-C distal radius fractures. Rates and wrist function scores were equivalent.
Humans
;
External Fixators
;
Bone Plates
;
Radius Fractures/surgery*
;
Fracture Fixation/methods*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal
;
Wrist Fractures
6.Methodological quality of systematic reviews on orally administered Chinese herbal medicine published in Chinese between 2021 and 2022: A cross-sectional study.
Yue JIANG ; Claire Chenwen ZHONG ; Betty Huan WANG ; Shan-Shan XU ; Fai Fai HO ; Ming Hong KWONG ; Leonard HO ; Joson Hao-Shen ZHOU ; K C LAM ; Jian-Ping LIU ; Bao-Ting ZHANG ; Vincent Chi Ho CHUNG
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(5):492-501
OBJECTIVE:
This cross-sectional study assessed the methodological quality of systematic reviews (SRs) of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) published in Chinese between Jan 2021 and Sep 2022.
METHODS:
Chinese language CHM SRs were identified through literature searches across 3 international and 4 Chinese databases. Methodological quality was appraised using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2. Logistic regressions were used to explore associations between bibliographical characteristics and quality.
RESULTS:
Analyses of methodological quality found that among the 213 sampled SRs, 69.5% were of critically low quality, 30.5% were of low quality, and none achieved high or moderate quality. Common shortcomings included the failure to identify the studies excluded from the analysis, failure to disclose funding sources, and limited evaluation of the potential impact of bias on conclusions. Logistic regressions revealed that SRs led by corresponding authors affiliated with universities or academic institutions tended to be of lower quality than SRs led by authors affiliated with hospitals or clinical facilities.
CONCLUSION
Recent Chinese language CHM SRs exhibited limited methodological quality, making them unlikely to support the development of clinical practice guidelines. Urgent initiatives are needed to enhance training for researchers, peer-reviewers and editors involved in the preparation and publication of SRs. Adoption of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines in Chinese language journals is crucial to improve the relevance of SRs for Chinese medicine development. Addressing deficiencies in methodology and reporting is essential for promoting evidence-based practices and informed clinical decisions in Chinese medicine. Please cite this article as: Jiang Y, Zhong CC, Wang BH, Xu SS, Ho FF, Kwong MH, Ho L, Zhou JHS, Lam KC, Liu JP, Zhang BT, Chung VCH. Methodological quality of systematic reviews on orally administered Chinese herbal medicine published in Chinese between 2021 and 2022: A cross-sectional study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):492-501.
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Systematic Reviews as Topic/standards*
;
Humans
;
China
;
Administration, Oral
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional
7.Associations of Genetic Risk and Physical Activity with Incident Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Large Prospective Cohort Study.
Jin YANG ; Xiao Lin WANG ; Wen Fang ZHONG ; Jian GAO ; Huan CHEN ; Pei Liang CHEN ; Qing Mei HUANG ; Yi Xin ZHANG ; Fang Fei YOU ; Chuan LI ; Wei Qi SONG ; Dong SHEN ; Jiao Jiao REN ; Dan LIU ; Zhi Hao LI ; Chen MAO
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1194-1204
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the relationship between physical activity and genetic risk and their combined effects on the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
METHODS:
This prospective cohort study included 318,085 biobank participants from the UK. Physical activity was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The participants were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-genetic-risk groups based on their polygenic risk scores. Multivariate Cox regression models and multiplicative interaction analyses were used.
RESULTS:
During a median follow-up period of 13 years, 9,209 participants were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For low genetic risk, compared to low physical activity, the hazard ratios ( HRs) for moderate and high physical activity were 0.853 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.748-0.972) and 0.831 (95% CI: 0.727-0.950), respectively. For intermediate genetic risk, the HRs were 0.829 (95% CI: 0.758-0.905) and 0.835 (95% CI: 0.764-0.914), respectively. For participants with high genetic risk, the HRs were 0.809 (95% CI: 0.746-0.877) and 0.818 (95% CI: 0.754-0.888), respectively. A significant interaction was observed between genetic risk and physical activity.
CONCLUSION
Moderate or high levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease across all genetic risk groups, highlighting the need to tailor activity interventions for genetically susceptible individuals.
Humans
;
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology*
;
Exercise
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Aged
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Risk Factors
;
United Kingdom/epidemiology*
;
Incidence
;
Adult
8.Colorimetric Sensor for Sensitive Detection of Glutathione Based on Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets
Yan WU ; Jing-Lei RAN ; Fang LIU ; Huan ZHONG ; Jin-Yang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):924-933,中插6-中插15
Glutathione(GSH)is a tripeptide containing sulfhydryl groups,which has the function of antioxidant,detoxifying,and immune enhancing effects,and its expression is closely associated with many diseases such as cancer,etc.Therefore,it is of great significance for clinical diagnosis by developing a highly sensitive,simple,and rapid method for detecting GSH.Herein,two-dimensional(2D)Zn-TCPP(Fe)nanosheets employing Zn2+and Fe-bound tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin ligands were obtained by a surfactant-assisted synthetic method.The 2D Zn-TCPP(Fe)nanosheets exhibited excellent peroxidase-like activity,which allowed the catalysis of the H2O2-initiated oxidation of colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine(TMB)to blue oxidized TMB(ox-TMB).In the presence of GSH,GSH underwent a reduction reaction with oxTMB,resulting in the blue color of the solution fading.The proposed colorimetric sensor exhibited favorable sensitivity for GSH in the linear range of 0.1-200 μmol/L with a limit of detection(S/N=3)of 0.042 μmol/L,indicating excellent selectivity.The developed sensor was successfully applied to detect GSH level in the human serum samples with recoveries of 93.0%-107.7%,showing satisfactory results.The developed colorimetric sensor provided a new approach for detecting GSH.
9.A new perspective on quality control of traditional Chinese medicine based on characteristics of "physical phase structure".
Zhong-Huan QU ; Yan-Jun YANG ; Bing YANG ; Ru-Yu SHI ; Mao-Mao ZHU ; Lu SUN ; Xiao-Bin JIA ; Liang FENG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3579-3588
Quality control is a key link in the modernization process of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Studies have shown that the effects of active components in TCM depend on not only their chemical composition but also their suitable physical forms and states. The physical phase structures, such as micelles, vesicles, gels, and nanoparticles, can improve the solubility, delivery efficiency, and targeting precision of active components. These structures significantly enhance the pharmacological activity while reducing the toxicity and side effects, demonstrating functional activity surpassing that of active components and highlighting the key effects of "structures" on "functions" of active components. Taking the physical phase structure as a breakthrough point, this paper outlines the common types of TCM physical phase structures. Furthermore, this paper explores how to realize the quality upgrading of TCM through the precise regulation of physical phase structures based on the current applications and potential of TCM physical phase structures in processing to increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity, compounding and decocting processes, drug delivery systems, and quality control, aiming to provide novel insights for the future quality control of TCM.
Quality Control
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards*
;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
;
Humans
;
Drug Delivery Systems
10.Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix alleviates CpG1826-induced cytokine storm secondary lung injury in mice by inhibiting mPTP/NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway.
Qing-Rui ZHONG ; Hong-Kai HUANG ; Yue-Jia LAN ; Huan WANG ; Yong ZENG ; Jia-Si WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(15):4141-4152
This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of the Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix on cytokine storm secondary lung injury(CSSLI) induced by CpG1826 in mice, and to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms by which its major active components, i.e., coptisine and wogonin, alleviate CSSLI by inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore(mPTP)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome pyroptosis pathway. In vivo, a mouse model of CSSLI was established by CpG1826 induction. Pulmonary edema was assessed by lung wet-to-dry weight ratio(W/D), lung injury was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and ultrastructural changes in lung tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The levels of interleukin(IL)-1β, high mobility group box 1 protein(HMGB1), IL-18, and IL-1α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The results showed that the decoction of the Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix significantly reduced pulmonary edema, alleviated lung injury, and decreased the concentrations of related cytokines in BALF more effectively than either single herb alone, thereby improving CSSLI. In vitro, a CpG1826-induced CSSLI model was established in mouse alveolar macrophage MH-S cells. Calcein-AM quenching was used to screen for the most effective monomer components from the herb pair in inhibiting mPTP opening. Coptisine(5, 10, 20 μmol·L~(-1)) and wogonin(10, 20, 40 μmol·L~(-1)) markedly inhibited mPTP opening, with optimal effects and a clear dose-dependent pattern. These components suppressed mPTP opening, thereby reducing the release of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS), effectively reversing the CpG1826-induced decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential(MMP). Further studies revealed that both coptisine and wogonin inhibited pyroptosis and downregulated the expression of key proteins in the NLRP3/Caspase-1/gasdermin D(GSDMD) pathway. In conclusion, the Coptidis Rhizoma-Scutellariae Radix improves CpG1826-induced CSSLI in mice, and this effect is associated with the inhibition of the mPTP/NLRP3 pyroptosis pathway, providing scientific evidence for its clinical application and further development.
Animals
;
Mice
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Pyroptosis/drug effects*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/immunology*
;
Male
;
Lung Injury/immunology*
;
Cytokines/immunology*
;
Scutellaria baicalensis/chemistry*
;
Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/adverse effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Coptis chinensis

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