1.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
2.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
3.Correlation of daytime outdoor light exposure and moderate to vigorous physical activities with sleep quality among primary school students
WANG Ziyi, DUAN Zhihong, MAIHELIYAKEZI Tuersunniyazi, PENG Hui, ZHU Yanhong, SHI Huijing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):351-354
Objective:
To analyze the independent and interaction effects of daytime outdoor light exposure and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) duration on sleep quality of primary school students, so as to provide scientific evidence for interventions on children s sleep health.
Methods:
From April to June 2024, a total of 444 students from grades 3 and 4 in 2 primary schools in Jiading District, Shanghai were selected using stratified random cluster sampling method for continuous 7 day monitoring. Wearable devices "Clouclip" were used to monitor daytime outdoor activity time (represented by time with light intensity ≥ 1 000 lx ), and accelerometers were used to monitor MVPA time and sleep quality related indicators. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the associations of daytime outdoor activity and MVPA with sleep quality.
Results:
Both daytime outdoor light exposure and MVPA duration(longer actual sleep duration per night,longer time in bed,fewer awakening and shorter post sleep awakening shic) were independently associated with multiple sleep indicators( β =0.52, 0.46, -0.83, -2.19, all P <0.05), with no significant interaction between the associations ( P >0.05). After controlling for MVPA, more daytime outdoor light exposure was significantly and independently associated with longer actual sleep time ( β =0.50, 95% CI =0.21-0.79, P <0.05). After controlling for light exposure, longer MVPA duration was independently associated with shorter post-sleep awakening duration ( β=-4.15, 95% CI = -6.33 to -1.96, P <0.05).
Conclusion
Increased daytime outdoor activity and MVPA are both associated with better sleep quality in primary school students.
4.Research progress of urea-containing PET tracers targeting prostate specific membrane antigen
Hong ZHU ; Hui WANG ; Hongwei SI ; Dan ZHANG ; Dengyun CHEN ; Pengfei DAI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(2):369-375
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of male genitourinary system. Prostate cancer has the following characteristics: insidious onset, early asymptomatic or not obvious symptoms, complex etiology and pathogenesis, long incubation period and so on. Therefore, the realization of its early diagnosis and treatment is of great significance to the prognosis of patients. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type 2 transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed on the membrane of almost all primary and metastatic prostate cancer cells, and is an ideal target for prostate cancer imaging and treatment. In recent years, with the approval of urea-containing small molecule PET (positron emission computed tomography) radiopharmaceutical based on PSMA (68Ga-PSMA-11, 18F-PSMA-1007), PET-CT (positron emission computed tomography/computed tomography) has shown new potential for early diagnosis and accurate staging of prostate cancer patients. This review mainly summarizes the research progress of urea-containing PSMA PET imaging agents and finds that they have defects such as uptake in non-target tissues like the kidneys, lacrimal glands, and salivary glands. Thus, further optimizing their structure to reduce the uptake in non-target tissues, providing provide convenience for the labeling of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals, thereby achieving the goal of integrated diagnosis and treatment, is an important development direction in this field.
5.STAR Guideline Terminology(Ⅱ): Clinical Question Formulation, Evidence Retrieval and Appraisal, and Recommendation Development
Di ZHU ; Haodong LI ; Zijun WANG ; Qianling SHI ; Hui LIU ; Yishan QIN ; Yuanyuan YAO ; Zhewei LI ; Hongfeng HE ; Jinhui TIAN ; Long GE ; Yaolong CHEN ;
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(3):756-764
To introduce and analyze guideline terminology related to clinical question formulation, evidence retrieval and appraisal, and recommendation development. A systematic search was conducted in guideline development manuals and relevant methodological literature, covering publications up to October 25, 2024. Terminology related to the three aforementioned stages of related to guideline development was extracted from the included literature, standardized, and refined through consensus meetings to finalize a comprehensive terminology list and definitions. A total of 30 guideline development manuals and 15 methodological articles were included, and 23 core terms were identified. It is recommended to develop a standardized and scientifically sound guideline terminology system with unified naming, clear definitions, and alignment with the linguistic environment and usage habits in China. At the same time, it is essential to strengthen terminology training for both guideline developers and users based on this system, in order to deepen their correct understanding and proper application of guideline terminology.
6.Polysaccharide extract PCP1 from Polygonatum cyrtonema ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by inhibiting TLR4/NLRP3 pathway.
Xin ZHAN ; Zi-Xu LI ; Zhu YANG ; Jie YU ; Wen CAO ; Zhen-Dong WU ; Jiang-Ping WU ; Qiu-Yue LYU ; Hui CHE ; Guo-Dong WANG ; Jun HAN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2450-2460
This study aims to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide extract PCP1 from Polygonatum cyrtonema in ameliorating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury in rats through modulation of the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) signaling pathway. In vivo, SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, model group, PCP1 group, nimodipine(NMDP) group, and TLR4 signaling inhibitor(TAK-242) group. A middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) model was established, and neurological deficit scores and infarct size were evaluated 24 hours after reperfusion. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in ischemic brain tissue. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) assessed ultrastructural damage in cortical neurons. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-18(IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-10(IL-10), and nitric oxide(NO) in serum. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 proteins. In vitro, a BV2 microglial cell oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R) model was established, and cells were divided into the control, OGD/R, PCP1, TAK-242, and PCP1 + TLR4 activator lipopolysaccharide(LPS) groups. The CCK-8 assay evaluated BV2 cell viability, and ELISA determined NO release. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of TLR4, NLRP3, and downstream pathway-related proteins. The results indicated that, compared with the model group, PCP1 significantly reduced neurological deficit scores, infarct size, ischemic tissue pathology, cortical cell damage, and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, and NO(P<0.01). It also elevated IL-10 levels(P<0.01) and decreased the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, in vitro results showed that, compared with the OGD/R group, PCP1 significantly improved BV2 cell viability(P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced cell NO levels induced by OGD/R(P<0.01), and inhibited the expression of TLR4-related inflammatory pathway proteins, including TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB dimer RelA(p-p65)/nuclear factor-kappaB dimer RelA(p65), NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18(P<0.05, P<0.01). The protective effects of PCP1 were reversed by LPS stimulation. In conclusion, PCP1 ameliorates cerebral I/R injury by modulating the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway, exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic effects.
Animals
;
Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics*
;
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rats
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Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
;
Male
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Polysaccharides/isolation & purification*
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Polygonatum/chemistry*
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Brain Ischemia/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Mice
;
Humans
7.Effects of Sishen Pills and its separated prescriptions on human intestinal flora based on in vitro fermentation model.
Jia-Yang XI ; Qi-Qi WANG ; Xue CHENG ; Hui XIA ; Lu CAO ; Yue-Hao XIE ; Tian-Xiang ZHU ; Ming-Zhu YIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3137-3146
Sishen Pills and its separated prescriptions are classic prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine to treat intestinal diseases. In this study, a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) technology was used to identify the components of Sishen Pills, Ershen Pills, and Wuweizi Powder. The positive and negative ion sources of electrospray ionization were simultaneously collected by mass spectrometry. A total of 11 effective components were detected in Sishen Pills, with four effective components detected in Ershen Pills and eight effective components detected in Wuweizi Powder, respectively. To explore the effects of Sishen Pills and its separated prescriptions on the human intestinal flora, an in vitro anaerobic fermentation model was established, and the human intestinal flora was incubated with Sishen Pills, Ershen Pills, and Wuweizi Powder in vitro. The 16S rDNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the changes in the intestinal flora. The results showed that compared with the control group, Sishen Pills, and its separated prescriptions could decrease the intestinal flora abundance and increase the Shannon index after fermentation. The abundance of Bifidobacterium was significantly increased in the Sishen Pills and Ershen Pills groups. However, the abundance of Lactobacillus, Weissella, and Pediococcus was significantly increased in the Wuweizi Powder group. After fermentation for 12 h, the pH of the fermentation solution of three kinds of liquids with feces gradually decreased and was lower than that of the control group. The decreasing amplitude in the Wuweizi Powder group was the most obvious. The single-bacteria fermentation experiments further confirmed that Sishen Pills and Wuweizi Powder had inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis, and the antibacterial activity of Wuweizi Powder was stronger than that of Sishen Pills. Both Sishen Pills and Ershen Pills could promote the growth of Lactobacillus brevis, and Ershen Pills could promote the growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis. This study provided a more sufficient theoretical basis for the clinical application of Sishen Pills and its separated prescriptions.
Humans
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Fermentation/drug effects*
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Bacteria/drug effects*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Tandem Mass Spectrometry
;
Intestines/microbiology*
8.Three new chalcone C-glycosides from Carthami Flos.
Jia-Xu BAO ; Yong-Xiang WANG ; Xian ZHANG ; Ya-Zhu YANG ; Yue LIN ; Jiao-Jiao YIN ; Yun-Fang ZHAO ; Hui-Xia HUO ; Peng-Fei TU ; Jun LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3715-3745
The chemical components of Carthami Flos were investigated by using macroporous resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase octadecylsilane(ODS) column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The planar structures of the compounds were established based on their physicochemical properties and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis), infrared(IR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopic technology. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism(ECD). Six flavonoid C-glycosides were isolated from the 30% ethanol elution fraction of macroporous resin obtained from the 95% ethanol extract of Carthami Flos, and identified as saffloquinoside F(1), 5-hydroxysaffloneoside(2), iso-5-hydroxysaffloneoside(3), isosafflomin C(4), safflomin C(5), and vicenin 2(6). Among these, the compounds 1 to 3 were new chalcone C-glycosides. The compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 could significantly increase the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) at a concentration of 50 μmol·L~(-1), showing their good cardioprotective activity.
Glycosides/pharmacology*
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Flowers/chemistry*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Carthamus tinctorius/chemistry*
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Chalcones/pharmacology*
;
Animals
9.Identification and expression analysis of B3 gene family in Panax ginseng.
Yu-Long WANG ; Ai-Min WANG ; Jing-Hui YU ; Si-Zhang LIU ; Ge JIN ; Kang-Yu WANG ; Ming-Zhu ZHAO ; Yi WANG ; Mei-Ping ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4593-4609
Panax ginseng as a perennial herb of Araliaceae, exhibits pharmacological effects such as central nervous system stimulation, anti-tumor properties, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection. The B3 gene family plays a crucial role in growth and development, antioxidant activity, stress resistance, and secondary metabolism regulation of plants and has been extensively studied in various plants. However, the identification and analysis of the B3 gene family in P. ginseng have not been reported. In this study, a total of 145 B3 genes(PgB3s) with complete open reading frames(ORF) were identified from P. ginseng and classified into five subfamilies based on domain types. Through correlation analysis with ginsenoside content, SNP/InDels analysis, and interaction analysis with key enzyme genes, 15 PgB3 transcripts were found to be significantly correlated with ginsenoside content and exhibited a close interaction network with key enzyme genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis, which indicated that these genes may participate in the regulation of ginsenoside biosynthesis. Additionally, this study found that PgB3 genes exhibited induced expression in response to methyl jasmonate(MeJA) stress, which aligned with the presence of abundant stress response elements in their promoters, confirming the important role of the B3 gene family in P. ginseng in stress resistance. The results of this study revealed the potential functions of PgB3 genes in ginsenoside biosynthesis and stress response, providing a significant theoretical basis for further research on the functions of PgB3 genes and their regulatory mechanisms.
Panax/metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
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Plant Proteins/metabolism*
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Ginsenosides/biosynthesis*
;
Multigene Family
;
Phylogeny
10.Development of intelligent equipment for rapid microbial detection of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces based on measurement technology for traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing.
Yang LIU ; Wu-Zhen QI ; Yu-Tong WU ; Shan-Xi ZHU ; Xiao-Jun ZHAO ; Qia-Tong XIE ; Yu-Feng GUO ; Jing ZHAO ; Nan LI ; Shi-Jun WANG ; Qi-Hui SUN ; Zhi-Sheng WU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4610-4618
Microbial detection and control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are crucial for the quality control of TCM preparations. It is also a key area of research in the measurement technology and equipment development for TCM manufacturing. Guided by TCM manufacturing measurement methodologies, this study presented a design of a novel portable microbial detection device, using Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma decoction pieces as a demonstration. Immunomagnetic separation technology was employed for specific isolation and labeling of target microorganisms. Enzymatic signal amplification was utilized to convert weak biological signals into colorimetric signals, constructing an optical biosensor. A self-developed smartphone APP was further applied to analyze the colorimetric signals and quantify target concentrations. A portable and automated detection system based on Arduino microcontroller was developed to automatically perform target microbial separation/extraction, as well as mimetic enzyme labeling and catalytic reactions. The developed equipment specifically focuses on the rapid and quantitative microbial analysis of TCM active pharmaceutical ingredients, intermediates in TCM manufacturing, and final TCM products. Experimental results demonstrate that the equipment could detect Salmonella in samples within 2 h, with a detection limit as low as 5.1 × 10~3 CFU·mL~(-1). The equipment enables the rapid detection of microorganisms in TCM decoction pieces, providing a potential technical solution for on-site rapid screening of microbial contamination indicators in TCM. It has broad application prospects in measurement technology for TCM manufacturing and offers strong technical support for the modernization, industrialization, and intelligent development of TCM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis*
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Atractylodes/microbiology*
;
Rhizome/microbiology*
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Biosensing Techniques/methods*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
;
Colorimetry/instrumentation*
;
Quality Control


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