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.Effects of Danzhi Jiangtang capsules on myocardial injury of db/db mice based on NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis
Nuo-bing RUAN ; Jin-ju LI ; Qi XU ; Jia-wen JING ; Jia-rong GAO ; Zhao-hui FANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):786-792
Aim To investigate the possible mechanism of the myocardial protective effect of Danzhi Jiangtang capsules(DJC)on db/db mice based on NLRP3 in-flammasome-mediated pyroptosis.Methods The db/db mice were randomly divided into the model group,DJC low,medium,and high dose groups,and the met-formin group,and the db/m mice were taken as the blank group.The administration lasted for eightweeks.At the end of drug administration,blood glucose,blood lipids,cardiac enzymes and inflammatory factors were detected in each group of mice.HE and Masson stai-ning was performed to observe the morphology and fi-brosis of myocardial tissue.TUNEL staining was per-formed to detect apoptosis.RT-qPCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of ANP,BNP and β-MHC,and Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,cleaved-caspase-1,GSDMD and GSDMD-NT in myocardial tis-sue.Results DJC could alleviate myocardial patho-logical damage,reduce collagen deposition and apopto-sis,reduce the levels of blood glucose,blood lipid,myo-cardial enzyme and inflammatory factors in db/db mice.DJC could reduce the mRNA expressions of ANP,BNP and β-MHC,and the protein expressions of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,cleavedcaspase-1,GSDMD and GSDMD-NT in myocardial tissues.Conclusion DJC attenuates myocardial injury in db/db mice,prob-ably by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflamma-somes,attenuating cardiomyocyte pyroptosis,and amel-iorating the inflammatory state.
4.Correlation of ARID5B Gene Polymorphism and Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Minimal Residual Disease.
Yu MA ; Ya-Dai GAO ; Jing GUO ; Xiao-Min ZHENG ; Xiao-Chun ZHANG
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(5):1269-1273
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ARID5B gene and the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and minimal residual disease (MRD) in children of Hui and Han nationality in Ningxia.
METHODS:
In this case-control study, 54 ALL children and control group with matched age, sex and nationality were detected for the polymorphism of ARID5B gene using fluorescence resonance energy transfer technique, and the susceptibility of different ALL genotypes and their correlation with MRD were analyzed.
RESULTS:
There were no significant differences in genotype and allele frequency of rs10994982, rs7089424, rs10740055, rs7073837, rs4245595 and rs7090445 between the two groups (P >0.05). At the locus of rs10821936, the frequencies of T/T genotype and T allele in ALL group were significantly higher than those in the control group (both P < 0.05). The C/C genotype of ARID5B gene SNP rs10821936 was a risk factor for early MRD positive in ALL children ( P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
ARID5B gene SNP rs10821936 is related to the development of childhood ALL and MRD.
Humans
;
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/genetics*
;
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
;
Case-Control Studies
;
Neoplasm, Residual/genetics*
;
DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics*
;
Transcription Factors/genetics*
;
Genotype
;
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
;
Gene Frequency
;
Child
;
Male
;
Female
;
Alleles
;
Risk Factors
;
Child, Preschool
5.Study on the characteristics and mechanisms of skin damage in mice after high-voltage electric shock based on metabolomics
Xiao YANG ; Ping DENG ; Si-yu CHEN ; Jing-dian LI ; Hui WANG ; Yang YUE ; Zheng-ping YU ; Peng GAO ; Hui-feng PI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(5):379-385
Objective To study the damage effect of high-voltage electric shock on skin based on metabolomics,analyze its metabolic differences,and explore its injury mechanism.Methods A total of 16 SPF C57BL/6J male mice were divided into the electric shock group(head skin received electric shock treatment)and control group(head skin received electric shock acoustic-optical stimulation),and the skin appearance after treatment of mice in the two groups was observed.The histopathological changes caused by electric shock were analyzed by HE staining,EVG staining and Masson staining.GC-MS and LC-MS metabonomics were used to analyze the changes of skin metabolism spectrum and tissue metabolites after electric shock exposure,and the differential metabolites were analyzed.The obtained differential metabolites were combined and KEGG enrichment analysis was conducted.Results After high-voltage electric shock,the skin of mice could be damaged to the dermis,and the epidermis was partially thickened,lifted and separated.The structure of skin appendages in the dermis was destroyed,with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating and obvious swelling,accompanied by congestion,which led to severe skin inflammatory reaction and impaired skin barrier function.Metabonomics analysis suggested that the metabolites changed after electric shock exposure.KEGG enrichment analysis showed that electric shock significantly affected the central carbon metabolism pathway of cancer,pentose phosphate pathway,purine metabolism,glycine,serine and threonine metabolism processes,amino acid tRNA biosynthesis mechanism,glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway,pyrimidine metabolism pattern,glycolysis/gluconeogenesis,alanine metabolism process,glucagon signal pathway and so on.Conclusion High voltage electric shock can cause deep skin damage,disturb its energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism,and seriously interfere with its antioxidant and DNA repair system functions.
6.Mechanical properties of solid-liquid biphase fiber-reinforced cartilage in developmental dysplasia of hip patients
Yongchang GAO ; Pengfei CHEN ; Zhenxian CHEN ; Jing WEI ; Zhe DONG ; Hui LI ; Zhifeng ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(21):4439-4444
BACKGROUND:Developmental dysplasia of hip causes groin pain in patients with prolonged activity or standing due to the presence of deformities of the acetabulum and femoral head in terms of structure,size and orientation,and if not effectively treated,patients' normal activities will be severely limited.OBJECTIVE:Finite element model of the hip joint of solid-liquid biphase fiber reinforced cartilage based on FEBio was established to explore the biomechanical properties of the cartilage for patients with developmental dysplasia of hip and the normal hip joint.METHODS:A patient with developmental dysplasia of hip and a normal volunteer were chosen to build their left hip models including left pelvis,left femur,and cartilage attached thereto. The solid-liquid biphase fiber reinforced cartilage of normal hip was verified to be effective. The cartilage equal contact stress,fluid pressure,solid effective stress,and fluid support rate differences between the developmental dysplasia of hip patients hip and the normal one in the case of one leg of static load (2130 N) were compared after establishing finite element models of developmental dysplasia of hip patients.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Compared with the finite element results of the normal hip model,the cartilage contact position of developmental hip dysplasia patient hip showed obvious edge contact,the peak contact stress (3.86 Mpa) and peak fluid pressure (3.76 Mpa) were both higher than normal hip model. (2) After 1500 s (stable load-bearing capacity),peak contact stress and peak fluid pressure in both models decreased,but the cartilage contact position of developmental hip dysplasia patient hip moved from the edge of cartilage to the center,and fluid support rate decreased from 97.41% to 91.08%. The fluid support rate in normal hip was decreased by 0.58% from 95.24% to 94.66%. (3) It is indicated that under the physiological load of standing on one leg,the cartilage of developmental dysplasia of hip patients showed obvious edge load,and the decrease of peak contact stress,fluid pressure,and fluid formation rate was greater than that of normal cartilage. Considering the solid-liquid biphasic fiber reinforcement characteristics of cartilage,it is of great clinical significance to evaluate the biomechanical properties of hip cartilage in developmental dysplasia of hip patients,to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of developmental dysplasia of hip,and make preoperative plan.
7.Brain removal through a fenestration on the external occipital protuberance
Tao YANG ; Zhi-hao WU ; Bing-zhi LIU ; Shuang-fei YU ; Hui-ting LAN ; Zhuan GAO ; Yu-ying LANG ; Jing LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(2):166-167
Objective A new occipital bone removal technology was applied to improve the success rate of brain removal.Methods The skull was sawed based on the traditional brain removal technology,and part of the occipital bone was removed downward centered in external occipital protuberance to the foramen magnum,then exposed the telencephalon,cerebellum and posterior medulla oblongata.After that,removed the tentorium cerebelli and cut down the medulla oblongata and the related cranial nerves at the skull base,then removed the brain tissues.Results The removed brain tissues had structurally intact telencephalon,cerebellum and brain stem,clear vessels in the cerebral sulci,and relatively intact optic chiasm,olfactory tracts and vertebro-basilar arteries.Conclusion Brain removal through a fenestration on the external occipital protuberance can effectively preserve the integrity of brain specimens,and improve the success rate of brain removal,which is of great significance for central nervous system teaching and improvement of human brain tissue repositories.
8.Role and mechanism of DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by Echinococcus alveolar infection
Jin GAO ; Tao SUN ; Mulati MUKEXINA ; Xiaolong HE ; Jing SHI ; Liang LI ; Ning YANG ; Jin CHU ; Xue ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Guodong LYU ; Renyong LIN ; Xiaojuan BI ; Qingyong GUO
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(2):298-304
To investigate the role of the DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by alveolar cyst infection,a murine model was established using C57BL/6 mice via hepatic portal vein injection.Liver histopathological changes were assessed using HE staining,while immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the expression levels of nestin and DPP4 in infected mouse livers.In vitro,J S1 cell line was stimulated with recombinant DPP4 protein to es-tablish a cellular model,and qPCR,Western blot,and shRNA lentivirus interference techniques were utilized to examine the involvement of the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation.The findings demonstrated that compared to the Sham group,liver tissue structure disruption and collagen deposition were evident along with significantly increased expressions of nestin and DPP4(P<0.050 0),which colocalized with nesin and α-SMA.Furthermore,stimulation with recombi-nant DPP4 protein significantly enhanced JS1 cell activation(P<0.050 0)as well as upregulated nestin expression(P<0.050 0)when compared to control group cells.Notably,shRNA lentivirus-mediated inhibition of nestin expression effectively suppressed the activating effects exerted by re-combinant DPP4 protein on JS1 cells(P<0.050 0).Collectively,these results highlight the crucial regulatory role played by the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation triggered by alveo-lar infection;thus,targeting this axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating alveo-lar infection-induced liver fibrosis.
9.Observation of Ultrasound Changes and Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Compound Betamethasone Injection in the Treatment of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Acute Gouty Arthritis
Hui ZHOU ; Bin ZHANG ; Wen-juan GAO ; Yu-ling ZHANG ; Jing-jing MA ; Ming LI
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(16):2608-2614
Objective:To explore the ultrasound changes,clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided compound betamethasone injection in the treatment of first metatarsophalangeal joint(MTP1)in acute gouty arthritis.Methods:This study was a prospective randomized controlled trial,71 patients diagnosed with MTP1 in acute gouty arthritis in Weifang People's Hospital from June 2022 to June 2024 were selected,they were divided into puncture treatment group of 36 cases and oral medication group of 35 cases according to the random number table method.The puncture treatment group was treated with ultrasound-guided compound betamethasone injection,and the oral medication group was treated with etocoxib combined with colchicine.Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),inflammatory indicators[erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP)],and semi-quantitative scores of musculoskeletal ultrasound of the two groups were compared,and the medication safety of the two groups was observed.Result:1,3 and 7 days after treatment,VAS score in the puncture treatment group decreased significantly compared with that in the oral medication group(P<0.05).7 days after treatment,ESR and CRP in the puncture treatment group decreased more significantly,and semi-quantitative scores of musculoskeletal ultrasound showed that the improvement of joint effusion,synovial hyperplasia and blood flow signal was better than that in the oral medication group(P<0.05).All 36 cases of puncture were successful at the first attempt without complications.Conclusion:Ultrasound-guided compound betamethasone injection in the treatment of MTP1 in acute gouty arthritis has a high success rate,it can rapidly reduce inflammation,relieve pain,restore joint function,and is safe to operate,it can be used as an effective treatment option.
10.Animal Models of Carotid Vulnerable Plaques Based on Clinical Disease and Syndrome Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE ; Ziyi WANG ; Suwen CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Jing GAO ; Peihao WANG ; Junqiao AN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):235-240
The rupture of carotid vulnerable plaques is the core pathological basis for major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, the insufficient alignment between existing animal models and the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine has limited research progress. In this study, biomedical databases in China and abroad were systematically searched, and the modeling mechanisms and evaluation systems of carotid vulnerable plaque animal models were systematically assessed based on diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine. Analysis of the clinical correspondence indicated that existing animal models can be categorized into four types: simple high-fat diet, surgical induction combined with high-fat feeding, genetic engineering combined with high-fat feeding, and drug induction combined with high-fat feeding. Among these, the compound strategy of surgical induction combined with high-fat feeding has become the current mainstream approach, showing good concordance with western medicine. The study found that the double balloon injury rabbit model and the ApoE-/- mouse carotid artery tandem constriction combined with high-fat feeding model demonstrated a high degree of clinical correspondence with both traditional Chinese and western medicine in terms of vulnerable plaque imaging and pathological features. Nevertheless, existing models still face significant technical limitations in faithfully simulating plaque pathology and in translating findings to clinical applications. To address these challenges, integrating complex comorbidity mechanism construction, multimodal dynamic mechanism monitoring, and collaborative evaluation systems of traditional Chinese and western medicine could enable the development of highly concordant carotid vulnerable plaque disease-syndrome combination animal models. Such models would provide a reproducible experimental platform for targeted drug development to regulate plaque stability and for individualized precision treatment, as well as a theoretical basis for innovation in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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