1.Regulatory Effect of Danhe Granules on Oxidative Stress in Rats with Mixed Hyperlipidemia
Jingke MENG ; Susu LIU ; Pan GAO ; Mingjiao JIA ; Bochao JIA ; Qingzheng XING ; Yulong CHEN ; Wei WANG ; Xinlou CHAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):112-122
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Danhe granules in treating mixed hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology, as well as animal and cell experiments. MethodsThe active compounds and targets of Danhe granules were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM). Related targets for mixed hyperlipidemia were obtained from the GeneCards database. The intersecting targets were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A high-fat model was established in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) induced by palmitic acid (PA), followed by intervention with Danhe granules to assess intracellular lipid accumulation and oxidative stress levels. A mixed hyperlipidemia rat model was also established and divided into low-, medium-, and high-dose Danhe granules groups (1.134, 2.268, and 4.536 g·kg-1, respectively), as well as a positive control group treated with pravastatin sodium (4.020 mg·kg-1). After eight weeks of intervention, serum lipid levels, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indices, and the expression of key hepatic lipid metabolism-related proteins were determined. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified 93 intersecting targets between Danhe granules and mixed hyperlipidemia, with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1B among the key nodes. The PPAR signaling pathway, AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were among the most significantly enriched pathways. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Danhe granules significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while increasing catalase (CAT) activity (P<0.05), thereby alleviating intracellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride (TG) content in HepG2. In animal experiments, Danhe granules markedly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), TG, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (P<0.05), reduced hepatic MDA levels, and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CAT levels. Histological analysis showed alleviation of hepatic steatosis, upregulation of hepatic PPARA and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expressions, and downregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhe granules improve lipid metabolism disorders in mixed hyperlipidemia by reducing MDA levels, enhancing SOD and CAT activities, scavenging excessive ROS, inhibiting oxidative stress, and mitigating liver injury. The underlying mechanism may involve the upregulation of PPARA and LPL and the suppression of SREBP1 expression.
2.Regulatory Effect of Danhe Granules on Oxidative Stress in Rats with Mixed Hyperlipidemia
Jingke MENG ; Susu LIU ; Pan GAO ; Mingjiao JIA ; Bochao JIA ; Qingzheng XING ; Yulong CHEN ; Wei WANG ; Xinlou CHAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):112-122
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Danhe granules in treating mixed hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology, as well as animal and cell experiments. MethodsThe active compounds and targets of Danhe granules were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM). Related targets for mixed hyperlipidemia were obtained from the GeneCards database. The intersecting targets were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. A high-fat model was established in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) induced by palmitic acid (PA), followed by intervention with Danhe granules to assess intracellular lipid accumulation and oxidative stress levels. A mixed hyperlipidemia rat model was also established and divided into low-, medium-, and high-dose Danhe granules groups (1.134, 2.268, and 4.536 g·kg-1, respectively), as well as a positive control group treated with pravastatin sodium (4.020 mg·kg-1). After eight weeks of intervention, serum lipid levels, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indices, and the expression of key hepatic lipid metabolism-related proteins were determined. ResultsNetwork pharmacology identified 93 intersecting targets between Danhe granules and mixed hyperlipidemia, with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1B among the key nodes. The PPAR signaling pathway, AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were among the most significantly enriched pathways. Cellular experiments demonstrated that Danhe granules significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while increasing catalase (CAT) activity (P<0.05), thereby alleviating intracellular lipid accumulation and triglyceride (TG) content in HepG2. In animal experiments, Danhe granules markedly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), TG, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (P<0.05), reduced hepatic MDA levels, and elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) and CAT levels. Histological analysis showed alleviation of hepatic steatosis, upregulation of hepatic PPARA and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expressions, and downregulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) expression (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionDanhe granules improve lipid metabolism disorders in mixed hyperlipidemia by reducing MDA levels, enhancing SOD and CAT activities, scavenging excessive ROS, inhibiting oxidative stress, and mitigating liver injury. The underlying mechanism may involve the upregulation of PPARA and LPL and the suppression of SREBP1 expression.
3.A case of special blood type with discrepancy between ABO genotype and serological results
Wenting JIA ; Wei ZHANG ; Limin CUI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):118-122
Objective: To analyze the cause of discrepancy between ABO genotype B102/O01 and serological results in one case by PCR-SSP, to clarify the serological characteristics of this special blood group, and to explore relevant blood transfusion strategies. Methods: Blood group serological tests were performed on blood donor in August and December 2024, including forward and reverse ABO typing using tube method, H antigen identification, direct anti-human globulin test by tube method, red blood cell absorption-elution test, and determination of ABH blood group substance in saliva. Exons 1-7 of the ABO gene were amplified by PCR-SSP and sequenced. Results: The two separate serological tests consistently identified the donor as having an A
B phenotype, but the results of gene sequencing indicated a B102/O01 genotype, showing an discrepancy between serological and genetic results. Conclusion: It is very likely that the blood type of the blood donor is B102/O01 with a microchimerism of type A, or an AB type masked by A type reference gene.
4.Analysis of individual external radiation dose monitoring results in non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City, China
Wei ZHANG ; Libo JIA ; Tanchun XIE ; Qing CHANG ; Qiqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(1):97-102
Objective To evaluate the levels and changes in occupational individual external radiation dose in non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City, and to provide a basis for radiation protection in such units. Methods Thermoluminescent dosimeters were used to monitor individual radiation doses among radiation workers in 38 non-medical nuclear utilization units in Nanning City. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results From 2021 to 2023, a total of
5.Short-term efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for persistent ocular hypertension in acute angle-closure glaucoma
Qiaoyun LI ; Yong JIA ; Baike ZHANG ; Xiaojing GUO ; Cong LU ; Xinli WEI ; Xuemin TIAN
International Eye Science 2026;26(4):706-710
AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-dose transscleral cyclophotocoagulation(TSCP)in the management of persistent ocular hypertension after an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS:This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with persistent ocular hypertension after an acute AACG attack at the No.988 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese PLA between September 2023 and September 2024. All patients underwent low-dose TSCP using a semiconductor diode laser. Subsequent cataract surgery combined with goniosynechialysis was performed once intraocular pressure(IOP)was stabilized. Changes in anterior chamber depth(ACD), best-corrected visual acuity(VA), and IOP were compared before and after TSCP, as well as before and after phacoemulsification. Post-TSCP complications were also documented.RESULTS: A total of 21 patients(21 eyes)were enrolled, including 8 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 67.95±7.25 y. Compared with pre-cyclophotocoagulation values, ACD increased significantly at 3 d post-TSCP(1.49±0.18 vs 1.22±0.21 mm; P<0.001). BCVA and IOP decreased significantly at 1 d post-TSCP, pre-phacoemulsification, 1 wk post-phacoemulsification, and 1 mo post-phacoemulsification compared with pre-TSCP IOP(all P<0.01). Regarding postoperative complications, 2 eyes experienced pain on the day of the procedure, 5 eyes developed mild corneal endothelial folds, 2 eyes exhibited moderate anterior chamber inflammatory reaction, and 12 eyes showed shallow ciliary body detachment. No serious complications occurred during the 1-month follow-up period.CONCLUSION:Low-dose TSCP appears to be an effective bridging therapy for patients with persistent ocular hypertension following an AACG attack. It facilitates rapid IOP reduction, alleviates symptoms, and helps preserve visual function with a favorable safety profile, thereby reducing the risks associated with subsequent intraocular surgery.
6.Key Issues and Research Ideas of Traditional Chinese Medicine Anti-aging Guided by Essence-Qi-spirit Theory of Qiluo Doctrine
Peipei JIN ; Liping CHANG ; Cong WEI ; Mengnan LI ; Hui QI ; Hongrong LI ; Yunlong HOU ; Zhenhua JIA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):240-246
Aging has emerged as a cutting edge and hotspot in global life science field, with anti-aging and geriatric disease prevention and treatment becoming critical issues urgently demanding solutions in international medical communities. In the face of the challenge of accelerating global population aging, in-depth exploration of aging mechanisms and the development of effective intervention strategies hold significant scientific and clinical value. This study supported by the national key research and development program of China, employed the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine as its guiding framework, focusing on the key scientific issue of the core traditional Chinese pathogenesis of aging, namely "depletion of kidney essence, deficiency of primordial Qi, and impairment of body and spirit". The treatment principle of "tonifying the kidney to replenish essence, harmonizing Yin and Yang, warming and invigorating primordial Qi, and nourishing the body and spirit" was established. Centered on holistic aging, systemic aging, and aging-related diseases, the research integrated multidisciplinary research approaches to construct multi-modal aging models and a multi-dimensional evaluation system, and it utilized multi-omics technologies to deeply analyze aging mechanisms. By systematically reviewing historical kidney-tonifying and anti-aging formulas and combining big data with artificial intelligence technologies, an information database of anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine substance was developed to reveal the differences and synergistic effects of various treatment methods and formulas on anti-aging. Based on this treatment method, the research integrated two millennia of kidney-tonifying medicinal experience to develop the innovative anti-aging traditional Chinese medicine, namely Bazhi Bushen capsules. It was validated that this capsule can delay holistic and systemic aging through multiple targets and mechanisms, thereby elucidating the scientific connotation of the essence-Qi-spirit theory of Qiluo doctrine in guiding anti-aging research from multiple dimensions and providing robust support for leveraging the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine to occupy the commanding heights of international anti-aging research.
7.Research and Outlook on The Application of Radar-based Non-contact Health Monitoring Technology
Jia-Bin ZHONG ; Qing ZHANG ; Shuai-Wei QIAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):982-999
Radar-based non-contact health monitoring technology (RBNHMT) has emerged as a transformative paradigm in continuous health sensing, enabling non-invasive and continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and behavioral patterns by transmitting electromagnetic waves, analyzing the reflected signals, and detecting subtle bodily movements—ranging from millimeter-scale chest wall displacements due to respiration to micro-scale vibrations associated with cardiac activity—ultimately transforming them into quantifiable health data. Distinguished by its non-contact operation, inherent privacy preservation, and adaptability to diverse scenarios, RBNHMT exhibits stronger resistance to environmental interference than conventional contact-based monitoring, and has solidified its position as a prominent and dynamic research focus in the field of non-contact health monitoring. Currently, significant and multifaceted progress has been made across several key areas. In human activity recognition (HAR), systems leveraging micro-Doppler signatures or point cloud sequences achieve high-precision detection of gait, gestures, and fall events, with state-of-the-art deep learning-based models achieving accuracy rates exceeding 99% in controlled experimental settings. For vital sign and sleep monitoring, it not only tracks respiratory and heart rates continuously but also extracts clinically relevant metrics such as heart rate variability (HRV) for autonomic nervous system assessment and estimates blood pressure through indirect methods like pulse transit time analysis, while maintaining robustness in dynamic settings through advanced motion compensation algorithms. In sleep monitoring, it further enables sleep posture classification and apnea event detection. In emotion and stress recognition, it provides a non-intrusive approach for psychological assessment by analyzing autonomic-response physiological signal patterns or behavioral features. Furthermore, its applications in auxiliary medical diagnosis have expanded to promising interdisciplinary areas such as non-contact heart sound auscultation, radar-based screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and emerging research into breast cancer detection using microwave and millimeter-wave imaging techniques. However, several challenges impede its practical deployment. Signal quality is significantly compromised by multipath interference in complex indoor environments and clutter from static objects, and by motion artifacts in dynamic scenarios where gross body movements obscure the subtle physiological signals. Algorithmically, separating signals from multiple targets in close proximity and calibrating for substantial individual physiological differences, such as body habitus, baseline vital signs, remain difficult and limit generalizability. Hardware design also faces the challenge of balancing power consumption, cost, integration, and performance, often requiring trade-offs that constrain miniaturization, battery life, or measurement sensitivity. Future advancement, therefore, requires collaborative and targeted innovation across multiple dimensions. Algorithmically, developing adaptive signal processing models based on emerging paradigms such as few-shot learning (for user-specific calibration with minimal data) and reinforcement learning (for dynamic noise suppression) is essential. At the hardware level, highly integrated radar SoCs with embedded processing capabilities and advanced packaging technologies are crucial for achieving the dual goals of device miniaturization and cost reduction without sacrificing performance. At the system level, fusing radar data with complementary modalities such as infrared and acoustic sensing can create a synergistic, multi-modal framework that significantly enhances perceptual robustness and reliability in complex, real-world environments. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis that systematically summarizes the relevant theoretical foundations and application progress, and offers an in-depth analysis of the current technical bottlenecks. It aims to provide a clear development path and a foundational academic reference for the in-depth integration and practical application of RBNHMT in critical scenarios including rehabilitation engineering, smart elderly care, in-vehicle health monitoring, and beyond, thereby offering innovative technical support for the vision of universal, proactive, and personalized health management.
8.Three-dimensional Electrical Impedance Tomography for Monitoring Gastric Hemorrhage
Zi-Han ZHAO ; Bo SUN ; Jing-Shi HUANG ; Zhi-Wei LI ; Yang WU ; Nan LI ; Jia-Feng YAO ; Tong ZHAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1062-1075
ObjectiveGastric hemorrhage is one of the most common and life-threatening emergencies of the upper digestive tract. Early identification and continuous monitoring are essential for reducing rebleeding rates and mortality, particularly within the critical early hours after onset. Although endoscopy and radiological imaging can accurately localize bleeding sites, these approaches are invasive, resource-intensive, and unsuitable for continuous bedside monitoring. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT), as a noninvasive and radiation-free functional imaging technique, offers real-time visualization of conductivity distribution and has the potential for detecting intragastric bleeding based on the electrical contrast between blood and surrounding gastric tissues. In this study, a three-dimensional gastric EIT (3D-gEIT) framework is proposed to achieve noninvasive, real-time, and dynamic monitoring of gastric hemorrhage, with emphasis on spatial localization and quantitative volume assessment. MethodsA three-dimensional upper-abdominal simulation model incorporating the stomach, gastric wall, gastric contents, and surrounding tissues was established. Three electrode configurations, namely the dual layer ring, the four layer staggered ring, and the opposed dual plane array, were designed and systematically compared to evaluate their influence on depth sensitivity and spatial resolution. Based on the Tikhonov-Noser hybrid regularization scheme, a region-clustering constraint was introduced to develop the TK-Noser-RCC algorithm. This approach aggregates spatially adjacent elements with similar conductivity variations, thereby enhancing structural continuity and suppressing isolated noise artifacts. To validate the proposed framework, an upper-abdominal physical phantom was constructed using agar to simulate background tissue conductivity. Hemispherical high-conductivity inclusions with volumes ranging from 10 ml to 50 ml were attached to the inner gastric wall to mimic localized bleeding under different gastric filling states. Boundary voltages were acquired under a 120 kHz excitation current and reconstructed using the TK-Noser-RCC algorithm. Furthermore, an in vivo animal experiment was performed using a porcine model with adult-scale abdominal dimensions. A total of 100 ml of autologous blood was injected incrementally into the stomach to simulate progressive gastric hemorrhage, and time-difference EIT reconstruction was conducted at each injection stage to assess the dynamic system response under physiological conditions. ResultsSimulation results demonstrated that the opposed dual-plane electrode array achieved superior depth sensitivity distribution and spatial resolution. For a 40 ml hemorrhage model, the average ICC and SSIM improved by 55.9% and 38.8% compared with the dual-layer ring configuration, and by 64.0% and 39.5% compared with the four-layer staggered configuration. The proposed region-clustering constraint significantly enhanced reconstruction stability. Under added Gaussian noise of 40 dB and 30 dB, ICC values remained approximately 0.85, indicating effective artifact suppression and preservation of boundary integrity. In physical phantom experiments, reconstructed hemorrhage volumes increased approximately linearly with the preset hemispherical volumes, and the reconstructed high-conductivity regions closely matched the actual bleeding locations. Both empty-stomach and full-stomach conditions were evaluated, demonstrating that the opposed dual-plane configuration maintained stable imaging performance across varying gastric contents. In the animal experiment, reconstructed low-impedance regions expanded progressively with increasing injected blood volume. The spatial localization of the hemorrhage remained stable throughout the procedure, and no significant artifacts were observed. Quantitative analysis showed that reconstructed volume and average conductivity variation exhibited an approximately linear growth trend with injected blood volume, confirming the sensitivity of the system to dynamic intragastric conductivity changes. ConclusionThe proposed 3D-gEIT framework enables quantitative reconstruction of gastric hemorrhage volume and spatial distribution with improved depth sensitivity, structural continuity, and noise robustness compared with conventional EIT approaches. By integrating optimized electrode configuration and a region-clustering-constrained reconstruction algorithm, the system provides stable dynamic monitoring under both controlled phantom conditions and in vivo physiological environments. This method offers a noninvasive, real-time, and low-cost imaging strategy for early diagnosis, postoperative monitoring, and bedside surveillance of gastric bleeding.
9.Effect of Oral Sodium Butyrate on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy via The Gut-muscle Axis in Antibiotic-pretreated CT26 Tumor-bearing Mice and Its Mechanism
Shu-Ling ZHANG ; Jun-Wei WANG ; Shi-Liang HU ; Tu-Tu WANG ; Shun-Chang LI ; Jia FAN ; Jun-Zhi SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):724-739
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of oral sodium butyrate on skeletal muscle atrophy in CT26 tumor mice through the gut microbiota-skeletal muscle axis and its potential mechanism. MethodsSixty SPF BALB/c male mice aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into a normal control group (NC, n=18) and a ABX-depleted group (ABX, n=42). The ABX mice were pretreated with a quadruple antibiotic cocktail via oral gavage (0.2 ml per administration, once daily, 6 d per week, for 2 weeks), whereas NC received an equal volume of sterile water. The quadruple antibiotic cocktail consisted of metronidazole (1 g/L), vancomycin (0.5 g/L), ampicillin (1 g/L), and gentamicin (1 g/L). Following successful pretreatment, six mice from each group were randomly selected for gut microbiota sequencing analysis and designated as the Abx group and the NC0 group, respectively. Theremaining mice in ABX were subcutaneously inoculated in the dorsum with 0.2 ml of CT26 cell suspension (at a cell density of 1×107/ml). Then these mice were randomly allocated into three subgroups: a control tumor bearing model group (0_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving low-dose oral sodium butyrate (L_NaB, n=12), a tumor-bearing model group receiving high-dose oral sodium butyrate (H_NaB, n=12). And mice in NC were inoculated at the same site with 0.2 ml of normal saline. The administration dose for L_NaB was 0.3 g/(kg·d), that for H_NaB was 0.5 g/(kg·d), while NC and 0_NaB were given the same volume of normal saline (0.2ml per time, once daily, 6 d per week, for 4 weeks). The general condition of mice was monitored, and forelimb grip strength gastrocnemius muscle mass and its muscle fiber cross-sectional area were measured for each group. The structural changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of cecal contents. Pathological alterations in the intestinal wall were examined via HE staining. Serum and gastrocnemius muscle levels of TNF‑α, IL-6, IL-1β, and LPS were quantified using ELISA. The protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin in the small intestine, as well as proteins associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in the gastrocnemius muscle, were detected by Western blot analysis. Results(1) The alpha-diversity in Abx was significantly lower than that in NC0 (P<0.01), a significant decrease of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius (P<0.01), with the majority of gut microbiota being effectively depleted. (2) Compared with NC, the subcutaneous tumors of mice in 0_NaB were prominent, a significant increase of the mass and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius, accompanied by a significant decrease in body weight at the end of the 3th and 4th week (P<0.05), and a significant weakening of the forelimb grasping strength at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.01). Compared with 0_NaB, the tumor mass of mice in L_NaB and H_NaB showed a significant decreasing trend, and the grip strength of the forelimbs significantly increased at the 5th and 6th week (P<0.05, P<0.01). (3) Compared with 0_NaB, the Shannon and Observed species indices in α diversity of L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.05). At the genus level, compared with 0_NaB, L_NaB exhibited a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Parasutterella (P< 0.01), while H_NaB showed significant reductions in the relative abundances of both Escherichia-Shigella and Parasutterella (P < 0.01). (4) Compared with 0_NaB, the small intestinal tissue structure in L_NaB and H_NaB was more intact, the infiltration of inflammatory cells was significantly reduced, and the capillaries were slightly dilated. The expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin proteins in L_NaB were significantly increased (P<0.01). (5) The LPS concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle and the protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, p-IκBα, and p-NF‑κB p65 in L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05). The serum TNF‑α concentration in H_NaB and TNF-α concentration in the gastrocnemius muscle of the L_NaB and H_NaB were significantly lower than those in 0_NaB (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01). ConclusionOral administration of NaB can improve gut microbiota α diversity, adjusting its composition, improving intestinal mucosal barrier function, reducing the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory response, and delaying skeletal muscle atrophy. The underlying mechanism may involve down regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling in skeletal muscle.
10.Effect of Microorganisms on The Spoilage of Donkey Hides From Different Regions
Meng ZHANG ; Qiu-Mei LI ; Jia-Wei KANG ; Jie YU ; Xia LI ; Yue YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):754-766
ObjectiveDonkey hide is the sole legally designated raw material for the preparation of the traditional Chinese medicine Ejiao. The quality stability of donkey hide during preservation directly determines the efficacy and safety of Ejiao. This study focuses on the dynamic succession of microbial communities during the preservation of donkey hides from different origins, aiming to clarify the correlation between microbial biodiversity difference and the degradation profiles of hide collagen and critical biochemical components, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for developing targeted preservation strategies based on microbial regulation. MethodsDonkey hides originating from four different regions were subjected to an accelerated microbial aging assay to simulate the spoilage process. The microbial community succession was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. Microstructure changes and pore structure characteristics were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry, respectively. Additionally, the content of major components, including lipids, proteins, and sugars were determined by biochemical methods. ResultsAfter 96 h of aging, the collagen fiber structure in Africa donkey hides (ADH) exhibited significant degradation and collapse, followed by Xinjiang donkey hides (XDH). Instead, the microstructure of Dong’e black donkey hides (DDH) and Peru donkey hides (PDH) remained relatively intact. The porosities of DDH, XDH, PDH, and ADH increased from 27.9%, 15.7%, 30.3%, and 46.2% to 36.5%, 52.6%, 42.8%, and 57.7%, respectively, during the aging process, which suggested that the originally compact fiber structure was disrupted by microbial aging. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis revealed the amide bands in XDH exhibited relatively weak intensity, and no collagen amide I band was observed in ADH. Meanwhile, the lipid and protein contents decreased in all four types of donkey hides, indicating that these components served as the primary nutrient sources for the growth of microorganism. Notably, the most severe collagen degradation was observed in XDH and ADH. A substantial increase was detected in the total soluble sugar in PDH aging solution and hydroxyproline in the ADH aging solution, respectively. These results indicated that donkey hides exhibit distinct patterns of structural degradation and nutrient utilization. Furthermore, the viable cells number of donkey hides increased sharply after 48 h of aging. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance of Euryarchaeota in ADH, PDH and XDH declining from initial 93.19%, 97.73% and 30.08% to 0.79%, 1.43% and 0.02% after 96 h, respectively. Conversely, a significantly increase was observed in the abundance of Bacillota, with a marked increase in ADH, peaking at 92.75%. Additionally, the abundance of Pseudomonadota in PDH increased from 0.10% to 87.84%, suggesting that Bacillota and Pseudomonadota may be key factors exacerbating donkey hide spoilage. Unlike the other three types of donkey hides, the dominant bacterial phylum in DDH shifted from Pseudomonadota to Bacteroidota, characterized by a substantial abundance increase of Bacteroidota from 0.13% to 44.22%. ConclusionRegional variation in origin significantly influence the microbial aging of donkey hides, leading to distinct patterns of structural deterioration and differential nutrient utilization. Therefore, implementing origin-specific preservation strategies, through the precisely controlling environmental factors to suppress harmful phyla such as Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, is crucial for enhancing the storage quality of donkey hides.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail