1.Construction and Practice Evaluation of an Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Postoperative Rehabilitation Teaching Model Supported by MedOncoGPT
Can BAI ; Zi-Jian WU ; Xian-Jun HAN ; Yuan GAO ; Yong TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1264-1278
ObjectiveTo enhance teaching in postoperative cancer rehabilitation, this study developed an integrative Chinese-Western medicine postoperative oncology rehabilitation system, termed the medical oncology generative pre-trained transformer (MedOncoGPT). By introducing MedOncoGPT as an intelligent assistant, an integrated teaching model combining Chinese and Western medicine was established. The study evaluated its impact on students’ integrative clinical reasoning and practical abilities, providing support for instructional reform in related courses. MethodsUsing teaching resources as the knowledge base, MedOncoGPT was built upon the open-source ChatGLM model and incorporated Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques to address postoperative integrative oncology scenarios. The system was applied in courses and clinical clerkships related to integrative oncology. In alignment with course objectives, a five-stage instructional process—pre-class preparation, in-class inquiry, simulated multidisciplinary consultation, clinical reinforcement, and teaching reflection—was designed to guide students in completing syndrome differentiation, comprehensive assessment, and follow-up planning within real or simulated case contexts. Comparative analyses of student engagement, syndrome differentiation thinking, evidence-based awareness, and interdisciplinary integration skills before and after the teaching reform were conducted using questionnaires, course assessments, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews. ResultsFollowing the implementation of MedOncoGPT, students demonstrated improved performance in case analysis, prescription formulation, and integrative Chinese-Western medical evaluation compared with those receiving traditional instruction. Classroom participation and the relevance of student inquiries also increased. Self-assessment results indicated high levels of satisfaction with respect to clarity of integrative clinical reasoning, ability to retrieve and apply guideline-based evidence, and awareness of appropriate use of intelligent tools in clinical decision-making. More than 92% of students reported that the system facilitated understanding of abstract theoretical concepts presented in textbooks. Instructors noted that the system helped reduce lesson preparation time, enriched typical case materials and discussion scenarios, and promoted the translation of research findings into classroom teaching. Pilot data showed that, with MedOncoGPT assistance, the mean time for initial syndrome differentiation decreased from 18.4 min to 12.1 min, and the agreement rate increased from 68.3% to 82.5%. In the teaching pilot, the experimental group achieved a higher mean score on the final case analysis assessment than the control group (82.6 vs. 74.3). ConclusionThe integration of MedOncoGPT into teaching on postoperative integrative cancer rehabilitation enabled the establishment of a stable instructional process within existing curricula and enhanced students’ integrative clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice capabilities. The approach demonstrates positive potential for advancing the integration of research, clinical practice, and education and represents a valuable exploratory strategy for instructional reform in courses on integrative Chinese-Western medicine.
2.Construction and Practice Evaluation of an Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Postoperative Rehabilitation Teaching Model Supported by MedOncoGPT
Can BAI ; Zi-Jian WU ; Xian-Jun HAN ; Yuan GAO ; Yong TANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1264-1278
ObjectiveTo enhance teaching in postoperative cancer rehabilitation, this study developed an integrative Chinese-Western medicine postoperative oncology rehabilitation system, termed the medical oncology generative pre-trained transformer (MedOncoGPT). By introducing MedOncoGPT as an intelligent assistant, an integrated teaching model combining Chinese and Western medicine was established. The study evaluated its impact on students’ integrative clinical reasoning and practical abilities, providing support for instructional reform in related courses. MethodsUsing teaching resources as the knowledge base, MedOncoGPT was built upon the open-source ChatGLM model and incorporated Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) fine-tuning and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques to address postoperative integrative oncology scenarios. The system was applied in courses and clinical clerkships related to integrative oncology. In alignment with course objectives, a five-stage instructional process—pre-class preparation, in-class inquiry, simulated multidisciplinary consultation, clinical reinforcement, and teaching reflection—was designed to guide students in completing syndrome differentiation, comprehensive assessment, and follow-up planning within real or simulated case contexts. Comparative analyses of student engagement, syndrome differentiation thinking, evidence-based awareness, and interdisciplinary integration skills before and after the teaching reform were conducted using questionnaires, course assessments, classroom observations, and semi-structured interviews. ResultsFollowing the implementation of MedOncoGPT, students demonstrated improved performance in case analysis, prescription formulation, and integrative Chinese-Western medical evaluation compared with those receiving traditional instruction. Classroom participation and the relevance of student inquiries also increased. Self-assessment results indicated high levels of satisfaction with respect to clarity of integrative clinical reasoning, ability to retrieve and apply guideline-based evidence, and awareness of appropriate use of intelligent tools in clinical decision-making. More than 92% of students reported that the system facilitated understanding of abstract theoretical concepts presented in textbooks. Instructors noted that the system helped reduce lesson preparation time, enriched typical case materials and discussion scenarios, and promoted the translation of research findings into classroom teaching. Pilot data showed that, with MedOncoGPT assistance, the mean time for initial syndrome differentiation decreased from 18.4 min to 12.1 min, and the agreement rate increased from 68.3% to 82.5%. In the teaching pilot, the experimental group achieved a higher mean score on the final case analysis assessment than the control group (82.6 vs. 74.3). ConclusionThe integration of MedOncoGPT into teaching on postoperative integrative cancer rehabilitation enabled the establishment of a stable instructional process within existing curricula and enhanced students’ integrative clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice capabilities. The approach demonstrates positive potential for advancing the integration of research, clinical practice, and education and represents a valuable exploratory strategy for instructional reform in courses on integrative Chinese-Western medicine.
3.Effect and mechanism of BYL-719 on Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced differentiation of abnormal osteoclasts
Jun ZHANG ; Jian GUO ; Qiyu JIA ; Lili TANG ; Xi WANG ; Abudusalamu·Alimujiang ; Tong WU ; Maihemuti·Yakufu ; Chuang MA
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):355-362
BACKGROUND:The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating osteoclast activation,which is essential for maintaining bone homeostasis.Bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis is caused by aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.However,the role of the PI3K signaling pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced aberrant osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor BYL-719 on aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were infected with bovine Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacillus calmette-cuerin vaccine,and Ag85B was used for cellular immunofluorescence staining.The cell counting kit-8 assay was employed to determine the safe concentration of BYL-719.There were four groups in the experiment:blank control group,BYL-719 group,BCG group,and BCG+BYL-719 group.Under the induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand,the effects of BYL-719 on post-infection osteoclast differentiation and fusion were explored through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and phalloidin staining.RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of osteoclast-related genes and proteins,and further investigate the mechanism of action. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Immunofluorescence staining showed that RAW264.7 cells phagocytosed Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Cell counting kit-8 data indicated that 40 nmol/L BYL-719 was non-toxic to cells.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and phalloidin staining showed that BYL-719 inhibited the generation and fusion ability of osteoclasts following infection.RT-PCR and western blot results also indicated that BYL-719 suppressed the upregulation of osteoclast-specific genes(including c-Fos,NFATc1,matrix metalloproteinase 9,and CtsK)induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection(P<0.05).Western blot and immunofluorescence staining revealed that BYL-719 inhibited excessive osteoclast differentiation induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis by downregulating the expression of IκBα-p65.To conclude,BYL-719 inhibits aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis through the downregulation of IκBα/p65.Therefore,the IκBα/p65 signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for osteoarticular tuberculosis,and BYL-719 holds potential value for the preventing and amelioration of bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis.BYL-719 has the potential to prevent and ameliorate bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis.
4.Effect of Maxing Loushi Decoction on Inflammatory Factors, Immune Function, and PD-1/PD-L1 Signaling Pathway in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Phlegm Turbidity Obstructing Lung Syndrome
Yuexin SHI ; Zhi YAO ; Jun YAN ; Caijun WU ; Li LI ; Yuanzhen JIAN ; Guangming ZHENG ; Yanchen CAO ; Haifeng GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):143-150
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Maxing Loushi decoction in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome, and to investigate its effects on inflammatory factors, immune function, and the programmed death-1(PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathway. MethodsA randomized controlled study was conducted, enrolling 90 hospitalized patients with AECOPD and phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome in the Respiratory and Emergency Departments of Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from April 2024 to December 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group using a random number table, with 45 patients in each group. The control group received conventional Western medical treatment, while the observation group received additional Maxing Loushi decoction for 14 days. Clinical efficacy, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), serum inflammatory factors, T lymphocyte subsets, and serum PD-1/PD-L1 levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsThe total clinical effective rate was 78.57% (33/42) in the control group and 95.35% (41/43) in the observation group, with the observation group showing significantly higher efficacy than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in CAT and mMRC scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significant increases in 6MWT compared to baseline (P<0.01). The observation group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the control group in this regard. Levels of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with greater reductions in the observation group (P<0.05, P<0.01). CD8+ levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels were significantly increased in both groups after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), with more significant improvements observed in the observation group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum PD-1 levels were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and PD-L1 levels were increased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), with more pronounced changes in the observation group (P<0.05). ConclusionMaxing Loushi decoction demonstrates definite therapeutic efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for patients with AECOPD and phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome. It contributes to reducing serum inflammatory factors, improving immune function, and regulating the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway.
5.Effect of Maxing Loushi Decoction on Inflammatory Factors, Immune Function, and PD-1/PD-L1 Signaling Pathway in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Phlegm Turbidity Obstructing Lung Syndrome
Yuexin SHI ; Zhi YAO ; Jun YAN ; Caijun WU ; Li LI ; Yuanzhen JIAN ; Guangming ZHENG ; Yanchen CAO ; Haifeng GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):143-150
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Maxing Loushi decoction in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome, and to investigate its effects on inflammatory factors, immune function, and the programmed death-1(PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathway. MethodsA randomized controlled study was conducted, enrolling 90 hospitalized patients with AECOPD and phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome in the Respiratory and Emergency Departments of Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from April 2024 to December 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group using a random number table, with 45 patients in each group. The control group received conventional Western medical treatment, while the observation group received additional Maxing Loushi decoction for 14 days. Clinical efficacy, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), serum inflammatory factors, T lymphocyte subsets, and serum PD-1/PD-L1 levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultsThe total clinical effective rate was 78.57% (33/42) in the control group and 95.35% (41/43) in the observation group, with the observation group showing significantly higher efficacy than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.136, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in CAT and mMRC scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and significant increases in 6MWT compared to baseline (P<0.01). The observation group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the control group in this regard. Levels of inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with greater reductions in the observation group (P<0.05, P<0.01). CD8+ levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels were significantly increased in both groups after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), with more significant improvements observed in the observation group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum PD-1 levels were reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and PD-L1 levels were increased significantly in both groups after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), with more pronounced changes in the observation group (P<0.05). ConclusionMaxing Loushi decoction demonstrates definite therapeutic efficacy as an adjunctive treatment for patients with AECOPD and phlegm turbidity obstructing lung syndrome. It contributes to reducing serum inflammatory factors, improving immune function, and regulating the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway.
6.Clinical Safety Monitoring of 3 035 Cases of Juvenile Feilike Mixture After Marketing in Hospital
Jian ZHU ; Zhong WANG ; Jing LIU ; Jun LIU ; Wei YANG ; Yanan YU ; Hongli WU ; Sha ZHOU ; Zhiyu PAN ; Guang WU ; Mengmeng WU ; Zhiwei JING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):194-200
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical safety of Feilike Mixture (FLK) in the real world. MethodsThe safety of all children who received FLK from 29 institutions in 12 provinces between January 21,2021 and December 25,2021 was evaluated through prospective centralized surveillance and a nested case control study. ResultsA total of 3 035 juveniles were included. There were 29 research centers involved,which are distributed across 12 provinces,including one traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital and 28 general hospitals. The average age among the juveniles was (4.77±3.56) years old,and the average weight was (21.81±12.97) kg. Among them,119 cases (3.92%) of juveniles had a history of allergies. Acute bronchitis was the main diagnosis for juveniles,with 1 656 cases (54.46%). FLK was first used in 2 016 cases (66.43%),and 142 juvenile patients had special dosages,accounting for 4.68%. Among them,92 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurred,including 73 cases of gastrointestinal system disorders,10 cases of metabolic and nutritional disorders,eight cases of skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases,two cases of vascular and lymphatic disorders,and one case of systemic diseases and various reactions at the administration site. The manifestations of ADRs were mainly diarrhea,stool discoloration,and vomiting,and no serious ADRs occurred. The results of multi-factor analysis indicated that special dosages (the use of FLK)[odds ratio (OR) of 2.642, 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.105-6.323],combined administration: spleen aminopeptide (OR of 4.978, 95%CI of 1.200-20.655),and reason for combined administration: anti-infection (OR of 1.814, 95%CI of 1.071-3.075) were the risk factors for ADRs caused by FLK. Conclusion92 ADRs occurred among 3 035 juveniles using FLK. The incidence of ADRs caused by FLK was 3.03%,and the severity was mainly mild or moderate. Generally,the prognosis was favorable after symptomatic treatment such as drug withdrawal or dosage reduction,suggesting that FLK has good clinical safety.
7.Clinical analysis of older patients with hematologic malignancies treated by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Xin KONG ; Baoquan SONG ; Xiaowen TANG ; Shengli XUE ; Miao MIAO ; Yue HAN ; Ying WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Suning CHEN ; Aining SUN ; Zhihong LIN ; Jun CHEN ; Feng CHEN ; Huiying QIU ; Depei WU
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2025;44(10):1376-1382
Objective:To investigates the efficacy and safety of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT)in treating older patients(≥60 years old)with hematologic malignancies.Methods:We conducted a retrospective study involving 67 patients aged 60 years and above, diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases, who received allo-HSCT at the Clinical Research Centrer for Haematologic Diseases of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between June 2015 and March 2023.We collected pre-transplant data, including the patients' age, gender, pre-transplantation disease risk stratification, disease status, and the haematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index(HCT-CI). We retrospectively analyzed clinical data regarding treatment-related toxicity, infections, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease(a/cGVHD), as well as recurrent and non-recurrent deaths, to estimate the overall survival(OS)rate and event-free survival (EFS)rate.Results:Sixty-seven patients were included in the study, comprising 55 males(82.1%)and 12 females(17.9%), with a median age of 63(61, 65) years .The cohort consisted of 42 cases of acute myeloid leukaemia, 22 cases of myelodysplastic syndromes, and 3 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 1-year OS and EFS rates were 62.9% and 59.2%, respectively, while the 2-year OS and EFS rates were 55.3% and 51.8%, respectively.The cumulative incidence of 1-year non-relapse mortality and relapse was 25.4% and 21.2%, respectively.A total of 13 patients developed grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD, with a 1-year cumulative incidence of 22.0%, and 7 patients developed cGVHD requiring treatment.When stratified by age group, the OS rate was higher in patients aged 60~64 years compared to those aged ≥65 years; however, this difference was not statistically significant(Log-rank χ2=0.99, P=0.317). In contrast, when stratified by disease load, the OS rate was significantly higher in the complete remission(CR)group than in the non-CR group, with a statistically significant difference(Log-rank χ2=15.04, P<0.001). When stratified by donor type, the OS rate was higher in the human leukocyte antigens (HLA) allogeneic group compared to the haploinsufficiency group; however, the difference was not statistically significant(Log-rank χ2=2.71, P=0.100). Twenty-seven patients died at an average of 125 days (range 3-1 054 days) after HSCT.The causes of death included leukemia recurrence in 9 cases (33.3%), infection in 8 cases (29.6%), GVHD in 5 cases (18.5%), poor implantation in 3 cases (11.1%), multi-organ failure in 1 case (3.7%), and cerebrovascular accident in 1 case (3.7%). The results of multifactorial analysis indicated that a pre-transplant tumor load greater than 5% was an independent risk factor for OS after transplantation ( HR=4.59, 95% CI: 2.01-10.42, P<0.001)as well as for disease recurrence ( OR=13.11, 95% CI: 1.96-87.87, P=0.008). Additionally, the occurrence of infection was identified as an independent risk factor for non-recurrent death after transplantation( OR=3.95, 95% CI: 1.13 to 13.71, P=0.031). Conclusions:For patients aged 60 years or older with hematologic malignancies, HSCT can serve as a viable treatment option, particularly for those with refractory recurrence and high cytogenetic risk, as it has the potential to significantly enhance prognosis and increase both EFS and OS rates.
8.Guideline for Adult Weight Management in China
Weiqing WANG ; Qin WAN ; Jianhua MA ; Guang WANG ; Yufan WANG ; Guixia WANG ; Yongquan SHI ; Tingjun YE ; Xiaoguang SHI ; Jian KUANG ; Bo FENG ; Xiuyan FENG ; Guang NING ; Yiming MU ; Hongyu KUANG ; Xiaoping XING ; Chunli PIAO ; Xingbo CHENG ; Zhifeng CHENG ; Yufang BI ; Yan BI ; Wenshan LYU ; Dalong ZHU ; Cuiyan ZHU ; Wei ZHU ; Fei HUA ; Fei XIANG ; Shuang YAN ; Zilin SUN ; Yadong SUN ; Liqin SUN ; Luying SUN ; Li YAN ; Yanbing LI ; Hong LI ; Shu LI ; Ling LI ; Yiming LI ; Chenzhong LI ; Hua YANG ; Jinkui YANG ; Ling YANG ; Ying YANG ; Tao YANG ; Xiao YANG ; Xinhua XIAO ; Dan WU ; Jinsong KUANG ; Lanjie HE ; Wei GU ; Jie SHEN ; Yongfeng SONG ; Qiao ZHANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Junqing ZHANG ; Xianfeng ZHANG ; Miao ZHANG ; Yifei ZHANG ; Yingli LU ; Hong CHEN ; Li CHEN ; Bing CHEN ; Shihong CHEN ; Guiyan CHEN ; Haibing CHEN ; Lei CHEN ; Yanyan CHEN ; Genben CHEN ; Yikun ZHOU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Jiaqiang ZHOU ; Hongting ZHENG ; Zhongyan SHAN ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Dong ZHAO ; Ji HU ; Jiang HU ; Xinguo HOU ; Bimin SHI ; Tianpei HONG ; Mingxia YUAN ; Weibo XIA ; Xuejiang GU ; Yong XU ; Shuguang PANG ; Tianshu GAO ; Zuhua GAO ; Xiaohui GUO ; Hongyi CAO ; Mingfeng CAO ; Xiaopei CAO ; Jing MA ; Bin LU ; Zhen LIANG ; Jun LIANG ; Min LONG ; Yongde PENG ; Jin LU ; Hongyun LU ; Yan LU ; Chunping ZENG ; Binhong WEN ; Xueyong LOU ; Qingbo GUAN ; Lin LIAO ; Xin LIAO ; Ping XIONG ; Yaoming XUE
Chinese Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2025;41(11):891-907
Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.
9.UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with network pharmacology reveals effect and mechanism of Gentianella turkestanorum total extract in ameliorating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Wu DAI ; Dong-Xuan ZHENG ; Ruo-Yu GENG ; Li-Mei WEN ; Bo-Wei JU ; Qiang HOU ; Ya-Li GUO ; Xiang GAO ; Jun-Ping HU ; Jian-Hua YANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(7):1938-1948
This study aims to reveal the effect and mechanism of Gentianella turkestanorum total extract(GTI) in ameliorating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the chemical components in GTI. SwissTarget-Prediction, GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD were utilized to screen the targets of GTI components and NASH. The common targets shared by GTI components and NASH were filtered through the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.0 to identify core targets, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. AutoDock was used for molecular docking of key components with core targets. A mouse model of NASH was established with a methionine-choline-deficient high-fat diet. A 4-week drug intervention was conducted, during which mouse weight was monitored, and the liver-to-brain ratio was measured at the end. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius red staining, and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver tissue. The levels of various biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), hydroxyproline(HYP), total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and glutathione(GSH), in the serum and liver tissue were determined. RT-qPCR was conducted to measure the mRNA levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β), interleukin 6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), collagen type I α1 chain(COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Western blotting was conducted to determine the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and potential drug targets identified through network pharmacology. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified 581 chemical components of GTI, and 534 targets of GTI and 1 157 targets of NASH were screened out. The topological analysis of the common targets shared by GTI and NASH identified core targets such as IL-1β, IL-6, protein kinase B(AKT), TNF, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma(PPARG). GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the ameliorating effect of GTI on NASH was related to inflammatory responses and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT pathway. The staining results demonstrated that GTI ameliorated hepatocyte vacuolation, swelling, ballooning, and lipid accumulation in NASH mice. Compared with the model group, high doses of GTI reduced the AST, ALT, HYP, TC, and TG levels(P<0.01) while increasing the HDL-C, SOD, and GSH levels(P<0.01). RT-qPCR results showed that GTI down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COL1A1, and α-SMA(P<0.01). Western blot results indicated that GTI down-regulated the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT), phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B alpha(p-IκBα), and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)(P<0.01). In summary, GTI ameliorates inflammation, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress associated with NASH by regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals
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Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/genetics*
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Mice
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Network Pharmacology
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Male
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
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Liver/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Humans
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Mass Spectrometry
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Molecular Docking Simulation
10.Pharmacodynamics study and establishment of a PK-PD model for Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma in treating osteoarthritis in rats.
En-Hui WU ; Jian-Hua ZHANG ; Wen-Jun CHEN ; Ya-Hong WANG ; Hua YIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(5):1377-1384
This study aims to reveal the correlation between the pharmacokinetics(PK) and pharmacodynamics(PD) of multiple components in Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma and clarify the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of this herb pair in treating osteoarthritis. The Hulth method was used to establish the rat model of osteoarthritis and plasma was collected at various time points after drug administration. The plasma concentrations of multiple components were measured. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the plasma concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-3, MMP-13, interleukin-1β(IL-1β), nitric oxide(NO), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) as pharmacodynamic indicators. Self-defined weighting coefficients were used to calculate the PK and PD data, and a Sigmoid E_(max) fitting model was used to evaluate the synergistic effect of the compatibility of Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma. The PK-PD models for Epimedii Folium, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma were E=(1.926×C~(2.652))/(0.136 6~(2.652)+C~(2.652)), E=(1.618×C~(345.2))/(0.118 4~(345.2)+C~(345.2)), and E=(2.305×C~(2.786))/(0.240 3~(2.786)+C~(2.786)), respectively. The E_(max) of Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma was larger than those of the two herbal medicines alone. The EC_(50) of the herb pair was lower than the sum of Epimedii Folium and Chuanxiong Rhizoma alone. The concentrations of MMP-3, MMP-13, IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α were correlated with mass concentrations of multiple components in Epimedii Folium and Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and the compatibility was better than single use. Epimedii Folium, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Epimedii Folium-Chuanxiong Rhizoma may play a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis by inhibiting MMP-3, MMP-13, IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α.
Animals
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Rats
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Osteoarthritis/metabolism*
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Epimedium/chemistry*
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Interleukin-1beta/blood*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood*
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Disease Models, Animal
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Nitric Oxide/blood*
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Humans
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Rhizome/chemistry*

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