1.Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Gualou Niubangtang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and HPLC
Yiyi ZHANG ; Jing YANG ; Yuqing CHENG ; Huimin GAO ; Jin QIN ; Li YAO ; Xiyang DU ; Raorao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):179-187
ObjectiveThis paper aims to clarify the material basis of Gualou Niubangtang and establish a quantitative analysis method for its main constituents, providing a reference for the overall quality control of this preparation. MethodsThe constituents in the formula were systematically characterized based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Identification was performed by matching with the UNIFI 9.6 software and utilizing database platforms such as PubChem, ChemicalBook, and ChemSpider, combined with relevant literature reports. A quantitative analysis method for the seven main constituents in Gualou Niubangtang was established by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ResultsUPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 155 constituents, including 69 flavonoids, 36 terpenoids, 23 phenylpropanoids, 8 phenylethanoid glycosides, and 19 other types of constituents. In the established quantitative analysis method, the seven main constituents showed good linearity within their respective linear ranges. The precision, repeatability, stability, and spike recovery all met the required standards. The results showed that the content ranges of geniposide, liquiritin, hesperidin, arctiin, baicalin, oroxylin A-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, and wogonoside in 15 batches of Gualou Niubangtang were 13.67-21.25, 1.20-7.64, 5.45-7.45, 22.97-33.51, 29.95-39.07, 2.58-4.80, and 6.56-9.31 mg·g-1, respectively. ConclusionThis study successfully characterizes and attributes multi-category constituents in Gualou Niubangtang, clarifying that its material basis is primarily composed of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and phenylpropanoids. Furthermore, it enables the quantification of seven constituents within the formula. This work lays a foundation for research on the quality control, action mechanism, and clinical application of this formula.
2.Action Mechanism of Huamoyan Granules in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Based on TRPV1/p38 MAPK Pathway
Jin ZHANG ; Lili YANG ; Canwen ZHENG ; Jing KANG ; Yanlei MA ; Yue SHI ; Lei LI ; Hongxu MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):79-89
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the protective effect of Huamoyan granules on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and explore whether its protective effect is oriented toward an anti-inflammatory direction by regulation of macrophage polarization, which can effectively inhibit the progression of pathological inflammatory response, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate the protein expression level of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), so as to provide experimental evidence for its clinical application and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, model group, celecoxib group, and high, medium, and low-dose synovitis granule groups (9.6, 4.8, 2.4 g·kg-1). The administration dose of celecoxib capsules was 20 mg·kg-1. There were 10 rats in the sham group and 12 rats in the model group and each administration group. A KOA animal model was established by means of intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate into the knee joint. From the 10th day of the experiment, each administration group was given intragastric administration at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 for 4 weeks. General conditions of rats in each group were assessed daily. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) to mechanical stimulation and joint diameter were recorded. X-ray examination was performed on the right knee joints of rats for imaging analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat serum samples, as well as the expression levels of neurogenic inflammatory mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Histopathological changes in the knee joint synovial tissues were examined by hematoxylineosin (HE) staining. Safranin O-fast green staining was performed to observe and evaluate the degree of knee cartilage lesions. Western blot was employed to quantitatively analyze TRPV1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK in rat knee synovial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to measure and assess M1/M2 macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with those in the sham group, the circumference and joint diameter of the right knee were markedly enlarged in the model group (P<0.01), while PPTs of rats showed a significant reduction (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, CGRP, and NGF in rats' serum were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the synovial Krenn score was increased (P<0.01). The Mankin score of cartilage tissue was increased (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The experimental intervention significantly reduced the proportion of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in the total macrophage population (P<0.01), and the percentage of M2 macrophages was decreased (P<0.01). The M1/M2 macrophage ratio was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Knee joint diameters of all dose groups of Huamoyan granules and the celecoxib group were reduced (P<0.01) compared with those of the model group, and the PPT recovery speeds in the high and medium-dose groups of Huamoyan granules were more obvious (P<0.05). The contents of IL-1β, CGRP, and NGF in the rats' serum in all administration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of TNF-α in rats' serum was significantly reduced (P<0.01). All dose groups of Huamoyan granules demonstrated significant reductions in both synovial Krenn score (P<0.05, P<0.01) and protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK in rats' synovial tissues (P<0.01). The percentage of M1 macrophages in the synovial tissues of the celecoxib group and all dose groups of Huamoyan granules was decreased (P<0.01). The percentage of M2 macrophages was increased (P<0.05), and the M1/M2 ratio was decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuamoyan granules can alleviate the inflammatory response of KOA, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate TRPV1 protein expression by regulating macrophage polarization. Its mechanism may be related to the TRPV1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby achieving the effect of improving peripheral pain hypersensitivity in KOA.
3.Exploration of Training System for Visiting Physicians in Department of Rare Diseases
Jiayuan DAI ; Jing XIE ; Jingjing CHAI ; Yueying MAO ; Chunlei LI ; Yaping LIU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):112-116
The construction of a training system for visiting physicians in the department of rare diseases in China is an important measure to improve the overall diagnosis and treatment capacity for rare diseases and address the critical challenge of insufficient knowledge and skills among clinicians in practice. This article systematically describes the visiting physician training system established by the Department of Rare Diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. It summarizes the training objectives and positioning, design logic, and learning modules of the system, aiming to provide a reference for the construction of the specialized talent team for rare diseases in China.
4.A Case of Multidisciplinary Treatment for a Patient with Gorham-Stout Disease
Jing HU ; Ying JIN ; Yan ZHANG ; Ji LI ; Wenhui WANG ; Yue CHI ; Chunxu LI ; Zhenjie ZHANG ; Yaping LIU ; Xiaotian CHU ; Jin XU ; Min SHEN
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2026;5(1):52-59
Gorham-Stout disease(GSD) is a rare osteolytic disorder characterized by spontaneous and progressive osteolysis, along with abnormal angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, with no new bone formation. We present a case of a 15-year-old female admitted due to " recurrent right leg pain for 5 years, 11 months after undergoing right femoral fracture surgery". Through comprehensive integration of the patient's clinical phenotype, laboratory tests, imaging findings, pathological examinations, and molecular biological test results, GSD was considered highly likely. A multidisciplinary treatment approach was conducted, including a combination of zoledronic acid and sirolimus to inhibit osteolysis, along with rehabilitation training and orthopedic intervention, providing a personalized and comprehensive treatment strategy.
5.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
6.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
8.Study on the biomodification of demineralized dentin matrices in primary teeth with piceatannol
WANG Manze ; LI Runhang ; LV Jing ; LV Xuechao ; JIN Xing' ; ai
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(7):668-679
Objective:
To investigate the ability of different concentrations of piceatannol (PIC) solution to biomodify decalcified dentin matrices in primary teeth, thereby providing a theoretical basis for improving the durability of resin-dentin bonding.
Methods:
This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the institution. Molecular docking was performed to predict the interaction effects of PIC with type I collagen and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in dentin. A total of 124 clinically extracted intact primary molars were selected due to retention; of these, 76 were prepared into 60 completely decalcified dentin beams and 24 dentin slices. The 60 beams were equally allocated for dry mass loss and swelling ratio testing (30 beams each). For both experiments, the beams were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6): a control group, 5% glutaraldehyde group, and 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL PIC solution groups. This was to evaluate the anti-enzymatic hydrolytic properties and mechanical performance of type I collagen. Of the 24 slices, 15 were assigned to the aforementioned five groups (n = 3) for Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to explore the cross-linking mechanism. The remaining nine slices were randomly divided into three groups (n = 3): distilled water group A (SEM examination prior to enzymatic hydrolysis), distilled water group B (SEM examination after enzymatic hydrolysis), and a 10 mg/mL PIC solution group (SEM examination after treatment with 10 mg/mL PIC and subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis). This was to evaluate the cross-linking effect on demineralized dentin collagen. The remaining 48 molars were fabricated into bonding specimens and randomly divided into four groups (n = 12): a control group (distilled water group) and 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL PIC groups. Immediate and aged shear bond strength (SBS) were measured, and failure modes were observed under a stereomicroscope to investigate the impact of different PIC concentrations on the bonding durability of primary tooth dentin.
Results:
Molecular docking revealed strong binding activity between PIC and type I collagen/MMPs via hydrogen bonds, electrostatic potential, and hydrophobic forces; the FTIR results confirmed hydrogen bond formation. In the dry mass loss test, mass loss rates in the 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/mL PIC groups were significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05), with the 10 mg/mL PIC group showing the most optimized cross-linking effect. Swelling tests indicated that all three PIC concentrations reduced the swelling ratio of the demineralized matrix, effectively improving its mechanical properties. SEM showed that collagen from the 10 mg/mL PIC group retained its natural three-dimensional network post-enzymolysis, contrasting sharply with the disintegrated collagen in the enzymolyzed distilled water group B but resembling the morphology of the non-enzymolyzed distilled water group A. SBS results demonstrated that the 10 mg/mL PIC group exhibited significantly higher bond strengths than the control group in both the immediate and aged tests (P < 0.05); immediate SBS in the 10 mg/mL PIC group was also significantly greater than that in the 2.5 mg/mL PIC group (P < 0.05), while no other intergroup differences were found (P > 0.05). Failure mode analysis indicated predominantly mixed fractures, with the proportion of interfacial fractures decreasing as PIC concentration increased compared with the control group.
Conclusion
A 10 mg/mL PIC solution can effectively cross-link decalcified dentin matrices in primary teeth, enhancing the anti-enzymatic hydrolytic capacity and mechanical properties during clinical operation, thereby promoting bond strength and interface stability, which promises to improve the long-term durability of resin-dentin bonding.
9.An analysis of clinical pharmacist training bases and pharmacist staffing status based on field research
Liang HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Jing BIAN ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Ping ZHENG ; Rui YANG ; Jun YANG ; Yangui XU ; Jin LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1661-1666
OBJECTIVE To clarify the current development status of clinical pharmacist training bases and the pharmacist workforce in China, and to provide evidence for standardizing base construction and promoting the high-quality development of hospital pharmacy. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to all clinical pharmacist training bases for urgently-needed health professionals and clinical pharmacist training bases under the Chinese Hospital Association that had been approved by the end of 2023 to collect data including base profiles and pharmacist staffing conditions. Expert teams carried out field investigations to verify the collected data. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantity, type and regional distribution of training bases, and the influencing factors of pharmacist staffing in the bases were analyzed. RESULTS Field surveys were completed covering 297 training bases across 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Among the base hospitals, 87.88% were Grade A tertiary general hospitals, and 65.32% were located in provincial capitals. The eastern region had the largest number of bases (136, accounting for 45.79%), followed by the western region (79, 26.60%). Great disparities existed among provinces in terms of base quantity and hospital scale. The median proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel in base hospitals was 4.05%, and the median number of clinical pharmacists per 100 hospital beds was 0.53. Both indicators reached the highest in the eastern region (0.57, 4.43%) and the lowest in the northeastern region (0.45, 3.01%). A total of 3 627 full-time clinical pharmacists were employed in all surveyed bases, among whom 83.68% held clinical pharmacist training certificates, 35.43% possessed senior professional titles, and 78.19% had postgraduate or higher educational background. The total annual training capacity of the surveyed bases was 4 291 trainees, with obvious differences in annual training capacity across regions and provinces. Training specialties covered 19 specialized disciplines plus one general discipline, and no province could deliver training for all 20 specialties simultaneously. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that geographic region exerte d a significant impact on the proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel (≥4%) ( P <0.05), while the approval time of training bases and hospital scale had significant effects on the number of clinical pharmacists per 100 beds (≥0.6) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS China’s clinical pharmacist training system has basically matured and taken initial shape. The distribution of clinical pharmacist training resources is generally consistent with regional population and economic development levels. However, the allocation of pharmaceutical staff and clinical pharmacists has not yet met national standards and clinical service demands.
10.An analysis of clinical pharmacist training bases and pharmacist staffing status based on field research
Liang HUANG ; Jiancun ZHEN ; Li YOU ; Jing BIAN ; Yishan BU ; Quanzhi LI ; Zining WANG ; Xiaofen YE ; Ping ZHENG ; Rui YANG ; Jun YANG ; Yangui XU ; Jin LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1661-1666
OBJECTIVE To clarify the current development status of clinical pharmacist training bases and the pharmacist workforce in China, and to provide evidence for standardizing base construction and promoting the high-quality development of hospital pharmacy. METHODS Questionnaires were distributed to all clinical pharmacist training bases for urgently-needed health professionals and clinical pharmacist training bases under the Chinese Hospital Association that had been approved by the end of 2023 to collect data including base profiles and pharmacist staffing conditions. Expert teams carried out field investigations to verify the collected data. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantity, type and regional distribution of training bases, and the influencing factors of pharmacist staffing in the bases were analyzed. RESULTS Field surveys were completed covering 297 training bases across 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Among the base hospitals, 87.88% were Grade A tertiary general hospitals, and 65.32% were located in provincial capitals. The eastern region had the largest number of bases (136, accounting for 45.79%), followed by the western region (79, 26.60%). Great disparities existed among provinces in terms of base quantity and hospital scale. The median proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel in base hospitals was 4.05%, and the median number of clinical pharmacists per 100 hospital beds was 0.53. Both indicators reached the highest in the eastern region (0.57, 4.43%) and the lowest in the northeastern region (0.45, 3.01%). A total of 3 627 full-time clinical pharmacists were employed in all surveyed bases, among whom 83.68% held clinical pharmacist training certificates, 35.43% possessed senior professional titles, and 78.19% had postgraduate or higher educational background. The total annual training capacity of the surveyed bases was 4 291 trainees, with obvious differences in annual training capacity across regions and provinces. Training specialties covered 19 specialized disciplines plus one general discipline, and no province could deliver training for all 20 specialties simultaneously. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that geographic region exerte d a significant impact on the proportion of pharmaceutical technical personnel (≥4%) ( P <0.05), while the approval time of training bases and hospital scale had significant effects on the number of clinical pharmacists per 100 beds (≥0.6) ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS China’s clinical pharmacist training system has basically matured and taken initial shape. The distribution of clinical pharmacist training resources is generally consistent with regional population and economic development levels. However, the allocation of pharmaceutical staff and clinical pharmacists has not yet met national standards and clinical service demands.


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