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.Wall-broken ganoderma lucidum spore powder protects against DEN/CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice by modulating the Nrf2 pathway
Hai JIN ; Shuo WAN ; Qian LIU ; Siyu ZHAO ; Jing LI ; Jiaxing ZHU ; Jiaxing AN ; Feng JIN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(7):1176-1182
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of wall-broken ganoderma lucidum spore powder (GLS) on a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsFifty 2-week-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into a control group, a model group and low, medium and high-dose GLS groups(0.25, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg ), with 10 mice in each group. A DEN/CCL4 mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model was established, and GLS was administered by gavage starting from the 8th week, once a day for 14 weeks. At the end of the final administration, the number of liver nodules was observed , and the serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The content of catalase (CAT) in serum and liver tissue was determined by ammonium molybdate method. The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum and liver tissue was measured by microplate assay. The content of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in serum and liver tissue was detected by colorimetric method. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was employed to detect the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). R eal-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect the relative expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 (Keap1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), heme oxygenase-1 (Ho-1) and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) mRNA. ResultsCompared with the control group, the content of serum AFP were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.01), while the contents of CAT, GSH and GSH-PX in liver and serum were significantly lower in the model group (P<0.01). The relative expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA was significantly higher (P<0.01), the relative expression of Nrf2, Ho-1, Gclc mRNA relative expression was significantly lower (P<0.01), and the positive expression rate of PCNA was significantly higher (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the total number of liver nodules and content of serum AFP in the administered group were significantly lower (P<0.01), and the contents of CAT, GSH, and GSH-PX in the liver and serum of mice significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA significantly decreased (P<0.05). The expression of Nrf2, Ho-1 and Gclc mRNA significantly increased (P<0.05), and positive expression rate of PCNA significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionGLS has a significant protective effect on DEN/CCL4 -induced mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model, and the mechanism of action is related to the regulation of oxidative stress in mouse liver.
4.Impact of Bias Plan dose superposition on postoperative radiotherapy planning for left breast cancer
Pan LIU ; Jianwei DONG ; Wenlong ZHAO ; Jing LIU ; Tong ZHU
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(3):620-624
Objective To investigate the dosimetry effect of Sum Plan and Bias Plan in the Monaco planning system for the addition of compensatory agents after left breast cancer surgery.Methods Twenty-nine patients with radical left mastectomy who received radiotherapy in this hospital from March 2023 to Feb-ruary 2024 were selected as the study objects.Based on the Monaco planning system and under the same opti-mal conditions,Sum Plan and Bias Plan were used to design the second-course plan based on the first-course plan.Sum Plan C1 and Bias Plan C2 were generated to compare the dosimetry differences of intensity modula-ted radiotherapy(IMRT)plans under the two dosimetric superposition methods.Results Compared with Sum Plan C1,the conformability index(CI)in the planned target area(PTV)of Bias Plan C2 was worse,the homogeneity index(HI)was better,and the mean cardiac dose(Dmean),V5,V10,V30,V40 in the organs at risk were better than that of Sum Plan C1.The Dmean,V5,V20 and contralateral V5 in the affected lung were lower,while the V5,V10,V15,V20,V25,V30 in the normal tissue were lower,while V35 was higher,and the number of subfields and machine hops were more,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion Bias Plan dose overlay method was proposed in the design of segmental radiotherapy with compensator after left breast cancer surgery.
5.Immune-enhancing effect and mechanism of natural plant-derived immunostimulatory molecule ophiopogonin
Shulin LIU ; Jing WEI ; Baohang ZHU ; Yan YE ; Jiale PAN ; Anni ZHAO ; Zhen SONG ; Liusheng PENG ; Haibo LI ; Hongwu SUN ; Quanming ZOU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(4):350-359
Objective To explore the effect and preliminary mechanism of the plant-derived immunostimulatory molecule,ophiopogonin,on enhancing the immune response of a subunit vaccine with the receptor-binding domain(RBD)of coronavirus spike protein as the antigen.Methods CCK-8 assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of ophiopogonin D'(OPD')on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells(BMDCs).Female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into RBD,RBD/OPD',RBD/Alum,and control groups.The immunization dose was 5 μg of antigen per mouse and 100 μg of adjuvant per mouse,and immunization was carried out according to the intramuscular injection immunization procedure on days 0,21,and 42.The titers of specific IgG and its subtype antibodies were detected by ELISA.The cytokine levels in the supernatant of splenocytes were detected using ELISA.The number of splenocytes secreting IFN-γ was detected by ELISpot.Laser confocal microscopy was employed to observe the uptake of antigen by BMDCs.The phagocytic ability of BMDCs for antigen was quantitatively analyzed by flow cytometry.The mechanism of its enhanced immune effect was preliminarily explored using transcriptomics technology combined with bioinformatics research.Results When the concentration of OPD'was less than 5 μg/mL,the survival rate of BMDCs was 100%.After a single intramuscular injection in mice,except for a slight decrease in body weight,the other biochemical indicators were within corresponding normal ranges.After intramuscular injection immunization of the vaccine,the titers of serum-specific IgG,IgG1,and IgG2a in the RBD/OPD'group were significantly higher than those in the RBD group(P<0.05).Compared with the RBD group,the RBD/OPD'group induced a high-level Th1 cell immune response of IL-1β,TNF-α,and IFN-γ(P<0.01)and had more lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ(P<0.001).Laser confocal microscopy displayed that BMDCs took up more antigens after OPD'treatment,which was further confirmed with flow cytometry in quantitative analysis on antigen uptake rate(P<0.01).Transcriptomics results indicated that there was more significant enrichment of the PPAR signaling pathway in the RBD/OPD'group than the RBD group,suggesting that OPD'may activate the PPAR signaling pathway to exert its adjuvant effect.Conclusion OPD'effectively enhances the immune response of the RBD subunit vaccine,and its action mechanism may be related to the activation of the PPAR signaling pathway.
6.The synergistic effect and mechanism verification of effective components of Biejia-Ezhu against triple-negative breast cancer based on network pharmacology and component compatibility theory
Dou-dou FENG ; Xiao-shan LUO ; Yan-yun MENG ; Jing-zhe ZHAO ; Jiu-long ZHU ; Ya-zhen HUANG ; Qing XIE ; Xiang-Li LING ; Su XIE
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):950-959
Aim To explore the compatibility and po-tential mechanism of effective components of Biejia-Ezhu against triple negative breast cancer(TNBC)and verify it by experiments.Methods Effective compo-nents and targets of Biejia-Ezhu were obtained by TC-MSP and Swiss Target Prediction.Disease targets of TNBC were obtained from OMMI and GeneCards data-bases.The PPI network was constructed using STRING database.GO and KEGG path enrichment analysis was performed using DAVID database.Cytoscape3.9.1 software was used to construct the"drug-component-target-disease"network,screen key targets and compo-nents for molecular docking,and further verify the com-patibility of key components and targets in vitro.Re-sults ① A total of 71 effective components were iden-tified in the Biejia-Ezhu drug pair.There were 146 drug targets associated with the disease.A total of 113 signaling pathways were identified by KEGG analysis.The 71 potential active components of Biejia-Ezhu mainly acted on key targets such as mTORC1,ULK1,TNF,EGFR,ESR1,STAT3,HIF1A,and PTGS2.Mo-lecular docking results showed that glycine and curcu-min were the key active components of Biejia-Ezhu,and both had strong docking activity against key target proteins mTORC1 and ULK1.②The results of in vitro experiment showed that glycine combined with curcu-min significantly inhibited the proliferation and clonal formation ability of TNBC cells(P<0.05),up-regula-ted the expression of autophagy marker LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ,down-regulated the expression of EGFR,down-regula-ted the expression of pathway protein mTORC1,p-mTOR,p-ULK1,and promoted the expression of path-way protein ULK1(P<0.05).Conclusion The key component of Biejia-Ezhu against triple-negative breast cancer is glycine-curcumin,the mechanism of which may be related to the regulation of the mTORC1/ULK1 signaling pathway to promote autophagy.
7.Construction and Application Promotion of Core Medical Skills of"Tonifying Kidney Essence"in Zou's Nephrology Depart-ment
Gang WANG ; Yanqin ZOU ; Wei SUN ; Enchao ZHOU ; Lan YI ; Jun ZHU ; Wei KONG ; Jing ZHAO ; Liang CAO ; Hengbin WANG
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):281-287
Professor Zou Yunxiang proposed the"kidney essence theory"in 1955,which believes that the kidney,as an important excretory organ in the human body,participates in the body's metabolism,and the basis for producing this effect is the essence of the kidney.Subsequently,the Zou nephrology team established the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"based on this foundation,constructed a system of syndrome differentiation and treatment for chronic kidney disease,proposed the traditional Chinese medicine names,causes,and mechanisms of chronic kidney disease,as well as four major methods for diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease,and developed representative drugs representing the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"-Huang-zhi Yishen Capsules and Shenwu Yishen Tablets.In addition,the Zou nephrology team has extensively applied and promoted the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element".
8.Clinical Value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature-tracking Strain Analysis in Risk Stratification of Diabetic Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Wenjing YANG ; Leyi ZHU ; Weichun WU ; Huaying ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Di ZHOU ; Zhaoxin TIAN ; Mengdi JIANG ; Yining WANG ; Gang YIN ; Xinxiang ZHAO ; Shihua ZHAO ; Minjie LU
Chinese Circulation Journal 2025;40(3):246-253
Objectives:To investigate the clinical value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR)feature-tracking strain analysis in risk stratification of diabetic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF).Methods:In this retrospective study,a total of 215 patients with diabetic HFpEF who underwent CMR at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Fuwai Hospital from January 2012 to December 2018 were included.Myocardial strain parameters were calculated using CMR feature-tracking technology.Patients were followed up by medical records or telephone calls.Composite endpoint event,all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization during follow-up were recorded.Patients were divided into event group and event-free group.Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors for the outcomes in diabetic HFpEF.The effects of hypertension and obesity on the prognosis of diabetic HFpEF patients and whether they affect the prognostic value of CMR feature-tracking strain analysis were also analyzed.Results:During a follow-up of(7.1±1.8)years,93(43.3%)patients had endpoint events(event group),including 28 all-cause deaths and 65 heart failure hospitalization.Compared with the event-free group(n=122),patients in the event group had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction,higher prevalence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement,and significantly reduced global longitudinal strain(GLS),global circumferential strain,global radial strain,and global systolic longitudinal strain rate(all P<0.05).The absolute GLS value was significantly lower in event group than in event-free group,regardless of the presence of hypertension and obesity.Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that estimated glomerular filtration rate(HR=0.983,95%CI:0.972-0.993,P=0.001),left atrial volume index(HR=1.015,95%CI:1.005-1.026,P=0.004),and GLS(HR=1.142,95%CI:1.060-1.231,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for adverse cardiovascular events in diabetic HFpEF patients.However,adjusted N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was not an independent prognostic factor.The cut-offvalue of GLS to predict outcome was-14.09%from ROC curve analysis.The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that in patients with and without hypertension and obesity,patients with the GLS>-14.09%had lower event-free survival compared to patients with GLS≤-14.09%(all P<0.05),and the ability of GLS to predict adverse outcomes was not affected by hypertension and obesity.Conclusions:GLS obtained by CMR feature-tracking strain analysis is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in diabetic HFpEF,and its ability to predict adverse outcomes is independent of hypertension and obesity.
9.Application and Progress of Organs-on-chips Technology in Chinese Materia Medica Research
Wei CHEN ; Weidong ZHANG ; Quan ZHAO ; Fang WANG ; Wei HUANG ; Chanming LIU ; Yueqin ZHU ; Jing ZHANG ; Feng HUA
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(11):187-192
In recent years,organs-on-chips(OOCs)technology has gradually matured and been recognized by regulatory agencies,playing a key role in the construction of pathophysiological models,pharmacodynamic screening,toxicological evaluation and other fields,providing guidance for the research and development of innovative drugs of Chinese materia medica and the clinical application of classic prescriptions.This article reviewed the application progress of OOCs technology in the research of Chinese materia medica from four dimensions:pharmacodynamic and toxicological evaluation,quality control,active component analysis and innovative drug research and development,in order to provide a reference for the precise application of this technology in the field of Chinese materia medica.
10.Facilitation of mucosal healing by estrogen receptor β in ulcerative colitis through suppression of branched-chain amino acid transport and subsequent triggering of autophagy in colonic epithelial cells.
Yilei GUO ; Yanrong ZHU ; Jing ZHANG ; Yue HE ; Mianjiang ZHAO ; Haochang LIN ; Zhifeng WEI ; Yufeng XIA ; Yue DAI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):168-187
Colonic mucosal healing is the ultimate goal of ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment, but it remains difficult to realize. Given the higher incidence of UC in males and the beneficial effect of estrogen on UC, we conducted this study to examine the therapeutic potential of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), the primary ER subtype in colon, on mucosal healing in UC. Our study is the first to report that ERβ activation degree was positively correlated with mucosal healing in patients with UC. Furthermore, ERβ activation enhanced mucosal healing in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced and biopsy-induced colonic injuries. Mechanistically, ERβ activation promoted autophagy of colonic epithelial cells by inhibiting branched-chain amino acid transport, leading to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation. Activated FAK promoted focal adhesion turnover and colonic epithelial cell migration, ultimately facilitating mucosal healing. ERβ -/- colitis mice exhibited impaired mucosal healing compared to wild-type littermates, highlighting the crucial effect of ERβ. Importantly, combination with ERβ-agonist diarylpropionitrile enhanced the amelioration of 5-aminosalicylic acid, a standard UC treatment agent, against mouse colitis. These findings attest to the crucial role of ERβ activation in colonic mucosal healing and may further inform the development of novel strategies for UC treatment.

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