1.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
2.Effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol on Perioperative Coronary Microcirculation in Patients with Unstable Angina Undergoing Elective PCI: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.
Zi-Hao LIU ; Wen-Long XING ; Hong-Xu LIU ; Ju-Ju SHANG ; Ai-Yong LI ; Qi ZHOU ; Zhen-Min ZHANG ; Zhi-Bao LI ; Ke-Ji CHEN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(3):206-214
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the immediate effect of Kuanxiong Aerosol (KXA) on perioperative coronary microcirculation in patients with unstable angina (UA) suffering from elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
METHODS:
From February 2021 to July 2023, UA inpatients who underwent PCI alone in the left anterior descending (LAD) branch were included. Random numbers were generated to divide patients into the trial group and the control group at a ratio of 1:1. The index of coronary microcirculation resistance (IMR) was measured before PCI, and the trial group was given two sprays of KXA, while the control group was not given. IMR was measured again after PCI, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB) were detected before and 24 h after surgery, and major cardiovascular adverse events (MACEs) were recorded for 30 days. The data statistics and analysis personnel were blinded.
RESULTS:
Totally 859 patients were screened, and 62 of them were involved into this study. Finally, 1 patient in the trial group failed to complete the post-PCI IMR and was excluded, 30 patients were included for data analysis, while 31 patients in the control group were enrolled in data analysis. There was no significant difference in baseline data (age, gender, risk factors, previous history, biochemical index, and drug therapy, etc.) between the two groups. In addition, differences in IMR, cTnI and CK-MB were not statistically significant between the two groups before surgery. After PCI, the IMR level of the trial group was significantly lower than that of the control group (19.56 ± 14.37 vs. 27.15 ± 15.03, P=0.048). Besides, the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury (PMI) was lower in the trial group, but the difference was not statistically significant (6.67% vs. 16.13%, P=0.425). No MACEs were reported in either group.
CONCLUSIONS
KXA has the potential of improving coronary microvascular dysfunction. This study provides reference for the application of KXA in UA patients undergoing elective PCI. (Registration No. ChiCTR2300069831).
Humans
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
;
Male
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Microcirculation/drug effects*
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Female
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Angina, Unstable/physiopathology*
;
Pilot Projects
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Aerosols
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Troponin I/blood*
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Coronary Circulation/drug effects*
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Elective Surgical Procedures
3.Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensor Based on Carboxylated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Detection of Rhodamine B
Xin-Yu LIU ; Shi-Min SUN ; Jin-Song LI ; Zu-Ju SHU ; Li-Jun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2024;52(9):1365-1373
In this work,an electrochemical sensor for detection of Rhodamine B(RhB)was constructed by modifying molecularly imprinted polymer(MIP)and carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes(f-MWCNTs)onto the surface of glassy carbon electrode(GCE).The MIP/f-MWCNT/GCE electrochemical sensor demonstrated outstanding performance in detection of RhB due to the excellent conductivity of f-MWCNT and synergistic selectivity of MIP.Under optimal experimental conditions,the sensor had a wide linear response range(0.01?30 nmol/L,30?500 nmol/L),with limit of detection of 0.01 nmol/L.In addition,the sensor exhibited excellent recognition ability to RhB in the presence of other structurally similar compounds(e.g.,Rhodamine 6G,methylene blue,and methyl orange),and common metal ions(K+,Ca2+,Mg2+and Fe3+).Furthermore,the sensor exhibited good stability and reproducibility.Additionally,the electrochemical sensor exhibited good practical adaptability when analyzing RhB in real samples,with recoveries ranging from 99.8%?105.6%for tap water and 99.2%?105.0%for river water samples.
4.Expression and significance of serum lncRNA NEAT1 in gastric cancer patients
Min ZHANG ; Huijing ZHU ; Xiaoxia ZHANG ; Yifeng GU ; Shaoqing JU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(20):2433-2436,2442
Objective To detect the relative expression level of long non-coding RNA nuclear enriched a-bundant transcript(NEAT)1 in peripheral serum of patients with gastric cancer,and to explore the possibili-ty of its application in the auxiliary diagnosis of gastric cancer.Methods A total of 101 patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer in Nantong Tumor Hospital from November 2017 to December 2019 were selected as the gastric cancer group,60 patients with benign gastric lesions were selected as the gastric benign lesions group,and 76 healthy people were selected as the control group.The relative expression levels of lncRNA NEAT1,carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)in serum samples of each group were detected,and the correlation between lncRNA NEAT1 and clinicopathological parameters was ana-lyzed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of lncRNA NEAT1,CEA and CA19-9 alone or in combination.Results The relative expression levels of lncRNA NEAT1 in serum of gastric cancer group,gastric benign disease group and control group were 2.163(1.357,2.843),1.176(0.677,1.381)and 1.063(0.570,1.308),respectively,and the difference was statistically significant(H=52.467,P<0.001).The relative expression level of serum lncRNA NEAT1 in gastric cancer patients was not related to gender(P=0.353)and age(P=0.382),but was related to tumor size(P=0.031),TNM stage(P=0.037)and lymph node metastasis(P=0.046).The relative expression level of lncRNA NEAT1 in serum of gastric cancer patients was not correlated with CEA and CA19-9(P>0.05).The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve and sensitivity of lncRNA NEAT1 in the diagnosis of gastric cancer were higher than those of CEA and CA19-9.The combined diagnosis of the three had the highest diagnostic efficiency.Conclusion The relative expression of lncRNA NEAT1 in peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer is increased,and it is correlated with some clinicopathological parameters.lncRNA NEAT1 may be a new marker for auxiliary diagnosis of gastric cancer.
5.Exploration of the Effect of Guhuaisi Kangfu Pills on Neovascularisation of Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head in Rats Based on Gene Expression of VEGF/PI3K/Akt Pathway
Wen-Xi LI ; Liang-Yu TIAN ; Jin ZHANG ; Cai-Hong SHEN ; Zhi-Min YANG ; Xiao-Yan FENG ; Jia-Qiao GUO ; Yu-Ju CAO
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(8):2127-2135
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Guhuaisi Kangfu Pills on rats with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(SONFH).Methods Sixty rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Xianling Gubao Capsules group and Guhuaisi Kangfu Pills low-,medium-and high-dose groups,10 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the SONFH model was established by lipopolysaccharide combined with Glucocorticoid induction method in all other groups of rats.At the end of the intervention,for the femoral head,blood vessel radiography was performed to observe the microvascular changes in the bone marrow,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining and calculation of the empty bone trap rate,Micro-CT scanning analysis,and compression experiments were carried out,and the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the gene expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt)1,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1(CD31)in whole blood.Results Compared with the blank group,the blood supply in the femoral head medullary cavity of the model group was poor,the empty bone lacuna rate was increased(P<0.05),the bone mineral density and bone volume fraction were significantly decreased(P<0.05),the maximum load and elastic modulus of the femoral head were decreased(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression levels of Akt1,PI3K,VEGF and CD31 in whole blood were decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the blood supply in the femoral head medullary cavity was relatively good,the empty bone lacuna rate was decreased(P<0.05),the bone mineral density,bone volume fraction,trabecular number and trabecular thickness were significantly increased(P<0.05),the trabecular separation was significantly decreased(P<0.05),the maximum load and elastic modulus of the femoral head were increased(P<0.05),and the mRNA expression levels of Akt1,PI3K,VEGF and CD31 in the whole blood were increased(P<0.05)in the high-dose group of Guhuaisi Kangfu Pills and Xianling Gubao Capsules group.There was no significant difference in the above indexes between the high-dose group of Guhuaisi Kangfu Pills and the Xianling Gubao Capsules group(P>0.05).Conclusion Guhuaisi Kangfu Pills improves SONFH in rats,and its mechanism is related to the promotion of VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway gene expression,thereby promoting angiogenesis.
6.Pharmacokinetics study of single and multiple doses of azvudine in healthy young and elderly subjects
Yu ZHANG ; Xiao-Jian LIU ; Hao-Shuang JU ; Bin-Yuan HE ; Yuan-Hao WAN ; Li-Wei CHAI ; Le-Yang REN ; Min LÜ ; Ya-Qiang JIA ; Wei ZHANG ; Ping XU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(9):1316-1320
Objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics and safety of single and multiple oral azvudine tablets in healthy young and elderly Chinese subjects.Methods This was a open-label and parallel-group study.The trial consisted of two groups:healthy young subjects group and healthy elderly subjects group,with 12 subjects in each group.Enrolled subjects were first given a single dose,fasting oral azvudine tablet 5 mg,after a 3-day cleansing period entered the multiple dose phase,fasting oral azvudine tablet 5 mg·d-1 for 7 days.Results After a single dose of azvudine 5 mg,Cmax and AUC0-∞ were(4.76±2.12)ng·mL-1,(6.53±2.20)ng·mL-1·h,and Tmax,t1/2 were 0.75,1.87 h in young subjects;Cmax and AUC0-∞ were(6.40±3.25)ng·mL-1,(9.50±3.70)ng·mL-1·h,and Tmax,t1/2 were 0.63,2.66 h in elderly subjects.After a multiple dose of azvudine 5 mg·d-1 for 7 d,Cmax and AUC0-∞ were(3.26±1.61)ng·mL-1,(5.38±2.19)ng·mL-1·h,and Tmax,ss,t1/2,ss were 0.88,2.13 h in young subjects;Cmax,ss and AUC0-∞,ss were(3.97±2.09)ng·mL-1,(6.71±3.26)ng·mL-1·h,and Tmax,ss,t1/2,ss were 0.75,2.56 h in elderly subjects.Elderly/young geometric mean ratios and 90%CIs were 128.37%(88.23%-186.76%),139.93%(105.42%-185.72%),140.03%(106.33%-184.41%)for azvudine Cmax,AUC0-t,AUC0-∞ after a single dose,and were 118.66%(80.83%-174.20%),118.41%(83.60%-167.69%),118.95%(84.78%-166.89%)for azvudine Cmax,AUC0-t,AUC0_∞ after a multiple dose of azvudine 5 mg·d-1 for 7 d.Conclusion After single and multiple oral administration of azvudine tablets,systemic exposure to azvudine was higher in healthy elderly subjects compared with healthy young subjects.After taking azvudine tablets,the types,severity and incidence of adverse events and adverse drug reactions in healthy elderly people were not significantly different from those in healthy young subjects.Azvudine was found to be safe and well tolerated in healthy elderly subjects.
7.Ischemia-free liver transplantation improves the prognosis of recipients using functionally marginal liver grafts
Shuai WANG ; Xiaohong LIN ; Yunhua TANG ; Yichen LIANG ; Min ZHANG ; Zhonghao XIE ; Yiwen GUO ; Yuqi DONG ; Qiang ZHAO ; Zhiyong GUO ; Dongping WANG ; Xiaoshun HE ; Weiqiang JU ; Maogen CHEN
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2024;30(3):421-435
Background/Aims:
The shortage of donor liver hinders the development of liver transplantation. This study aimed to clarify the poor outcomes of functionally marginal liver grafts (FMLs) and provide evidence for the improvement of ischemia-free liver transplantation (IFLT) after FML transplantation.
Methods:
Propensity score matching was used to control for confounding factors. The outcomes of the control group and FML group were compared to demonstrate the negative impact of FMLs on liver transplantation patients. We compared the clinical improvements of the different surgical types. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we conducted bioinformatic analysis based on transcriptome and single-cell profiles.
Results:
FMLs had a significantly greater hazard ratio (HR: 1.969, P=0.018) than did other marginal livers. A worse 90-day survival (Mortality: 12.3% vs. 5.0%, P=0.007) was observed in patients who underwent FML transplantation. Patients who received FMLs had a significant improvement in overall survival after IFLT (Mortality: 10.4% vs 31.3%, P=0.006). Pyroptosis and inflammation were inhibited in patients who underwent IFLT. The infiltration of natural killer cells was lower in liver grafts from these patients. Bulk transcriptome profiles revealed a positive relationship between IL-32 and Caspase 1 (R=0.73, P=0.01) and between IL-32 and Gasdermin D (R=0.84, P=0.0012).
Conclusions
FML is a more important negative prognostic parameter than other marginal liver parameters. IFLT might ameliorate liver injury in FMLs by inhibiting the infiltration of NK cells, consequently leading to the abortion of IL-32, which drives pyroptosis in monocytes and macrophages.
8.Mitochondrial Stress and Mitokines: Therapeutic Perspectives for the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases
Benyuan ZHANG ; Joon Young CHANG ; Min Hee LEE ; Sang-Hyeon JU ; Hyon-Seung YI ; Minho SHONG
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2024;48(1):1-18
Mitochondrial stress and the dysregulated mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) are linked to various diseases, including metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Mitokines, signaling molecules released by mitochondrial stress response and UPRmt, are crucial mediators of inter-organ communication and influence systemic metabolic and physiological processes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of mitokines, including their regulation by exercise and lifestyle interventions and their implications for various diseases. The endocrine actions of mitokines related to mitochondrial stress and adaptations are highlighted, specifically the broad functions of fibroblast growth factor 21 and growth differentiation factor 15, as well as their specific actions in regulating inter-tissue communication and metabolic homeostasis. Finally, we discuss the potential of physiological and genetic interventions to reduce the hazards associated with dysregulated mitokine signaling and preserve an equilibrium in mitochondrial stress-induced responses. This review provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial regulation of health and disease by exploring mitokine interactions and their regulation, which will facilitate the development of targeted therapies and personalized interventions to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
9.Metabolomics combined with bioinformatics reveals mechanism of Sanhuang Hushen Fangshuai Decoction in treating chronic kidney disease.
Cheng-Hua ZHANG ; Xiao-Yan LI ; Hong-Xiang ZHENG ; Min ZHAO ; Mei-Feng ZHU ; Shu-Qi MIN ; Xin-Yue ZHANG ; Shen-Ju WANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2024;49(23):6468-6480
This article aims to analyze the therapeutic effect and probe into the mechanism of Sanhuang Hushen Fangshuai Decoction in treating chronic kidney disease(CKD) based on metabolomics and bioinformatics. The patients with stage 3-4 CKD diagnosed and treated in the Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2023 to March 2024 were enrolled in this study. The patients were treated with Sanhuang Hushen Fangshuai Decoction, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated. The serum samples were collected before and after treatment. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography was employed to detect metabolites in the serum, and multivariate statistical analysis was performed. Bioinformatics was employed to screen the active components and targets of the decoction and the potential targets of CKD. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the common targets shared by the decoction and CKD and the drug-component-target network were constructed. The core components and targets were screened according to the correlation degree of the network. The binding between core components and targets was verified by molecular docking. The results showed that Sanhuang Hushen Fangshuai Decoction improved the renal function and reduced proteinuria. Compared with the healthy population, the post-treatment population showed recovery of 54 up-regulated metabolites and 43 down-regulated metabolites. Enrichment analysis results showed that the key pathways included adenosine triphosphate binding cassette(ABC) transport, tryptophan metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism. The results of bioinformatics analysis showed that the core components of Sanhuang Hushen Fangshuai Decoction in treating CKD included kaempferol, β-sitosterol, luteolin, 7-O-methylisolingol, and tanshinone Ⅱ_A. The core targets included TP53, PTGS2, JUN, AKT1, and TNF. Molecular docking results showed that the core components bound well to the target genes. The results of joint pathway analysis suggested that both differential metabolites and key targets were involved in galactose metabolism, nicotinamide metabolism, and other pathways. This study suggests that Sanhuang Hushen Fangshuai Decoction is effective for CKD, and it can regulate multiple abnormal metabolites and participates in multiple metabolic pathways involving amino acids and sugars. The active components such as kaempferol in the decoction may regulate related targets such as TP53 and PTGS2. This study provides a basis for the prevention and treatment of CKD with traditional Chinese medicine.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/genetics*
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Humans
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Computational Biology
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Male
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Metabolomics
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Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects*
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Middle Aged
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Molecular Docking Simulation
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Female
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Adult
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Aged
10.Study on Metabolomics of Stable Angina Pectoris of Coronary Artery Heart Disease with Spleen Deficiency and Phlegm Turbidity Syndrome Based on LC-MS
Changbin YUAN ; Yuzhu YAO ; Yongming LIU ; Meijia CHENG ; Simeng XIE ; Yetao JU ; Shiyu ZHANG ; Yifan ZENG ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Guanlin YANG ; Dongyu MIN
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2023;25(9):3105-3113
Objective To analyse the differential metabolites and related metabolic pathways in stable angina pectoris of coronary artery heart disease with spleen deficiency and phlegm turbidity syndrome by serum metabolomics.Methods This study observed 60 patients with stable angina pectoris of coronary artery heart disease with spleen deficiency and phlegm turbidity syndrome and 60 healthy volunteers in the same period.Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)was performed on the serum metabonomics.The differential metabolites were identified by multivariate statistical analysis of the original spectrogram and original data,and enrichment analysis of KEGG metabolic pathway was analyzed.Results A total of 60 patients in the group of stable angina pectoris of coronary artery heart disease with spleen deficiency and phlegm turbidity syndrome participated in the study,and a total of 60 healthy volunteers in the control group participated in the study.There was no statistical difference in general information and biochemical indicators between the two groups(P>0.05);Eighteen differential metabolites were found respectively,including phenylacetaldehyde,orthophosphate,guanosine,diethyl phosphate,2-dehydro-d-gluconate,guanine and 5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-methylthiazole down-regulated expression,taurocholate,2-propylglutaric acid,8-amino-7-oxononanoate,l-tyrosine,s-sulfo-l-cysteine,cyclohexanecarboxylic acid,porphobilinogen,(r)-acetoin,octanoylglucuronide,melatonin and solanine up-regulated expression,involving phenylalanine metabolism,thiamine metabolism,purine metabolism.Conclusion The differential metabolites reveal the metabolic essence of stable angina pectoris of coronary artery heart disease with spleen deficiency and phlegm turbidity syndrome from the micro level,and can provide clues for clinical early warning of patients with stable angina pectoris of coronary artery heart disease with spleen deficiency and phlegm turbidity syndromet.

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