1.Analysis of Blood-absorbed Components and Their Metabolic Differences of Xiebaisan in Normal and Chronic Bronchitis Mice Based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS
Peng PENG ; Jiaxin LI ; Xinyue YANG ; Fangle LIU ; Chenchen ZHU ; Chaozhan LIN ; Yufeng YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):219-227
ObjectiveThis study aims to systematically analyze the blood-absorbed components and metabolic profiles of Xiebaisan(XBS) in normal and chronic bronchitis (CB) mice using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS), while comparing differences between the two states. MethodsThirty female BABL/c mice were randomly divided into the normal group, the normal drug administration group, the CB group, the CB drug administration group and the dexamethasone group, with 6 mice in each group. The CB mouse model was established by inducing with ovalbumin (OVA). The mice in the normal drug administration group and the CB drug administration group started to be gavaged with XBS(13.2 g·kg-1) from the 21st day, and the dexamethasone group mice were simultaneously gavaged with dexamethasone (0.5 mg·kg-1) until the end of the 35th day of the experiment. Subsequently, serum samples were collected and evaluated for their efficacy, based on the pharmacological evaluation indicators, to determine the efficacy of XBS in treating CB. Then the UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was employed to identify and analyze the chemical constituents, blood-absorbed components, and metabolites of XBS. Chemometric analysis was conducted to reveal metabolic profile differences under "dual states". Concurrently, Real-time PCR technology was utilized to detect the expression levels of key liver metabolic enzymes CYP2E1, CYP3A1, UGT1A1, and UGT1A6. ResultsA total of 28 prototype components and 158 metabolites (including 48 phase Ⅰ metabolites and 110 phase Ⅱ metabolites) of XBS were unambiguously identified in the serum of normal mice. Additionally, a comprehensive characterization was performed on a total of 32 prototype components and 178 metabolites (including 50 phase Ⅰ metabolites and 128 phase Ⅱ metabolites) of XBS in the serum of CB mice. Among them, 27 prototype components were detected in both states, including 12 flavonoids, 2 alkaloids, 3 triterpenes, 4 organic acids, 3 amides, 1 stilbene and 2 other compounds. The chemometrics analysis revealed no significant difference in the prototype components and metabolites of XBS between normal and CB mice; however, there was a significant increase in the in-vivo exposure of XBS in CB mice. Compared to normal mice, the levels of phase Ⅰ metabolites such as oxidation, reduction and methylation of blood components of XBS as well as phase Ⅱ metabolites of glucuronidation showed significant changes in CB mice. Real-time PCR further confirmed that these alterations were attributed to the upregulation of CYP2E1 (P<0.05), CYP3A1 (P>0.05), UGT1A1 (P<0.01) and UGT1A6 (P<0.01) enzymes expression in the liver of CB mice. ConclusionThis study elucidated the disparities in the levels of the blood-absorbed components and metabolic profiles of XBS in normal and CB mice, especially in oxidation, reduction, methylation in phase Ⅰ metabolism and glucoaldehyde acidification in phase Ⅱ metabolism. And there are related to the differences in the expression levels of phase Ⅰ and phase Ⅱ metabolic enzymes CYP2E1, CYP3A1, UGT1A1 and UGT1A6 in the liver.
2.Modified Xiaoyaosan Alleviates Neuronal Dysfunction in Rat Model of Post-myocardial Infarction Depression by Regulating Mitochondrial Quality Control Through Drp1/PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway
Zhen ZHONG ; Dongsheng WEI ; Xinyue XIONG ; Lin LI ; Mingli YAO ; Xinnuan SHI ; Youming JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):20-31
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Xiaoyaosan (JJXYS) on behavioral abnormalities and hippocampal mitochondrial quality control (MQC) in the rat model of post-myocardial infarction depression (PMD) and preliminarily explore its potential mechanism. MethodsA rat model of PMD was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Rats were randomized into a control group, a model group, a fluoxetine (FLX, 10 mg·kg-1) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose JJXYS (JJXYS-L/M/H, 1.12, 2.24, 4.48 g·kg-1, respectively) groups. Depressive-like behaviors were evaluated by body weight monitoring, sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swimming test. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining were used to observe hippocampal histomorphology and neuronal changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to determine the serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). The mRNA levels of MQC-related genes including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), and transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM) in the hippocampal tissue were measured by real-time PCR. The expression of proteins related to the dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)/PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin signaling pathway was determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed restricted body weight gain, aggravated depressive-like behaviors, declined serum 5-HT and DA levels, evident hippocampal neuronal damage and reduced Nissl bodies, as well as downregulated expression of MQC-related genes and proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both FLX and JJXYS alleviated the above changes to varying degrees. Moreover, the JJXYS-M and JJXYS-H groups showed more pronounced effects, improving behavioral performance, restoring 5-HT and DA levels, alleviating hippocampal pathological injury, and upregulating the expression of PGC-1α/Nrf1/TFAM mRNA and Drp1/PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway-related proteins (P<0.05). ConclusionJJXYS can significantly alleviate depressive-like behaviors and neurotransmitter imbalance in the rat model of PMD by regulating hippocampal MQC and upregulating the Drp1/PINK1/Parkin-related pathway. This study provides experimental evidence for the intervention of PMD with JJXYS.
3.Two Cases of Psychiatric Symptoms Associated with Zonisamide Antiepileptic Treatment
Cun-Bo WU ; Pei-Sen YAO ; Li-Chao SU ; Zhang-Ya LIN
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2026;24(1):202-206
To report two cases of psychiatric symptoms associated with zonisamide, an antiepileptic drug, and raise clinical awareness of this potential adverse effect. Two male patients with epilepsy treated with zonisamide were retrospectively analyzed. Case 1 (25 years old) developed acute emotional and behavioral abnormalities (e.g., insomnia, aggression, incoherent speech) after switching from sodium valproate to zonisamide (200 mg/day). Case 2 (48 years old) had long-term zonisamide use (≥5 years) with persistent treatment-resistant psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions, command hallucinations). Clinical courses, medication adjustments, and symptom responses were documented. In Case 1, psychiatric symptoms resolved after discontinuing zonisamide and switching to sodium valproate, with improved mood stability and reduced impulsivity. In Case 2, despite escalating antipsychotic medications (risperidone, clozapine), psychotic symptoms persisted, likely due to ongoing zonisamide use. Both cases highlighted zonisamide’s potential to exacerbate or induce psychiatric manifestations, possibly via mechanisms involving sodium/calcium channel inhibition and neurotransmitter dysregulation (e.g., dopamine, serotonin). Zonisamide can cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Clinicians should monitor for mental health changes during zonisamide treatment and consider drug discontinuation or substitution with alternative antiepileptics (e.g., sodium valproate) if psychiatric adverse effects emerge. Awareness of this association is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and optimize epilepsy management.
4.The first record of Anopheles messeae (Diptera: Culicidae) parasitized by water mites in China
Xue-ru CHEN ; Wen-zhen YAO ; Yu-hao LI ; Gui-chang LI ; Tao MENG ; Qun-ling FENG ; Xin-hui LIU ; Li-hong QIAO ; Xiang-ting WU ; Xue-feng ZHANG ; Cheng-lin LI ; Xue-cheng DONG ; Da-wei WANG ; Xiao-yan SI ; Yu-hong GUO
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):53-57
Objective This study reports on the obligatory parasitism of water mites Arrenurus sp. on Anopheles messeae at the Manzhouli Port, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Duing July 2024, a survey on the mosquito diversity was conducted at the Manzhouli Port. Captured mosquitoes and their ectoparasites were identified to species level. Results A total of 1840 adult mosquitoes were collected, representing species from three genera: Culex(Cx. modestus, Cx. pipiens pallens), Aedes(Ae. dorsalis, Ae. flavidorsalis, Ae. flavescens), and Anopheles (An. messeae). Among all the mosqutioes specimens,3 out of 150 captured An. messeae were found to carry ectoparasitic mites, with number of 2,4,27 mites separately. Morphological and molecular identification reached the same result as water mites(Hydrachnidiae, Hydracrina). COI gene sequence showed 94% similarity with the closest species Arrenurus truncatellus. Conlusions Literature review suggests water mites are host-specific parasitism of mosquito species and herein with the first record of Arrenurus sp. parasiting on An. Messeae in the most high-latitude region globally.
5.Huoxue Wentong Prescription Ameliorates Post-myocardial Infarction Ventricular Remodeling in Rats via HIF-1α/TGF-β1/POSTN-mediated Regulation of EndMT
Xiaoning SUN ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Cheng LI ; Qingqing WANG ; Jianguo LIN ; Mingyue WANG ; Ying YANG ; Kuiwu YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(22):148-158
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism by which Huoxue Wentong prescription (HXWT) ameliorates post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular remodeling by regulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) via the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/periostin (POSTN) signaling pathway. MethodsEighty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a sham-operated group (n=10) and a modeling group (n=70). The MI model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Successfully modeled rats were further randomized into a model group, a sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto, 0.021 g·kg-1) group, and low, medium, and high-dose (4.15, 8.30, and 16.60 g·kg-1, respectively) HXWTF groups (n=10 per group). From postoperative day 2, rats received HXWTF or sacubitril/valsartan by gavage once daily for 4 weeks, and those in sham and model groups received an equal volume of normal saline. After intervention, general conditions were assessed. Echocardiography was performed to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was employed to evaluate myocardial histopathology, and Masson's trichrome staining to assess myocardial fibrosis. Serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Collagen type Ⅰ (ColⅠ) expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence double staining was adopted to detect the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Western blot was performed to quantify the expression of collagen type Ⅰ α2 (Col1A2), VE-cadherin, CD31, α-SMA, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited thinning and collapse of the left ventricular wall, decreased LVEF and LVFS and increased LVEDD and LVESD (P<0.01), disrupted myocardial fibers with marked inflammatory cell infiltration, increased collagen deposition, enhanced ColⅠ immunoreactivity, elevate serum BNP, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels, a reduced IL-10 level (P<0.01), downregulated expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, and upregulated expression of α-SMA, Col1A2, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN (P<0.05,P<0.01), accompanied by increased CD31/α-SMA co-localization. Compared with the model group, the sacubitril/valsartan group and all HXWTF groups showed improved ventricular wall structure, increased LVEF and LVFS, decreased LVEDD and LVESD, attenuated myocardial injury with reduced inflammatory infiltration and collagen deposition, declined serum BNP, IL-6, and MMP-9 levels, an elevated serum IL-10 level, upregulated expression of CD31 and VE-cadherin, downregulated expression of α-SMA, Col1A2, HIF-1α, TGF-β1, and POSTN, and reduced CD31/α-SMA co-localization (P<0.05,P<0.01). No significant differences were observed between the sacubitril/valsartan group and the medium- and high-dose HXWTF groups. ConclusionHXWTF may regulate the HIF-1α/TGF-β1/POSTN pathway to inhibit EndMT, thereby ameliorating post-MI ventricular remodeling.
6.Protective Effect and Mechanism of Artemitin on Ozone-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Mice
Yanping LI ; Shan HUANG ; Jengyuan YAO ; Yimin SHI ; Huaxiu SUI ; Houtan HUANG ; Yanping YU ; Yan MI ; Tahui LIN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(5):640-649
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of artemitin against ozone (O3)-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsThirty-two specific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, an artemitin-only control group, an O3-induced model group, and an artemitin-treated group, with 8 mice in each group. In the artemitin-treated group, animals were injected intraperitoneally with artemitin (20 mg/kg) daily, followed by a 1 h exposure to 0.000 25% O3. The artemitin-only control group received the same artemitin injection but was exposed to clean air. The O3-induced model group was injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of normal saline daily, followed by a 1-h exposure to 0.000 25% O3. The blank control group received the saline injection and was exposed to clean air. All treatments were administered for 7 consecutive days. Pulmonary function indices of the mice in each group were measured using a whole-body plethysmography system. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the lung tissue, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed for untargeted metabolomic analysis to examine the changes in overall metabolic pathways in plasma. ResultsCompared with the O3-induced model group, artemitin treatment significantly improved O3-induced lung function impairments (P<0.05), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF (P<0.05) and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and structural damage in lung tissues. Metabolomics results indicated that artemitin treatment compensatorily enhanced energy supply and oxidized lipid signaling, while inhibiting purine metabolism and tryptophan-derived pathways. ConclusionArtemitin exhibits a significant protective effect against O3-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice. It corrects upstream metabolic disorders by synergistically modulating tryptophan metabolism, energy metabolism, and lipid inflammatory mediators, thereby inhibiting downstream inflammatory responses and airway hyperresponsiveness. This study not only reveals the pleiotropic mechanism of artemitin in treating airway inflammation but also provides potential metabolic biomarkers and a theoretical basis for its clinical translation.
7.Effect of staged nutritional therapy combined with functional exercise in preoperative prehabilitation for patients with enterocutaneous fistula
Shan-Shan YU ; Lan DING ; Hong-Lin YAO ; Min-Yi ZHOU ; Xue-Cheng ZHAO ; Yun-Li MA ; Yang YANG
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2025;32(5):298-303
Objective:To evaluate the application of a two-stage sequential nutritional therapy combined with functional exercise in the preoperative prehabilitation of patients with high-output intestinal fistula(HIF).Methods:A total of 164 HIF patients scheduled for definitive fistula resection in the Department of General Surgery,Eastern Theater Command General Hospital from March 2023 to March 2025 were prospectively enrolled.They were randomly assigned to a control group or an intervention group at a 1:1 ratio,with 82 patients in each group.The control group received conventional nutritional support and basic functional exercise,while the intervention group underwent a two-stage sequential nutritional therapy combined with graded functional exercise.Nutritional indicators,inflammatory markers,functional status,and postoperative recovery were compared between the two groups at 28 days before surgery,1 day before surgery,and 1,3,and 7 days after surgery.Results:On the day before surgery,the nutritional indicators in the intervention group,including albumin[(36.8±4.1)g/L],prealbumin[(213.5±42.1)mg/L],and total protein[(69.3±6.1)g/L],were all significantly higher than those in the control group[albumin(33.1±3.9)g/L,prealbumin(163.2±37.6)mg/L,total protein(63.7±5.9)g/L],with P<0.001.The energy compliance rates on the 21st day before surgery and the day before surgery in the intervention group(85.2%,92.8%)were significantly higher than those in the control group(62.5%,72.4%),with P<0.001.The 6-minute walk distance(6MWD)in the intervention group on the day before surgery and on the 7th day after surgery[(385.1±55.2)m,(346.3±48.4)m]was significantly greater than that in the control group[(315.3±60.7)m,(298.3±51.1)m],with P<0.001.On the 1st day after surgery,the inflammatory markers in the intervention group[CRP(98.7±35.2)mg/L,IL-6(45.3±12.5)pg/mL,PCT(1.2±0.5)ng/mL]were all significantly lower than those in the control group[CRP(152.4±48.6)mg/L,IL-6(89.6±25.4)pg/mL,PCT(2.8±0.9)ng/mL],with P<0.001.Additionally,the time to first ambulation after surgery[(16.8±4.2)h],time to first flatus[(52.4±14.5)h],and ICU stay duration[(3.1±1.6)d]in the intervention group were all significantly shorter than those in the control group,with P<0.001 Conclusion:The two-stage sequential nutritional therapy combined with functional exercise significantly improves the attainment of nutritional targets,suppresses systemic inflammatory response,enhances muscle reserve and exercise tolerance,and effectively shortens the postoperative recovery period in HIF patients.These findings support the use of this combined approach as a targeted and feasible model for preoperative prehabilitation,demonstrating substantial clinical application value.
8.Establishment of a prediction model for capecitabine chemotherapy-related hepatotoxicity in colorectal cancer patients based on metabonomics
Zeshuai LIN ; Jiani CHEN ; Houshan YAO ; Mingming LI ; Jia YAO
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(1):40-47
Objective To identify potential biomarkers and establish a prediction model for chemotherapy-related hepatotoxicity susceptibility based on plasma endogenous metabolites of colorectal cancer(CRC)patients before chemotherapy.Methods The plasma samples of 50 CRC patients before capecitabine chemotherapy and the records of their chemotherapy-related hepatotoxicity during the follow-up were collected.An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS)was used to perform untargeted metabolomic analysis.Based on bioinformatics analysis,differential analysis,correlation analysis,and random forest were used to screen for hepatotoxicity-related plasma endogenous metabolites.All samples were randomly assigned(7∶3)to training set or test set.A multivariate logistic regression model was established to predict the hepatotoxicity of capecitabine chemotherapy based on the training set data.The prediction effects of the model in the training,test and entire sets were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.Results The endogenous metabolites related to hepatotoxicity in the plasma of CRC patients before chemotherapy were mainly lipid endogenous metabolites.A series of potentially important predictive biomarkers for hepatotoxicity susceptibility were identified,including sphingamine-1-phosphate,ceramide,galactose,arachidonic acid,tyrosine,biliverdin,myristic acid,phosphatidylcholine(35∶1),phosphatidylethanolamine(36∶1),and hexadecanoic acid.The area under curve values of the prediction model based on the above biomarkers in the training,test and entire sets were 0.946(95%confidence interval[CI]0.842-1.000),0.920(95%CI 0.720-1.000),and 0.912(95%CI 0.810-0.982),respectively.Conclusion The endogenous metabolites in the plasma of CRC patients before chemotherapy can effectively predict the hepatotoxicity of capecitabine chemotherapy.These hepatotoxicity biomarkers indicate that susceptible patients have characteristics related to lipid metabolism disorders.
9.Effect of dapagliflozin on myocardial function changes in early spontaneously hypertensive rats:a study based on longitudinal layer-specific strain
Xuemei CHEN ; Jun ZHANG ; Xin LI ; Ran YAO ; Deng LIU ; Jiang FENG ; Lin TAN ; Yanli GUO
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(6):531-538
Objective To evaluate the effect of dapagliflozin on myocardial function in early spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)with layer-specific global longitudinal strain(GLS).Methods A total of 45 male SHR aged 6 weeks were randomly divided into control group(normal saline),dapagliflozin group[1 mg/(kg·day)],and losartan group[10 mg/(kg·day)].Fifteen male Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats at same age with normal blood pressure were subjected and served as blank control group.During 8 weeks of intervention,systolic blood pressure(SBP)was measured,and conventional echocardiography and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography(2DSTE)were performed and the results were collected to acquire the longitudinal strain of each layer of left ventricular(LV)myocardium.The parameters were compared among the groups.The pathological changes of myocardium were observed in each group of rats.Results Compared with the WKY group,LV ejection fraction(LVEF)and LV fraction shortening(LVFS)at week 8 were decreased in the control group(P<0.05),but no such decreases were observed in the dapagliflozin group and the losartan group.The GLS of endo-myocardium(GLSendo)at the 6th week was decreased,and GLSendo,GLSmid and GLSepi at the 8th week were all decreased in the control group than the WKY group(all P<0.05).But there were no statistical differences in the above 3 indicators in the dapagliflozin and losartan groups when compared with the WKY group(all P>0.05).The pathological results showed that myocardial interstitial fibrosis was observed in the control group at the 6th week.Conclusion Dapagliflozin can effectively improve myocardial function in early SHR.
10.Construction and Application of"On-Off-On"Fluorescence Sensor for Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Based on Near Infrared Carbon Quantum Dots
Yu LIN ; Feng TAN ; Yu-Hua SHEN ; Li-Qin ZHU ; Pei-Yao YAN ; Jin-Tao PAN ; Kai-Shun LIU
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(6):934-943
In this work,near infrared carbon quantum dots(NIR-CDs)were synthesized by hydrothermal method using biomass material Clausena lansium leaves.The synthesized NIR-CDs emitted maximum fluorescence signal at 677 nm,which was independent of excitation wavelength.The characterization results showed that there were abundant groups on the surface of NIR-CDs.Pd2+could form non-fluorescent compounds with the surface groups of NIR-CDs,resulting in fluorescence quenching(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F0).Because chlorpromazine hydrochloride(CPZ)parent nucleus contained unoxidized S atom,CPZ could form stable colored complex with Pd2+under acidic conditions.In the presence of CPZ,Pd2+dissociated from the surface of NIR-CDs and bonded with CPZ,so that the fluorescence signal could be restored(Fluorescence signal was denoted as F).An"on-off-on"fluorescence sensor was thus constructed.The fluorescence signal recovery value of NIR-CDs(△F=F-F0)showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of CPZ in the range of 5.68-28.43 μg/mL,and the detection limit(3σ)was 0.078 μg/mL.The sensor was applied to determination of CPZ in pharmaceutical preparations,and the recoveries were 94%-106%.The developed fluorescence sensor was expected to be used in quality control of actual pharmaceutical preparations.


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