1.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
2.Current Status and Optimization Strategies for Setting Objective Performance Criteria in Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi LAI ; Qian HUANG ; Xueyin CHEN ; Shaonan LIU ; Lihong YANG ; MIMAZHUOGA ; DAWA ; Zhijian LI ; Tuerxun WUFUER ; Xinfeng GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(13):1461-1464
Current formulation of objective performance criteria (OPC) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) faces methodological challenges, including poor reporting quality, insufficient standardization of methods, limited comparability of study populations, and inadequate consideration of the genetic and environment particularities of ethnic minority populations. In response to these issues, this paper proposes optimization strategies for setting OPC in TCM, with particular attention to ethnic minority medicine. These include improving methodological techniques and statistical descriptions, ensuring transparency in meta-analyses and data sources; standardizing the estimation of point estimates and confidence intervals, and incorporating multidisciplinary expert consensus for value determination; introducing local real-world data from the same period, especially cohort study evidence, to compensate for the lack of high-quality randomized controlled trial data. Through process transparency and dynamic updating mechanisms, the credibility of OPC method can be enhanced, thereby providing methodological support for strengthening evidence-based research capacity in this field.
3.Efficacy Mechanism of Xianlian Jiedu Prescription Against Colorectal Cancer Recurrence vias Regulating Angiogenesis
Yanru XU ; Lihuiping TAO ; Jingyang QIAN ; Weixing SHEN ; Jiani TAN ; Chengtao YU ; Minmin FAN ; Changliang XU ; Yueyang LAI ; Liu LI ; Dongdong SUN ; Haibo CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):79-87
ObjectiveTo explore effect of Xianlian Jiedu prescription on the recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigate the related mechanisms. MethodsA postoperative recurrence model was established in 25 Balb/c mice by injecting CT26 cells subcutaneously into the armpit, followed by surgical removal of 99% of the subcutaneous tumor. The mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-L) group (6.45 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-M) group (12.9 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-H) group (25.8 g·kg-1·d-1), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group (1×10-3 g·kg-1·d-1). The mice were euthanized after 14 days of continuous intervention, and recurrent tumor tissue was harvested. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological and morphological changes in the recurrent tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to assess the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) in recurrent tumor tissue. The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), VEGF, phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in recurrent tumor tissue. ResultsBefore treatment, there were no statistical differences in tumor volume, tumor weight, and body mass among the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group, indicating model stability. After treatment, compared with those in the model group, the tumor volume and tumor weight in the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), showing dose dependency. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in body weight among the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group. HE staining showed that compared with that in the model group, tumor tissue in the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group had loosely arranged cells, increased intercellular spaces, small and shriveled nuclei, light staining, fewer mitotic figures and atypical nuclei, and increased necrotic areas. IHC showed that compared with those of the model group, the positive rates of Ki67, VEGF, and CD31 in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot results showed that compared with those of the model group, the protein expression levels of ANG-2 and VEGF in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the p-Akt/Akt and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXianlian Jiedu prescription significantly inhibits the recurrence of CRC in mice after subcutaneous tumor surgery. The mechanism may involve regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating key angiogenic proteins such as ANG-2, VEGF, and CD31.
4.Chemical constituents of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS.
Qian-Wen LIU ; Rong-Qing ZHU ; Qian-Nan HU ; Xiang LI ; Guang YANG ; Zi-Dong QIU ; Zhi-Lai ZHAN ; Tie-Gui NAN ; Mei-Lan CHEN ; Li-Ping KANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):708-718
Sophorae Flavescentis Radix is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in China, and a large amount of pharmaceutical residue generated during its processing and production is discarded as waste, which not only wastes resources but also pollutes the environment. Therefore, elucidating the chemical composition of the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and the differences between the residue and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix itself is of great significance for the comprehensive utilization of the residue. This study, based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology combined with multivariate statistical methods, provides a thorough characterization, identification, and differential analysis of the overall components of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue. Firstly, 61 compounds in Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were rapidly identified based on their precise molecular weight, fragment ions, and compound abundance, using a self-constructed compound database. Among them, 41 compounds were found in the residue, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Secondly, through principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), 15 key compounds differentiating Sophorae Flavescentis Radix from its residue were identified. These included highly polar alkaloids, such as oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine, which showed significantly reduced content in the residue, and less polar flavonoids, such as kurarinone and kuraridin, which were more abundant in the residue. In summary, this paper clarifies the overall composition, structure, and content differences between Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue, suggesting that the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix can be used as a raw material for the extraction of its high-activity components, with promising potential for development and application in cosmetics and daily care. This research provides a scientific basis for the future comprehensive utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods*
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Mass Spectrometry/methods*
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Sophora/chemistry*
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Flavonoids/chemistry*
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Alkaloids/chemistry*
5.Association of Co-Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Metal(loid)s with the Risk of Neural Tube Defects: A Case-Control Study in Northern China.
Xiao Qian JIA ; Yuan LI ; Lei JIN ; Lai Lai YAN ; Ya Li ZHANG ; Ju Fen LIU ; Le ZHANG ; Linlin WANG ; Ai Guo REN ; Zhi Wen LI
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(2):154-166
OBJECTIVE:
Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or metal(loid)s individually has been associated with neural tube defects (NTDs). However, the impacts of PAH and metal(loid) co-exposure and potential interaction effects on NTD risk remain unclear. We conducted a case-control study in China among population with a high prevalence of NTDs to investigate the combined effects of PAH and metal(loid) exposures on the risk of NTD.
METHODS:
Cases included 80 women who gave birth to offspring with NTDs, whereas controls were 50 women who delivered infants with no congenital malformations. We analyzed the levels of placental PAHs using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, PAH-DNA adducts with 32P-post-labeling method, and metal(loid)s with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Unconditional logistic regression was employed to estimate the associations between individual exposures and NTDs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression models were used to select a subset of exposures, while additive interaction models were used to identify interaction effects.
RESULTS:
In the single-exposure models, we found that eight PAHs, PAH-DNA adducts, and 28 metal(loid)s were associated with NTDs. Pyrene, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, uranium, and rubidium were selected through LASSO regression and were statistically associated with NTDs in the multiple-exposure models. Women with high levels of pyrene and molybdenum or pyrene and selenium exhibited significantly increased risk of having offspring with NTDs, indicating that these combinations may have synergistic effects on the risk of NTDs.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that individual PAHs and metal(loid)s, as well as their interactions, may be associated with the risk of NTDs, which warrants further investigation.
Humans
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Neural Tube Defects/chemically induced*
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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/adverse effects*
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Female
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Case-Control Studies
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China/epidemiology*
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Adult
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Pregnancy
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Environmental Pollutants
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Maternal Exposure/adverse effects*
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Metals/toxicity*
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Young Adult
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Risk Factors
6.Polysaccharide from Polygonatum Sibiricum Activates TLR4 and Enhances Antigen Specific Immune Responses in Mice
Chenyi LAI ; Chaoying JIN ; Haoying QIAN
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(6):690-699
[Objective]To evaluate the effect of polysaccharide from Polygonatum sibiricum on Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)activation and clarify its antigen specific response-enhancing effect on mice.[Methods]The HEK-BlueTM hTLR4 cell line which was stably transfected with genes of human TLR4 and secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase(SEAP)was used to quickly evaluate the activation of four different types of polysaccharide from Polygonatum sibiricum,including Polygonatum kingianum NP H2O(PKNH),Polygonatum kingianum AP H2O(PKAH),Polygonatum kingianum NP 5%EtOH(PKNEt)and Polygonatum kingianum AP 5%EtOH(PKAEt)on TLR4.C57BL/10ScNJ(TLR4-/-)mice were used to determine the relationship between the drug effect and TLR4.Ovalbumin(OVA)immunized mouse model was used to evaluate the enhancement of drug on specific immune response.The serum immunoglobulin G1(IgG1)and the cytokines related to the TLR4 signaling pathways such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and interferon-γ inducible protein-10(IP-10)levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated by 5-[3-(Aarboxymethoxy)phenyl]-3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium innersalt(MTS)assay.The mRNA expression levels of cytokines related to the TLR4 signaling pathways was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).[Results]TLR4 was activated most strongly by treatment of neutral polysaccharides from PKNH for 24 h(P<0.001).Compared with wild type,the cell proliferation and the expressions of TNF-α,IL-6 and IP-10 were significantly decreased in PKNH treated splenic lymphocyte from C57BL/10 ScNJ mice(P<0.001).Intragastric administration of PKNH significantly increased serum IgG1 level(P<0.01)and promoted splenic lymphocyte proliferation in OVA immunized mice(P<0.05).[Conclusion]The polysaccharide from Polygonatum sibiricum PKNH enhances the antigen specific immune response through activation of TLR4.
7.Study of Professor HE Ruoping's Thoughts in Application of Xiaoyao Powder
Qian LAI ; Jie ZHAO ; Yiwen CHEN
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University 2025;49(4):433-437
[Objective]To analyze the thought of Professor HE Ruoping in applying Xiaoyao Powder,in order to expand the clinical application of Xiaoyao Powder,and improve the ability of clinical syndrome differentiation and prescription selection.[Methods]Through daily consultations with teachers,collecting medical cases and literature retrieval,this paper discusses the new interpretation of the modification of Xiaoyao Powder.It also presents typical medical cases treated with this formula for conditions such as menstrual disorders,anxiety disorders,ovarian cysts and human papillomavirus(HPV)infection.Furthermore,it summarizes Professor HE's clinical experience in applying Xiaoyao Powder.[Results]Professor HE suggests modifying the original Xiaoyao Powder by removing Mentha haplocalyx Briq.,replacing Zingiber officinale Rosc.with Zingiber officinale Rosc.(dried)to enhance the formula's ability to warm the middle and disperse cold.Additionally,she adds Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.to invigorate blood and dispel blood stasis,thus strengthening the formula's overall effect of promoting blood circulation and tonifying the spleen.Cases treated with Xiaoyao Powder as the base formula such as menstrual disorders,anxiety,ovarian cysts and HPV infections shared the common pathogenesis of liver Qi stagnation and spleen deficiency.By combining differentiation of syndromes with appropriate treatment methods,including regulating and harmonizing Qi and blood,clearing and draining heat and blood stasis,resolving masses and transforming blood stasis,and clearing heat and draining dampness,good therapeutic results were achieved.[Conclusion]Professor HE's clinical application of Xiaoyao Powder often removes Mentha haplocalyx Briq.,and uses Zingiber officinale Rosc.(dried)instead of Zingiber officinale Rosc.added with Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.She believes that this formula can be used for gynecological,psychiatric and other diseases that belong to liver depression and spleen deficiency.Different diseases can be treated with the same formula,expanding the scope of treatment and fully reflecting the role of syndrome differentiation and treatment.It is worth promoting and learning from.
8.Analysis and policy recommendations of Healthy Zhejiang assessment results based on Non-parametric Tests
Wen-jie LAI ; Jia-huan WAN ; Qian HAO ; Qing SHEN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(1):28-33
Objective:To analyze the results of Healthy Zhejiang assessment and reveal the weakness in the process of Healthy Zhejiang construction,in order to propose suggestions for promoting the high-quality of Healthy Zhejiang construction.Methods:Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the points-deduction rates of the assessment indicators of Healthy Zhejiang in 90 counties(county-level cities and districts)of Zhejiang Province and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the results of Healthy Zhejiang assessment from 2020 to 2023.Results:The overall effect of Healthy Zhejiang construction from 2020 to 2023 was remarkable,but there were inadequacies and weakness in four aspects:residents'proactive health awareness,primary healthcare service capacity,healthy living environments,and the construction and management of sports facilities.Conclusions:It is still necessary to formulate multifaceted health education program,strengthen the construction of the primary healthcare service system,improve the collection,transportation and disposal system of rural domestic waste,and continuously promote the high-quality development of public sports service.
9.Selection and identification of S100B-specific nanobodies for melanoma biomarker
Jincheng QIAN ; Qiying SHENG ; Yingmei LAI ; Ying SHAN ; Xunhui ZHOU ; Haojie DING
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2025;47(9):896-904
Objective:A camelid natural nanobody library was screened to target S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) for obtaining high-affinity and specific nanobodies (Nbs), which provided a molecular basis for the early diagnosis and prognostic treatment of malignant melanoma.Methods:In this study, affinity panning was employed to isolate S100B-specific nanobodies with unique complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) sequences from a camelid natural nanobody library. The selected Nbs were expressed in a prokaryotic system and purified via Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. The affinity, specificity, and diagnostic potential of the Nbs were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot, and bio-layer interferometry (BLI).Results:A camelid natural anti-S100B nanobody library with a capacity of 1.91×10 8 CFU was successfully constructed. Affinity panning yielded 30 S100B-specific Nbs, among which Nb107, Nb122, Nb212, and Nb324 with distinct CDR3 sequences were selected for expression. Following Ni-NTA purification, all four anti-S100B Nbs exhibited high purity. Western blot analysis confirmed their ability to recognize recombinant S100B. ELISA and BLI analyses revealed that Nb212 demonstrated high affinity (1.96×10 -11 mol). Additionally, Nb107, Nb122, and Nb212 exhibited broad-spectrum recognition capabilities, binding to various tumor cell lines (Hepa1-6, GL261, 4T1, CT26) as well as murine/human melanoma cells. These Nbs also effectively bound to native murine/human antigens in serum samples from melanoma (A375, B16F10) mouse models. Conclusions:Specific anti-S100B Nbs are successfully screened and expressed, demonstrating not only recognition of native conformational antigens but also broad-spectrum binding and high affinity. These findings highlight their significant potential for developing early diagnostic assays and broad-spectrum targeted vaccines or therapeutics against diverse tumor cells.
10.Simultaneous determination of sucrose and mannitol by HPLC-ELSD in meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine
Gang HE ; Dongmei ZHOU ; Yueyue LAI ; Qian HUANG ; Qian WANG ; Siqin CAI ; Gongxiao WANG ; Fang HUANG
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(4):424-429
Objective:To establish a high performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector(HPLC-ELSD)technique for simultaneous determining the content of excipients sucrose and mannitol in meningo-coccal polysaccharide vaccine.Methods:Using NanoChrom Sugar-10Ca analytical column(300 mm × 7.8 mm)and HPLC system(Agilent 1260).With purified water as the mobile phase,a flow rate of 0.5 mL·min-1,column temperature was 80 ℃,and the injection volume was 50 μL.The evaporative light detector was based on nitrogen.The carrier gas flow rate is 3.2 L·min-1,the temperature of drift tube was 1 10 ℃,the gain value was 1,and the impactor was"mode 1".This assay was subsequently validated for its system suitability,specificity,repeatability,intermediate precision and linearity,and accuracy.The established method was used to assay the contents of the sucrose and mannitol in four batches of meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine.Results:The estab-lished HPLC-ELSD method showed good systemic suitability.Specificity validation showed that there was no inter-ference peak in the blank solvent;the separation of the target peaks between sucrose and mannitol was>2.0.The relative standard deviations(RSD)value of peak area of sucrose and mannitol in six tests were 0.44%and 0.38%,respectively.RSD of intermediate precision of both sucrose and mannitol were lower than 2.00%,indica-ting that the precision of high performance liquid chromatography instrument was well.The linear range of two excipients were 12.5-150.0 μg·mL-1(R2>0.99,respectively).The recovery rate of sucrose and mannitol were 95.74%-99.33%,94.37%-98.85%,respectively.There was no significant difference in the contents of sucrose and mannitol in 4 batches of meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine.Conclusion:The HPLC-ELSD method showed good specificity,precision,linearity and accuracy,and the test results were stable and reliable,so that it is suitable for simultaneous determination of sucrose and mannitol contents of meningococcal polysaccharide injections.

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