1.Quality Evaluation of Gegen Qinlian Tablets Based on HPLC Multi-component Quantification Combined with Chemical Pattern Recognition and TOPSIS Analysis
Ping QIN ; Yingying LU ; Wenming ZHANG ; Zifang FENG ; Lihong GU ; Chenjie XIA ; Minmin HU ; Xiaowei CHEN ; Zhenhua BIAN ; Xiwan LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):217-224
ObjectiveTo establish a high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) for the quantitative analysis of multiple components in Gegen Qinlian tablets, and to comprehensively evaluate the quality of samples from different manufacturers by integrating chemical pattern recognition and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS), in order to provide a reference basis for quality evaluation and control of Gegen Qinlian tablets. MethodsHPLC was employed to determine the contents of 10 components in 28 batches of Gegen Qinlian tablets collected from 6 manufacturers, and taking the detection results as variables, SIMCA 14.1 and SPSS 26.0 were employed for cluster analysis(CA), principal component analysis(PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) to identify key components affecting the quality. Then, TOPSIS analysis was employed to rank the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets from the 6 manufacturers and establish a comprehensive quality evaluation method. ResultsA quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets was established. After methodological validation, the method was found to be stable and reliable, and could be used for the quantitative analysis of this preparation. The contents of 3′-hydroxy puerarin, puerarin, 3′-methoxy puerarin, daidzein, coptisine hydrochloride, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride and baicalin in 28 batches of samples were 3.58-7.35, 24.88-42.32, 4.20-9.36, 4.33-7.60, 2.52-6.44, 0.93-4.10, 0.58-3.05, 10.68-22.92, 0.82-4.82, 11.73-60.16 mg·g-1, respectively. Among them, puerarin, berberine hydrochloride and baicalin all met the limit requirements for this preparation specified in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. CA and PCA clustered the 28 batches of samples into 5 categories, PCA extracted 2 principal components with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 90.588%, and OPLS-DA screened out 4 differential markers with variable importance in the projection(VIP) values>1.0, namely baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride, which might be the main components affecting the quality of Gegen Qinlian tablets. TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive score of each evaluation index(Ci) values of different manufacturers were different. Among them, the Ci of manufacturer B was ranked higher, indicating potentially superior quality, while the Ci of manufacturer A was ranked lower, suggesting potentially inferior quality. ConclusionThis study establishes a quantitative method for Gegen Qinlian tablets, and the content uniformity of the same manufacturer is good, while there are differences in the contents of active components among different manufacturers. Through the chemical pattern recognition analysis, it is found that the content differences of Gegen Qinlian tablets may be related to baicalin, 3′-hydroxy puerarin, coptisine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride.
2.The Structure and Function of The YopJ Family Effectors in The Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Ao-Ning LI ; Wen-Bo LI ; Yu-Ying LU ; Min-Hui ZHU ; Yu-Long QIN ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhao-Huan ZHANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):516-533
The Type III Secretion System (T3SS) serves as a pivotal virulence apparatus for numerous Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, enabling them to infect both animal and plant hosts. Functioning as a molecular syringe, the T3SS directly translocates bacterial effector proteins from the bacterial cytoplasm into the interior of eukaryotic host cells. These effectors are central weapons that precisely manipulate a wide spectrum of host cellular physiological processes, ranging from cytoskeletal dynamics to immune signaling, to establish a favorable niche for bacterial survival and proliferation. Among the diverse arsenal of T3SS effectors, the YopJ family constitutes a critical group of virulence factors. Members of this family are characterized by a conserved catalytic triad structure—a hallmark of the CE clan of cysteine proteases that has been evolutionarily repurposed to confer acetyltransferase activity. A defining and intriguing feature of these enzymes is their stringent dependence on a host-derived eukaryotic cofactor, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), for allosteric activation. This requirement acts as a sophisticated molecular safeguard, ensuring enzymatic activity only within the appropriate host environment, thereby preventing detrimental effects on the bacterium itself. While seminal studies on individual members such as Yersinia’s YopJ and Salmonella’s AvrA have provided deep mechanistic insights, a systematic and integrative understanding of the structure-function relationships across the entire family remains fragmented. Key questions persist regarding how a conserved catalytic core has diverged to recognize distinct host substrates in different kingdoms of life. To address this gap, this article provides a systematic review of the YopJ family, focusing on three interconnected aspects: their structural features, their catalytic mechanism, and their divergent immunosuppressive strategies in animal versus plant hosts. By conducting a comparative analysis of the sequences and resolved three-dimensional structures of three representative members (e.g., HopZ1a, PopP2, AvrA), we elucidate regions of significant variation embedded within the conserved core catalytic architecture. These variable regions, often involving surface loops and substrate-binding interfaces, are crucial determinants of target specificity and functional specialization. The functional divergence of this effector family is most apparent when comparing their modes of action in different hosts. In animal hosts, YopJ-family effectors primarily sabotage innate immune signaling pathways. They achieve this by acetylating key serine and threonine residues within the activation loops of critical kinases in the MAPK and NF‑κB pathways. This post-translational modification blocks the phosphorylation and subsequent activation of these kinases, leading to potent suppression of inflammatory cytokine production. Conversely, in plant hosts, the strategy broadens to dismantle the two-tiered plant immune system. YopJ homologs target a more diverse set of substrates, including immune-associated receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs), microtubule networks via tubulin acetylation (which disrupts cellular trafficking and signaling), and transcription factors central to defense gene regulation. This multi-target approach effectively suppresses both Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI) and Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). In conclusion, this synthesis aims to deepen the mechanistic understanding of YopJ family-mediated pathogenesis by integrating structural biology with cellular function across host kingdoms. Elucidating the precise molecular basis for substrate selection—how conserved platforms achieve target diversity—is a major frontier. Furthermore, this knowledge provides a vital theoretical foundation for developing novel anti-virulence strategies. Targeting the conserved IP6-binding pocket or the catalytic acetyltransferase activity itself represents a promising avenue for designing broad-spectrum inhibitors that could disarm this critical family of bacterial effectors, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches against a range of pathogenic bacteria.
3.Study on the mechanism of Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in epileptic mice via regulating AKT/Bcl-xL/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling axis
Ling LU ; Sheng ZHUANG ; Yijue QIN ; Haishun QU ; Yanwei YANG ; Weicheng XU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1728-1734
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction against hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in acute epileptic model mice. METHODS Thirty-six male KM mice were randomly divided into four groups with 9 mice in each group: normal control group (normal saline), epilepsy model group (normal saline), Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction group [7 g/(kg·d)] and carbamazepine group [positive control, 30 mg/(kg·d)]. Except for the normal control group, the acute epilepsy model was established in the other groups. After successful modeling, mice in each group were given corresponding drugs or normal saline by intragastric administration once a day for 2 consecutive weeks. After drug intervention, the ultrastructure and pathological morphology of hippocampal CA1 region were observed. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in hippocampus was detected, and the expression levels of protein kinase B (AKT), Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), as well as the ratio of phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) to AKT were determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group, severe ultrastructural and pathological damages were observed in the hippocampal CA1 region of epilepsy model group; the number of TUNEL-positive cells was significantly increased ( P <0.05). The expression levels of p-AKT and Bcl-xL were significantly down-regulated ( P <0.05), while the Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly up-regulated ( P <0.05),accompanied by a remarkable decrease of p-AKT/AKT ratio ( P <0.05). Compared with the epilepsy model group, hippocampal tissue ultrastructure, pathological damage, and the aforementioned indicators were significantly improved in Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction can inhibit hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in acute epileptic mice, and its mechanism may be related to activating AKT phosphorylation, increasing p-AKT/AKT ratio, up-regulating Bcl-xL expression and down-regulating the expression of Bax and Caspase-3.
4.Research progress on regulation of antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine
Binrui WANG ; Zheng CHANG ; Meijing QIN ; Limei ZHAO ; Juanmei MO ; Xiang LU ; Chunhua LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1773-1777
γδ T cells possess both innate and adaptive immune characteristics. Their antigen recognition is independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation, and they can directly recognize abnormal tumor metabolism, showing unique application potential in tumors with low immune infiltration. This paper systematically sorts out the biological characteristics and antitumor immune functions of γδ T cells, and mainly reviews the relevant mechanisms by which active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine regulate γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and Astragalus polysaccharide can enhance the antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by promoting the expression of various cytokines, regulating intestinal flora and alleviating immunosuppressive state. Quercetin and puerarin can strengthen γδ T cell-mediated tumor cell killing by regulating the proliferation of γδ T cells, the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules and related signaling pathways. Toosendanin can potentiate γδ T cell-induced tumor cell killing by down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein in tumor cells. Artesunate can boost γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses by enhancing the effector function of γδ T cells and weakening tumor immune escape. Future research shall focus on exploring the synergistic effects and molecular mechanisms of the combined application of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and γδ T cell immunotherapy, and identifying the key targets for γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions.
5.Value of serum Golgi protein 73, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in predicting the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in treatment of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Ababaikeli BAOYIXIAMU ; Jie ZHANG ; Qin XU ; Xiaobo LU ; Diwen ZHU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1342-1348
ObjectiveTo investigate the association of the serum levels of Golgi protein 73 (GP73), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) before and after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with the treatment outcome of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsA total of 135 patients with HBV-related HCC who received TACE for the first time in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2023 to October 2025 were enrolled as subjects, and the serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 were measured before TACE and at 1 month after TACE. According to the treatment outcome after TACE, the patients were divided into remission group and non-remission group. The two groups were compared in terms of general information and the serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 before and after treatment. The Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for the efficacy of TACE, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the value of the serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 before treatment used alone or in combination in predicting the efficacy of TACE. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. ResultsAmong the 135 patients after treatment, 78 (57.78%) were enrolled in the remission group and 57 (42.22%) were enrolled in the non-remission group. Before treatment, the remission group had significantly lower serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 than the non-remission group (all P<0.05); after treatment, both groups had reductions in the serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9, and the remission group had significantly lower levels than the non-remission group (all P<0.05). The binary Logistic regression analysis showed that increases in the serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 before treatment were independent influencing factors for the efficacy of TACE (all P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 before treatment used alone had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.799, 0.835, and 0.777, respectively, in predicting the efficacy of TACE, among which HIF-1α showed the highest predictive value, and the combination of these three indicators had an AUC of 0.950, a Youden index of 0.787, an optimal cut-off value of 0.39, a sensitivity of 87.72%, and a specificity of 91.03%. ConclusionTACE can reduce the serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 in patients with HBV-related HCC, and patients with a good outcome tend to have greater reductions. The high serum levels of GP73, HIF-1α, and MMP-9 before treatment are independent risk factors for poor short-term efficacy of TACE, and the combination of these three indicators has a relatively high value in predicting the efficacy of TACE.
6.Current Understanding of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Qing LI ; Ying DENG ; Li XIAO ; Jing LU ; Min AI ; Yasha ZHOU ; Yuhui QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Yijing YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1567-1573
This paper has summarized current studies on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) from two perspectives, which were disease mechanism insights from western medicine, and etiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). From the perspective of western medicine, the understanding of RP has evolved from an early single-factor explanation focusing on pathogenic gene mutations to a more comprehensive, multifactorial model involving genetic abnormalities, photoreceptor cell degeneration, retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, microenvironmental imbalance, and vascular insufficiency. In TCM, RP is considered to be a disorder manifested in the eyes but rooted in dysfunction of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs. Its pathogenesis is primarily associated with congenital insufficiency, liver-kidney depletion, impaired spleen function of transportation and transformation, and stasis obstructing the meridians. The core pathological mechanism can be summarized as "deficiency complicated by stasis", emphasizing holistic imbalance, dynamic disease progression, and syndrome differentiation and treatment. The differences and complementarities between the two medical systems in understanding disease progression are further discussed. RP is proposed to be more appropriately regarded as a complex disease characterized by long-term progression, stage-dependent evolution, and persistent decompensation. Western medicine contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RP and provides the foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions, whereas TCM offers a holistic perspective for understanding disease evolution through the assessment of overall functional status, disease-stage stratification, and long-term syndrome-based regulation.
7.Advances in posterior scleral reinforcement for pathological myopia
Zhouyi HUANG ; Hongxia LIAO ; Dongcheng LIU ; Qiuying YE ; Jingwen LIU ; Yijie LU ; Tongmiao WANG ; Bo QIN
International Eye Science 2026;26(8):1400-1404
Pathologic myopia(PM)is characterized by progressive axial elongation, posterior staphyloma, and fundus degenerative changes, representing a leading cause of blindness in Asian countries.Posterior scleral reinforcement(PSR)is currently the only surgical intervention to slow axial elongation. Its mechanisms involve mechanical reinforcement, improved blood circulation, and biological stimulation of scleral remodeling. This article reviews recent advances in PSR: surgical techniques have evolved from complex, classic procedures to standardized single-strip methods, incorporating 3D MRI to quantify posterior staphyloma morphology for personalized graft design and facilitating minimally invasive, precision surgery. Among implant materials, biomaterials such as allogeneic dura mater are being continuously optimized, while biomimetic piezoelectric smart materials actively promote scleral collagen synthesis through electrical signals, achieving a paradigm shift from “passive support”to “active reinforcement”. Clinical outcomes indicate advantages in regulating axial length, enhancing visual function and blood circulation, and facilitating early intervention in children. Combined procedures with ICL implantation, cataract surgery or vitrectomy provide comprehensive treatment regimens for individual patients with varied conditions. This article also analyzes long-term issues and core controversies including ectopic posterior staphyloma and reoperation, and prospects future research directions such as artificial intelligence assistance, translation of smart materials and full-cycle prevention and treatment systems, so as to provide references for clinical practice and scientific research.
8.Current Understanding of Retinitis Pigmentosa in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Qing LI ; Ying DENG ; Li XIAO ; Jing LU ; Min AI ; Yasha ZHOU ; Yuhui QIN ; Qinghua PENG ; Yijing YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(14):1567-1573
This paper has summarized current studies on retinitis pigmentosa (RP) from two perspectives, which were disease mechanism insights from western medicine, and etiology, pathogenesis and therapeutic principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). From the perspective of western medicine, the understanding of RP has evolved from an early single-factor explanation focusing on pathogenic gene mutations to a more comprehensive, multifactorial model involving genetic abnormalities, photoreceptor cell degeneration, retinal pigment epithelium dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, microenvironmental imbalance, and vascular insufficiency. In TCM, RP is considered to be a disorder manifested in the eyes but rooted in dysfunction of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs. Its pathogenesis is primarily associated with congenital insufficiency, liver-kidney depletion, impaired spleen function of transportation and transformation, and stasis obstructing the meridians. The core pathological mechanism can be summarized as "deficiency complicated by stasis", emphasizing holistic imbalance, dynamic disease progression, and syndrome differentiation and treatment. The differences and complementarities between the two medical systems in understanding disease progression are further discussed. RP is proposed to be more appropriately regarded as a complex disease characterized by long-term progression, stage-dependent evolution, and persistent decompensation. Western medicine contributes to elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying RP and provides the foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions, whereas TCM offers a holistic perspective for understanding disease evolution through the assessment of overall functional status, disease-stage stratification, and long-term syndrome-based regulation.
9.Study on the mechanism of Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in epileptic mice via regulating AKT/Bcl-xL/Bax/Caspase-3 signaling axis
Ling LU ; Sheng ZHUANG ; Yijue QIN ; Haishun QU ; Yanwei YANG ; Weicheng XU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1728-1734
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction against hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in acute epileptic model mice. METHODS Thirty-six male KM mice were randomly divided into four groups with 9 mice in each group: normal control group (normal saline), epilepsy model group (normal saline), Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction group [7 g/(kg·d)] and carbamazepine group [positive control, 30 mg/(kg·d)]. Except for the normal control group, the acute epilepsy model was established in the other groups. After successful modeling, mice in each group were given corresponding drugs or normal saline by intragastric administration once a day for 2 consecutive weeks. After drug intervention, the ultrastructure and pathological morphology of hippocampal CA1 region were observed. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in hippocampus was detected, and the expression levels of protein kinase B (AKT), Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), as well as the ratio of phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) to AKT were determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group, severe ultrastructural and pathological damages were observed in the hippocampal CA1 region of epilepsy model group; the number of TUNEL-positive cells was significantly increased ( P <0.05). The expression levels of p-AKT and Bcl-xL were significantly down-regulated ( P <0.05), while the Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly up-regulated ( P <0.05),accompanied by a remarkable decrease of p-AKT/AKT ratio ( P <0.05). Compared with the epilepsy model group, hippocampal tissue ultrastructure, pathological damage, and the aforementioned indicators were significantly improved in Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Jiawei xiaochaihu decoction can inhibit hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in acute epileptic mice, and its mechanism may be related to activating AKT phosphorylation, increasing p-AKT/AKT ratio, up-regulating Bcl-xL expression and down-regulating the expression of Bax and Caspase-3.
10.Research progress on regulation of antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine
Binrui WANG ; Zheng CHANG ; Meijing QIN ; Limei ZHAO ; Juanmei MO ; Xiang LU ; Chunhua LU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(13):1773-1777
γδ T cells possess both innate and adaptive immune characteristics. Their antigen recognition is independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation, and they can directly recognize abnormal tumor metabolism, showing unique application potential in tumors with low immune infiltration. This paper systematically sorts out the biological characteristics and antitumor immune functions of γδ T cells, and mainly reviews the relevant mechanisms by which active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine regulate γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and Astragalus polysaccharide can enhance the antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by promoting the expression of various cytokines, regulating intestinal flora and alleviating immunosuppressive state. Quercetin and puerarin can strengthen γδ T cell-mediated tumor cell killing by regulating the proliferation of γδ T cells, the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules and related signaling pathways. Toosendanin can potentiate γδ T cell-induced tumor cell killing by down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein in tumor cells. Artesunate can boost γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses by enhancing the effector function of γδ T cells and weakening tumor immune escape. Future research shall focus on exploring the synergistic effects and molecular mechanisms of the combined application of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and γδ T cell immunotherapy, and identifying the key targets for γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions.

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