1.Curcumin extraction and preparation and optimization of curcumin nanoparticles
Yuhang WANG ; Han ZHANG ; Chaojing ZHANG ; Xurong KOU ; Tongtong JING ; Rimei LIN ; Xinyu LIU ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):362-374
BACKGROUND:Curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric and has significant medicinal value in anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant and other aspects.However,its poor water solubility,unstable chemical properties and easy decomposition lead to difficulty in extracting curcumin and low extraction yield.Therefore,it is particularly important to optimize the curcumin extraction method.OBJECTIVE:To enhance the extraction yield and utilization value of curcumin and optimize the curcumin extraction process and curcumin nanoparticle preparation process.METHODS:Curcumin was extracted from turmeric by ethanol extraction,ultrasonic extraction,ionic liquid extraction,enzyme extraction,and ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction.The curcumin extraction yield was detected by high performance liquid chromatography;the best extraction method was determined,and subsequent process optimization experiments were carried out.The curcumin extraction yield was the response value with the type of ionic liquid,reaction temperature,ultrasonic time,liquid-to-solid ratio,ionic liquid concentration,and enzyme-drug mass ratio as parameters.The optimal production process of ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment.The optimal process for preparing curcumin nanoparticles by ionic crosslinking method was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment with acetic acid concentration,chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio,stirring rate,curcumin mass concentration,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration,and chitosan mass concentration as parameters,and drug encapsulation efficiency as response value.Curcumin nanoparticles were prepared under the optimal process,and the particle size,polydispersity index,Zata potential value,drug loading,stability,hemolysis rate,and antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro of the nanoparticles were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among the five extraction methods,the curcumin yield of ionic liquid combined with ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction was the highest,and this method was selected as the curcumin extraction method for subsequent experiments.The results of single factor combined response surface experiment showed that the optimal process for curcumin extraction was:ionic liquid selected 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,reaction temperature 55 ℃,liquid-to-solid ratio 40 mL/g,ultrasound time 57 minutes,ionic liquid concentration 57%,enzyme-drug mass ratio 3.5:10,and the obtained turmeric extraction yield was 3.10%.The optimal preparation process of curcumin nanoparticles was:glacial acetic acid concentration 0.5%,chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio 5.0:1,stirring speed 150 r/min,curcumin mass concentration 2.23 mg/mL,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration 1.45 mg/mL,chitosan mass concentration 3.63 mg/mL,and the obtained drug encapsulation efficiency was 90.61%.(2)The drug loading of curcumin nanoparticles was(14.49±0.23)%,the average particle size was(76.95±1.65)nm,the polydispersity coefficient was 0.15±0.02,and the Zata potential value was(32.37±1.46)mV.The curcumin nanoparticles had good stability and blood compatibility,did not induce hemolysis,and had stronger antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro than free curcumin.(3)The results show that the process optimization not only solves the problems of low extraction yield,poor solubility,and low bioavailability of curcumin,but also enhances its antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro.
2.Curcumin extraction and preparation and optimization of curcumin nanoparticles
Yuhang WANG ; Han ZHANG ; Chaojing ZHANG ; Xurong KOU ; Tongtong JING ; Rimei LIN ; Xinyu LIU ; Shilei LOU ; Hui YAN ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):362-374
BACKGROUND:Curcumin is the main active ingredient of turmeric and has significant medicinal value in anti-tumor,anti-inflammatory,antioxidant and other aspects.However,its poor water solubility,unstable chemical properties and easy decomposition lead to difficulty in extracting curcumin and low extraction yield.Therefore,it is particularly important to optimize the curcumin extraction method.OBJECTIVE:To enhance the extraction yield and utilization value of curcumin and optimize the curcumin extraction process and curcumin nanoparticle preparation process.METHODS:Curcumin was extracted from turmeric by ethanol extraction,ultrasonic extraction,ionic liquid extraction,enzyme extraction,and ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction.The curcumin extraction yield was detected by high performance liquid chromatography;the best extraction method was determined,and subsequent process optimization experiments were carried out.The curcumin extraction yield was the response value with the type of ionic liquid,reaction temperature,ultrasonic time,liquid-to-solid ratio,ionic liquid concentration,and enzyme-drug mass ratio as parameters.The optimal production process of ionic liquid combined with ultrasonic assisted enzyme extraction was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment.The optimal process for preparing curcumin nanoparticles by ionic crosslinking method was determined by single factor combined response surface experiment with acetic acid concentration,chitosan to sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio,stirring rate,curcumin mass concentration,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration,and chitosan mass concentration as parameters,and drug encapsulation efficiency as response value.Curcumin nanoparticles were prepared under the optimal process,and the particle size,polydispersity index,Zata potential value,drug loading,stability,hemolysis rate,and antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro of the nanoparticles were detected.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Among the five extraction methods,the curcumin yield of ionic liquid combined with ultrasound-assisted enzyme extraction was the highest,and this method was selected as the curcumin extraction method for subsequent experiments.The results of single factor combined response surface experiment showed that the optimal process for curcumin extraction was:ionic liquid selected 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride,reaction temperature 55 ℃,liquid-to-solid ratio 40 mL/g,ultrasound time 57 minutes,ionic liquid concentration 57%,enzyme-drug mass ratio 3.5:10,and the obtained turmeric extraction yield was 3.10%.The optimal preparation process of curcumin nanoparticles was:glacial acetic acid concentration 0.5%,chitosan and sodium tripolyphosphate mass ratio 5.0:1,stirring speed 150 r/min,curcumin mass concentration 2.23 mg/mL,sodium tripolyphosphate mass concentration 1.45 mg/mL,chitosan mass concentration 3.63 mg/mL,and the obtained drug encapsulation efficiency was 90.61%.(2)The drug loading of curcumin nanoparticles was(14.49±0.23)%,the average particle size was(76.95±1.65)nm,the polydispersity coefficient was 0.15±0.02,and the Zata potential value was(32.37±1.46)mV.The curcumin nanoparticles had good stability and blood compatibility,did not induce hemolysis,and had stronger antioxidant capacity in vivo and in vitro than free curcumin.(3)The results show that the process optimization not only solves the problems of low extraction yield,poor solubility,and low bioavailability of curcumin,but also enhances its antioxidant activity in vivo and in vitro.
3.Correlation between serum total bile acid level and cognitive function in patients with stable schizophrenia and its predictive value for cognitive impairment
Cong CAO ; Hang YIN ; Xuehao XU ; Fenglan WANG ; Qiuyan LU ; Weishan SUN ; Qin WANG ; Aihua ZHOU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):133-139
BackgroundPersistent cognitive impairment is prevalent among patients with stable schizophrenia. While serum total bile acid (TBA) level in acute-phase patients are known to be associated with cognitive dysfunction, the relationship between serum TBA and multi-dimensional cognitive functions in stable phase patients remains unclear. ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between serum TBA level and cognitive function in patients with stable schizophrenia, and to evaluate its predictive value for cognitive impairment, thereby providing a serological biomarker for the timely identification and objective assessment of cognitive dysfunction. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 inpatients with stable schizophrenia at The Fourth People's Hospital of Yancheng from March to December 2024. All participants met the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese Brief Cognitive Test (C-BCT), patients were categorized into four groups: normal cognition (n=28), mild impairment (n=28), moderate impairment (n=47), and severe impairment (n=34). Fasting venous blood samples were collected, and serum TBA level was quantified using an enzymatic cycle assay. Spearman correlation analysis was ultilized to determine the relationship between serum TBA level, overall cognitive function, and specific cognitive domains. Binary Logistic regression model was used (adjusting for covariates such as age, gender, and disease duration) to analyze the impact of serum TBA level on overall and individual cognitive functions. The predictive value of serum TBA level for overall cognitive impairment was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. ResultsSerum TBA levels differed significantly among the four groups (H=18.677, P<0.01). Specifically, serum TBA levels in both the moderate and severe cognitive impairment groups were significantly higher than those in the normal cognitive group (adjusted P<0.01). Serum TBA level was positively correlated with the severity grading of overall cognitive impairment (rs=0.354, P<0.05), and negatively correlated with T-scores on the trail making test (rs=-0.328, P<0.05), continuous performance test (rs=-0.247, P<0.05), digit span (rs=-0.265, P<0.05), and symbol coding (rs=-0.221, P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis identified serum TBA level as an independent risk factor for overall cognitive impairment (OR=1.322, 95% CI: 1.021 - 1.713, P=0.034), with a particularly robust predictive ability for impaired information processing speed (OR=1.325, 95% CI: 1.057 - 1.661, P=0.015). The area under ROC curve (AUC) for serum TBA level in predicting overall cognitive impairment was 0.738, with a sensitivity of 60.61% and a specificity of 78.64%. ConclusionIn patients with stable schizophrenia, elevated serum TBA levels are associated with worse overall cognitive function, as well as deficits in information processing speed, attention, working memory, and executive function. Serum TBA serves as an independent risk factor and exhibits moderate predictive value for overall cognitive impairmen,particularly in the domain of information processing speed. [Funded by Yancheng Municipal Health Commission Medical Research Project (number, YK2024141)]
4.Influencing Factors of Depression in Patients with Postoperative Ovarian Cancer
Jialiang YAO ; Long ZHANG ; Jianhui TIAN ; Ze LIU ; Yun YANG ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Minghua LI ; Wang YAO ; Wenfei SHI ; Xinyi LU ; Pan YU ; Enchao CONG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(5):349-359
Objective To explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer and to analyze its influencing factors from multiple dimensions, including clinical characteristics, psychological factors, and laboratory indicators. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, which enrolled 235 postoperative patients with ovarian cancer. Depressive status was assessed using the patient health questionnaire, and the demographic, pathological, and medical record data of the patients were collected using the generalized anxiety disorder scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire core 30, and ECOG performance status score. Peripheral blood tumor marker (CA125), routine blood test, lymphocyte subsets, and serum cytokine levels were measured. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer was 39.15% (92/235). Univariate analysis showed that ECOG score ≥ 2 points, pain, anxiety, poor sleep quality, low quality of life, low life satisfaction, tumor recurrence, six or more cycles of chemotherapy, as well as higher levels of CA125, NLR, and NAR, and lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with depression (all P<0.05). Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety (OR=1.975, 95%CI: 1.231-3.170), sleep efficiency (OR=4.181, 95%CI: 1.211-14.43), sleep latency (OR=34.806, 95%CI: 4.258-284.542), ECOG performance status score, cognitive function (OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.868-0.97), and life satisfaction were independent risk factors for depression (all P<0.05). Laboratory indicators were not independent influencing factors in the multivariate Logistic regression model. Conclusion Depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer is influenced by physiological, psychological, and social factors. Clinical management should focus on patients with anxiety, sleep disorders, poor physical condition, and low life satisfaction, and a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy centered on psychological intervention and taking into account symptom management and social support should be implemented.
5.Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety total glucosides of paeonia in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Xiangyan HAO ; Jiahui LENG ; Zhengqi LIU ; Xinchang WANG ; Cong HUANG ; Xiaopeng LI ; Yi LING
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):232-237
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of total glucosides of paeonia (TGP) in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Randomized controlled trial (RCT) about TGP combined with western medicine versus western medicine alone for SLE treatment were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and CBM. The search period spanned from the inception of each database to June 1, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies, Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Fifteen RCTs, involving 1 318 patients, were included. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with western medicine alone, TGP combined with western medicine significantly improved clinical efficacy [OR=4.96, 95%CI(3.41, 7.23), P<0.000 01], complement 3 [MD=0.18, 95%CI (0.13, 0.23), P<0.000 01] and complement 4[MD=0.08, 般021) 95%CI (0.04, 0.11), P<0.000 01], and reduced the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) [MD=-3.10, 95%CI (-3.59,-2.62), P<0.000 01], IgA [MD=-0.68, 95%CI (-0.78, -0.58), P<0.000 01], IgM [MD=-0.43, 95%CI (-0.53,-0.34), P<0.000 01], systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) [MD=-1.59, 95%CI (-2.20, -0.99), P<0.000 01], recurrence rate [OR=0.23, 95%CI (0.13, 0.42), P<0.000 01] and the incidence of adverse drug reactions [OR= 0.54, 95%CI (0.36, 0.82), P=0.004]. CONCLUSIONS TGP therapy can improve clinical efficacy of SLE patients, promote the restoration of immunoglobulins and complements, reduce SLEDAI and recurrence rate and has good safety.
6.Clinical Observation on Prevention of Recurrence of Common Bile Duct Stones After ERCP with Yuyin Lidan Granules
Xiao WANG ; Yong FANG ; Cong HE ; Jiali ZHANG ; Meng YU ; Jing KONG ; Yi JIANG ; Chuanqi CHENG ; Xiaosu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):159-166
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yuyin Lidan granules (YYLD) in preventing the recurrence of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in patients with liver and gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). MethodsThis randomized, parallel, controlled trial enrolled postoperative CBDS-ERCP patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to an observation group or a control group, with 32 cases in each. Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment after ERCP, while the observation group additionally received YYLD for 8 weeks. The follow-up period lasted for 1 year. The efficacy indicators included bile bilirubin levels, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, clinical efficacy rate, pancreatitis and inflammation markers, postoperative liver function, and CBDS recurrence rate at 1-year follow-up, which were used to jointly evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of both groups. ResultsA total of 56 patients completed the study and were included in the final analysis, i.e., 29 in the observation group and 27 in the control group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared with pre-treatment and with the control group after treatment, the bile bilirubin level in the observation group significantly decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the clinical cure and marked improvement rates were higher in the observation group than in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference in overall clinical efficacy (P<0.05). Compared with pre-treatment, the primary and secondary symptoms in the observation group, as well as the primary symptom and the secondary symptom of nausea and vomiting in the control group (weeks 4 and 8), were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant reductions in the primary symptom of loose stools/constipation (day 5 and week 4) and in three secondary symptoms, i.e., bitter taste and sticky dry mouth, abdominal distension and poor appetite (throughout the treatment period), and general heaviness and fatigue (day 5 and week 4), with statistical differences (P<0.05). Compared with pre-treatment, both groups showed decreased lipase and urinary amylase levels (P<0.05). However, no significant between-group differences were observed in pancreatitis or inflammation-related indices after treatment. Compared with pre-treatment, all liver function indicators in the observation group and alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ), γ-glutamyl transferase ( γ-GT ), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and conjugated bilirubin in the control group significantly decreased at weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, only serum total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin were significantly reduced in the observation group during the treatment period (P<0.05). ConclusionYYLD combined with conventional Western medical treatment can effectively regulate bilirubin metabolism (in bile and serum), improve TCM clinical symptoms, and prevent CBDS recurrence after ERCP in patients with liver and gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome. This regimen is safe and effective and is worthy of further clinical research and promotion.
7.Current Research Status,Challenges,Differentiation and Treatment Strategies of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Fengyun WANG ; Mi LYU ; Bingduo ZHOU ; Beihua ZHANG ; Yi WANG ; Tingting XU ; Cong HE ; Xiaokang WANG ; Xin LIU ; Yang WANG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Lusi XU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):392-396
This article systematically reviews the current research status as well as diagnosis and treatment strategies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Studies demonstrate that TCM, based on the "disease-syndrome combination" approach, exhibits multi-target advantages in alleviating symptoms of various GERD subtypes, promoting mucosal repair, regulating emotions, and facilitating the reduction of western medication. To address clinical challenges such as symptom overlap and limited therapeutic efficacy, strategies have been proposed including "treating different diseases with the same method" and integrated regulation based on viscera correlation. Future efforts should focus on elucidating the mechanisms of compound prescriptions, promoting TCM drug development under the "three-combination" evaluation framework that integrates TCM theory, human experience and clinical trial evidence, and optimizing integrated traditional and western medicine models to enhance GERD management.
8.The feasibility of using high-definition thoracoscopy to identify sympathetic ganglia during thoracic sympathicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis
Gang XU ; Chaoyue HU ; Cong CHEN ; Yuancai LIN ; Daolong ZHU ; Han LIU ; Dong WANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(04):578-583
Objective To explore the feasibility of using high-definition thoracoscopy to identify sympathetic ganglia during thoracic sympathicotomy for primary palmar hyperhidrosis. Methods The clinical data of patients with primary palmar hyperhidrosis who underwent high-definition thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in Taikang Xianlin Drum Tower Hospital from June to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Intraoperative visualization rates and anatomical variations of sympathetic ganglia were recorded, and the consistency between white-light thoracoscopy and near-infrared fluorescence imaging was compared. Additionally, surgical videos from previous fluorescence-guided procedures were reviewed. Results Finally 100 patients were collected, including 54 females and 46 males, with an average age of (21.92±6.56) years. All patients underwent endoscopic thoracic sympathicotomy at R3 level. The overall intraoperative ganglion visualization rate was 92.5% (740/800), with G2-G5 rates of 95.5% (191/200), 94.0% (188/200), 94.0% (188/200), and 86.5% (173/200), respectively. Ganglion variations occurred in 32.0% (237/740), predominantly at G3 (29.8%) and G4 (42.6%). In 5 indocyanine green-enhanced patients, the concordance rate between white-light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging was 100.0% (38/38). Video analysis of 14 near-infrared fluorescence-guided surgeries demonstrated a 99.1% (107/108) consistency rate. Postoperative palmar hyperhidrosis improvement reached 100.0% (100/100) with no Horner’s syndrome. Conclusion With the wide clinical application of high-definition thoracoscopy, accurate thoracic sympathicotomy has the feasibility of clinical application.
9.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Asymptomatic Renal Hematuria Population Based on Association of Age-Constitution-Syndrome
Guangjian WANG ; Cong QIN ; Yibo WU ; Guodong YUAN ; Suzhi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):247-255
For a long time, simple asymptomatic renal hematuria has not been taken seriously. Current studies have confirmed that renal hematuria is a risk factor for the progression of renal function, but there is no effective treatment available. Because asymptomatic renal hematuria is highly concealed and lacks typical symptoms, individualized syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is difficult, making it a challenge in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Although TCM has a long history and solid theoretical basis in the treatment of hematuria, it urgently needs to break through the bottleneck of traditional syndrome differentiation. Based on classical TCM theories, research achievements in modern constitution studies, and relevant clinical and pathological evidence, this article focuses on the decisive influence of age on constitution distribution and its regular association with the evolution of core syndromes, and constructs a three-dimensional diagnostic and therapeutic system of "age-constitution-syndrome". It reveals that the syndrome manifestations of asymptomatic renal hematuria are profoundly shaped by constitution, and that constitution shows a group distribution pattern with age-children often present with deficiency of lung and spleen Qi combined with wind-heat, young and middle-aged individuals often present with deficiency of liver and kidney Yin combined with deficient fire and stasis heat, and elderly individuals often present with deficiency of spleen and kidney combined with cold-dampness and stasis obstruction. By analyzing the common pathogenic mechanisms, outcome characteristics, and internal mechanisms among different age groups, this study provides a basic syndrome framework and core intervention strategies for specific populations in clinical practice, offering a new evidence-based approach to addressing the dilemma of “no identifiable syndrome”.
10.Analysis of clinical characteristics of 442 measles cases
Shiheng CUI ; Xiaomeng XU ; Wei WANG ; Yafei WANG ; Li SUN ; Yanli CONG ; Jinghui WANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):45-48
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of measles cases in the measles elimination stage and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment of measles. Methods The descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the clinical characteristics of 442 confirmed measles cases in Hebei Province from 2018 to 2020. Results Among the 442 measles cases, the main symptoms were rash (96.61%), fever (90.50%), cough (56.11%), and Koplik spots (30.09%). Complications were mainly pneumonia (12.22%). There were significant differences in symptoms among different age groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of symptoms in children under 5 years old (except cough) was higher than that in other age groups. Immunization history had no significant impact on the symptoms of fever and rash (P > 0.05), but the incidence of symptoms such as cough, conjunctivitis, Koplik's spots and catarrhal rhinitis in the immunized group was lower than that in the non-immunized group (P < 0.05). The group with an interval of 0 days from fever to rash was the largest, and the proportion of people with an immunization history in the 0-day group (68.06%) was significantly higher than that in the 3-4-day group (49.44%) (P < 0.05). Pneumonia complications were mainly concentrated in children under 5 years old (87.03%), and most of the cases had a 0-dose immunization history (81.48%). Conclusion In the measles elimination stage, the incidence of fever and rash in cases is relatively high, while the incidence of Koplik spots is relatively low. The symptoms are more obvious in the younger age group. Vaccination can reduce the incidence of specific symptoms. The change in the time of rash appearance suggests that the diagnosis and treatment plan need to be adjusted. This study provides key data support for the formulation of measles prevention, control and treatment strategies.


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