1.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
2.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.
3.Development of brush ionization probe mass spectrometry for convenient on-site detection of traditional Chinese medicine
Junxian WU ; Chaofa WEI ; Ceyu MIAO ; Jiaquan XU ; Xiang LI ; Li ZHOU ; Shuanglong WANG ; Liping KANG ; Zidong QIU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(1):81-86
Objective: To develop a convenient, direct, and highly sensitive method for screening trace chemical additives in complex Chinese patent medicines, thereby addressing core technological bottlenecks in pharmaceutical analysis and quality control. Methods: A brush ionization probe device was independently designed and constructed, and an efficient detection method was established through systematic optimization of key parameters. Twenty-three Chinese patent medicine samples, representing 6 dosage forms (capsules, tablets, pills, granules, powders, and liquid preparations), were analyzed using 10 common chemical additives as target analytes. Results: All samples were successfully analyzed without complex pretreatment, and 5 chemical additives were detected in 7 Chinese patent medicines. The brush ionization probe device exhibited cost-effectiveness (~0.2 USD per probe), operational simplicity, rapid analysis (~10s per sample), high efficiency, and minimal reagent consumption (~10 μL per sample). Conclusion: This advancement is expected to provide an innovative scientific tool for improving the generality and convenience of on-site quality control, while promoting technological progress in disciplines such as pharmacology and traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
Background/Aims:
Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues.
Results:
We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.
5.Outcome of low molecular weight heparin combined with continuous renal replacement therapy for severe acute pancreatitis
Yi ZHOU ; Wei-zhi CHEN ; Lin QIU ; Wei-di WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):871-875
Objective To investigate the outcome of low molecular weight heparin combined with continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT)in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.Methods The clinical data of 84 patients with severe acute pancreatitis admitted to our hospital from June 2022 to December 2023 were collected,and the patients were divided into the CRRT group and the combination group according to their treatment methods,with 42 cases in each group.The patients in the CRRT group were treated with CRRT,while those in the combination group were treated with CRRT and low molecular weight heparin.The serum levels of pancreatitis markers,inflammatory factors,serum intercellular adhesion molecules-1(ICAM-1)and high mobility group proteins B1(HMGB1)and acute physiology and chronic health status evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)scores were compared between the two groups,the symptom improvement time of patients were recorded,and the curative effect of patients were evaluated.Results The serum levels of amylase(S-AMY),pancreatic lipase(LPS),urinary amylase(U-AMY),C-reactive protein(CRP),ICAM-1 and HMGB1,and APACHE Ⅱ scores after treatment in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment,and the combination group was lower than the CRRT group(P<0.05).After treatment,the disappearance time of abdominal pain and abdominal bloating,the recovery time of defecation,and the disappearance time of fever in the combination group were all significantly shorter than those in the CRRT group(P<0.05).The combination group had a significantly higher overall effective rate of treatment than the CRRT group(P<0.05).Conclusion Low molecular weight heparin combined with CRRT is effective for on the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis,which can significantly reduce the levels of pancreatitis markers,inflammatory factors,serum ICAM-1 and HMGB1,effectively improve clinical symptoms,and shorten the time for symptom improvement.
6.Important factors affecting depression:modulatory effects of Cx43 on neuroinflammation
Xuan ZENG ; Zi-han YAN ; Zhi-feng TIAN ; Hong-bin WANG ; Qi-di AI ; Mei-yu LIN ; Xuan LIU ; Nai-hong CHEN ; Song-wei YANG ; Yan-tao YANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2027-2031
Numerous studies have shown that depression is main-ly associated with the abnormal expression of connexin 43(Cx43)in astrocytes(Astro)and its mediated dysfunction of gap junction(GJ).However,the molecular mechanism of post-translational modifications targeting Cx43 to regulate neuroin-flammation-associated depression is still unclear.Post-transla-tional modifications of Cx43 mainly include phosphorylation of specific amino acid sites by PKC,PKA,PKG,MAPK and PTK,and protein degradation of Cx43 through the K48/K63 polyubiq-uitylation and deubiquitination pathways,which ultimately lead to protein degradation through K48/K63 polyubiquitination and deubiquitination.These modifications are ultimately involved in the regulation of neuroinflammatory responses through the associ-ation of GJ function.In this paper,we systematically review the role of Cx43 post-translational modifications in neuroinflamma-tion,with the aim of further exploring the potential application of targeting these modifications to modulate the inflammatory re-sponse mechanism in improving depressive symptoms.
7.Application of integrated root cause analysis in analysis of drug administration approximation errors and system improvement
Aixia WANG ; Di WANG ; Xiaoman ZHANG ; Qi JIANG ; Xiu FU ; Wei WANG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(18):1426-1434
Objective:To explore the application effect of integrated root cause analysis (RCA) in the analysis of approximate administration error events, and to provide reference for the management of clinical approximate administration error events.Methods:A non-synchronous pre-and post-control study was conducted. The data of 3 cases of approximate error events of drug administration in the Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The integrated RCA was used to find out the proximal causes, and the system diagram and problem tree analysis were used to determine the root causes. The improvement measures were formulated through barrier analysis, including improving the safety barrier of hospital information system (HIS), updating the database of drug instructions in the Department of Cardiology, standardizing the barrier of nurses′ treatment and examination of medical orders, and visual management barrier. The integrated RCA improvement measures were applied to the management of approximate error events of drug administration. The improvement effect was evaluated by comparing the number of adverse events of medication errors before improvement (January to September 2021) and after improvement (September 2023 to May 2024), the error rate of HIS drug orders, the number of drug interceptions in pharmacies, the processing time of doctors′ HIS orders, and the qualified rate of medical staff 's drug knowledge assessment.Results:There were 32 medical staff in the department of cardiology before improvement, including 6 males and 26 females, aged (31.03 ± 4.29) years old. After improvement, 30 medical staff, 6 males and 24 females, aged (31.20 ± 4.37) years old. After the implementation of integrated RCA improvement, the number of adverse events of medication errors decreased from 3 cases before improvement to 0 cases after improvement. The error rate of HIS drug orders decreased from 11.83%(11/93) before improvement to 2.74%(2/73) after improvement. Improve the pre-audit system without pharmacy drug delivery interception function, improve the pre-application drug information 6 990, the number of drug interception was 0; after improvement, 7 782 pieces of drug information were claimed, and the number of drug interceptions was 78. The difference before and after improvement was statistically significant ( χ2=68.54, P<0.05). After the improvement, the doctor′s HIS doctor′s order processing time including admission, discharge, preoperative, postoperative, examination and medication, and temporary doctor′s order processing time were (1.14 ± 0.41), (1.37 ± 0.30), (0.43 ± 0.11), (0.51 ± 0.11), (0.40 ± 0.10) and (0.51 ± 0.14) min, respectively. They were lower than (4.07 ± 0.70), (3.69 ± 0.60), (1.44 ± 0.24), (2.10 ± 0.45), (1.41 ± 0.28) and (1.44 ± 0.29) min before improvement, and the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 15.21-21.42, all P<0.05). The qualified rate of drug knowledge examination of medical staff increased from 81.25%(26/32) before improvement to 100.00%(30/30) after improvement, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of integrated RCA to analyze the approximate error events of drug administration is helpful to identify the system defects in the workflow of electronic medical order administration more comprehensively, improve work efficiency and ensure the quality and safety of medical care.
8.Therapeutic effect of external counterpulsation on cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease-a meta-analysis
Wei-tao WANG ; Tie-jun LIU ; Zi-shuang LIU ; Xi-lian HU ; Cheng YANG ; La-di SUN
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(2):172-179
Objective:To evaluate the clinical rehabilitation effect of external counterpulsation(ECP)on patients with coronary heart disease(CHD)by meta-analysis.Methods:We searched the databases of CNKI,WanFang,VIP,CBM,PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library and Embase for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)and prospective cohort studies upon rehabilitative effect of ECP on CHD patients before May 2024.And meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled MD and 95%CI using the random(P<0.5 or I2≥50%)or fixed effect models(other situations).Results:13 eligible literatures were finally included in the meta-analysis.Compared with participants in control group,those in trial group had significant higher left ventricular ejection fraction(MD=4.15,95%CI 2.55~5.76,P<0.001),stroke volume(MD=9.11,95%CI 7.59~10.64,P<0.001),peak oxygen uptake(MD=5.42,95%CI 2.53~8.32,P<0.001),6-min walking distance(MD=31.14,95%CI 24.89~37.40,P<0.001),metabolic equiv-alent(MD=0.58,95%CI 0.45~0.71,P<0.001),exercise duration time(SMD=0.77,95%CI 0.55~0.99,P<0.001),oxygen pulse(MD=0.88,95%CI 0.68~1.09,P<0.001),and significant lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(MD=-3.19,95%CI-5.20~-2.61,P<0.001).Conclusion:This study showed that ECP could effectively improve heart function,exercise capacity and tolerance of CHD patients.
9.Exploring the differentiation and treatment of apoplexy based on"treating the elderly by focusing on the fu":a perspective from"six fu viscera-xuanfu-collaterals"
Di ZHAO ; Xiao LIANG ; Jingjing WEI ; Lina MIAO ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Hongxi LIU ; Yue LIU ; Liuding WANG ; Qi ZHANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):690-695
The incidence of apoplexy remains persistently high among the older population.Based on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of"treating the elderly by focusing on the fu",this paper explores the holistic connotation of"fu".It proposes that the onset of apoplexy in the elderly is characterized by obstruction,stagnation,depression,and sluggishness,which should be treated from six fu viscera,xuanfu,and collaterals.The interconnected hierarchical network of these three systems,serving as macro-and micro-channels for qi and fluid metabolism,plays a central role in both disease development and treatment.The failure of the six fu viscera to descend and the upward invasion of turbid yin are identified as prerequisites for apoplexy onset,whereas yang qi stagnation and xuanfu blockage act as key pathogenic drivers,and the core mechanisms involve phlegm-stasis-toxin accumulation,and dysfunction of the collaterals and fu.In the treatment,acute phase requires unblocking fu viscera and restoring xuanfu patency;chronic phase focuses on dredging collaterals and opening xuanfu;and recovery phase emphasizes tonifying combined with regulating xuanfu.The understanding of"treating the elderly by focusing on the fu"emphasizes that the pathogenesis of the disease should be changed to individual conditions;"six fu viscera-xuanfu-collaterals"exhibits a pathological mechanism characterized by the transmission and reception of pathogenic factors,as well as progressive mutual involvement;in clinical practice,treatment should meticulously assess the severity and nuances of the condition,prioritizing method that emphasizes unobstructed flow;additionally,therapy should be essential to protect stomach qi and integrate therapeutic attacks within a framework of supplementation.These principles offer valuable reference for the differentiation and treatment of apoplexy.
10.Outcome of low molecular weight heparin combined with continuous renal replacement therapy for severe acute pancreatitis
Yi ZHOU ; Wei-zhi CHEN ; Lin QIU ; Wei-di WANG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(10):871-875
Objective To investigate the outcome of low molecular weight heparin combined with continuous renal replacement therapy(CRRT)in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.Methods The clinical data of 84 patients with severe acute pancreatitis admitted to our hospital from June 2022 to December 2023 were collected,and the patients were divided into the CRRT group and the combination group according to their treatment methods,with 42 cases in each group.The patients in the CRRT group were treated with CRRT,while those in the combination group were treated with CRRT and low molecular weight heparin.The serum levels of pancreatitis markers,inflammatory factors,serum intercellular adhesion molecules-1(ICAM-1)and high mobility group proteins B1(HMGB1)and acute physiology and chronic health status evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)scores were compared between the two groups,the symptom improvement time of patients were recorded,and the curative effect of patients were evaluated.Results The serum levels of amylase(S-AMY),pancreatic lipase(LPS),urinary amylase(U-AMY),C-reactive protein(CRP),ICAM-1 and HMGB1,and APACHE Ⅱ scores after treatment in the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment,and the combination group was lower than the CRRT group(P<0.05).After treatment,the disappearance time of abdominal pain and abdominal bloating,the recovery time of defecation,and the disappearance time of fever in the combination group were all significantly shorter than those in the CRRT group(P<0.05).The combination group had a significantly higher overall effective rate of treatment than the CRRT group(P<0.05).Conclusion Low molecular weight heparin combined with CRRT is effective for on the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis,which can significantly reduce the levels of pancreatitis markers,inflammatory factors,serum ICAM-1 and HMGB1,effectively improve clinical symptoms,and shorten the time for symptom improvement.

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