1.Analysis of Animal Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa Based on Diagnostic Features of Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Jiefeng CHEN ; Xiaoxiao ZHU ; Yina QI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):198-203
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common hereditary blinding eye disease in clinical practice, with the pathogenesis remaining unclear. Patients experience progressive apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells, accompanied by degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Current Western medical treatments mainly focus on gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, showing limited efficacy. In contrast, clinical observations have confirmed the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments. Establishing an RP animal model that aligns with the diagnostic features of both TCM and Western medicine could help combine the strengths of both approaches, thereby broadening the treatment options for RP. This study categorizes and summarizes the existing RP animal models in terms of classification, types, inheritance patterns, and alignment with clinical manifestations. It is found that current RP models are primarily derived from natural animal models such as RD mice and RCS rats, transgenic animal models like RPE-65 knockout mice and rhodopsin gene knockout mice, and chemically induced models such as those created by monochromatic light exposure or N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) administration. These three categories of models focus more on detecting RP-related histopathological, molecular biological, and cellular immunological indicators, but offer limited observation of the overall characteristics of the disease and lack insight into syndrome differentiation. Although RP is a congenital genetic disease, its progression is influenced by acquired factors such as environment, constitution, emotions, and care. Current models do not fully capture the characteristics of this disease. Therefore, establishing an RP animal model based on the diagnostic features of both TCM and Western medicine will have significant implications for future experimental and clinical research.
2.Analysis of Animal Models of Retinitis Pigmentosa Based on Diagnostic Features of Chinese and Western Medicine
Xiaoyu LI ; Lina LIANG ; Jiefeng CHEN ; Xiaoxiao ZHU ; Yina QI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):198-203
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common hereditary blinding eye disease in clinical practice, with the pathogenesis remaining unclear. Patients experience progressive apoptosis of retinal photoreceptor cells, accompanied by degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Current Western medical treatments mainly focus on gene therapy and stem cell transplantation, showing limited efficacy. In contrast, clinical observations have confirmed the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments. Establishing an RP animal model that aligns with the diagnostic features of both TCM and Western medicine could help combine the strengths of both approaches, thereby broadening the treatment options for RP. This study categorizes and summarizes the existing RP animal models in terms of classification, types, inheritance patterns, and alignment with clinical manifestations. It is found that current RP models are primarily derived from natural animal models such as RD mice and RCS rats, transgenic animal models like RPE-65 knockout mice and rhodopsin gene knockout mice, and chemically induced models such as those created by monochromatic light exposure or N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) administration. These three categories of models focus more on detecting RP-related histopathological, molecular biological, and cellular immunological indicators, but offer limited observation of the overall characteristics of the disease and lack insight into syndrome differentiation. Although RP is a congenital genetic disease, its progression is influenced by acquired factors such as environment, constitution, emotions, and care. Current models do not fully capture the characteristics of this disease. Therefore, establishing an RP animal model based on the diagnostic features of both TCM and Western medicine will have significant implications for future experimental and clinical research.
3.Guidelines for standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics (2026 edition)
Pengxiang ZHOU ; Maobai LIU ; Xiaoli DU ; Xiaoyang LU ; Mei DONG ; Rong DUAN ; Ruigang HOU ; Xiaoyu LI ; Qi CHEN ; Yanxiao XIANG ; Weiyi FENG ; Rong CHEN ; Deshi DONG ; Yong YANG ; Li LI ; Xiaocong ZUO ; Jinfang HU ; Hongliang ZHANG ; Qingchun ZHAO ; Qi LIN ; Yang HU ; Jiaying WU ; Rongsheng ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1105-1112
OBJECTIVE To formulate Guidelines for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics ( 2026 edition ) in response to the challenges faced by such clinics in China, including uneven development, large discrepancies in service specifications, insufficient patient awareness, and limited medical insurance coverage. METHODS Led by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Professional Committee of the Chinese Hospital Association, the Evidence-based Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, and the Hospital Pharmacy Professional Committee of the Cross-strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, a total of 19 domestic hospital pharmacy experts were organized. Through a systematic review of national policies and literature research, current practical experience was summarized. Consensus on the contents of the guidelines was reached after in-depth discussions. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS The guidelines covered five sections: definition and connotation of pharmacist-managed clinics, establishment requirements, implementation and management, post competency, and practical research. Firstly, the definition and connotation included three operational forms of pharmacist-managed clinics (independent mode, physician-pharmacist joint mode, and online pharmacist-managed clinic mode) and classified service modes (specialty-specific, drug-specific, and disease-specific pharmacist-managed clinics). The establishment requirements were further refined, covering system construction (pharmaceutical service management system, quality control and assessment mechanism), personnel qualifications (professional credentials, continuing education and professional training, etc), service recipients, as well as service venues and facilities. Subsequently, the implementation and management of pharmacist-managed clinics were proposed, involving service procedures, intervention measures, documentation and records, patient education and follow-up, humanistic care, as well as risk management and quality control. Finally, post competency encompassed the competency requirements for pharmacists providing services in pharmacist-managed clinics, as well as the suggestions on teaching methods; practical research encouraged the conduct of high-quality pharmaceutical practice in the setting of pharmacist-managed clinics. The guidelines provide valuable guidance for the standardized implementation of pharmacist-managed clinics in China in terms of establishment, management, teaching, and research, fill the guideline gap in this field, and can promote the high-quality development of pharmacist-managed clinics.
4.Role of IL-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia caused by highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Qi KUANG ; Xiaoyu ZHU ; Lu LI ; Xueyan WANG ; Peijie YAN ; Lili ZHANG ; Meng LÜ ; Lingfei HU ; Dongsheng ZHOU ; Wenhui YANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):599-605
ObjectiveTo investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-17A in acute inhalational pneumonia induced by the highly drug-resistant and hypervirulent Staphylococcus aureus strain USA300-R in mice. MethodsAn acute inhalational pneumonia model was established in mice using an aerosolized pulmonary delivery technique. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to examine the expression dynamics of Il17a mRNA and IL-17A protein, respectively, in the lungs of infected mice. Il17a knockout (Il17a-/-) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology. The survival rate, body weight, bacterial load in lung tissue, and histopathological changes were compared between Il17a-/- and wild-type (WT) mice following inhalational infection with USA300-R. Results12 hours after USA300-R infection, compared to pre-infection, the expression level of Il17a mRNA in lung tissue and the level of IL-17A protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased by approximately 50-fold (P<0.01) and 6-fold (P<0.001), respectively. Compared to WT mice, Il17a-/- mice exhibited approximately 10-fold higher bacterial loads in lung tissue at both 12 and 24 hours post-infection (P<0.001, P<0.05). However, they showed significantly attenuated lung histopathological injury, reduced alveolar wall thickening, markedly decreased neutrophil infiltration, and an approximately 50% improvement in survival rate (P<0.05). ConclusionIn acute Staphylococcus aureus USA300-R inhalational pneumonia, IL-17A contributes to bacterial clearance by recruiting neutrophils; however, excessive neutrophil infiltration exacerbates pulmonary inflammation and injury, reduces survival rates, and represents a potential therapeutic target.
5.Study on Intervention of Liuwei Dihuang Capsules on Intestinal Flora of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Yin Deficiency Syndrome
Dechao SONG ; Xingzhong FENG ; Xiaoyu CHEN ; Xiaolong RONG ; Huijuan GAO ; Jingni XU ; Aijia SHEN ; Xiaoqi QI ; Jing LIU ; Shidong WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(8):139-145
Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of Liuwei Dihuang Capsules for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)with yin deficiency syndrome and the effects on intestinal flora and inflammatory factors.Methods Totally 60 patients of T2DM with yin deficiency syndrome in Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the study objects,and were divided into control group and observation group according to the method of block randomization,with 30 cases in each group.Both groups received basic treatment.The control group was given a simulated agent of Liuwei Dihuang Capsules,while the observation group was given Liuwei Dihuang Capsules.The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks.Clinical efficacy,blood glucose levels[fasting plasma glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial plasma glucose(2 hPG),glycated albumin(GA)],serum insulin levels[fasting insulin(FINS)and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)],changes in gut microbiota,and serum inflammatory cytokine levels[interleukin(IL)-6,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α]of both groups were compared.Results The total effective rate of the observation group(76.67%)was better than that of the control group(50.00%)(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the FPG,2 hPG,GA,FINS and HOMA-IR decreased in the observation group,while the FPG,2 hPG and FINS decreased in the control group(P<0.05);after treatment,the Shannon index of the observation group increased after treatment(P<0.05),and the diversity of the microbiota increased;the abundance of the microbial communities such as Coprococcus 3,Cutibacterium,Pseudomonas,Faecalibaculum,Dubosiella and Mucispirillum significantly increased(P<0.05);the abundance of Sphingomonas,Corynebacterium 1,Ileibacterium,Ruminiclostridium and other microbiota communities significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in both groups were significantly reduced after treatment(P<0.01,P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Liuwei Dihuang Capsules can effectively reduce blood glucose levels in patients of T2DM with yin deficiency syndrome,improve insulin resistance,increase gut microbiota diversity,increase beneficial bacterial abundance,reduce harmful bacterial abundance,and alleviate inflammatory cytokine levels.
6.Association between social support and subjective and objective cognitive functions among middle-aged and elderly population in Pingyin County, Jinan City
Xiang LI ; Qi WANG ; Chunying FU ; Zhongxuan WANG ; Luyi ZHANG ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Dongshan ZHU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(2):218-225
Objective:To investigate the association between social support and subjective and objective cognitive functions among the middle-aged and elderly population in Pingyin County, Jinan City, Shandong Province.Methods:Employing a multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 by selecting people aged 45-70 years from seven villages in three towns within Pingyin County, Jinan City, as survey respondents. Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Subjective Cognitive Decline-Questionnaire 9 (SCD-Q9) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B) were used to assess the social support and cognitive status of interviewees, and a self-developed questionnaire was used to collect other basic information. Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear regression and multifactorial logistic regression were used to explore the relationship between social support and subjective and objective cognitive functions.Results:A total of 1 891 subjects were finally included in the study, with 45.52±6.99 for the SSRS total score, an abnormal rate of 43.68% (826/1 891) for the SCD-Q9 score and an abnormal rate of 60.02% (1 135/1 891) for the MoCA-B score. The SSRS total score, subjective support score, objective support score and support utilization score were negatively correlated with SCD-Q9 scores and positively correlated with MoCA-B scores (all P<0.05). An increase in SSRS total score ( β=-0.034, 95% CI: -0.051--0.017, P<0.001) and objective support score ( β=-0.074, 95% CI: -0.121--0.027, P=0.002) can lower SCD-Q9 scores. Compared to those who had only 1 source of financial support or help with practical problems when experiencing an acute situation, those with 2-4 ( OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.34-0.82), 5 ( OR=0.46, 95% CI: 0.27-0.79), or 6-7 ( OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.22-0.81) sources of help were more likely to have normal SCD-Q9 scores. Compared to individuals with ≤2 close friends who provided support and help, those with 3-5 ( OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.50-0.91) or ≥6 friends ( OR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.54-0.97) were more likely to have normal MoCA-B scores. Moreover, compared to individuals who never participated in group activities, those who actively participated ( OR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.42-0.81) were more likely to have normal MoCA-B scores. Conclusions:Social support has protective effects on subjective and objective cognitive functions, and various social support conditions have different protective effects on subjective and objective cognitive functions among middle-aged and older people. Improving social support conditions for middle-aged and elderly individuals may delay the process of cognitive decline.
7.The Mechanism of Glutamine activating autophagy exacerbates muscle loss in cancer-associated cachexia
Dufang Ma ; Yong Wang ; Zhihan Tian ; Xiaoyu Su ; Yuanfu Qi
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(11):2182-2186
Abstract
Cachexia is one of the serious complications in patients with end-stage cancer.Progressive depletion of skeletal muscle is an important feature of cachexia.Previous studies have found that excessive activation of autophagy accelerates skeletal muscle wasting in cachexia,and glutamine released from excessive catabolism of muscle tissue can trigger the autophagy.Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1) and AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK) signaling regulate autophagy genesis;moreover,glutamine regulates the mTORC1 and AMPK signaling pathways.Therefore,it is deduced that higher level of glutamine may result in abnormal autophagy by regulating mTORC1 and AMPK in cancer cachexia,which contributes to the development of skeletal muscle wasting.Here,this review discusses the following three perspectives:firstly,autophagy hyperactivation is involved in skeletal muscle wasting in cancer cachexia.Secondly,how mTORC1 and AMPK signaling pathways regulate autophagy.Finally,glutamine is involved in skeletal muscle wasting in cancer cachexia by induced autophagy hyperactivation via regulating mTORC1/AMPK signaling.Our study will provide a scientific basis for the development of potential therapeutic strategies.
8.RNA-seq-based screening of autophagy-related genes during lung infection by highly antibiotic-resistant and highly virulent Staphylococcus aureus
Jinhong Zha ; Qi Kuang ; Chengxi Wu ; Xiaoyu Zhu ; Duo Su ; Lili Zhang ; Meng Lyu ; Lingfei Hu ; Dongsheng Zhou ; Wenhui Yang
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(9):1689-1696
Objective :
To identify autophagy-related genes involved in pulmonary infection caused by the highly drug-resistant and virulent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain USA300 ( USA300) ,and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms , thereby providing potential targets for immunotherapy.
Methods:
The GSE220943 dataset of a USA300-induced pulmonary infection mouse model was obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes ( DEGs ) were identified using the DESeq2 package. Autophagy-related genes ( ARGs) were retrieved from the MSigDB and Autophagy databases.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis ( WGCNA) was performed to construct gene co-expression modules.Genes overlapping among DEGs,ARGs,and WGCNA modules were identified as autophagy-related DEGs.Gene Ontology ( GO) enrichment analysis was con- ducted using the clusterProfiler R package,while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG) pathway en- richment analysis was performed via the Metascape platform.Immune cell infiltration was analyzed using the Immu- CellAI-mouse website.A protein - protein interaction ( PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and hub genes were identified through topological analysis in Cytoscape. Receiver operating characteristic curve ( ROC) curves were plotted via the website https: / /www.bioinformatics.com.cn. Finally,key gene expression was validated in mouse lung tissues by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR ( RT-qPCR) .
Results:
A total of 6 135,4 075,3 680,and 2 342 differentially expressed genes ( DEGs) were identified at 12,24,48,and 96 hours post-infection,respectively.By integrating DEGs,autophagy-related genes ( ARGs) ,and WGCNA mod- ules,19 autophagy-related DEGs were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that these genes were mainly involved in CD4 + T cell activation and regulation,innate immune responses,and autophagosome mem- brane formation.Immune infiltration analysis revealed that innate immune cells such as neutrophils and dendritic cells predominated during the early phase of infection,while γδ T cells and M2 macrophages became more promi- nent in the later stages.PPI network analysis identified 12 hub autophagy-related genes,among which three upreg- ulated key genes ( Eif2ak2,Ikbke,and Nfkbiz) were further confirmed.The area under the ROC curve for all three genes was 1. 000.RT-qPCR validation demonstrated significantly elevated expression of these three genes in lung tissues at 24 hours post-infection ( all P<0. 05) .
Conclusion
Eif2ak2,Ikbke,and Nfkbiz may be involved in the pulmonary infection caused by USA300 by promoting autophagy and hold promise as potential targets for immuno- therapy.
9.Itaconate derivative 4-OI inhibits M1 macrophage polarization and restores its impaired function in immune thrombocytopenia through metabolic reprogramming.
Qiang LIU ; Anli LIU ; Shaoqiu LENG ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Xiaolin WANG ; Zhang CHENG ; Shuwen WANG ; Jun PENG ; Qi FENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):2006-2015
BACKGROUND:
Macrophage polarization anomalies and dysfunction play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Itaconate is a Krebs cycle-derived immunometabolite synthesized by myeloid cells to modulate cellular metabolism and inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the immunoregulatory effects of an itaconate derivative on macrophages in patients with ITP.
METHODS:
Peripheral blood-derived macrophages from patients with ITP and healthy controls were treated with 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI), a derivative of itaconate that can penetrate the cell membrane. Macrophage polarization, antigen-presenting functions, and phagocytic capability were measured via flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Macrophage glycolysis in patients with ITP and the metabolic regulatory effect of 4-OI were detected using a Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer. An active murine model of ITP was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of 4-OI in vivo .
RESULTS:
4-OI reduced the levels of CD80 and CD86 in M1 macrophages and suppressed the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that 4-OI could hinder the polarization of macrophages toward an M1 phenotype. We found that 4-OI pretreated M1 macrophages reduced the proliferation of CD4 + T cells and promoted the differentiation of regulatory T cells. In addition, after 4-OI treatment, the phagocytic capacity of M1 macrophages toward antibody-coated platelets decreased significantly in patients with ITP. In addition, the glycolytic function of M1 macrophages was elevated in individuals with ITP compared to those in healthy controls. 4-OI treatment downregulated glycolysis in M1 macrophages. The glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) also inhibited the polarization of M1 macrophages and restored their functions. In vivo , 4-OI treatment significantly increased platelet counts in the active ITP murine model.
CONCLUSIONS
Itaconate derivative 4-OI inhibited M1 macrophage polarization and restored impaired functions through metabolic reprogramming. This study provides a novel therapeutic option for ITP.
Macrophages/metabolism*
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Humans
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Animals
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Succinates/pharmacology*
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Mice
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Male
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Female
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Adult
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Middle Aged
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Flow Cytometry
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
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Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
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Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic/metabolism*
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Glycolysis/drug effects*
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Metabolic Reprogramming
10.Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective triterpenoids from the traditional Mongolian medicine Gentianopsis barbata.
Huizhen CHENG ; Huan LIU ; Xiaoyu QI ; Yuzhou FAN ; Zhongzhu YUAN ; Yuanliang XU ; Yanchun LIU ; Yan LIU ; Kai GUO ; Shenghong LI
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1111-1121
Gentianopsis barbata (G. barbata) represents a significant plant species with considerable ornamental and medicinal value in China. This investigation sought to elucidate the primary constituents within the plant and investigate their pharmacological properties. Fifty triterpenoids (1-50), including nine previously undescribed compounds (1, 2, 7, 10, 20, 28, 29, 37, and 41) were isolated and characterized from the whole plants of G. barbata. Notably, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited the novel 3,4;9,10-diseco-24-homo-cycloartane triterpenoid skeleton. The isolated triterpenoids demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine secretion in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, and hepatoprotective effects by preventing tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. These results demonstrate both the presence of diverse triterpenoids in G. barbata and their therapeutic potential for inflammatory and hepatic conditions, providing scientific evidence supporting the clinical application of this traditional Mongolian medicinal plant.
Triterpenes/isolation & purification*
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Mice
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification*
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Animals
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Humans
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RAW 264.7 Cells
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Hep G2 Cells
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Interleukin-6/genetics*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*
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Medicine, Mongolian Traditional
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Macrophages/immunology*
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Protective Agents/isolation & purification*
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Liver/drug effects*
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Gentianaceae/chemistry*
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Plant Extracts/chemistry*
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Molecular Structure


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