1.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
2.Volatile Component Differences in Xihuangwan Prepared with Natural and Artificial Musk Based on Non-targeted and Targeted Metabolomics
Jing WANG ; Fangzhu XU ; Li MENG ; Qizhen ZHU ; Huanjun ZHAO ; Caina YU ; Xuelian CHEN ; Hui GAO ; Zimin YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):194-201
ObjectiveHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) and GC-triple quadrupole MS(GC-QqQ-MS) in combination with non-targeted and targeted metabolomics were employed to systematically analyze the chemical composition differences of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, and establish an identification system for them. MethodsThe volatile components of 9 batches of Xihuangwan samples from 8 manufacturers were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, and identified by comparing their MS data with the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) spectral library. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to identify differential volatile components of Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. Additionally, GC-QqQ-MS targeted metabolomics was applied to quantify the levels of α-pinene, β-elemene, muscone, dehydroepiandrosterone, bornyl acetate, and octyl acetate in 27 batches of samples from 9 manufacturers. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to further explore the differences in volatile components between Xihuangwan samples prepared with natural musk and artificial musk. ResultsNon-targeted metabolomics identified 291 volatile compounds in Xihuangwan, including alkanes, esters, alkanes, alcohols, ketones, naphthalenes and others. OPLS-DA analysis revealed distinct separation between Xihuangwan samples containing artificial musk(A1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, I1) and those containing natural musk(H1, H3). A total of 30 differential metabolites were identified. The relative contents of these 30 differential metabolites were visualized using a radar chart, revealing significant differences in the levels of octanol, borneol acetate and muscone. Cluster analysis and PCA results from targeted metabolomics indicated that Xihuangwan could be classified into two distinct groups:one composed of natural musk(H1, H3) and the other of artificial musk, sample H2. PLS-DA identified muscone, octyl acetate, and dehydroepiandrosterone as key differential volatile components. Although no significant difference was observed in the content of octyl acetate between the two groups, statistically significant differences were found for muscone and dehydroepiandrosterone(P<0.05). ConclusionMuscone and dehydroepiandrosterone can be used for the differentiation of Xihuangwan samples containing natural musk from those containing artificial musk. This study systematically and comprehensively analyzed the differences in the types and contents of major volatile components in Xihuangwan prepared with natural musk and artificial musk, providing a scientific basis for quality evaluation and control of Xihuangwan.
3.Construction of an index system for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk following natural disasters
Jingye SHANG ; Chenghang YU ; Zisong WU ; Xianhong MENG ; Huirong XU ; Chaofu WANG ; Bin ZHENG ; Shizhu LI ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):60-68
Objective To construct an index system for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk following natural disasters such as rainstorms, floods, earthquakes, mudslides, and landslides, so as to provide insights into rapid identification of schistosomiasis transmission risk post-disasters and formulation of targeted schistosomiasis control strategies. Methods An initial framework for the index system for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk following natural disasters was drafted through literature review, brainstorming, and focus group discussions. Two rounds of expert correspondence consultations were conducted using the Delphi method to refine and finalize the system, and the degrees of expert activeness, authority and endorse ment, and consensus were evaluated. In addition, the weights of each index were calculated using the analytic hierarchy process. Results A total of 18 experts participated in the consultation. The expert positive coefficients were 100.00% and 94.44% for two rounds of consultations, with authority coefficients of 0.92 and 0.94, respectively. The coefficients of coordination on the index importance, rationality and operability were 0.209, 0.185, 0.222 and 0.407, 0.214, 0.257 for two rounds of consultations, respectively, and all consistency tests were statistically significant (χ2 = 246.771 to 505.278, all P values < 0.001). Following two rounds of expert consultations, an index system consisting of 6 first-level indicators, 15 second-level indicators, and 49 third-level indicators was ultimately constructed. In terms of first-level indicators, “disaster situation”, “previous epidemics”, “healthcare guarantee”, “response capacity” and “emergency recovery” had the highest weights, each at 18.18%. Regarding second-level indicators, “Schistosoma japonicum infections in animals”, “S. japonicum infections in snails” and “medical treatment” had the highest weights, each at 7.35%. In terms of third-level indicators, ten items had the highest weights, including “identification of schistosomiasis cases”, “detection of S. japonicum infections in wild feces”, “detection of S. japonicum infections in snails”, “reserves of schistosomiasis diagnostic/testing reagents and consumables”, “reserves of chemotherapy agents for human and animal schistosomiasis”, “reserves of cercariacides”, “periodical surveillance on schistosomiasis”, “identification of schistosomiasis transmission risk and timely response”, “normal provision of diagnosis and treatment services” and “post-disaster schistosomiasis surveillance”, each at 2.40%. Conclusion A scientific, systematic, and practical index system has been constructed for assessment of schistosomiasis transmission risk following natural disasters, which may provide insights into rapid post-disaster identification of schistosomiasis transmission risk, formulation of targeted schistosomiasis control strategies and optimization of resource allocation.
4.Research progress on strategies for toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement of triptolide
Xiaoqing ZHENG ; Ying DING ; Shanshan XU ; Long WANG ; Shanshan HAN ; Yaping XING ; Meng ZHANG ; Wenhao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1496-1501
Triptolide (TP), the core active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii , exhibits remarkable pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-tumor effects, and holds broad application prospects in the treatment of major diseases such as autoimmune diseases and malignant tumors. However, TP has a narrow therapeutic window and causes multi-organ toxicities including liver, kidney and reproductive toxicities, which severely restrict its safe clinical application and new drug development. Therefore, toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement has become a core scientific problem urgently to be solved in this field. This paper systematically reviews the four core strategies for TP toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement, including structural modification, dosage form improvement, herbal compatibility, and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine. Among them, structural modification optimizes the toxic and efficacy characteristics of TP from the molecular structure level, with typica l derivatives including (5 R )-5-hydroxy triptolide, ZT01, PG490-88, etc. Dosage form modification achieves toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement via targeted and sustained-controlled drug release of diverse delivery systems. It includes triptolide preparations such as nanoparticles, liposomes, microemulsion gels and liquid crystals, possessing favorable clinical transformation potential. The herbal compatibility and external therapies of traditional Chinese medicine conform to the holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine and have a profound clinical application foundation, but their mechanisms of action are insufficiently elucidated, and they lack unified standardized specifications and high-quality evidence-based proof. In the future, we should rely on multi-omics technology to elucidate the toxic and efficacy mechanisms, integrate technologies to optimize preparations, improve the evaluation system and promote clinical transformation.
5.Efficient Loading and Targeted Delivery of Plant Exosomes
Meng XU ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Chong-Bin LEI ; Yang-Zi ZHANG ; Hong-Tao TIAN ; Wen-Tao XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1597-1608
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by plant cells, characterized by a lipid bilayer structure. These vesicles carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and play essential roles in intercellular communication and physiological regulation in plants. Compared to animal-derived extracellular vesicles, PDEVs offer several advantages, such as a broad range of sources, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low production costs. Furthermore, PDEVs have demonstrated remarkable potential as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery, due to their ability to efficiently traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, making them promising candidates for drug delivery systems. This review systematically elaborates on the complex composition of PDEVs, which consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, the typical structural characteristics of their lipid bilayers ranging from 30 to 150 nm, and their versatile loading capabilities as drug carriers, efficiently encapsulating various types of therapeutic agents such as hydrophilic small molecules, hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. We systematically summarize the recent advancements in strategies for enhancing the loading efficiency of PDEVs, which include methods such as co-incubation, ultrasound-assisted loading, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycles, and microfluidic technology. These techniques are evaluated based on their underlying principles, suitable drug types, and their respective advantages. In addition to loading strategies, we focus on the engineered approaches to achieve targeted delivery using PDEVs, such as genetic engineering modifications, chemical ligand conjugation, membrane fusion technology, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. We discuss the mechanisms of these strategies in enhancing targeting efficiency, prolonging in vivo circulation time, and improving therapeutic efficacy. Further, this review highlights the application of PDEVs in various disease models, including tumor, skin inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential as multifunctional delivery platforms. The ability of PDEVs to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents and target specific tissues or cells opens up new avenues for the treatment of complex diseases, offering advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. However, despite the promising applications of PDEVs, several challenges remain in their development and clinical translation. These challenges include variability in source materials, standardization of preparation processes, quality control, scalability of production, and the need for clinical validation. To overcome these obstacles, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted design and multi-omics analysis is proposed as a way to facilitate the precise development of PDEVs. These emerging technologies hold the potential to further enhance the precision and effectiveness of plant-based drug delivery systems, ultimately advancing the field of precision medicine. In conclusion, the use of PDEVs as a platform for drug delivery represents a promising area of research with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of bioactive molecules, along with their inherent advantages in biocompatibility and versatility, makes them a valuable tool in the development of more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions. Continued research and innovation in this field will pave the way for the clinical implementation of PDEVs in the treatment of various diseases, offering new hope for more effective and sustainable therapeutic options.
6.Dynamic prediction of JC polyomavirus reactivation after kidney transplantation
Mengyao LI ; Chengfeng ZHANG ; Difei REN ; Xin LIANG ; Shuyu CHEN ; Yushi PENG ; Yanjie WANG ; Meng ZHANG ; Jian XU ; Zheng CHEN ; Yun MIAO ; Yibin WANG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(4):635-643
Objective To construct a dynamic prediction model for JC polyomavirus (JCV) reactivation after kidney transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 128 recipients who met the inclusion criteria and received kidney transplantation in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, from June 2021 to December 2024. Dynamic Cox regression and dynamic restricted mean survival time (RMST) regression based on the landmark method were adopted to establish the dynamic prediction models, and Monte Carlo cross-validation was used to evaluate model performance. Results The dynamic models could predict the incidence and onset time of JCV reactivation within the subsequent 3 months according to covariates at each landmark time point from the 1st to the 6th month after transplantation. Remuzzi score, body mass index and warm ischemia time were independent risk factors for JCV reactivation, while a history of urinary BK polyomavirus reactivation served as a protective factor. The median values of the area under the curve, C-index and Brier score of the dynamic Cox model were 0.873, 0.851 and 0.065 respectively, and the C-index of the dynamic RMST model was 0.829, all of which were superior to those of the static model. Conclusions The landmark-based dynamic models exhibit excellent predictive performance, which may integrate baseline data and post-transplant follow-up information to realize dynamic assessment of the risk and time window of JCV reactivation, thereby providing evidence for optimizing post-operative monitoring and individualized intervention strategies.
7.Hyperlipidemia Animal Models Based on Disease-syndrome Clinical Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Furong XU ; Liran XU ; Yujie LI ; Xiaohan SHEN ; Qingquan MENG ; Cancan SHAO ; Bowen LI ; Jingyu YUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(17):248-255
ObjectiveHyperlipidemia (HLP) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism and is one of the important risk factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Its incidence has increased year by year, showing a trend toward younger onset. The overall prevalence of HLP among adults in China is as high as 40.40%. Although existing animal models provide important tools for research on the mechanisms of HLP, they generally show insufficient clinical concordance and lack the combined disease-syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine. This article systematically reviews the research progress of HLP animal models, integrates the clinicopathological characteristics of TCM and Western medicine, and proposes new model construction strategies, aiming to provide an experimental basis for accurately analyzing the pathogenesis of HLP and developing integrated TCM-Western medicine therapies. MethodsBased on literature included in PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases over the past 30 years, the construction methods and evaluation systems of HLP animal models were systematically retrieved and summarized. The concordance of existing animal models was calculated according to the new animal model evaluation method proposed by Professor MIAO Mingsan. ResultsAmong existing Western medicine modeling approaches, genetically modified models showed the highest concordance (72%), followed by dietary induction (66%) and chemical drug induction (60%). The dietary induction method is the most widely used in practice because of its simple operation and mature technology. Existing TCM modeling approaches are classified into three types, i.e., spleen deficiency type, phlegm syndrome type, and liver-kidney yin deficiency type. Among them, the phlegm syndrome type shows a high degree of concordance. However, all three types have the problem of non-objective evaluation indicators and insufficient application of tongue and pulse assessment. ConclusionThe construction of existing HLP disease-syndrome combined animal models is still mainly based on Western medicine modeling methods and lacks adequate reflection of TCM syndromes. In the future, HLP animal models that conform to the clinical disease-syndrome characteristics of both TCM and Western medicine may be constructed through multifactor composite modeling strategies, intelligent tongue image analysis via robot learning, objective pulse detection, the establishment of objective evaluation systems for TCM syndromes through big data computing, and the application of cutting-edge technologies.
8.From transmission to elimination: progress of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province
Jiajia WAN ; Zisong WU ; Lin CHEN ; Nannan WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Chen PU ; Rongzhi LI ; Xianhong MENG ; Liang XU ; Jingye SHANG ; Ding LU ; Bo ZHONG ; Yang LIU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):232-239
Sichuan Province is a hilly schistosomiasis-endemic province in China with the highest endemicity and largest coverage. During the period of more than 70 years of integrated control, there are five distinct phases of schistosomiasis control in Sichuan Province, including baseline investigation, Oncomelania hupensis snail control, chemotherapy for both humans and livestock, management of source of Schistosoma japonicum infections, and sustained control and intensified surveillance and early warning, and a package of key interventions are implemented, including environmental modification, snail control with chemical treatment, large-scale chemotherapy for humans and livestock, management of source of S. japonicum infections, intensified integrated control, establishment of an early warning and surveillance system. As a result, schistosomiasis has been eliminated across all 63 disease-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Sichuan Province by June 2025. Government-led multi-sectoral collaborations, science and technology-supported precision control strategies, and a sustainable control model tailored to the ecological and socio-economic conditions in endemic regions are essential to achieving the target of schistosomiasis elimination in Sichuan Province.
9.The Biomechanical Implications and Applications of Yin-Yang Balance in Human Anatomy and Functional Regulation under the Perspective of Holistic Force-Line
Jiajun XU ; Meng WU ; Daopeng ZHOU ; Rui WANG ; Jinyan TENG ; Zhigang LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(17):1809-1815
Drawing on recent advances in modern fascial anatomy and biomechanics, this paper interprets the biomechanical implications of yin-yang balance at the physical level from the perspective of holistic force lines. It posits that holistic force lines represent the functional expression of mechanical load transmission and integration within the myofascial network; the channel sinews system and myofascial chains exhibit significant similarities in terms of their distribution, functional attributes, and principles of holistic regulation, and can thus be understood as structural-functional carriers of yin-yang balance. Accordingly, this paper provides a biomechanical interpretation of the yin-yang relationship from four aspects, including interdependence, mutual restriction, dynamic balance through waxing and waning, and mutual transformation, proposing that in a healthy state, the body relies on the continuous integration, distribution, and readjustment of the myofascial tension network to maintain overall coordination, whereas disease states are often associated with compensatory transmission of local tension abnormalities along holistic force lines, the accumulation of imbalances, and structural rigidity. The holistic force-line perspective provides a biomechanical explanatory framework for the theory of yin-yang balance and offers a new theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment to shift from empirical holistic balancing toward holistic force-line balancing based on posture, function, and tension transmission pathways.
10.Analysis on Quality Standard of Hedyotis Herba Dispensing Granules Based on Standard Decoction
Jinghua ZHANG ; Nana WU ; Yanan LYU ; Guiyun CAO ; Jiacheng XU ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Jinxin LI ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):210-217
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS) based on linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), explore the consistency between Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules and standard decoction, and evaluate the quality of the dispensing granules. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatogram was established based on 15 batches of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction and 10 batches of the dispensing granules, and LCTRS was used to locate chromatographic peaks. The actual retention times of 7 characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram was measured on 24 different types of C18 columns, taking deacetyl asperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid as the dual standard compounds, the retention times of the other 5 characteristic peaks were predicted and validated. Based on this, QAMS was developed to determine the contents of four components(deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, asperulosidic acid, and p-coumaric acid). Then, the relative correction factors of deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester and p-coumaric acid were calculated using the reference peak of asperulosidic acid in the dual standard compounds, and each component was quantified accordingly. Finally, the consistency between the dispensing granules and standard decoction was assessed by taking extract rate of the standard decoction, consistency of the specific chromatograms, contents and transfer rates of the indicator components as indexes, and the quality of the dispensing granules was evaluated. ResultsThere were 7 common peaks in the characteristic chromatogram of samples of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction and the dispensing granules, and four of them were identified by reference standards, namely deacetyl asperulosidic acid(peak 1), deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester(peak 3), asperulosidic acid(peak 6) and p-coumaric acid(peak 7). The similarity between the dispensing granules and the standard decoction was >0.9. The absolute deviation in the predicted retention time for each component by LCTRS was lower than that of the relative retention time method. The extract rate of the 15 batches of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction ranged from 7.89% to 14.60%, the contents of deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, asperulosidic acid and p-coumaric acid were 6.62-19.70, 3.83-17.99, 1.57-6.69, 1.62-4.52 mg·g-1, and the transfer rates of these components from decoction pieces to the standard decoction were 22.89%-39.60%, 34.03%-62.24%, 24.25%-43.70%, and 40.58%-73.71%, respectively. The extract rate, index component contents and transfer rates from decoction pieces to the three batches of Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules(P1-P3), produced by manufacturer A, were similar to those of the standard decoction prepared from the same batch of decoction pieces, and all fell within the specified range. The contents of the 4 indicator components in 7 batches of the dispensing granules(P4-P10) from manufacturers B-E were all within the range of the content converted from the standard decoction based on the quantity of the dispensing granules. ConclusionThe established specific chromatogram and QAMS based on LCTRS are reasonable and reliable. Based on the evaluation indicators of standard decoction yield, consistency of specific chromatograms, contents and transfer rates of the four index components, the 10 batches of Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules from various manufacturers have exhibited good consistency with the standard decoction, indicating that the current production process is relatively reasonable.

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