1.Quality Evaluation of Naomaili Granules Based on Multi-component Content Determination and Fingerprint and Screening of Its Anti-neuroinflammatory Substance Basis
Ya WANG ; Yanan KANG ; Bo LIU ; Zimo WANG ; Xuan ZHANG ; Wei LAN ; Wen ZHANG ; Lu YANG ; Yi SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):170-178
ObjectiveTo establish an ultra-performance liquid fingerprint and multi-components determination method for Naomaili granules. To evaluate the quality of different batches by chemometrics, and the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of water extract and main components of Naomaili granules were tested in vitro. MethodsThe similarity and common peaks of 27 batches of Naomaili granules were evaluated by using Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) fingerprint detection. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology was used to determine the content of the index components in Naomaili granules and to evaluate the quality of different batches of Naomaili granules by chemometrics. LPS-induced BV-2 cell inflammation model was used to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the water extract and main components of Naomaili granules. ResultsThe similarity of fingerprints of 27 batches of samples was > 0.90. A total of 32 common peaks were calibrated, and 23 of them were identified and assigned. In 27 batches of Naomaili granules, the mass fractions of 14 components that were stachydrine hydrochloride, leonurine hydrochloride, calycosin-7-O-glucoside, calycosin,tanshinoneⅠ, cryptotanshinone, tanshinoneⅡA, ginsenoside Rb1, notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, lactiflorin, and salvianolic acid B were found to be 2.902-3.498, 0.233-0.343, 0.111-0.301, 0.07-0.152, 0.136-0.228, 0.195-0.390, 0.324-0.482, 1.056-1.435, 0.271-0.397, 1.318-1.649, 3.038-4.059, 2.263-3.455, 0.152-0.232, 2.931-3.991 mg∙g-1, respectively. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Rb1 and staphylline hydrochloride were quality difference markers to control the stability of the preparation. The results of bioactive experiment showed that the water extract of Naomaili granules and the eight main components with high content in the prescription had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the release of NO in the cell supernatant. Among them, salvianolic acid B and ginsenoside Rb1 had strong anti-inflammatory activity, with IC50 values of (36.11±0.15) mg∙L-1 and (27.24±0.54) mg∙L-1, respectively. ConclusionThe quality evaluation method of Naomaili granules established in this study was accurate and reproducible. Four quality difference markers were screened out, and eight key pharmacodynamic substances of Naomaili granules against neuroinflammation were screened out by in vitro cell experiments.
2.Combined Therapy of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Review
Xuan WU ; Hui LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xikun YANG ; Yan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):279-288
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of viral hepatitis and represents a substantial disease burden in China. However, effective and safe agents capable of completely eliminating HBV DNA are still lacking. In modern medicine, anti-HBV strategies mainly target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), among other mechanisms, and multiple novel drugs are currently under clinical investigation. Traditional medicine has been shown to exert anti-HBV effects through direct pathways, such as blocking viral entry, as well as indirect pathways, including the regulation of programmed cell death. Studies have confirmed that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating HBV infection and its related complications offers complementary advantages, particularly in enhancing HBV clearance rates, improving liver function, preventing various complications, and delaying the progression from hepatic fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on advances in anti-HBV research involving TCM, Western medicine, and their integrated application, aiming to provide a basis for integrated HBV therapy and new drug development.
3.Identification of Chemical Constituents of Painong Powder and Constituents Absorbed into Blood by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS
Han SUN ; Hongsu ZHAO ; Zihua XUAN ; Jinwei QIAO ; Fangfang ZHANG ; Manqin YANG ; Shuangying GUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):256-263
ObjectiveTo study the chemical constituents of Painong powder and the constituents absorbed into blood after oral administration to rats by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was employed for mass spectrometry data acquisition. The chemical constituents of Painong Powder and the constituents absorbed into blood were characterized and identified via Xcalibur 4.2 and Compound Discoverer v3.3.1 (CD) based on retention time, accurate molecular weights, secondary fragmentation ions, and comparison with reference standards and literature reports. ResultsA total of 176 chemical compounds, including 56 flavonoids, 42 triterpenoid saponins, 23 monoterpenes, 7 coumarins, 5 tannins, and other 43 compounds were identified from Painong powder. 49 components were identified in the rat plasma after oral administration of Painong powder, including 33 prototype constituents and 16 metabolites. The major metabolic pathways included hydrolysis in phase Ⅰ metabolic reactions, as well as methylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation in phase Ⅱ metabolic reaction. ConclusionThe method comprehensively identified the chemical constituents of Painong powder both in vitro and in vivo, and may provide a reference for the study of quality control and clinical applications.
4.Clinical observation of radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment for conjunctivochalasis-induced epiphora
Xuan ZHENG ; Xiaozhao YANG ; Hua YANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Bo WANG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):528-533
AIM: To evaluate the surgical outcomes and changes in the ocular surface microenvironment following radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment for conjunctivochalasis-induced epiphora.METHODS: Patients with epiphora primarily caused by conjunctivochalasis were enrolled. All patients had conjunctivochalasis of ≥grade II, and their symptoms showed no significant improvement after previous pharmacological treatment. All patients underwent radiofrequency minimally invasive correction of conjunctivochalasis, supplemented with artificial tears, anti-inflammatory therapy, and ocular surface repair treatment postoperatively. At 8 wk post-surgery, the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), eye redness, tear secretion, non-invasive tear break-up time, lipid layer thickness, tear ferning test, and conjunctival impression cytology were assessed to compare treatment efficacy and observe changes in the ocular surface microenvironment.RESULTS: A total of 43 cases(43 eyes)of conjunctivochalasis and with a main complaint of epiphora were included, including 23 males and 20 males, with a mean age of 64.69±3.36 years. The total effective rate of surgery was 91% at 8 wk postoperatively. Compared with preoperative values, the OSDI scores significantly decreased and the non-invasive tear break-up time was prolonged at 8 wk post-surgery(all P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in lipid layer thickness or tear secretion at 8 wk postoperatively(all P>0.05). The normal rate of chloramphenicol taste test increased from 21% preoperatively to 63% postoperatively; the normal rate of eye redness increased from 40% to 70%; normal rate of tear ferning grading improved from 30% to 63%; and normal conjunctival impression cytology grading increased from 21% to 74%.CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency minimally invasive treatment is effective for conjunctivochalasis and is straightforward to perform. Patients with conjunctivochalasis often present with other ocular surface issues beyond conjunctivochalasis itself, such as insufficient tear secretion, reduced lipid layer thickness, and other dry eye-related problems. Therefore, a comprehensive approach emphasizing tear dynamics should be adopted during treatment.
5.Investigation on current situation of cognitive impairment and influencing factors in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Ling JIANG ; Yenan JI ; Guanghua YANG ; Xuan LI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):150-153
Objective To investigate the current status of cognitive impairment and its influencing factors in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to explore effective intervention strategies. Methods A total of 380 patients with AD diagnosed in the Qingdao Central Hospital were retrospectively enrolled between January 2023 and January 2025. According to scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the patients were divided into a mild cognitive impairment group (21-25 points) and a moderate to severe impairment group (<21 points). The general clinical data in the two groups were collected. The influencing factors of moderate to severe cognitive impairment were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Among the 380 AD patients, 157 cases (41.32%) had mild cognitive impairment, and 223 cases (58.68%) had moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Compared with the mild cognitive impairment group, the moderate to severe cognitive impairment group had a higher proportion of patients who were aged ≥ 75 years, engaged in physical labor, had a disease course of ≥5 years, and had moderate to severe atrophy on head CT examination (P < 0.05). Age ≥75 years, disease course ≥5 years, and moderate to severe atrophy on head CT were independent risk factors of moderate to severe cognitive impairment in AD patients (P<0.05). Conclusion Cognitive impairment is closely related to age, disease course and head CT manifestations in AD patients. Interventions targeting these key factors are expected to delay cognitive decline and improve patients' quality of life.
6.Literature Analysis and Validity Assessment for Animal Models of Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder
Wangyue LIAO ; Shuang LEI ; Xuan LI ; Min GUO ; Ruoran ZHOU
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):66-80
Attention deficit and hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. It seriously impairs academic achievement, social interaction, and vocational development, and increases the risk of accidental injury and substance abuse. In some cases, the symptoms may also exert an indirect disruptive effect on public order. Its aetiology involves interactions among genetic, perinatal environmental, and psychosocial factors that cannot be fully disentangled by single clinical studies. Therefore, a systematic evaluation of existing animal models is essential for revealing pathophysiology and developing novel therapies. Using the keywords "attention deficit and hyperactive disorder", "models, animal", "validity", and their English equivalents, we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang for publications from 2000 to 2025 (retrieving 328 publications) and added further references by citation tracking. Eighty-six rodent ADHD models that provided detailed construction protocols, behavioural assessments, neurobiological mechanisms, or pharmacological data were included and classified into spontaneous genetic, genetically engineered, and environmentally induced paradigms. Their face, construct, and predictive validity were compared. Among spontaneous genetic models, spontaneously hypertensive rats reproduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and stimulant responses well, yet hypertension and sex differences limit specificity. Acallosal mouse strains link corpus callosum absence to ADHD-like behaviours, but neurotransmitter studies remain scarce. Genetically engineered rodents—including dopamine transporter, neurokinin-1 receptor and mediator complex subunit 23 knockout or conditional gene knockout lines—precisely dissect dopaminergic, noradrenergic, synaptic, or epigenetic pathways, yet generally lack full phenotypic coverage, social-deficit modelling, and comorbidity representation, and are accompanied by adverse effects such as growth retardation or ocular defects. Environmentally induced models employ lead, polychlorinated biphenyls, alcohol, nicotine exposures, 6-hydroxydopamine lesions, neonatal hypoxia, early social isolation, or maternal stress to recapitulate core symptoms. However, dose-schedule standardisation is lacking. Behavioural reversibility diverges from clinical persistence, and non-specific phenotypes such as anxiety or depression are common. Overall, no single paradigm simultaneously achieves high validity across all three dimensions. Currently, ADHD models have progressed from single-factor simulations to multidimensional evaluation, yet significant gaps remain in genetic-background standardisation, sex differences, cross-species translation, and syndrome-differentiation modelling under traditional Chinese medicine. Future directions should integrate genetic, environmental, and epigenetic interactions, establish life-span validation systems, and incorporate computational neuroscience alongside integrative Chinese-Western strategies to enhance clinical relevance and translational utility, thereby providing robust evidence-based support for mechanistic elucidation, drug screening and precision intervention in ADHD.
7.The regulatory mechanism of TLR4 on the inflammatory response in mice with gastric ulcers through autophagy and oxidative stress
Jinxuan DU ; Feiluore DILIXIATI ; Qiuyun XUAN
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):30-37
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibition on autophagy and oxidative stress, as well as its regulatory role and mechanism in the inflammatory response in a mouse model of gastric ulcer. MethodsSixty adult male Kunming mice were equally divided into five groups: control group, model group, model+TLR4-IN-C34 group, model+TLR4-IN-C34+3-MA group, and model+TLR4-IN-C34+H₂O₂ group. Except for the control group, all groups were administered 40 mg/kg indomethacin via gavage. Treatment groups received injections every three days, and all groups were treated for 30 days. Mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation, and gastric tissues were collected. Gastric ulcer scores were assessed, and pathological changes were evaluated via HE staining and scoring. Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as well as gastric tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH), were measured using ELISA. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of TLR4, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-Ⅰ (LC3-Ⅰ),LC3-Ⅱ, autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5), Beclin-1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) in gastric tissues. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence intensity in gastric tissues. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited upregulation of ulcer scores, HE staining scores, TLR4, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and AOPP levels, and downregulation of LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence intensity, PGE2 levels, Atg5, Beclin-1, nuclear Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 levels, and the LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio (all P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the model+TLR4-IN-C34 group showed downregulation of ulcer scores, HE staining scores, TLR4, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and AOPP levels, and upregulation of LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence intensity, PGE2 levels, Atg5, Beclin-1, nuclear Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 levels, and the LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio (all P < 0.05). Compared with the model+TLR4-IN-C34 group, the model+TLR4-IN-C34+3-MA group exhibited upregulation of ulcer scores, HE staining scores, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and AOPP levels, and downregulation of LC3-Ⅱ fluorescence intensity, PGE2 levels, Atg5, Beclin-1, and the LC3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio (all P < 0.05). Compared with the model+TLR4-IN-C34 group, the model+TLR4-IN-C34+H₂O₂ group showed upregulation of ulcer scores, HE staining scores, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and AOPP levels, and downregulation of PGE2 levels and nuclear Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 levels (all P < 0.05). ConclusionInhibition of TLR4 ameliorates gastric ulcer symptoms and suppresses the inflammatory response in mice by upregulating autophagy and reducing oxidative stress.
8.Correlation analysis of inflammatory markers (NLR/PLR/SII) with the severity of intrauterine adhesions
Ying WANG ; Xuan XU ; Longyu ZHANG ; Rong WU ; Jingjing HU ; Wenjuan YANG ; Xiao WU ; Zhaolian WEI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):146-150
ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and the severity of intrauterine adhesions (IUA). MethodsThe retrospective study included 380 patients who underwent transcervical resection of adhesions (TCRA) from December 2019 to March 2025. Based on the American Fertility Society (AFS) classification, patients were divided into mild (n=61), moderate (n=225), and severe (n=94) groups. NLR, PLR, and SII were calculated from preoperative blood tests. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis test and ordinal Logistic regression. ResultsNLR, PLR, and SII were significantly higher in the severe IUA group compared to the mild group (P<0.05), with SII showing the strongest predictive ability (OR=1.004, P=0.001). The number of intrauterine procedures was an independent risk factor (OR=1.27/level, P=0.016). The predictive model [Logit(P)=-0.676+0.241×operation times+0.004×SII] effectively identified severe IUA cases. ConclusionInflammatory markers (particularly SII) are correlated with IUA severity and may serve as non-invasive tools for clinical assessment.
9.Mechanism of Kidney-tonifying Therapy in Treating Panvascular Disease Through "Immune-metabolic-genetic" Axis
Xuan SUN ; Jie WANG ; Zhenpeng ZHANG ; Lanchun LIU ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):1-11
Pan vascular disease (PVD) is a systemic vascular disorder that has become the leading cause of death among the Chinese residents, and there is currently a lack of effective systemic treatment options. Clinical practice has found that the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method of kidney tonification can effectively intervene in PVD and target key pathological mechanisms of PVD recognized in Western medicine. Accordingly, this paper conducts research from the following three aspects: First, it clarifies that immune dysregulation, metabolic disorders, and genetic susceptibility constitute the core pathological mechanisms of PVD in Western medicine. Typical pathological manifestations include progressive vascular endothelial injury, lipid deposition, and plaque formation, ultimately leading to multi-organ damage and dysfunction. PVD activates pathways such as the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, triggering immune dysregulation; it also induces disorders of mitochondrial energy metabolism, water-salt metabolism, and hormonal metabolism, synergizing with genetic susceptibility factors (e.g., apolipoprotein E gene) to accelerate vascular homeostasis imbalance. Second, this study analyzes the intrinsic relationship between the TCM theory of "kidney deficiency" and the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis, revealing the theoretical basis for kidney tonification in intervening PVD. The kidney stores essence, governs bones, and produces marrow, which is related to the generation and differentiation of immune cells. It regulates Qi transformation and governs water, overseeing material and energy metabolism. The kidney is the root of congenital essence and governs reproduction, closely related to genetic mechanisms. Third, by integrating modern clinical research, this study elaborates on the unique advantages and clinical value of kidney tonification in targeting the "immune-metabolic-genetic" axis of heart, brain, and kidney organs. Traditional kidney-tonifying formulas and their active ingredients improve immune-inflammatory responses, enhance material and energy metabolism homeostasis, and modulate epigenetic pathways through multiple pathways, targeting various pathways to intervene in PVD. This study systematically elucidates the scientific connotation of kidney tonification in treating PVD, providing theoretical support and practical guidance for integrated TCM-Western medicine approaches and contributing to innovation and improvement in diagnostic and treatment strategies for PVD.
10.Exploring Anti-inflammatory Synergistic Mechanism of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma Processed with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus Juice Based on Differential Component Tracking Strategy
Hongda XUAN ; Shengnan SHEN ; Linlin LI ; Jingjing LIAO ; Xianyu XU ; Xiaoxia LIU ; Haining LYU ; Fang WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):228-237
ObjectiveTaking Aurantii Fructus Immaturus juice(AFI)-processed Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) as an example, this study aims to systematically compare the volatile and non-volatile components of AMR and its processed products, investigate the key differential components, evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities, and elucidate the synergistic mechanism of processing. MethodsThe chemical compositions of volatile and non-volatile components in AMR and AFI-processed AMR were systematically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), with relative mass fractions and response values determined separately. Volatile components were identified through searches in the National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST)17 database, comparison with retention index(RI) and fragmentation pattern matching. Non-volatile components were identified by searching Waters Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spectral library, in conjunction with PubChem and MassBank, characteristic fragmentation patterns and response values were also used to support identification. Differential components were screened using principal component analysis(PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), with variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1. Components with high log2fold change(FC) among major differential groups were selected as those exhibiting significant changes before and after processing. The anti-inflammatory activity of the differential compounds was evaluated by assessing their effects on nitric oxide(NO) production in a lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage model. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the effects of the differential components on tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein(MCP)-1 levels, and immunofluorescence(IF) was employed to assess their effects on nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 translocation, thereby elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms. ResultsA total of 36 compounds were identified in the volatile components of AMR and AFI-processed AMR, among which, sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes were significantly increased after processing. In the non-volatile components, 36 compounds were identified, and the main differential components were flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, and triterpenoids. Flavonoids were the primary differential components distinguishing AMR from its processed products, representing compounds directly introduced during processing. Five compounds, including atractylenolide Ⅲ, tangeritin, nobiletin, hesperidin and narirutin, were selected as representatives of three classes based on their most prominent differential expression among different compound types for subsequent anti-inflammatory activity studies. The results showed that 100 μmol·L-1 tangerine and narirutin could significantly inhibit LPS-induced NO production(P<0.01) in a concentration-dependent manner. Tangeritin was able to significantly inhibit the levels of TNF-α and MCP-1 secreted by RAW264.7(P<0.05), while narirutin significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1 and IL-6(P<0.01). IF revealed that both tangeritin and narirutin significantly blocked the translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. ConclusionAFI-processed AMR significantly alters the chemical composition profile of AMR, and the newly introduced flavonoid components during processing may be key to its enhanced anti-inflammatory effects.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail