1.Combination of Components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma Affects RA-FLSs by Regulating NF-κB, Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways and Bcl-2/Caspase-3 Expression
Yongmei GUAN ; Zhiyan WAN ; Shuhui WANG ; Weifeng ZHU ; Zhiyong LIU ; Cheng JIANG ; Zhenzhong ZANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):17-26
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of the combination of components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma and Chuanxiong Rhizoma on rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) and the underlying mechanism. MethodsRA-FLSs were grouped as follows: blank control, positive control (methotrexate), Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components, Chuanxiong Rhizoma components, and components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma. The cell-counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to the cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondiadehyde (MDA) in cells were measured. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, phosphorylated inhibitory subunit of NF-κBα (p-IκBα), cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 (Caspase-3), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NF-κB p65. ResultsThe cells in the groups of positive control, Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components, Chuanxiong Rhizoma components, and components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma were treated with 2.50 mg·L-1 methotrexate, 0.20 mg·L-1 triptolide + 0.20 mg·L-1 celastrol, 5.00 mg·L-1 ferulic acid + 20.00 mg·L-1 ligustrazine, 0.20 mg·L-1 triptolide + 0.20 mg·L-1 celastrol + 5.00 mg·L-1 ferulic acid + 20.00 mg·L-1 ligustrazine, respectively. Compared with the blank control group, drug administration reduced the proliferation and invasion and increased the apoptosis of cells (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ROS, and MDA (P<0.01), up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Caspase-3, Nrf2, and HO-1 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Bcl-2, NF-κB p65, and p-IκBα (P<0.01). Compared with the Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma components group, the combination of components from Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma+Chuanxiong Rhizoma inhibited the proliferation and invasion (P<0.05) and promoted the apoptosis of RA-FLSs, up-regulated the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 and protein levels of Nrf2 and Caspase-3 (P<0.05), and down-regulated the protein levels of NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα (P<0.05). ConclusionThe combination of components from Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Tripterygii Radix et Rhizoma can inhibit the proliferation and invasion and promote the apoptosis of RA-FLSs and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and regulating the expression of Bcl-2/Caspase-3.
2.Effect of volatile oil of Ligusticum chuanxiong on transdermal properties and cytotoxicity of triptolide in vitro
Cheng JIANG ; Zhenzhong ZANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Haiting ZHU ; Shihua FU ; Weifeng ZHU ; Wenting WU ; Wei SHI ; Yongmei GUAN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(4):413-418
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of volatile oil of Ligusticum chuanxiong on the transdermal properties and cytotoxicity of triptolide in vitro. METHODS The chemical constituents of the volatile oil of L. chuanxiong were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The lower abdominal skin of KM mice was separated and divided into triptolide group, triptolide in compatibility with volatile oil of L. chuanxiong groups at 1∶10, 1∶50, 1∶100 (hereinafter referred to as “compatibility 1∶10”“compatibility 1∶50”“compatibility 1∶100” groups). After the skin of mice in each group was fully exposed to 0.2 g of the corresponding cream for 24 h, the cumulative transdermal dose (Qn) of triptolide in the receiving solution of each group was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the transdermal absorption rate (Jss) was calculated. Human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCat) were used as a model, the CCK-8 method was used to detect the cell survival rate of different concentrations of the volatile oil of L. chuanxiong and triptolide before and after compatibility. RESULTS A total of 62 chemical constituents of the volatile oil of L. chuanxiong were identified, including Z-ligustilide, senkyunolide, and β-selinene. The Qn (P< 0.01) and Jss of triptolide increased within 24 h in the compatibility 1∶10 and 1∶50 groups, while the Qn (P<0.05) and Jss decreased in the compatibility 1∶100 group as compared with the triptolide group. Compared with the triptolide group, the cell survival rate of HaCat was significantly increased in the compatibility 1∶10 and 1∶50 groups when the triptolide concentrations were 36, 72 and 144 ng/mL (P<0.05 or P<0.01); while the cell survival rate of HaCat was decreased in the compatibility 1∶100 group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS When the compatibility ratio of triptolide and volatile oil of L. chuanxiong was 1∶10 or 1∶50, it can promote the transdermal absorption of triptolide and reduce the cytotoxicity of triptolide to HaCat.
3.Key Components of Fishy Smell of Eupolyphaga Steleophaga by Head Space-Solid Phase Microextraction-GC-MS and Odor Activity Value
Hongyan MA ; Hong FAN ; Qian LIU ; Xue LI ; Hui YE ; Dingkun ZHANG ; Yongmei GUAN ; Ming YANG ; Houlin XIA
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2024;41(1):88-96
To determine the main components of the fishy smell of the Eupolyphaga Steleophaga, and to provide a theoretical basis for deodorizing the Eupolyphaga Steleophaga.
METHODS
Head space-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the components of 10 batches of Eupolyphaga Steleophaga, and area normalization method and chemometrics method were used to analyze the smelly gas of different batches. Odor activity value(OAV) was used to evaluate the contribution of odor components and identify key odor components.
RESULTS
A total of 87 volatile odor components were identified, the key fishy smell compounds(OAV≥1) were m-methylphenol, dimethyltrisulfide, 4-methylphenol, 2-methyliso-borneol, 2-etzol, 4-methylvaleric acid, iso-valeric acid, etc. Modified fishy gas composition(0.1
4.Study on extraction technology of Sophora flavescens-Phellodendron chinense drug pair
Yongmei GUAN ; Ying TAO ; Chengyu ZOU ; Zhenzhong ZANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Lili LIU ; Limei CHEN ; Weifeng ZHU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(7):793-800
OBJECTIVE To study the extraction technology of Sophora flavescens-Phellodendron chinense drug pair and provide a reference for the development of new drugs for the treatment of anorectal diseases. METHODS Using the contents of total alkaloids of S. flavescens (matrine+oxymatrine), berberine hydrochloride and total flavonoid, and extract yield as evaluation indicators, analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method was used to calculate the weight coefficient of each indicator, and was combined with Box-Behnken design-response surface method to study the extraction technology of S. flavescens-P. chinense drug pair and verify it. RESULTS The optimal extraction technology of S. flavescens-P. chinense drug pair was immersed in 12-fold amount of 58% ethanol for 30 minutes and extracted twice, each time for 120 minutes. The relative error between the verification experimental results and the predicted value was 1.88%. CONCLUSIONS The obtained extraction technology is stable and feasible and can provide reference for the application of S. flavescens-P. chinense drug pair and development of new drugs.
5.Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Puerariae Lobatae Radix Dispensing Granules by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Meiqing CHEN ; Weifeng ZHU ; Yongmei GUAN ; Yulin FENG ; Yanli ZHANG ; Xiucun JING ; Wanqian PENG ; Hui OUYANG ; Qiong LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(19):176-186
ObjectiveA rapid method for identification of chemical constituents in Puerariae Lobatae Radix dispensing granules was established in order to clarify the material basis. MethodThe chemical constituents of Puerariae Lobatae Radix dispensing granules was qualitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) under positive and negative ion modes, and the chromatographic conditions were on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution(A)-0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution(B) as mobile phase for gradient elution(0-4 min, 5%-10%B; 4-10 min, 10%-15%B; 10-20 min, 15%-16%B; 20-27 min, 16%-31%B; 27-33 min, 31%-59%B; 33-42 min, 59%-95%B; 42-42.1 min, 95%-5%B; 42.1-45 min, 5%B), the flow rate was 0.35 mL·min-1, the column temperature was 40 ℃, the injection volume was 5 μL, and electrospray ionization(ESI) was selected. Then these chemical constituents were comprehensively identified based on PeakView 1.2, PubChem, ChemicalBook, ChemSpider, comparative control profiles and literature information. ResultA total of 128 chemical constituents were identified from the dispensing granules, including 60 flavonoids, 26 organic acids, 7 glycosides, 6 coumarins, 3 nucleosides and 26 other compounds. By focusing on the cleavage patterns of flavonoids, organic acids, glycosides, coumarins, nucleosides and other compounds, 12 compounds that have not been reported in Puerariae Lobatae Radix species were identified from the dispensing granules. ConclusionThe established method can systematically and rapidly identify the chemical constituents in Puerariae Lobatae Radix dispensing granules, and cleared it composition is mainly flavonoids and organic acids. Laying a foundation for the study of the material basis, mechanism of action and clinical application of the dispensing granules.
6.Mechanism research status of daidzein in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis through estrogen-like effect
Shenghang YE ; Yuwei ZHANG ; Xiaowei MENG ; Lihua CHEN ; Weifeng ZHU ; Yongmei GUAN
China Pharmacy 2023;34(20):2556-2560
Osteoporosis, as a systemic bone disease with high incidence rate and high disability rate, has become a research hotspot in recent years. The daidzein in soybean isoflavones can bind with estrogen receptors, simulating the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis with estrogen-like effect. Its mechanism of action includes promoting osteoblast formation and differentiation by activating the Wnt signaling pathway, increasing bone density, and improving bone tissue health; inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and slowing down bone resorption by reducing receptor activator of nuclear factors κB ligand/ osteoprotegerin ratio, downregulating the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF); collaborating antioxidant and immune regulation to achieve the goal of preventing and treating osteoporosis. In addition, different doses of daidzein have different effects on bone density and osteoporosis, which may be related to factors such as study design, sample selection, and individual differences.
7.Progress on Pharmacological Effect of Terpinen-4-ol: A Review
Qing DU ; Yuxi ZHONG ; Ming YANG ; Lei CHEN ; Huimin ZENG ; Chongwen AI ; Yongmei GUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(14):265-271
Terpine-4-ol is abundant in nature. As a cyclic monoterpenoid compound, terpine-4-ol is distributed in a variety of natural plants. It is the main component and the key active substance in many traditional Chinese essential oils, such as Melaleuca alba essential oil and coral ginger essential oil. Terpine-4-ol has anti-microbial, anti-tumor, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, and other effects. It can treat cancer, as well as oral and cardiovascular diseases with great safety. In terms of antibacterial activity, terpine-4-ol can destroy bacterial cell walls, improve membrane permeability, and regulate bacterial migration, reproduction, and other related genes to inhibit bacterial activity. In terms of antifungal activity, terpine-4-ol can bind with ergosterol in fungal cell walls to cause fungal death. In terms of insecticidal activity, terpine-4-ol can inhibit Na+ and K+-ATPase activity and cause the death of the insect. In terms of anticancer activity, terpine-4-ol can regulate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in cancer cells, so as to control the apoptosis of cancer cells. In this paper, the pharmacological activity and action mechanism of terpine-4-ol were reviewed to provide a reference for further research and utilization of terpine-4-ol.
8.Progress of drug therapy for children with ulcerative colitis
Dexiu GUAN ; Yongmei ZHANG ; Jie WU
International Journal of Pediatrics 2023;50(9):584-589
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, nonspecific inflammatory disease that affects the intestines.Drug therapy includes 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) drugs, glucocorticoids, immunomodulators, and biological agents, which can effectively induce and maintain remission and prevent complications.5-ASA is the first-line drug for inducing and maintaining remission in children with mild to moderate UC.Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy for moderate to severe UC and the second-line remission inducing therapy for patients with mild to moderate UC who do not respond to 5-ASA.Immunomodulators(purine preparations)are suitable for maintenance remission therapy after steroid dependence, 5-ASA intolerance, frequent recurrence, and acute severe UC response to hormone-induced therapy.Calcineurin inhibitors and the biological agent infliximab can be used as second-line treatment for patients with acute severe UC who do not respond to glucocorticoids therapy.Vedolizumab and ustekinumab can be used as second-line biotherapy after failure of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α, but data are lacking in studies of pediatric UC.The purpose of this article is to review the progress of drug therapy for children with UC, and provide reference for clinical practice.
9.Construction and Validation of a Predictive Model for the Risk of Concomitant Hemorrhage in Patients with Ruptured Tubal Pregnancy
Yanyi HUANG ; Yongmei ZHANG ; Qing MA ; Qingxin MAI ; Xingshan LIANG ; Jingyi HU ; Qunying LIANG ; Yongge GUAN ; Yang SONG
Journal of Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;39(12):923-928
Objective:To construct and validate a predictive model for the risk of excessive blood loss in pa-tients with ruptured tubal pregnancy,and to provide a basis and tool for the assessment of changes in the condi-tion of patients with ruptured tubal pregnancy.Methods:Clinical data of inpatients with ruptured tubal pregnancy from January 2014 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed,who underwent surgical treatment in the Depart-ment of Gynecology,Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Hospital.The pelvic blood volume was categorized into excessive blood loss and non-excessive blood loss groups based on whether the amount of pelvic blood was found to be≥750 ml intraoperatively.Factors influencing the occurrence of excessive blood loss were screened and modeled by univariate analysis,Lasso regression,and multi-factor Logistic stepwise regression.The area un-der the subject working characteristic curve(AUC)was used to evaluate the discrimination of the predictive mod-el,the model's consistency was evaluated by calibration curve and goodness-of-fit test,and the clinical utility of the model was evaluated and validated by the decision analysis curve.Finally,column line plots were drawn.Results:①A total of 386 patients with ruptured tubal pregnancy were included,of whom 124(32.12%)had blood loss≥750 ml.②The optimal predictors for predicting concomitant blood loss in patients with ruptured tubal preg-nancy were screened,including:days of abdominal pain,dizziness,pallor,fatigue,the maximum diameter of para-metrial mass,human chorionic gonadotropin(β-hCG),and hemoglobin(Hb)and the model and the column line graphswere constructed accordingly.③The prediction model AUC was 0.827(95%CI 0.781-0.873);the cut-off value was 0.391,at which point the specificity and sensitivity were 68.55%and 84.35%,respectively,and the AUC validated within the model by resampling was 0.804.Clinical decision curves showed that the threshold probability intervals for the maximum net benefit values ranged from 8.5%-97%,respectively.Conclusions:The constructed prediction model was validated to suggest good discriminatory efficacy and degree of consistency.As a tool,it has clinical application value in predicting the risk of hemorrhage in patients with ruptured tubal pregnan-cy.It can help to determine the occurrence of adverse events such as hemorrhagic shock at an early stage and improve the success rate of rescue treatment.
10.Volatile Oils from Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Review
Qing DU ; Yixin LIU ; Mingfang YE ; Guangpeng WU ; Yongmei GUAN ; Huiting LI ; Xiaoying HUANG ; Ming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(17):226-234
Breast cancer is a systemic malignant tumor caused by multiple pathogenic factors, and its pathological mechanism is complex and has not been clarified so far. It has gradually become the largest killer threatening women's life. The common method for the treatment of breast cancer is lesion resection combined with radiation and chemical therapy, endocrine therapy, or targeted therapy. However, due to the limitations of western medicine therapies, there are still considerable breast cancer patients with poor disease control and high tumor recurrence rate in clinical practice. At the same time, the side effects and complications produced by these therapies affect the quality of life of patients. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new drugs or find safe and effective alternative therapies against breast cancer. Volatile oil (VO), as a unique volatile component of Chinese herbal medicines, has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-tumor activities. It has been applied in the treatment of breast cancer and has demonstrated good efficacy by exerting the unique effects of strengthening healthy Qi, eliminating pathogenic factors, moving Qi, resolving stasis, warming Yang, soothing liver, and relieving depression. The recent studies have confirmed that VO and its chemical components can prevent and treat breast cancer via multiple mechanisms, while there is a lack of systematic review. The relevant literature published in recent years has demonstrated that VO can inhibit the occurrence and development of breast cancer by regulating the level of estrogen, inhibiting the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of cancer cells, enhancing immunity, resisting inflammation, and regulating emotions. We introduced the pathogenesis of breast cancer, as well as the mechanisms and advantages of VO in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, aiming to provide new ideas for the research on VO in the treatment of breast cancer.


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