1.Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Action, and Modern Application of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos: A Review
Jie GAO ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Yinuo LI ; Youcai YUAN ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):327-335
Lonicerae Japonicae Flos refers to the dried flower buds or flowers about to open of Lonicera japonica (Caprifoliaceae). Its dried flower buds or early blooming flowers are listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition) as official medicinal materials. As a Chinese medicine with "heat-clearing and detoxifying" properties and a classic medicinal-edible resource, it is mainly produced in northern authentic producing regions such as Shandong, Henan, and Hebei in China. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos contains abundant bioactive substances that are considered safe and effective, with functions including relieving sore throat, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and immune regulation. In recent years, with the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the rapid development of the "big health" industry, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has become a research hotspot in the fields of natural medicines and functional foods due to its multi-target pharmacological activities and broad application potential. To date, chemical constituents identified from Lonicerae Japonicae Flos include organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenes, triterpenoid saponins, and volatile oils. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Lonicerae Japonicae Flos possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antidiabetic, cardiovascular and neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. In terms of modern applications, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos has developed into a full industrial chain covering pharmaceuticals, health products, daily chemical products, and food additives, demonstrating high medicinal and health value. Strengthening the development of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos-based health products is of great significance. Based on relevant domestic and international literature, this paper systematically reviews the innovative applications of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos in traditional medicine, modern clinical formulations, health foods, and daily chemical products from the perspectives of chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and modern applications, aiming to further deepen basic research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Meanwhile, this paper analyzes and proposes suggestions for promoting applied research on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, in order to provide a scientific basis for its sound development and to offer references for the rational development and comprehensive utilization of medicinal and edible resources.
2.Treatment of Edema with Zhulingtang: A Review
Yinuo LI ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Youcai YUAN ; Jie GAO ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):266-275
Edema, as a common pathological phenomenon, is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases, such as heart failure, impaired renal filtration function, or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system, strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body, while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However, long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects, including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia, posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang, as a classic and commonly used TCM formula, is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years, ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang, including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses, thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally, the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed, so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema, such as cardiogenic edema, renal edema, and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches, as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies, thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.
3.Treatment of Edema with Zhulingtang: A Review
Yinuo LI ; Liheng LI ; Yufei ZHANG ; Shurui ZHAO ; Youcai YUAN ; Jie GAO ; Renshuai WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):266-275
Edema, as a common pathological phenomenon, is essentially the abnormal accumulation of body fluids in the interstitial spaces of human tissues and is often a direct manifestation of various underlying diseases, such as heart failure, impaired renal filtration function, or liver metabolic disorders. In the Western medical system, strategies for treating edema primarily focus on the use of diuretics to promote the excretion of excess fluid in the body, while simultaneously addressing the underlying causes through targeted treatment. However, long-term reliance on the use of diuretics may lead to a decrease in drug sensitivity and induce side effects, including electrolyte disorders such as hypokalemia and hypercalcemia, posing a potential threat to patients' overall health. Compared with Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated well-recognized and sustained efficacy in treating edema with its unique theoretical system. Zhulingtang, as a classic and commonly used TCM formula, is widely applied as it can effectively relieve edema and related symptoms. In recent years, ongoing in-depth studies on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang have revealed multiple mechanisms of action of Zhulingtang, including the regulation of water metabolism and the reduction of inflammatory responses, thereby providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical practice. This review summarized the research progress on the treatment of edema with Zhulingtang in recent years and analyzed the active ingredients and action pathways of Zhulingtang. Additionally, the primary mechanisms of action and efficacy were systematically analyzed, so as to provide references for the clinical application of Zhulingtang in treating various types of edema, such as cardiogenic edema, renal edema, and hepatogenic edema. This review aims to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for clinicians in deciding treatment approaches, as well as references for subsequent in-depth studies, thereby promoting further development of TCM in the treatment of edema.
4.Recognition by the POTRA domain is an essential determinant to initiate the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins for Omp85 family proteins
Xiaochen HAN ; Qingrong LI ; Qing WANG ; Leyi ZHAO ; Hanqing ZHANG ; Youcai QIN ; Enguo FAN ; Yindi CHU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(5):373-377
Objective:To investigate the essential determinants that are critical to initiating the assembly of outer membrane proteins by replacing the POTRA domains of the translocator protein FhaC and the insertase protein TtOmp85 of the Omp85 family. Methods:FhaC, TtOmp85 proteins and their recombinant chimeric proteins after replacing the POTRA domain were obtained by overexpression and purification in vitro. An in vitro reconstitution system was used to investigate the effects of the different domains on the transport efficiency of the substrate outer membrane protein FhaB and the membrane insertion efficiency of OmpA. Results:Replacing the POTRA domain of FhaC with that of TtOmp85 led to the loss of the transport function of FhaB. During the membrane insertion process of OmpA, the FhaC mutant containing the POTRA of TtOmp85 protein acquired the ability to assemble OmpA. Conclusion:The compositional differences in the POTRA domain of Omp85 family proteins determine their abilities to recognize their substrate proteins.
5.Preliminary clinical study of a novel FAP-targeted PET tracer 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 in malignant solid tumors: a comparative study with 18F-FDG
Xi HE ; Meijuan ZHOU ; Peng HOU ; Kaixiang ZHONG ; Youcai LI ; Jie LYU ; Miao KE ; Ruiyue ZHAO ; Shaoyu LIU ; Yimin FU ; Huizhen ZHONG ; Xinlu WANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(12):708-713
Objective:To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted tracer 64Cu-FAP inhibitor (FAPI)-XT117 in patients with malignant solid tumors, and to compare with 18F-FDG. Methods:This self-controlled study was conducted on fifteen patients (8 males, 7 females; age (60 ±9) years) with malignant solid tumors from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between July 2023 and December 2023. Each subject underwent 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT at 30, 60, and 120min post-injection and was assigned to three dose cohorts (111MBq, 148MBq, and 185MBq; 5 patients in each cohort), and safety assessments were conducted within 24h after injection. In addition, all patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT at 60min post-injection. Time-activity curves were generated for 64Cu-FAPI-XT117, and the dosimetry was calculated. Image quality was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale, and the optimal injected activity and imaging time point were determined. The paired t test was used to compare differences of the lesion detection count and SUV max between 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results:64Cu-FAPI-XT117 was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Time-activity curves of 68Ga-FAPI-XT117 revealed prominent uptake in the uterus, while the background activity in other organs remained low, with the whole-body effective dose of (0.0084±0.0021)mSv/MBq. The optimal imaging time point for 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT was 60min post-injection, with an optimal administered activity of 111MBq. Compared with 18F-FDG, 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 demonstrated significantly higher uptake and more lesions in lymph-node metastases (SUV max: 8.6±3.8 vs 15.3±6.8, t=2.33, P=0.048; number of lesions: 8.3±5.4 vs 15.0±6.4; t=4.21, P=0.003) and distant metastases (SUV max: 11.8±3.7 vs 20.9±7.2, t=3.66, P=0.022; number of lesions: 7.0±3.2 vs 12.4±3.7, t=2.86, P=0.046). Conclusions:64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT is well tolerated in patients with solid tumors, with a controllable radiation risk. Moreover, it outperforms 18F-FDG PET/CT in the assessment of metastases.
6.Recognition by the POTRA domain is an essential determinant to initiate the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins for Omp85 family proteins
Xiaochen HAN ; Qingrong LI ; Qing WANG ; Leyi ZHAO ; Hanqing ZHANG ; Youcai QIN ; Enguo FAN ; Yindi CHU
Chinese Journal of Microbiology and Immunology 2025;45(5):373-377
Objective:To investigate the essential determinants that are critical to initiating the assembly of outer membrane proteins by replacing the POTRA domains of the translocator protein FhaC and the insertase protein TtOmp85 of the Omp85 family. Methods:FhaC, TtOmp85 proteins and their recombinant chimeric proteins after replacing the POTRA domain were obtained by overexpression and purification in vitro. An in vitro reconstitution system was used to investigate the effects of the different domains on the transport efficiency of the substrate outer membrane protein FhaB and the membrane insertion efficiency of OmpA. Results:Replacing the POTRA domain of FhaC with that of TtOmp85 led to the loss of the transport function of FhaB. During the membrane insertion process of OmpA, the FhaC mutant containing the POTRA of TtOmp85 protein acquired the ability to assemble OmpA. Conclusion:The compositional differences in the POTRA domain of Omp85 family proteins determine their abilities to recognize their substrate proteins.
7.Preliminary clinical study of a novel FAP-targeted PET tracer 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 in malignant solid tumors: a comparative study with 18F-FDG
Xi HE ; Meijuan ZHOU ; Peng HOU ; Kaixiang ZHONG ; Youcai LI ; Jie LYU ; Miao KE ; Ruiyue ZHAO ; Shaoyu LIU ; Yimin FU ; Huizhen ZHONG ; Xinlu WANG
Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2025;45(12):708-713
Objective:To systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of the novel fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted tracer 64Cu-FAP inhibitor (FAPI)-XT117 in patients with malignant solid tumors, and to compare with 18F-FDG. Methods:This self-controlled study was conducted on fifteen patients (8 males, 7 females; age (60 ±9) years) with malignant solid tumors from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between July 2023 and December 2023. Each subject underwent 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT at 30, 60, and 120min post-injection and was assigned to three dose cohorts (111MBq, 148MBq, and 185MBq; 5 patients in each cohort), and safety assessments were conducted within 24h after injection. In addition, all patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT at 60min post-injection. Time-activity curves were generated for 64Cu-FAPI-XT117, and the dosimetry was calculated. Image quality was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale, and the optimal injected activity and imaging time point were determined. The paired t test was used to compare differences of the lesion detection count and SUV max between 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 and 18F-FDG PET/CT. Results:64Cu-FAPI-XT117 was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported. Time-activity curves of 68Ga-FAPI-XT117 revealed prominent uptake in the uterus, while the background activity in other organs remained low, with the whole-body effective dose of (0.0084±0.0021)mSv/MBq. The optimal imaging time point for 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT was 60min post-injection, with an optimal administered activity of 111MBq. Compared with 18F-FDG, 64Cu-FAPI-XT117 demonstrated significantly higher uptake and more lesions in lymph-node metastases (SUV max: 8.6±3.8 vs 15.3±6.8, t=2.33, P=0.048; number of lesions: 8.3±5.4 vs 15.0±6.4; t=4.21, P=0.003) and distant metastases (SUV max: 11.8±3.7 vs 20.9±7.2, t=3.66, P=0.022; number of lesions: 7.0±3.2 vs 12.4±3.7, t=2.86, P=0.046). Conclusions:64Cu-FAPI-XT117 PET/CT is well tolerated in patients with solid tumors, with a controllable radiation risk. Moreover, it outperforms 18F-FDG PET/CT in the assessment of metastases.
8.Comparison of 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT in Diagnosis and Staging of Primary Hepatic Tumours
Miao KE ; Jing ZHANG ; Jie LV ; Youcai LI ; Kaixiang ZHONG ; Peng HOU ; Ruiyue ZHAO ; Xinlu WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(12):1248-1255
Purpose To investigate the diagnosis and staging performance of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT in primary hepatic tumours. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective study including all primary hepatic tumours patients who underwent both 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT scans within two weeks at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from October 2020 to May 2023. With histopathologic proof (surgical resection and/or percutaneous biopsies) or multimodality radiographic follow-up (CT/MRI-enhanced) as the final diagnostic reference standard. The maximum standard uptake value,tumor-to-background ratio and diagnostic rates (positive lesion/total lesion) between 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG were compared. Results Thirty-four primary hepatic tumours patients were enrolled in this study,including 27 hepatocellular carcinoma,5 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 2 combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. It was found that 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT significantly outperformed 18F-FDG in diagnosing intrahepatic lesions and lymph node metastases (intrahepatic lesions:93.33% vs. 52.22%,P<0.001;lymph node metastases:100% vs. 87.50%,P=0.021). The detection rates for distant metastases were comparable between the two radioactive tracers (100% vs. 96.20%,P>0.05). 18F-FAPI-42 showed higher maximum standard uptake value and tumor-to-background ratio in intrahepatic lesions,regional lymph node metastases,bone and peritoneal metastases compared to 18F-FDG (Z=-5.261--1.183,all P<0.05). For primary hepatic tumours initial staging,18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT upstaged the T stage in 20.8% (5/24) of patients,the N stage in 8.3% (2/24) and the M stage in 8.3% (2/24) of patients,consistent with multimodal imaging diagnostic results. The evaluation of post-treatment patient outcomes showed that 18F-FAPI-42 had a detection rate of 92.86% (13/14) for hepatic tumours recurrence,higher than 18F-FDG (64.28%,9/14). 18F-FAPI-42 identified more recurrent primary lesions and intrahepatic metastatic foci,demonstrating greater sensitivity than 18F-FDG. Conclusion The diagnostic efficacy of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT for primary hepatic tumours is significantly better than 18F-FDG,showing excellent performance in the staging and restaging of primary hepatic tumours,which suggesting that the application of 18F-FAPI-42 is helpful to improve the clinical management of primary hepatic tumours patients.
9.Comparison of 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT in Diagnosis and Staging of Primary Hepatic Tumours
Miao KE ; Jing ZHANG ; Jie LV ; Youcai LI ; Kaixiang ZHONG ; Peng HOU ; Ruiyue ZHAO ; Xinlu WANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(12):1248-1255
Purpose To investigate the diagnosis and staging performance of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT in primary hepatic tumours. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective study including all primary hepatic tumours patients who underwent both 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG PET/CT scans within two weeks at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from October 2020 to May 2023. With histopathologic proof (surgical resection and/or percutaneous biopsies) or multimodality radiographic follow-up (CT/MRI-enhanced) as the final diagnostic reference standard. The maximum standard uptake value,tumor-to-background ratio and diagnostic rates (positive lesion/total lesion) between 18F-FAPI-42 and 18F-FDG were compared. Results Thirty-four primary hepatic tumours patients were enrolled in this study,including 27 hepatocellular carcinoma,5 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 2 combined hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. It was found that 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT significantly outperformed 18F-FDG in diagnosing intrahepatic lesions and lymph node metastases (intrahepatic lesions:93.33% vs. 52.22%,P<0.001;lymph node metastases:100% vs. 87.50%,P=0.021). The detection rates for distant metastases were comparable between the two radioactive tracers (100% vs. 96.20%,P>0.05). 18F-FAPI-42 showed higher maximum standard uptake value and tumor-to-background ratio in intrahepatic lesions,regional lymph node metastases,bone and peritoneal metastases compared to 18F-FDG (Z=-5.261--1.183,all P<0.05). For primary hepatic tumours initial staging,18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT upstaged the T stage in 20.8% (5/24) of patients,the N stage in 8.3% (2/24) and the M stage in 8.3% (2/24) of patients,consistent with multimodal imaging diagnostic results. The evaluation of post-treatment patient outcomes showed that 18F-FAPI-42 had a detection rate of 92.86% (13/14) for hepatic tumours recurrence,higher than 18F-FDG (64.28%,9/14). 18F-FAPI-42 identified more recurrent primary lesions and intrahepatic metastatic foci,demonstrating greater sensitivity than 18F-FDG. Conclusion The diagnostic efficacy of 18F-FAPI-42 PET/CT for primary hepatic tumours is significantly better than 18F-FDG,showing excellent performance in the staging and restaging of primary hepatic tumours,which suggesting that the application of 18F-FAPI-42 is helpful to improve the clinical management of primary hepatic tumours patients.
10.Inhibitory effect of Niuhuang Qinggan Capsule on proliferation of 2019 novel coronavirus in vitro
Xuexin LU ; Shuangli ZHU ; Yaning LIU ; Xueying ZHAO ; Tiejun DI ; Youcai ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2022;36(2):128-130
Objective:Objective The inhibitory effect of Niuhuang Qinggan Capsule on 2019-nCoV virus was studied to provide experimental evidence for drug screening and treatment of 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease.Methods:The 2019-nCoV virus GS048 strain was isolated and cultured by Vero-E6 cells. The solution of Niuhuang Qinggan capsule was incubated with virus in vitro to determine the change of virus titer. The effect of Niuhuang Qinggan capsule on the proliferation of 2019-nCoV virus was determined by cell culture medium method.Results:It was found that the concentration of 274.3 μg/ml was not toxic to the cells when the concentration of drugs was lower. When the drug was incubated with virus, the titer of virus decreased from 10 4.4TCID 50/ml to 10 2.8TCID 50/ml. In vitro 2019-nCoV virus culture experiment showed that the addition of the drugs reduced the cytopathy, and the logarithmic value of virus titer decreased by 40% -50%. Conclusion:In this study, in vitro inhibition experiments suggest that Niuhuang Qinggan capsule has the potential to inhibit the proliferation of 2019-nCoV. It can be used as a candidate drug to further verify the therapeutic effect of the 2019-nCoV acute respiratory disease.

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