1.Clinical efficacy and influencing factors of Chaihu anxin capsules in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression
Yaqing LI ; Yupei HAO ; Shizhao YUAN ; Wentao WANG ; Chunhua ZHOU ; Yancong HAN ; Yuanyuan ZHAO ; Zhuo ZHANG ; Shulian FU ; Jing YU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(18):2402-2407
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Chaihu anxin capsules in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression, analyze the influencing factors of its efficacy, construct a nomogram prediction model.METHODS Patients with mild-to-moderate depression treated at The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from May 1, 2023 to March 10, 2025 were retrospectively included and categorized into Chaihu anxin capsules group and milnacipran group according to treatment regimen. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance baseline characteristics, and treatment efficacy was compared after 8 weeks, including 24 Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24) scores and changes, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores and changes, and treatment response rate after 8 weeks of treatment. Patients receiving Chaihu anxin capsules were further classified as responders or non-responders based on the occurrence of treatment response. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the influencing factors of treatment response, and a nomogram model was constructed to predict the probability of treatment response, its predictive performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.RESULTS A total of 297 patients were included before PSM, including 196 patients in the Chaihu anxin capsules group and 101 patients in the milnacipran group. After PSM, each group included 44 patients. After PSM, the HAMD-24 scores and HAMA scores at 8 weeks after treatment in the Chaihu anxin capsules group, as well as the HAMD-24 scores in the milnacipran group, were significantly lower than their respective baseline values ( P <0.05); the change in HAMA score in the Chaihu anxin capsules group was significantly greater than that in the milnacipran group ( P =0.04). Multivariable Logistic regression identified age, total bilirubin, and baseline HAMD-24 score as independent predictors of treatment response ( P <0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the constructed nomogram prediction model was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.637-0.799), and the corrected Brier score was 0.143 (95% confidence interval: 0.112-0.176); compared with the “all intervention” and “all non intervention” strategies, applying this nomogram prediction model could achieve higher net benefits within the threshold probability range of 8% to 37%.CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of Chaihu anxin capsules in improving mild-to-moderate depression is comparable to that of milnacipran, and it has certain advantages in improving anxiety symptoms; age, total bilirubin, and baseline HAMD-24 score are independent influencing factors for the treatment response of Chaihu anxin capsules. The nomogram prediction model constructed based on these factors has good discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability.
2.Sensitive Scalp Alopecia: From Neuroimmune Inflammation to Hair Follicle Miniaturization
Feng-Nian ZHAO ; Yu-Ran WANG ; Hayat NADIF ; Si-Ying MO ; Chun-Xia ZHAO ; Feng-Lin ZHUO ; Min WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(10):2753-2766
The sensitive scalp is a complex syndrome characterised by abnormal nerve sensations, such as stinging, itching, burning, and tightness, and diminished tolerance to physical or chemical stimuli that would not typically cause such unpleasant responses, with its pathology involving physical barrier destruction at the stratum corneum level, neural hyperreactivity and sensory nerve sensitization, and local immunological dysregulation and chronic low‑grade inflammation. The homeostasis of the scalp microenvironment plays a crucial regulatory role in maintaining the hair follicle growth cycle, yet this “soil” factor has long been underappreciated in hair loss research, which has traditionally centered on intrinsic follicular defects, such as genetic predisposition or androgen-driven mechanisms. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms underlying the imbalance in the “barrier-neural-immune” network in sensitive scalps. Sensitive scalp is further manifested as impaired skin barrier, including increased transepidermal water loss and abnormal lipid secretion. These alterations are accompanied by increased surface pH, excessive secretion of sebum rich in free fatty acids, reduced microbial diversity, and dysbiosis characterized by a reduction in Cutibacterium and an increase in Staphylococcus colonization. Mechanistically, we also analyzed how neurogenic inflammation, mediated by substances such as substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), along with persistent low-grade inflammation, disrupts the microenvironment of the hair follicle stem cell niche through mechanisms involving mechanosensitive ion channels (e.g., Piezo1), oxidative stress, and cytokine cascades. When the barrier is compromised, the weakened stratum corneum may facilitate the penetration of external stimuli, sensitizing cutaneous nerve endings. Those hyperresponsive nerves then fire off neuropeptides like substance P and CGRP. These peptides activate mast cells and other immune cells via the MrgprB2 receptor, prompting degranulation and a wave of pro-inflammatory mediators that kick off neurogenic inflammation. At the same time, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines drive a persistent low-grade inflammation that directly damages the hair follicle stem cell niche. Physical compression from shrinking hair shafts activates Piezo1 channels, setting off calcium influx and Caspase‑3‑dependent apoptotic signaling. We primarily considered the interactions between inflammatory signaling and the sensitization of the androgen receptor (AR) pathway, as well as the inhibition of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway, which may subsequently contribute to hair follicle miniaturization and disruption of the growth cycle. The inflammatory microenvironment appears to boost AR expression in dermal papilla cells, making them more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This heightened sensitivity may promote the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β2, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), which suppress the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway—essential for follicle growth and regeneration—potentially accelerating follicular miniaturization and stalling the growth cycle. Coupled with direct inflammatory apoptosis, oxidative stress, and circadian disruption, these routes may collectively speed up hair follicle stem cell depletion and diffuse hair thinning. These findings point to the need for more mechanistic and translational research to test the proposed pathways and explore therapies that target the microenvironment in sensitive scalp-related hair loss. Ultimately, we hope to provide theoretical support for the intervention of hair loss by restoring the steady state of the scalp microenvironment and combining with new precision delivery technologies such as microneedles.
3.Gushukang interferes with osteoclasts:activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 regulates the c-Fos/NFATc1 pathway in the treatment of osteoporosis
Chengzhi HOU ; Jiatong HAN ; Guangcheng WEI ; Zechuan ZHUO ; Qiuyue LI ; Yong ZHAO ; Zhangjingze YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(2):279-285
BACKGROUND:It has been shown that Gushukang affects bone metabolism by regulating nucleotide and amino acid metabolism and immune mechanisms.Current research on the mechanism of Gushukang in the treatment of osteoporosis primarily focuses on osteoblast regulation and requires further improvement from the perspective of osteoclasts. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism by which Gushukang interferes with osteoclasts in the treatment of osteoporosis using RAW264.7 cells as the research model. METHODS:Twenty-four 8-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups(n=6 per group):the three experimental groups were given 1,2 and 4 g/kg osteoporosis solution by gavage(2 times per day),and the control group was given an equal amount of distilled water by gavage(2 times per day).After 7 days of intragastric administration,aortic blood samples were extracted to collect serum samples using centrifugation,and serum samples from the same groups were combined to obtain the low-,medium-,and high-concentration Gushukang-containing and normal sera for the subsequent experiments.(1)RAW264.7 cells were cultured in six groups:normal serum was added to the control group;low,medium,and high concentration groups were added with low,medium,and high concentrations of Gushukang-containing serum,respectively;ML385,a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)inhibitor was given in the Nrf2 inhibitor group;and t-BHQ,a Nrf2 activator,was added in the Nrf2 activator group.Cell viability was detected using the cell counting kit-8 assay.(2)The 3rd generation RAW 264.7 cells were cultured and divided into five groups:the blank control group was added with normal serum,the osteoclast group was added with receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand(RANKL),and the low-,medium-,and high-concentration groups were added with low-,medium-,and high-concentration Gushukang-containing serum based on the addition of RANKL.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphate staining was performed after 5 days of culture.(3)RAW264.7 cells were cultured and divided into five groups:blank control group was cultured with normal serum,osteoclast group cultured with normal serum and RANKL,high concentration+osteoclast group cultured with RANKL+high concentration Gushukang-containing serum,osteoclast+Nrf2 agonist group cultured with RANKL+t-BHQ,and high concentration+osteoclast+Nrf2 inhibitor group cultured with RANKL+high concentration Gushukang-containing serum+ML385.Western blot assay and determination of reactive oxygen content were performed after 5 days of culture. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The cell counting kit-8 results indicated that Gushukang-containing serum,NRF2 inhibitor or agonist had no significant effect on RAW264.7 cell viability.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphate staining results demonstrated that Gushukang-containing serum exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on osteoclast differentiation.Western blot analysis and determination of reactive oxygen species revealed that compared with the blank control group,Nrf2 protein expression was decreased in the osteoclast group(P<0.05),while c-Fos and NFATc1 protein expression and reactive oxygen species content were elevated(P<0.05);compared with the osteoclast group,Nrf2 protein expression was elevated and reactive oxygen species content was decreased in the high-concentration+osteoclast group,osteoclast+Nrf2 agonist group,and high-concentration+osteoclast+Nrf2 inhibitor group(P<0.05),while c-Fos and NFATc1 protein expression was decreased in the high concentration+osteoclast group and osteoclast+Nrf2 agonist group(P<0.05);compared with the high concentration+osteoclast group,Nrf2 protein expression was decreased(P<0.05)and reactive oxygen species content was elevated(P<0.05)in the high concentration+osteoclast+Nrf2 inhibitor group.To conclude,Gushukang reduces reactive oxygen species production by activating Nrf2,thereby inhibiting downstream of the c-Fos/NFATc1 pathway and suppressing osteoclast differentiation.
4.Quality evaluation of Gegen Formula Granules
Dai-liang ZHANG ; Chun-xia WANG ; Lei SHI ; Yu-kang LIU ; Yong-qiang LIN ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Jing-hua ZHANG ; Jin-xin LI ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1421-1431
AIM To evaluate the quality of Gegen Formula Granules.METHODS Linear calibration with two reference substances(LCTRS)was adopted in the predicting of retention time with puerarin and daidzein as internal standards.UPLC characteristic chromatograms were established.The contents of 3'-hydroxy puerarin,puerarin(internal standard),3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin 6"-O-xyloside,puerarin apioside and daidzin were determined by quantitative determination analysis multi-components by a single marker(QAMS),after which their transfer rates were calculated.RESULTS Compared with relative retention time method,LCTRS demonstrated higher positional accuracy for characteristic peaks and wider application range for columns.There were 9 characteristic peaks in the characteristic chromatograms for 14 batches of formula granules and 15 batches of standard decoctions with the similarities of more than 0.95.The contents and transfer rates of various constituents in formula granules and standard decoctions were basically consistent.CONCLUSION The chemical constituents in formula granules and their standard decoctions of Puerariae lobatae Radix display good consistency,reliable preparation process is observable in the former.
5.Evaluation of chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula
Qing-gang ZHANG ; Dai-liang ZHANG ; Hong QI ; Shu-wen DING ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Yun-lun LI ; Ji-fu HE ; Huan-ying GUO ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(11):3555-3565
AIM To evaluate the chemical constituent consistency in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula.METHODS HPLC characteristic chromatograms were established,the analysis was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic YMC-Triart C18 column(4.6 mm× 250 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.2%phosphoric acid flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 240 nm.Puerarin was used as an internal standard to calculate the relative correction factors of 3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin apioside,magnolflorine,paeoniflora,daidzin,baicalin,palmatine,berberine,wogonoside and benzoylpaeoniflorin,after which the content detemination was made by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS).RESULTS The characteristic chromatograms of 9 batches of formula granules and 15 bacthes of traditional decoctions demonstrated the similarities of more than 0.90 at the detection wavelengths of 192,210,240,260,280,300,320,360 nm,along with similar total peak areas.Eleven constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r>0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 97.27%-101.64%with the RSDs of 0.36%-1.11%,the result obtained by QAMS and external standard method demonstrated no significant differences(P>0.05).The contents of various constituents in the formula granules approximated those in the traditional decoctions.CONCLUSION The consistent kinds and contents of various constituents are obversable in formula granules and traditional decoctions of Gouteng Jiangya Formula,which can provide a reference for the reasonable clinical application of this formula.
6.Changing prevalence and antibiotic resistance profiles of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in hospitals across China:data from CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program,2015-2021
Wenxiang JI ; Tong JIANG ; Jilu SHEN ; Yang YANG ; Fupin HU ; Demei ZHU ; Yuanhong XU ; Ying HUANG ; Fengbo ZHANG ; Ping JI ; Yi XIE ; Mei KANG ; Chuanqing WANG ; Pan FU ; Yingchun XU ; Xiaojiang ZHANG ; Ziyong SUN ; Zhongju CHEN ; Yuxing NI ; Jingyong SUN ; Yunzhuo CHU ; Sufei TIAN ; Zhidong HU ; Jin LI ; Yunsong YU ; Jie LIN ; Bin SHAN ; Yan DU ; Sufang GUO ; Lianhua WEI ; Fengmei ZOU ; Yunjian HU ; Xiaoman AI ; Chao ZHUO ; Danhong SU ; Dawen GUO ; Jinying ZHAO ; Hua YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Wen'en LIU ; Yanming LI ; Yan JIN ; Chunhong SHAO ; Xuesong XU ; Chao YAN ; Shanmei WANG ; Yafei CHU ; Lixia ZHANG ; Juan MA ; Shuping ZHOU ; Yan ZHOU ; Lei ZHU ; Jinhua MENG ; Fang DONG ; Zhiyong LÜ ; Fangfang HU ; Han SHEN ; Wanqing ZHOU ; Wei JIA ; Gang LI ; Jinsong WU ; Yuemei LU ; Jihong LI ; Jinju DUAN ; Jianbang KANG ; Xiaobo MA ; Yanping ZHENG ; Ruyi GUO ; Yan ZHU ; Yunsheng CHEN ; Qing MENG ; Shifu WANG ; Xuefei HU ; Hong ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Wenhui HUANG ; Ruizhong WANG ; Hua FANG ; Bixia YU ; Yong ZHAO ; Ping GONG ; Kaizhen WENG ; Yirong ZHANG ; Jiangshan LIU ; Longfeng LIAO ; Hongqin GU ; Lin JIANG ; Wen HE ; Shunhong XUE ; Jiao FENG ; Chunlei YUE
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(4):445-454
Objective To summarize the changing prevalence of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales based on the data of CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program from 2015 to 2021 for improving antimicrobial treatment in clinical practice.Methods Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a commercial automated susceptibility testing system according to the unified CHINET protocol.The results were interpreted according to the breakpoints of the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI)M100 31st ed in 2021.Results Over the seven-year period(2015-2021),the overall prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE)was 9.43%(62 342/661 235).The prevalence of CRE strains in Klebsiella pneumoniae,Citrobacter freundii,and Enterobacter cloacae was 22.38%,9.73%,and 8.47%,respectively.The prevalence of CRE strains in Escherichia coli was 1.99%.A few CRE strains were also identified in Salmonella and Shigella.The CRE strains were mainly isolated from respiratory specimens(44.23±2.80)%,followed by blood(20.88±3.40)%and urine(18.40±3.45)%.Intensive care units(ICUs)were the major source of the CRE strains(27.43±5.20)%.CRE strains were resistant to all the β-lactam antibiotics tested and most non-β-lactam antimicrobial agents.The CRE strains were relatively susceptible to tigecycline and polymyxins with low resistance rates.Conclusions The prevalence of CRE strains was increasing from 2015 to 2021.CRE strains were highly resistant to most of the antibacterial drugs used in clinical practice.Clinicians should prescribe antimicrobial agents rationally.Hospitals should strengthen antibiotic stewardship in key clinical settings such as ICUs,and take effective infection control measures to curb CRE outbreak and epidemic in hospitals.
7.Changing distribution and antibiotic resistance profiles of the respiratory bacterial isolates in hospitals across China:data from CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program,2015-2021
Ying FU ; Yunsong YU ; Jie LIN ; Yang YANG ; Fupin HU ; Demei ZHU ; Yingchun XU ; Xiaojiang ZHANG ; Fengbo ZHANG ; Ping JI ; Yi XIE ; Mei KANG ; Chuanqing WANG ; Pan FU ; Yuanhong XU ; Ying HUANG ; Ziyong SUN ; Zhongju CHEN ; Yuxing NI ; Jingyong SUN ; Yunzhuo CHU ; Sufei TIAN ; Zhidong HU ; Jin LI ; Bin SHAN ; Yan DU ; Sufang GUO ; Lianhua WEI ; Fengmei ZOU ; Hong ZHANG ; Chun WANG ; Yunjian HU ; Xiaoman AI ; Chao ZHUO ; Danhong SU ; Dawen GUO ; Jinying ZHAO ; Hua YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Wen'en LIU ; Yanming LI ; Yan JIN ; Chunhong SHAO ; Xuesong XU ; Chao YAN ; Shanmei WANG ; Yafei CHU ; Lixia ZHANG ; Juan MA ; Shuping ZHOU ; Yan ZHOU ; Lei ZHU ; Jinhua MENG ; Fang DONG ; Zhiyong LÜ ; Fangfang HU ; Han SHEN ; Wanqing ZHOU ; Wei JIA ; Gang LI ; Jinsong WU ; Yuemei LU ; Jihong LI ; Jinju DUAN ; Jianbang KANG ; Xiaobo MA ; Yanping ZHENG ; Ruyi GUO ; Yan ZHU ; Yunsheng CHEN ; Qing MENG ; Shifu WANG ; Xuefei HU ; Jilu SHEN ; Ruizhong WANG ; Hua FANG ; Bixia YU ; Yong ZHAO ; Ping GONG ; Kaizhen WENG ; Yirong ZHANG ; Jiangshan LIU ; Longfeng LIAO ; Hongqin GU ; Lin JIANG ; Wen HE ; Shunhong XUE ; Jiao FENG ; Chunlei YUE ; Wenhui HUANG
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(4):431-444
Objective To characterize the changing species distribution and antibiotic resistance profiles of respiratory isolates in hospitals participating in the CHINET Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program from 2015 to 2021.Methods Commercial automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing systems and disk diffusion method were used to test the susceptibility of respiratory bacterial isolates to antimicrobial agents following the standardized technical protocol established by the CHINET program.Results A total of 589 746 respiratory isolates were collected from 2015 to 2021.Overall,82.6%of the isolates were Gram-negative bacteria and 17.4%were Gram-positive bacteria.The bacterial isolates from outpatients and inpatients accounted for(6.0±0.9)%and(94.0±0.1)%,respectively.The top microorganisms were Klebsiella spp.,Acinetobacter spp.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Staphylococcus aureus,Haemophilus spp.,Stenotrophomonas maltophilia,Escherichia coli,and Streptococcus pneumoniae.Each microorganism was isolated from significantly more males than from females(P<0.05).The overall prevalence of methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MRSA)was 39.9%.The prevalence of penicillin-resistant S.pneumoniae was 1.4%.The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase(ESBL)-producing E.coli and K.pneumoniae was 67.8%and 41.3%,respectively.The overall prevalence of carbapenem-resistant E.coli,K.pneumoniae,Enterobacter cloacae,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and Acinetobacter baumannii was 3.7%,20.8%,9.4%,29.8%,and 73.3%,respectively.The prevalence of β-lactamase was 96.1%in Moraxella catarrhalis and 60.0%in Haemophilus influenzae.The H.influenzae isolates from children(<18 years)showed significantly higher resistance rates to β-lactam antibiotics than the isolates from adults(P<0.05).Conclusions Gram-negative bacteria are still predominant in respiratory isolates associated with serious antibiotic resistance.Antimicrobial resistance surveillance should be strengthened in clinical practice to support accurate etiological diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing results.
8.Cognitive Disorders Awareness and Associated Risk Factors in Xizang Autonomous Region
Yu HAO ; Junshan WANG ; Ma ZHUO ; Quzhen SUOLANG ; Shiyong JI ; Yaxiong HU ; Zhijie DING ; Zhuoga CIDAN ; Jing YUAN ; Yuhua ZHAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):472-478
To investigate the awareness of cognitive impairment disorders among residents of the Xizang Autonomous Region and its influencing factors, thereby providing a basis for targeted prevention and treatment efforts. From April to December 2024, a questionnaire survey was conducted among permanent residents aged ≥18 years (residing in the Xizang Autonomous Region for 180 days or more). The survey was primarily conducted online, supplemented by QR code distribution during community medical outreach by healthcare workers. Demographic information and data on awareness of cognitive disorders were collected, and an ordered Logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing factors in the overall population and stratified by occupation. A total of 327 questionnaires were collected, with 14 excluded (13 for not meeting residency requirements and 1 for self-reported diagnosis of cognitive impairment), leaving 313 valid questionnaires. The average age of respondents was 42.0±11.9 years; 108 (34.5%) were male, and 205 (65.5%) were female. Most respondents were from Lhasa (78.6%, 246/313); 179 (57.2%) were healthcare workers, and 134 (42.8%) were non-healthcare workers. Regarding awareness of cognitive impairment disorders, 7.3% (23/313) were "unaware", 75.7% (237/313) were "partially aware", and 16.9% (53/313) were "well aware".Ordered Logistic regression analysis revealed that education level of high school or below ( Awareness of cognitive impairment disorders among residents of the Xizang Autonomous Region needs improvement. Educational level, occupation, and prior contact with cognitive impairment patients significantly influence disease awareness. Enhancing overall education levels and using vivid clinical case presentations in health education and public outreach are key strategies to improve public awareness of cognitive impairment disorders.
9.A new amide alkaloid from Cannabis Fructus.
Rui-Wen XU ; Yong-Zhuo ZHAO ; Yu-Guo MA ; Hui LIU ; Yan-Jun SUN ; Wei-Sheng FENG ; Hui CHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3043-3048
Eight amide alkaloids(1-8) were isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of Cannabis Fructus using silica gel column chromatography, MCI column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Their structures were identified as hempspiramide A(1), N-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]formamide(2), N-acetyltyramide(3), N-trans-p-coumaroyltyramine(4), N-trans-caffeoyltyramine(5), N-trans-feruloyltyramine(6), N-cis-p-coumaroyltyramine(7), N-cis-feruloyltyramine(8) by using spectroscopic methods such as NMR and MS. Among these compounds, compound 1 was a new amide alkaloid, while compounds 2 and 3 were isolated from Cannabis Fructus for the first time. Some of the isolates were assayed for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Compounds 5-7 displayed significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with IC_(50) values ranging from 1.07 to 4.63 μmol·L~(-1).
Cannabis/chemistry*
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Alkaloids/pharmacology*
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Amides/isolation & purification*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/isolation & purification*
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Fruit/chemistry*
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Molecular Structure
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alpha-Glucosidases/chemistry*
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Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
10.Mechanism related to bile acids metabolism of liver injury induced by long-term administration of emodin.
Jing-Zhuo TIAN ; Lian-Mei WANG ; Yan YI ; Zhong XIAN ; Nuo DENG ; Yong ZHAO ; Chun-Ying LI ; Yu-Shi ZHANG ; Su-Yan LIU ; Jia-Yin HAN ; Chen PAN ; Chen-Yue LIU ; Jing MENG ; Ai-Hua LIANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(11):3079-3087
Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage*
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Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism*
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Animals
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Male
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Liver/injuries*
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
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Humans
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Mice
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Rats

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