1.Mechanistic Interpretation of Zheng’s San Qi San Powder in Treating Skeletal Muscle Injury via Bioinformatics Prediction, Chemical Analysis and Experimental Verification
Ding-Rui WANG ; Yun-Xin LIU ; Jun-Jie XU ; Liu YANG ; Jia-Hao LÜ ; Cheng-Yuan XING ; Lei LÜ ; Bei-Bei QIE
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1028-1047
ObjectiveZheng’s San Qi San (ZSQS) power, a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used for treating soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to screen and identify pharmaceutically active ingredients and their candidate biomolecule targets, and further elucidate the molecular mechanism of ZSQS in the treatment of skeletal muscle injury. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was employed to construct “ZSQS-component-target”, “protein-protein interaction (PPI)” and “active ingredient-core protein-pathway” networks to predict the key active ingredients and potential core targets of ZSQS for skeletal muscle injury. The predicted results were then validated via microarray data from the GEO database. Molecular docking was then performed to assess the binding ability between the screened active ingredients of ZSQS and the candidate core targets. Moreover, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for qualitative and quantitative analysis to verify the active components of the drug and ZSQS serum. Finally, an animal model of eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury and a myotube cell model of oxidative stress-induced injury were established to validate the effects of ZSQS and its interventional effects on the biological functions of critical targets, thereby demonstrating the potential therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. ResultsAmong the 111 active components identified in ZSQS and their corresponding 204 targets related to the skeletal muscle injury repair process, 14 core targets (including AKT1) and 4 core active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and β‑sitosterol) were screened out, while the corresponding metabolites of quercetin, luteolin and kaempferol were detected in the ZSQS serum. Among these targets, 5 candidate genes (IL-6, CASP3, HIF1A, STAT3, and JUN) overlapped with the differential expression screening results with GEO data, and IL-6 was confirmed to be enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Combined with the prediction results of the AKT expression levels, these findings suggest that the phosphorylation level of AKT1 plays a core role in the therapeutic mechanism of ZSQS. Molecular docking analysis further revealed that the PH domain of AKT1 had high binding energy with all 4 core active components, as verified by LC-MS. Finally, animal model studies have shown the promoting effect of ZSQS administration on skeletal muscle injury repair and its possible antioxidant damage mechanism. Cell model studies further demonstrated that ZSQS-containing serum, core active ingredient combination therapy, and quercetin monomer could increase the phosphorylation level of AKT, promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, upregulate the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and GR), and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α), thereby alleviating oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. ConclusionZSQS alleviates skeletal muscle injury mainly by activating the AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway, enhancing cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernized development of ZSQS.
2.Study on the discrimination of roasting degree of Ziziphus jujuba based on the correlation of colorimetric values with component content
Yuan LI ; Yanmei LIU ; Cheng HUANG ; Tangyi PENG ; Yanquan HAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1148-1154
OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation of component content with colorimetric values during the roasting process of Ziziphus jujuba , and to provide criteria for discriminating the roasting degree of Z. jujuba . METHODS Samples were prepared by dry stir-frying for different roasting times. The eight main components in raw Z. jujuba and the samples stir-fried for different roasting times-namely adenosine, magnoflorine, jujuboside A, spinosin, 6-feruloylspinosin, betulinic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid-were quantitativel y analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. The chromaticity values were determined using a UV spectrophotometer. The correlation and differences between the chromaticity values of Z. jujuba at different roasting times and their components content were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) , cluster heatmap analysis (CHA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to clarify the processing endpoint. RESULTS As the roasting time increased, the contents of linoleic acid and oleic acid decreased, while the contents of other components exhibited an increasing trend. Concurrently, the colorimetric value L* and E*ab were observed to decline, whereas the a* value demonstrated a gradual increase. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that L* and E*ab exhibited a significant negative correlation with the contents of adenosine, spinosin, 6-feruloylspinosin, jujuboside A, betulinic acid and magnoflorine ( P <0.05). The results of linear regression analysis indicate that the content of six components, including adenosine, in the medicinal material can be preliminarily predicted by analyzing the colorimetric values of Z. jujuba powder. PCA and CHA successfully classified raw and stir-fried samples. The PLS-DA results indicated that L*, E*ab, a*, linoleic acid content, and oleic acid content were the main parameters that differentiated the color and quality of Z. jujuba at different roasting times. After frying for 9 to 10 minutes, the colorimetric values L* and E*ab decreased to their minimum values and stabilized, while a* remained consistently high with little variation;simultaneously, the concentrations of the six major components, excluding linoleic acid and oleic acid, reached their peak levels. CONCLUSIONS A significant correlation between the colorimetric values of Z. jujuba and the contents of six components, including adenosine, is confirmed. The optimal roasting time range is determined to be 9-10 minutes. Furthermore, the colorimetric value-component content correlation analysis method established in this study proved to be practical and applicable for discriminating the roasting degree of Z. jujuba .
3.Cage design-centric glider approach to full-endoscopic lumbar fusion: optimizing nerve root protection in facet-sparing and facet-resecting techniques
Yu-Chia HSU ; Hao-Chun CHUANG ; Yuan-Fu LIU ; Chao-Jui CHANG ; Yu-Meng HSIAO ; Yi-Hung HUANG ; Keng-Chang LIU ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Hyeun-Sung KIM ; Cheng-Li LIN
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):343-353
Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers substantial advantages in the management of degenerative spinal diseases, including accelerated postoperative recovery. However, its technical complexity and steep learning curve pose risks for nerve root injury. Optimizing nerve root protection in full-endoscopic facet-sparing TLIF (FE fs-TLIF) and full-endoscopic facet-resecting TLIF (FE fr-TLIF) is essential for enhancing surgical safety. This study aimed to improve the nerve root protection in FE fs-TLIF and FE fr-TLIF by optimizing cage glider selection and insertion techniques based on the specific cage shape—banana-shaped or bullet-shaped. The goal was to ensure safe cage positioning and mitigate nerve root injury during discectomy, endplate preparation, and cage insertion. These strategies were validated through cadaveric simulations and clinical implementation. In FE fr-TLIF utilizing bullet-shaped (straight) cages, one-tip and two-tip cage gliders effectively protected the traversing nerve root by facilitating medial cage entry, thereby minimizing irritation of the exiting nerve root. Conversely, in FE fr-TLIF with banana-shaped cages, the lateral tilt of the cage holder during implantation required the use of a two-tip cage glider to protect the traversing and exiting nerve roots, thereby mitigating the potential risk of nerve irritation. In FE fs-TLIF, a one-tip cage glider is preferred for safeguarding the exiting nerve root, while the traversing root is inherently protected by the medial wall of the facet joint. The use of a two-tip cage glider in FE fs-TLIF can cause injury to the nerve root during glider insertion. In addition to the selection of cage gliders, improper cage insertion steps can also contribute to postoperative neurapraxia. The appropriate selection of cage gliders with corresponding insertion techniques is critical for nerve root protection in endoscopic TLIF. Tailoring these choices to the specific approach (FE fs-TLIF or FE fr-TLIF) and cage type (banana or bullet) enhances surgical safety and clinical outcomes.
4.Predictive value of biomarkers for steroid resistance and prognosis in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis
Yinman WANG ; Qingqing CAI ; Yan WANG ; Yuan LIU ; Qianzhou LÜ ; Leilei CHENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(4):607-614
Objective To investigate predictive value of soluble growth stimulation-expressed gene 2 protein (sST2), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) for steroid resistance and prognosis in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis (ICIAM). Methods A total of 28 patients with ICIAM were prospectively enrolled from March 2023 to February 2024 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. All participants were divided into the steroid-resistant ICIAM (srICIAM) group and the non-srICIAM group. Baseline serum levels of sST2, cTnT and CK-MB were detected prior to treatment initiation. ROC curve analysis was applied to evaluate the predictive value of these biomarkers, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to explore the relationship between sST2 and all-cause mortality. Results Baseline sST2, cTnT, and CK-MB levels were significantly higher in the srICIAM group (n=15) than in the non-srICIAM group (n=13, P<0.05). Combination of cTnT and sST2 improved predictive performance for srICIAM (AUC=0.857, sensitivity 0.714, specificity 1.000). After 6 months of follow-up, the high sST2 group had a significantly higher all-cause mortality than the low sST2 group (P=0.016). Conclusions The combination of sST2 and cTnT could effectively predict srICIAM, and elevated sST2 is associated with increased higher all-cause mortality in ICIAM patients, providing a basis for early risk stratification and treatment optimization.
5.Peripheral Immune Response Patterns Under Vital Qi-Strengthening and Toxin-Eliminating Therapy and Their Value in Assessing Vital Qi Deficiency in Lung Cancer Metastasis: A Group-Based Trajectory Modeling
Fan XU ; Jianhui TIAN ; Yuan YAO ; Zhenyang CHENG ; Yanhong WANG ; Bin LUO ; Jialiang YAO ; Wang YAO ; Xinyi LU ; Yuchen BAO ; Xiaoyu YANG ; Youjun LIU ; Yiyang ZHOU ; Jianchun WU ; Minghua LI ; Wenfei SHI ; Yajing CUI ; Qingzhong LIU ; Yan LI ; Yun YANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(9):711-717
Objective On the basis of the theory of the tumor metastatic state, this work aims to explore the metastasis trajectories and peripheral immune response patterns in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving vital qi-strengthening and toxin-eliminating therapy (Fuzheng Juandu) and reveal the value of peripheral immunity in assessing vital qi deficiency during metastasis. Methods A retrospective study design was adopted. Patients with NSCLC admitted from January 1, 2018, to October 31, 2025 were enrolled. Data on metastasis status and peripheral immune indices were collected at the follow-up time points of one, two, three, and five years. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to fit metastasis trajectories, and the independent predictors of trajectory grouping were analyzed through multifactor and multiclassification logistic regression. Results A total of 184 patients with NSCLC were included, and three different groups of metastasis trajectories were identified, namely, the low-risk stable (46.74%, n=86), low-risk rising (13.59%, n=25), and high-risk stable (39.67%, n=73) groups. Univariate analysis revealed substantial differences in peripheral immune indices among the three trajectory groups. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, absolute neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, absolute monocyte count, platelet volume, SAA:CRP ratio, and NLR were independent predictors of the low-risk rising group, whereas TNM stage, absolute monocyte count, basophil count, SII, and NLR were independent predictors of the high-risk stable group. Conclusion Under Fuzheng Juandu therapy, patients with NSCLC exhibit three distinct metastasis trajectories, each
6.Diagnositic performance of cardiac myosin-binding protein C in cardiovascular immune-related adverse events
Yuan LIU ; Leilei CHENG ; Ji ZHAO ; Wenqi SHAO ; Shilong ZHANG ; Junbo GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):844-850
Objective To investigate the diagnositic performance of cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) in cardiovascular immune-related adverse events (CV-irAE), and to evaluate its potential as a novel biomarker of myocardial injury. Methods Cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from January 2025 to September 2025 were enrolled. Patients were divided into the positive group (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hs-cTnT]≥99th percentile [14 pg/mL], n=78) and the negative group (hs-cTnT<99th percentile, n=56). A control group (n=231) consisted of cancer patients without prior anti-tumor therapy and healthy individuals. Levels of cMyBP-C, hs-cTnT, creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB (CK-MB), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured. The screening reference value of cMyBP-C was established using the 99th percentile method. Diagnositic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC). The association between cMyBP-C level and myocardial edema assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was analyzed using Spearman correlation. Results The difference in cMyBP-C levels among the three groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). Based on the 99th percentile of the control group, the screening reference value of cMyBP-C was determined to be 5.86 pg/mL. ROC curves showed that cMyBP-C achieved an AUC of 0.919 (95%CI 0.898–0.939) for detecting the risk of CV-irAE, comparable to CK-MB (AUC=0.917, 95%CI 0.896–0.939, P=0.682) and superior to NT-proBNP (AUC=0.876, 95%CI 0.850–0.902, P<0.001). After excluding non-cardiovascular adverse events, the AUC of cMyBP-C increased to 0.934, CK-MB was 0.893, and NT-proBNP was 0.877. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that among patients with ICI-associated myocarditis (n=21), cMyBP-C level was positively correlated with the extent of myocardial edema assessed by CMR ( ρ=0.64, P=0.002). Conclusions cMyBP-C is significantly elevated in patients with CV-irAEs, demonstrating diagnositic performance comparable to or better than conventional biomarkers, and reflecting the burden of myocardial inflammation. These findings suggest that cMyBP-C may serve as a valuable complementary diagnositic biomarker for CV-irAEs.
7.Simultaneous content determination of twelve constituents in Anshen Buxin Liuwei Pills by HPLC-MS/MS and their chemical pattern recognition
Cheng-dong LIU ; Jun LI ; Qian ZHANG ; Jing LIU ; Jing-kun LU ; Xin DONG ; Yuan-hong LIAO ; Yue-wu WANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2834-2840
AIM To establish an HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous content determination of dehydrodiisoeugenol,eugenol,costiolactone,dehydrocostiolactone,quercetin,isorhamnetin,luteolin,caffeic acid,gallic acid,protocatechuic acid,ellagic acid and kaempferol in Anshen Buxin Liuwei Pills,and to make chemical pattern recognition.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 35 ℃ thermostatic Shim-pack GST-HP C18 column(2.1 mm × 100 mm,3 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-water(containing 0.1%formic acid)flowing at 0.25 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electron spray ionization source was adopted in positive and negative ion scanning with multiple reaction monitoring mode.Subsequently,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis were performed.RESULTS Twelve constituents showed good linear relationships within their own ranges(r≥0.999 0),whose average recoveries were 95.38%-105.00%with the RSDs of 1.91%-5.14%.Thirteen batches of samples were clustered into 3 types,ellagic acid,dehydrocodenolactone,dehydrodiisoeugenol,protocatechuic acid,gallic acid,quercetin and kaempferol were taken as potential quality differential markers.CONCLUSION This accurate,sensitive,stable and reproducible method can be used for the quality control and evaluation of Anshen Buxin Liuwei Pills.
8.Value of MRI for diagnosing uterine fibroids:A bibliometric analysis based on multiple databases
Xuqing LIN ; Xiaoyi LIU ; Chengzhi YUAN ; Nan HONG ; Rong ZHOU ; Jin CHENG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(9):1548-1553
Objective To explore the publication trends and future directions in the field of value of MRI for diagnosing uterine fibroids using bibliometrics.Methods Literature related to diagnostic value of MRI for uterine fibroids in CNKI,Wanfang Med Online,SinoMed and WOSCC databases from 2006 to 2024 were retrieved,and 460 Chinese and 166 English articles were included.A bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine annual publication volume,country/region collaborations,journal distribution,core authors,highly cited literatures and keywords related to MRI for diagnosing uterine fibroids.Results From 2006 to 2024,the number of publications showed a fluctuating upward trend,with Chinese literature dominating.Authors from United States led research in this field and had the closest collaboration with those from France.Chinese and English articles were published in 221 and 81 journals,respectively,with several journals demonstrating significant influence.Highly cited articles mainly focused on differential diagnosis in early publications.Keywords analysis indicated that Chinese studies emphasized diagnosis and pathological typing,while English studies were more concerned with technical comparisons and accuracy assessment.Since 2020,research focus shifted toward image analysis technology and MRI-guided therapy.Conclusion The research on value of MRI for diagnosing uterine fibroids has been continuously developing.In the future,application of new technologies could be further explored,and multi-center cooperation and clinical transformation should be strengthened to promote the development and innovation in this field.
9.Changes and diagnostic value of serum HIF-1α and TLR4 levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with pulmonary Aspergillosis infection
Xiaowei YE ; Ailin FAN ; Haiwei ZHAO ; Mengmeng CHENG ; Min SUN ; Yushu GAN ; Yuan LIU
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(9):1108-1113
Objective To investigate the changes and diagnostic value of serum hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha(HIF-1α)and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)complicated with pulmonary Aspergillosis infection.Methods A total of 240 COPD patients who visited Xi'an Qinhuang Hospital(hereinafter referred to as the hospital)from December 2020 to Decem-ber 2023 were selected as the study subjects in the study,and another 218 volunteers who underwent physical examinations at the hospital were selected as the control group.The COPD patients were separated into an in-fected group(124 cases)and an uninfected group(116 cases)based on whether they had pulmonary Aspergil-losis infection.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was applied to detect the levels of HIF-1α and TLR4 in patients.Fully automated biochemical analyzer was applied to detect lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and albu-min(ALB)levels.Multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the influencing factors of infection in COPD patients.Pearson correlation was applied to analyze the correlation between HIF-1α and TLR4 levels in the infected group.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic val-ue of HIF-1α and TLR4 levels for the occurrence of infection in COPD patients.Results Compared with the control group,the COPD group showed an increase in HIF-1α and TLR4 levels(P<0.05).Compared with the uninfected group,the proportion of dyspnea,antibiotics>3 types,the duration of antibiotic use ≥ 14 days,mechanical ventilation procedures,the longer glucocorticosteroid(GC)use time,and levels of LDH,HIF-1α,TLR4 in the infected group were higher(P<0.05),while the level of ALB was lower(P<0.05).The types of antibiotics>3 types,the duration of antibiotic use ≥ 14 days,the duration of GC use,and elevat-ed levels of LDH,HIF-1α,and TLR4 were independent risk factors for infection in COPD patients(P<0.05),while elevated level of ALB was an independent protective factor for infection in COPD patients(P<0.05).The levels of HIF-1α and TLR4 in the infected group were positively correlated(r=0.453,P<0.001).The area under the curve(AUC)of HIF-1α and TLR4 in diagnosing infection in COPD patients alone was 0.816 and 0.813,and the AUC of their combined diagnosis was 0.930,which was better than their indi-vidual diagnoses(Zcombination-HIF-1α=4.923,Z combination-TLR4=5.192,P<0.001,P<0.001).Conclusion The levels of HIF-1α and TLR4 increase in COPD patients,and further increase after infection with pulmonary Aspergil-lus.They are independent risk factors for infection in patients,and the two are positively correlated.The combined di-agnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis has certain value and provides a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis.
10.Effects and mechanisms of Shenwuyishen tablets in treating chronic kidney disease
Jin-hong REN ; Ze LIU ; Xiang-da MENG ; Zi-ling YUAN ; Zhi-tang SUN ; Cheng HAN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(11):2185-2193
Aim To explore the therapeutic effect of Shenwuyishen tablets(SWYST)in treating chronic kidney disease(CKD)and the underlying mechanism.Methods The pharmacological action of SWYST was evaluated in folic acid(FA)-induced mouse models by levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen,in-dexes of tubulointerstitial inflammation and tubular in-jury,and degrees of renal fibrosis.Differential genes from 22 types of cells in kidney tissue of CKD were i-dentified by single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequen-cing datasets.Network pharmacology was used to pre-dict key ingredients,cells,and targets.The binding mode between the key ingredients and key targets was elucidated using molecular docking and molecular dy-namics simulation.Results Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels,tubulointerstitial inflamma-tion and tubular injury indexes,and renal fibrosis de-grees were significantly reduced by SWYST administra-tion.Quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,baicalein and wogonin were considered as key components that main-ly acted through FOS and JUN of endothelial cells,neu-trophils and thick ascending limb cells to ameliorate CKD.Molecular docking and molecular dynamics sim-ulation revealed that quercetin stably occupied the cross pocket of FOS-JUN heterodimers to inhibit the binding between FOS-JUN heterodimers and DNA.Conclusion SWYST inhibits the binding of FOS-JUN heterodimers and DNA of endothelial cells,neutrophils and thick ascending limb cells to ameliorate CKD.

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