1.Optimization of Extraction Process and Material Basis Analysis of Modified Banxia Xiexintang
Yuling LIU ; Ruying TANG ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Donghan BAI ; Longfei LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):129-139
ObjectiveTo optimize and validate the optimal sequential alcohol-water extraction process of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) based on pharmacodynamic evaluation, combined with the G1-entropy weight method and Box-Behnken response surface methodology, and to systematically and comprehensively analyze the material basis of this formula, providing a scientific basis for its quality control and industrial production. MethodsRats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, metformin group, and MBXT water extraction, water extraction and ethanol precipitation, sequential ethanol-water extraction groups. Except for the normal group, a polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) model was established in all rats via a high-fat diet combined with letrozole induction. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) biochemical assay kits and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining were used to compare sex hormone levels in serum and ovarian histopathology, thereby screening extraction process routes. Based on this, a comprehensive score was constructed using the G1-entropy weight method based on the transfer rates of index components(berberine hydrochloride and baicalin) and the dry extract rate. Box-Behnken response surface methodology was then utilized to optimize the extraction process parameters. Finally, the chemical constituents of the sample from the optimal process were qualitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS). ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that compared with the normal group, serum testosterone(T) and luteinizing hormone(LH) levels were significantly elevated in the model group, while estradiol(E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01), with polycystic changes observed in ovarian tissues. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups significantly reversed the changes in sex hormone levels, with the sequential ethanol-water extraction group showing the optimal effect in improving the aforementioned indicators and pathological morphology, followed by subsequent process optimization. The optimized process involved adding 12 times the amount of 70% ethanol for extracting twice, each lasting 120 min, and adding 12 times the amount of water for extracting thrice, each lasting 90 min. Validation test results showed that under optimal process conditions, the average transfer rates of berberine hydrochloride and baicalin were 76.05% and 93.38%, respectively. MS analysis identified a total of 377 compounds, including 112 flavonoids, 41 terpenoids, 28 organic acids, 22 coumarins, and 8 alkaloids, while elucidating the cleavage patterns of key components. ConclusionThe optimized sequential ethanol-water extraction process is stable and feasible, effectively preserving the material basis of MBXT for treating PCOS-IR. It further clarifies the main chemical composition of this formula, providing a scientific basis for the development and quality control of its preparations.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Ameliorating Metabolic Disorders and Reproductive Function in PCOS-IR Rats Based on Metabolomics and Transcriptomics
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):140-149
ObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats and reveal its potential mechanisms based on the integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics. MethodsFemale SD rats were selected, and a PCOS-IR model was established by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. The modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), and metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), with a normal group set up separately. After 14 days of administration, the estrous cycle was observed, ovarian morphology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the levels of testosterone(T), estradiol(E2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), and luteinizing hormone(LH) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Serum metabolites and ovarian tissue gene expression were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) and RNA-Seq technology, respectively, followed by multi-omics integrated analysis. ResultsPharmacodynamic findings revealed that all MBXT dose groups could reversed abnormal estrous cycles in PCOS-IR rats, improve polycystic ovarian lesions, and normalize dysregulated serum hormone levels(T, LH, E2, FS, P<0.05, P<0.01). Metabolomic analysis revealed that compared with the model group, MBXT reversed 278 differential metabolites such as estrone and S-formylglutathione, mainly involving pathways such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, and lipid peroxidation regulation. Transcriptomic analysis identified 434 differentially expressed genes, and enrichment analysis revealed that MBXT significantly regulated lipid peroxidation defense systems, including glutathione metabolism, peroxisome function, and fatty acid metabolism, thereby intervening in ferroptosis processes. It also engaged in inflammation-related pathways such as the chemokine signaling pathway. Integrated analysis revealed that both metabolomics and transcriptomics co-enriched metabolic pathways associated with ferroptosis and fatty acid metabolism. And key Hub genes[such as Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 gene(Rac2) and Fas ligand gene(Faslg)] showed significant correlations with differential metabolites. ConclusionMBXT can effectively ameliorate reproductive dysfunction and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to remodeling the immune-metabolism network, particularly by regulating MHC-mediated immune responses, inhibiting local ovarian ferroptosis, and enhancing steroid hormone synthesis pathways.
3.Investigation on Mechanism of Modified Banxia Xiexintang in Improving Ovarian Dysfunction of PCOS-IR Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via AMPK/FASN/GPX4 Signaling Pathway
Donghan BAI ; Ruying TANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuling LIU ; Dongxue ZHENG ; Qiling ZHANG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):150-160
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of modified Banxia Xiexintang(MBXT) in improving ovarian dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance(PCOS-IR) rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through the adenosine monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/fatty acid synthase(FASN)/glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy-six female SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group(n=13) and a modeling group(n=63). The modeling group established a PCOS-IR model by intragastric administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet for 21 days. After successful modeling, these rats were randomly divided into the model group, MBXT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups(6.62, 13.23, 26.46 g·kg-1), metformin group(0.158 g·kg-1), and high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group(15 mg·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. After 14 days of intervention, ovarian pathological morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, the mitochondrial ultrastructure of granulosa cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), ovarian reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels were detected by dihydroethidium(DHE) probe, biochemical methods were used to detect Fe2+, malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione(GSH) and other indicators in ovarian tissues, serum sex hormone and insulin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and the protein expressions of AMPK, FASN, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4(ACSL4), GPX4, and solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11) in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed polycystic changes in the ovaries, with atrophy of mitochondria in granulosa cells and increased membrane density. Serum levels of testosterone(T), luteinizing hormone(LH), and insulin were significantly increased(P<0.01). The levels of ROS, MDA, 4-hydroxynonenal(4-HNE), and Fe2+ in ovarian tissues were significantly elevated(P<0.01), while adenosine triphosphate(ATP), GSH, and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01). The phosphorylation levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), as well as the protein expressions of SLC7A11, GPX4, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1(FSP1) were significantly downregulated(P<0.01), whereas the expressions of FASN, ACSL4, and nuclear receptor coactivator 4(NCOA4) were significantly upregulated(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, MBXT intervention at various doses improved the above pathological changes and biochemical indicators in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group showing the most significant effect(P<0.01). Compared with the MBXT high-dose group, the high-dose of MBXT combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin group restored ovarian ferroptosis characteristics in rats, with increased ROS and lipid peroxidation products, and altered expressions of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMBXT can effectively improve ovarian function and metabolic disorders in PCOS-IR rats. Its mechanism may be related to activating the AMPK/ACC signaling pathway, downregulating FASN and ACSL4 to reduce lipid peroxidation substrates, and restoring glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase(G6PD/PHGDH) metabolic flux to enhance the GPX4/FSP1 antioxidant defense system, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in ovarian granulosa cells.
4.Integrative Strategies of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Insulin Resistance: Synergistic Potentiation Mechanisms Based on Pathogenic Complementarity
Ruying TANG ; Hengchang LIU ; Longfei LIN ; Donghan BAI ; Yuling LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):161-171
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance (IR) represents a common complex endocrine-metabolic disorder in reproductive-aged women,posing substantial threats to their reproductive and long-term health. The networked characteristics of pathological mechanisms pose severe challenges in the diagnosis and treatment modes with a single medical system. Western medicine identifies it as a pathological axis with the core of "IR-hyperinsulinemia-hyperandrogenemia" and offers effective symptomatic treatments,it is often faced with limitations such as insufficient overall regulation and drug side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine is characterized by a holistic concept centered on the dysfunction of "kidney-spleen-liver" and syndrome differentiation and treatment,yet its microscopic action mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. An integrative diagnosis and treatment mode of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine provides a vital approach to overcoming these challenges. This review systematically sorted out the understanding of polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR) pathogenesis from both Chinese and western medicine perspectives. An explainable mapping relation potentially existing between the molecular pathological networks defined by western medicine and the macroscopic dialectical system of traditional Chinese medicine was hypothesized. The synergistic potentiation mechanisms of integrative strategies of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine were analyzed,with a focus on clarifying the recent progress of integrative diagnosis and treatment strategies. The paper aims to provide a more comprehensive and profound reference for research and clinical practice in this field,advance the further development of the prevention and treatment of PCOS-IR with integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,and explore the establishment of a more precise,individualized diagnosis and treatment system to make optimal clinical decisions.
5.Genetic Transformation for Medicinal Plants: A Review
Haoxiyu ZHANG ; Longfei LIN ; Yuan YUAN ; Yuling LIU ; Hui LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):323-330
Medicinal plants, with diverse species, high heterozygosity, and special breeding objectives, can be hardly bred with conventional hybridization techniques. Plant genetic transformation is highly selective and can specifically change the traits of plants, serving as an important technical means for the breeding of medicinal plants. The commonly used plant genetic transformation technologies include Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and particle bombardment. Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is the most widely used method, while it is not applicable to all medicinal plants due to the high specificity. Although not specific, particle bombardment is limited in application due to the low conversion efficiency and external force damage to cells and tissue. With the rise and development of nanotechnology, the emerging nanomaterial-mediated transformation has solved the problems of the above two technologies. However, limited by its late development, the mechanism of nanomaterial-mediated introduction of genetic materials into plant cells remains unclear, and thus this technology is rarely used in medicinal plants. This article summarizes the development status of several commonly used or emerging plant genetic transformation technologies such as Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, particle bombardment, and nanomaterial-mediated transformation, as well as their application in different medicinal plants. Furthermore, this article looks forward to the development trend of genetic transformation technologies for plants and their application prospects in medicinal plants and Chinese materia medica resources, aiming to provide new technical ideas for the genetic improvement and germplasm innovation of medicinal plants and inject new impetus into the sustainable development of Chinese materia medica resources.
6.Experience of WANG Jie in Treating Palpitation by Using the Method of Tonifying the Kidney and Invigorating Blood
Jing TIAN ; Mi DENG ; Luna NIU ; Baoying LI ; Yuling CHA ; Ruowei ZHU ; Lu JING
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):996-999
To summarize the clinical experience of Professor WANG Jie in treating palpitation using the method of tonifying the kidneys and invigorating blood. It is believed that kidney yang deficiency and heart vessel stasis are the key pathogenesis of palpitation, and it is advocated to treat palpitation by tonifying the kidney and invigorating the blood. Meanwhile,the methods of draining water, dissolving phlegm, and fortifying the spleen to supplement the blood should be applied. For palpitation with kidney yang deficiency and heart vessel stasis with upward water, the treatment could use self-prescribed Bushen Huoxue Lishui Formula (补肾活血利水方); for palpitation with phlegm obstruction in blood vessel, the treatment could use self-prescribed Bushen Huoxue Huatan Formula (补肾活血化痰方); for palpitation with spleen yang deficiency, the treatment could use self-prescribed Bushen Huoxue Jianpi Formula (补肾活血健脾方).
7.Research progress of serine hydroxymethyltransferase inhibitors in tumor treatment
Yili CHEN ; Peisen WANG ; Yuling CHEN ; Yuanyuan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(1):125-134
Tumor is the result of long-term and unlimited proliferation of cells. Tumor cells adjust various metabolic fluxes to meet increased bioenergy and biosynthetic requirements. Serine is one of the eight non-essential amino acids in the human body. It plays an important role in a variety of physiological activities and can provide one carbon unit, glycine, etc. for cell proliferation. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glycine and serine. It is highly expressed in a variety of tumors and is a potential target for anti-tumor drugs. This article focuses on the potential of SHMT as a new target for cancer treatment and the preliminary application of its inhibitors in preclinical studies of tumors, providing reference for the development of new targeted drugs for tumors.
8.Distribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in 2 027 Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Jianing JIAN ; Yulong CHEN ; Ruohan LI ; Runze GUO ; Yaling ZHANG ; Yuling ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):173-181
ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics and distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was developed to collect the general data and four examination information of ESCC patients treated in 10 areas with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China from June 2020 to March 2021. Multiple analyses including frequency analysis, factor analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed to analyze the potential syndrome elements, disease location, and common syndromes of ESCC. ResultsA total of 2 027 patients with ESCC were included. Statistical analysis was performed on 113 symptoms, physical signs, 33 tongue manifestation variables, and 23 pulse manifestation variables of the patients’ four examination information. Factor analysis was performed on 55 variables with frequency>10%, extracting 19 common factors. According to clinical experience and expert opinions, the main lesions of patients with ESCC were in the spleen and stomach, and the main syndrome elements were Qi stagnation, blood stasis, phlegm, dampness, and Qi deficiency, with the syndrome element combination of phlegm obstruction + Qi stagnation + blood stasis being the most common. The syndromes can be classified into four categories of liver-stomach disharmony + combined phlegm and Qi obstruction, kidney-spleen dysfunction + combined phlegm and stasis, spleen-kidney Yang deficiency + obstinate phlegm and blood stasis, and liver-kidney Yin deficiency + obstinate phlegm and blood stasis. The main syndrome of ESCC was liver-stomach disharmony + combined phlegm and Qi obstruction in the early stage, liver-spleen dysfunction + combined phlegm and stasis in the middle stage, and spleen-kidney Yang deficiency + obstinate phlegm and blood stasis in the late stage. ConclusionESCC mainly has main pathological features of internal deficiency and external excess and combined deficiency and excess, with the key syndrome elements being phlegm obstruction, Qi stagnation, and blood stasis. The main disease locations are in the spleen and stomach, involving the liver, kidney, chest and diaphragm, heart, and lung. The main syndrome is liver-stomach disharmony + combined phlegm and Qi obstruction. In clinical practice, it is necessary to grasp the pathogenesis dynamics of the disease and use prescriptions according to patients’ syndromes.
9.Design of CAR-T cells targeting solid tumors: strategies for enhancing safety and universality
QIU Yuling ; LIAO Tianyi ; LIU Baorui ; LI Rutian
Chinese Journal of Cancer Biotherapy 2025;32(6):559-569
[摘 要] 嵌合抗原受体基因修饰T细胞(CAR-T细胞)疗法是一种肿瘤免疫治疗方法:来自人体的T细胞在体外经遗传学修饰、表达特异性嵌合抗原受体(CAR),然后将其回输入患者体内,用于靶向识别和消除肿瘤细胞。尽管CAR-T细胞疗法在血液系统肿瘤治疗中取得了较为显著的成功,其在实体瘤治疗中仍面临障碍。细胞因子释放综合征(CRS)等免疫相关不良反应(irAE)制约了CAR-T细胞的安全应用,肿瘤相关抗原(TAA)的异质性限制了单一CAR-T细胞的广谱适用性,也制约了其通用型开发。鉴于此,要使CAR-T细胞疗法在实体瘤临床治疗中得到应用,还需开展进一步的改良与提升研究。本文围绕实体瘤中CAR-T细胞疗法,从“CAR基因修饰策略”、“通用免疫受体的再靶向策略”及“抗原通用性‘赋靶’策略”三个方面对CAR-T细胞领域中为提高安全性和通用性所进行的探索进行述评,系统剖析各策略的研究路径、优势及局限性,并展望未来发展方向。通过综述CAR-T细胞安全性和普适性设计策略的进展,本文旨在为实体瘤的CAR-T细胞疗法研发提供创新思路。
10.Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Flavonoids in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Mingjie FAN ; Longfei LIN ; Ruying TANG ; Zhuo XU ; Qian LIAO ; Hui LI ; Yuling LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):244-251
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis as its pathological basis. Although current therapeutic drugs can alleviate symptoms, they are often accompanied by a high risk of side effects. In recent years, the use of flavonoids from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of RA has garnered significant attention. Studies have shown that the mechanisms by which flavonoids treat RA include inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory factors, regulating multiple cellular signaling pathways, alleviating oxidative stress, modulating immune system functions, inhibiting bone destruction, and suppressing angiogenesis. Due to their notable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, flavonoids hold promise as potential therapeutic agents for RA. A substantial number of articles in this field have been published. By reviewing Chinese and international literature and applying bibliometric and visual analysis using CiteSpace, this paper explored research hotspots and frontiers in this field, systematically reviewed the structures and anti-RA mechanisms of TCM flavonoids, provided a theoretical basis for their use in RA treatment and clinical applications, and offered new perspectives and references for the discovery of novel TCM-based anti-RA drugs.

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