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.
5.Current Status and Prospective of Research on Disease-Syndrome Integrated Animal Models of Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Lihui FANG ; Yongtian WEN ; Shan LIU ; Zhuo SHI ; Xintong WANG ; Xinyi DAI ; Meiling SHE ; Lanshuo HU ; Yangxi FU ; Zheng WANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):510-516
Animal model research on spleen and stomach diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of great significance for elucidating the nature of diseases and syndromes and for revealing the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicinals. At present, studies on classical TCM syndrome models of spleen and stomach diseases mainly focus on spleen deficiency syndrome, liver constraint syndrome, and damp-heat syndrome. Model construction is mostly based on the etiological and pathophysiological characteristics of syndrome, and model evaluation primarily involves macroscopic manifestations and physicochemical indicators. This paper summarizes the current research status of animal models integrating disease and syndrome for seven common spleen and stomach diseases, including chronic gastritis and gastric precancerous lesions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and functional diarrhea. The modeling methods and characteristics of disease-syndrome combined animal models for each disease are analyzed. It is proposed that future research on disease-syndrome integration in spleen and stomach diseases should move toward syste-matic, precise, and integrative development, and that interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research approaches should be adopted to enhance the predictive value and application efficiency of disease-syndrome combined animal models.
6.Association of serum sodium level and its fluctuation with mortality in patients with hospital- acquired acute kidney injury
Shuo XUE ; Lingyi XU ; Shiyue YAN ; Si LIU ; Linger TANG ; Jinwei WANG ; Xizi ZHENG ; Li YANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(8):587-594
Objective:To investigate the serum sodium level and its fluctuation in patients with hospitalized acquired acute kidney injury (AKI) and explore their impacts on in-hospital mortality.Methods:It was a single-center retrospective study. The adult patients developing hospital-acquired AKI and receiving at least twice serum sodium tests admitted to Peking University First Hospital from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020 were included. Dysnatremia included hyponatremia (< 135 mmol/L) and hypernatremia (>145 mmol/L). The patients were divided into hyponatremia group, normal serum sodium group and hypernatremia group, and the differences of clinical data among the three groups were compared. The fluctuation of serum sodium level was evaluated by coefficient of variation. A restricted cubic spline was applied to investigate the association between serum sodium level at AKI onset and mortality. Poisson regression analysis was used to explore the mortality risk of dysnatremia at AKI onset, dysnatremia at admission, and coefficient of variation of serum sodium, respectively.Results:Among the enrolled 1 475 AKI patients, the age was 66.0 (55.0, 78.0) years, and 850 patients (57.6%) were males. The estimated glomerular filtration rate was 77.3 (50.4, 97.6) ml·min -1·(1.73 m 2) -1. The time from admission to AKI onset was 8 (4, 15) days. The incidence of hyponatremia and hypernatremia at admission were 19.6% (289/1 475) and 2.6% (39/1 475), respectively, while the incidence at AKI onset was 24.0% (354/1 475) and 12.7% (188/1 475), respectively. There was statistically significant difference in terms of age, the initial classification distribution of AKI, serum sodium at admission, serum sodium at the occurrence of AKI, the lowest serum sodium at hospitalization, the highest serum sodium at hospitalization, the coefficient of variation of serum sodium, and the proportions of heart failure, stroke, disseminated intravascular coagulation, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, prerenal causes, circle diuretics and aldosterone antagonists among hyponatremia group, normal serum sodium group and hypernatremia group (all P<0.05). The restricted cubic spline analysis showed a "U"-shaped correlation between serum sodium level at AKI onset and in-hospital mortality. Poisson regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age, gender, number of chronic comorbidities, initial classification of AKI, basal estimated glomerular filtration rate and number of acute disease state, with normal serum sodium as the reference, hyponatremia ( RR=1.56, 95% CI 1.14-2.13) and hypernatremia ( RR=1.71, 95% CI 1.23-2.39) at AKI onset were correlated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Hyponatremia at admission was correlated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality ( RR=2.13, 95% CI 1.62-2.79), while there was no statistically significant association between hypernatremia and in-hospital mortality ( RR=1.22, 95% CI 0.62-2.44). After further adjusting serum sodium levels at admission and at the occurrence of AKI, the coefficient of variation of serum sodium level was still correlated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality ( RR=1.23, 95% CI 1.14-1.33). Conclusions:Dysnatremia is common in patients with hospital-acquired AKI. The serum sodium level at AKI onset is correlated with in-hospital death in a "U" shape. Dysnatremia and serum sodium fluctuation are associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality.
7.Clinical characteristics of juvenile dermatomyositis in anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody-positive patients and risk factors for severity: a national multicenter retrospective study
Huiyuan YANG ; Wanzhen GUAN ; Ling2 YANG ; Haimei LIU ; Xiaoqing3 LI ; Haiguo YU ; Meiping LU ; Jun YANG ; Xiaohui LIU ; Hongxia ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Jihong XIAO ; Xiaozhong LI ; Guomin LI ; Hong CHANG ; Sheng HAO ; Yue DU ; Daliang XU ; Ling WU ; Wenjie ZHENG ; Li LIU ; Xinhui JIANG ; Shaohui ZHU ; Dongmei ZHAO ; Xuemei TANG ; Li SUN
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(12):1299-1305
Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and independent risk factors of severe disease in patients with anti-nuclear matrix protein (NXP) 2 antibody-positive juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 219 anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM patients admitted to 23 children′s hospitals across China from July 2011 to July 2023. Patients were classified into severe and non-severe groups based on classification criteria for severe dermatomyositis. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and laboratory parameters were compared between the 2 groups using independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, or χ2 test. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for severe disease. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to calculate optimal cut-off values. Results:Among the 219 patients, 108 were male and 111 were female, with an age at onset of 6.3 (3.5, 9.4) years. The severe group comprised 69 patients, and the non-severe group 150 patients. The severe group had significantly higher rates of fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, as well as elevated levels of ferritin-to-albumin ratio (FAR), creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified anti-Ro52 antibody positivity ( OR=13.26, 95% CI 1.37-128.29) and elevated FAR ( OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.09-2.31) as independent risk factors for severe anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM (both P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a FAR cutoff value of 6.82 predicted severe disease with an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.94, P<0.001), sensitivity of 0.85, and specificity of 0.70. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy, and the severe group received higher proportions of steroid pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, intravenous immunoglobulin, biologics, and adjuvant treatments compared to the non-severe group (all P<0.05). In terms of outcomes, 2 patients (2.9%) in the severe group died (due to neurological involvement and intestinal perforation, respectively), while the remaining patients achieved complete clinical response or remission. All patients in the non-severe group achieved remission. Conclusions:The primary clinical features of anti-NXP2 antibody-positive JDM included fever, heliotrope rash, subcutaneous edema, periorbital edema, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity, and elevated levels of CK, AST, LDH, and FAR. Furthermore, anti-Ro52 antibody positivity and a FAR>6.82 were identified as independent risk factors.
8.Reconstruction of 5 digits in both hands at same time: a case report
Feifei ZHANG ; Yaping LIU ; Hang ZHANG ; Shaoyong ZHOU ; Lin HE ; Hua ZHENG ; Fujun ZENG ; Guohua JIANG ; Yuchuan LIU ; Linjun TANG
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(5):573-576
In November 23, 2023, a patient with 9 digits traumatic crush injury by machine compression was emergently admitted to the Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Sichuan Modern Hospital. Emergency procedures included amputation the distal stumps and replantation of proximal phalanges of left ring and little fingers. Wounds in both hands were temporarily covered with bone cement. On December 4, 2023, reconstruction of 5 digits were performed. Digital defects were: Type Ⅲ defects of left index and middle fingers and right thumb and index fingers and Type IV defect of right middle finger. All 5 reconstructed digits survived. Subsequent refinements yielded favourable outcomes and all donor toes were preserved completely. At the 14-month follow-up, the reconstructed digits exhibited satisfactory appearance and length without difficulties in daily life and at work.
9.Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity in elderly patients with free anterolateral thigh perforator flaps: a report of 24 cases
Hua ZHENG ; Linjun TANG ; Lin HE ; Taian CUI ; Xuying ZHAO ; Ye YUAN ; Chen ZHANG ; Yaping LIU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2025;48(4):394-398
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in lower extremity in elderly patient.Methods:From February 2018 to August 2024, 24 elderly patients (14 males, 10 females. Age range: 70-89 years, mean age: 73.47 years) with soft tissue defects in lower extremity were treated with free ALTPFs in the Department of Hand Microsurgery, Sichuan Modern Hospital. All patients had comorbidities including chronic pulmonary diseases (10 cases), anaemia in various severity (15 cases), atherosclerosis (9 cases), diabetes mellitus (6 cases), hypertension (5 cases) and great saphenous varicose veins (4 cases). Fourteen patients were admitted to hospital though emergency department due to trauma. Of these patients, 2 underwent emergency flap transfer surgery, 12 had temporary wound coverage with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) or bone cement, followed by flap surgery at 3-7 days later. Ten patients with chronic wounds were admitted through outpatient clinic and underwent flap surgery at approximately 7 days after multidisciplinary team consultation and completion of preoperative preparation. A total of 15 patients received blood transfusion: 3 before the surgery, 10 in the surgery and 2 after the surgery. Defect locations were: right calf and ankle (6 cases), right foot (5 cases), left calf and ankle (10 cases) and left foot (3 cases). Defect sizes ranged from 5.0 cm×7.0 cm to 9.0 cm×30.0 cm, with exposure of tendon, bone or internal fixation. The size of ALTPFs ranged from 6.0 cm×8.0 cm to 10.0 cm×40.0 cm. All artery of flaps was end-to-end anastomosed with the recipient artery, and the vein of flaps was anastomosed with the accompanying vein by recipient artery. Donor sites were either closed directly or reconstructed with skin grafts. All patients were included in postoperative follow-up via visit of outpatient clinic or WeChat for evaluation of flap and donor sites.Results:All 24 flaps survived. Two cases presented with venous occlusion after surgery and surgical exploration discovered: 1 patient had a long-segment venous thrombosis in the recipient vein and was treated with great saphenous vein transposition for re-anastomosis; the other had a deep haematoma compressing of the flap, which was removed surgically with haemostasis. Follow-up lasted for 3 to 24 months. All donor sites healed well without local tenderness, leaving only linear or skin graft scars. The flap survived well, without infection, ulceration or necrosis. All ankle function was preserved.Conclusion:Transfer of free ALTPF is a valuable technique for treatment of soft tissue defects in lower extremity in elderly patients. Despite higher risks, satisfactory outcome can be achieved with thorough preoperative evaluation and surgical intervention, especially when the condition of a patient is stable, an early ambulation for functional recovery should be started.
10.Determination of Alkylamines and Alkylamides in Food Packaging Plastics by Liquid Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Ling LIU ; Yi-Zhe ZHU ; Rui-Fen ZHENG ; Jun-Xian HE ; Cai-Ming TANG
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(7):1186-1195,中插26-中插38
An efficient analytical method was developed for simultaneous detection of alkylamines and alkylamides in food packaging plastics using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry(LC-HRMS).Based on the physicochemical properties of alkylamines and alkylamides,as well as the complexity of plastic samples,sample pretreatment and chromatographic-mass spectrometric parameters were optimized.The samples were extracted by vortex-ultrasonic extraction with a methanol-acetonitrile mixture for 15 min,followed by nitrogen evaporation to concentrate the extract,reconstitution,and analysis.The chromatographic mobile phase consisted of 0.1%formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile,and a gradient elution was used.The electrospray ionization(ESI)source was operated in positive ion mode,and mass spectrometry data were collected in full scan and data-dependent acquisition modes.Quantification was performed using an isotope-labeled internal standard method.The results showed that within the quantification range of 1-1000 ng/mL,the calibration curves exhibited good linearity(R2>0.99).Some compounds interfered with the validation experiments at higher concentrations,so only 10 kinds of target analytes were validated.Using a mixed food packaging plastic matrix,the recoveries at spiking levels of 40,400,and 4000 ng/g were mostly between 66.0%and 117.1%,with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.6%to 10.6%.The method was applied to detect 14 food packaging plastic samples,and the results showed that the concentrations of alkylamines and alkylamides ranged from not detected to 8924 ng/g.This method offered high sensitivity and accuracy,and was suitable for the screening and quantitative determination of alkylamines and alkylamides in plastics.

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