1.Effect and mechanism of Wnt5a knockdown on the efficacy of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophage in treatment of liver cirrhosis
Feifei XING ; Danyang WANG ; Xinrui ZHENG ; Yannan XU ; Shihao ZHANG ; Junyi ZHAN ; Wei LIU ; Gaofeng CHEN ; Jiamei CHEN ; Ping LIU ; Yongping MU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):618-628
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of M1 bone marrow-derived macrophages (M1-BMDM) with Wnt5a knockdown on liver fibrosis and regeneration in a rat model of liver cirrhosis, and to investigate its gain-of-function effect compared with unmodified M1-BMDM. MethodsPrimary bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from rats and were polarized to M1 phenotype to construct M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD cells. A rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF was established, and at the end of week 8, rats were randomly divided into model group, M1-BMDM group, M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown empty vector group (M1-BMDMKD-EV group), and M1-BMDM Wnt5a-knockdown group (M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group), with 6 rats in each group. On the first day of week 9, the rats in each group were given a single injection of the corresponding cells via the caudal vein, along with an intraperitoneal injection of a CCR2 inhibitor. Six rats without any treatment were used as normal control group. Samples were collected at the end of week 12 to assess liver histopathology, serum liver function parameters, hepatic stellate cell activation, and the expression levels of mature hepatocyte markers. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver inflammatory response and significant reductions in the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly lower serum level of AST than the M1-BMDM group (P<0.05). The semi-quantitative analysis based on immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area (all P<0.05), and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significant reduction in the percentage of CD68-positive area and a significant increase in the percentage of CD163-positive area (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of CD68 and tumor necrosis factor-α (all P<0.05) and the protein expression level of CD68 (all P<0.01); compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant increases in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD163 (both P<0.05), significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD68 (both P<0.05), and a significant reduction in the protein expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (P<0.01). Sirius Red collagen staining and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunohistochemical staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had significant alleviation of liver collagen deposition and α-SMA-positive area, with the most significant changes in the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group, and compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly smaller Sirius Red-positive area and α-SMA-positive area and a significantly lower content of hydroxyproline in liver tissue (all P<0.05). Compared with the M1-BMDMKD-EV group, the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significant reductions in the protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and the mRNA expression level of COL-I and TGF-β (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the protein expression level of HNF-4α in liver tissue (all P<0.05), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had significantly higher protein and mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and hepatocyte specific antigen than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (both P<0.05). The M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher serum level of albumin than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.01). Immunofluorescence co-staining showed that compared with the model group, all cell treatment groups had a significant increase in the number of cells stained positive for HNF and HNF-4α and Ki67 (all P<0.01), and the M1-BMDMWnt5a-KD group had a significantly higher number of such cells than the M1-BMDMKD-EV group (P<0.05). ConclusionInhibition of Wnt5a expression enhances the therapeutic effect of M1-BMDM on rats with liver cirrhosis induced by CCl4/2-AAF, which provides new ideas for enhancing the anti-cirrhotic effect of M1-BMDM through genetic modification.
2.New advances in the treatment of neonatal diabetes mellitus with sulfonylureas
Xiaoyan HU ; Jinbo XIANG ; Xiaoxia ZHU ; Zheng LI ; Tingting CAO ; Ting DING ; Ziran XU ; Jingbo LI ; Youjun YANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1236-1240
Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare monogenic disorder primarily caused by insufficient insulin secretion resulting from mutations in the KCNJ11 and ABCC8 genes. Sulfonylureas, represented by glibenclamide, have become the standard therapy for this type of NDM by precisely closing the mutated ATP-sensitive potassium channels in pancreatic β cells, thereby restoring insulin secretion. Clinical studies confirm that sulfonylureas enable over 90% of patients to successfully transition from insulin to oral treatment, achieving long-term stable glycemic control and improving neurological outcomes to a certain extent. In terms of safety, severe hypoglycemia induced by sulfonylureas is relatively rare and gastrointestinal reactions are mild; moreover, sulfonylureas show good long-term tolerability, and have no adverse effects on child growth and development. In the future, by further refining the full-chain management pathway of “rapid genetic diagnosis-early intervention-specialized dosage forms-long-term follow-up”, the clinical application of sulfonylureas is expected to provide NDM patients with an optimized treatment regimen and maximize their health benefits.
3.Reflections on Status Quo and Development Pathways of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Transfer in Context of Digital-intelligent Transformation
Jie ZHANG ; Jing XU ; Guangwei ZHENG ; Huayu ZHANG ; Chang LIU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Xishui PAN ; Bin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):235-240
As a distinctive resource of Chinese civilization, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technology transfer faces significant opportunities under the background of digital and intelligent transformation, while also being constrained by unique challenges such as the complexity of its theoretical system, lengthy industrial chains, and multidimensional policy restrictions, resulting in a "high-value-high-threshold" paradox. At present, TCM technology transfer is deeply trapped in a "threefold reluctance" dilemma, i.e., unwillingness to transfer, inability to transfer, and lack of capacity to transfer. Specifically, the disconnection between scientific research evaluation systems and market demand leads to low conversion rates of research achievements, unclear ownership and compliance risks suppress innovation incentives, and the absence of professional services intensifies supply-demand mismatches. This article systematically analyzes the specific characteristics of TCM technology transfer and proposes a breakthrough pathway centered on full-chain digital and intelligent transformation. By integrating technologies such as intelligent sorting systems, blockchain-based traceability, and AI diagnostic models, the TCM ecosystem spanning "cultivation-production-service" can be reconstructed. In terms of standardization, promoting the progression from "experience-based data conversion" to "data standardization" and further to "intelligent standardization" is advocated to resolve quality control challenges. For example, a "three-no-one-full" certification system can strengthen quality trust. Policy coordination should focus on optimizing mechanisms for the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, while exploring intellectual property securitization and risk-sharing models to stimulate research momentum. In terms of internationalization, reliance on the Belt and Road Initiative platform to promote the export of geo-authentic medicinal material brands and standards is recommended to build a dual-driven model of "technology plus culture". Looking ahead, through the construction of national-level databases, the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent, and the mutual recognition of international standards, a new paradigm of "scientific intelligent manufacturing" can be formed, providing systematic solutions for the modernization of TCM and global health governance.
4.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Comorbidity of Parkinson's Disease and Depression: A Review
Qi ZHENG ; Xiaomin XU ; Simeng WANG ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):268-276
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor dysfunction. Traditionally, its main clinical features include resting tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural balance disorders. However, an increasing number of studies have shown that its non-motor symptoms (NMS) exert an even greater impact on patients' quality of life than motor symptoms, severely affecting daily functioning and increasing the burden on families and society. Among these, depression is one of the most common and most debilitating NMS, with statistics indicating that the incidence of depression among PD patients reaches as high as 40%-50%. The pathological mechanisms are complex, involving the interplay between degenerative changes in dopaminergic neurons and disruptions in emotional regulatory circuits, which poses a substantial challenge to clinical treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), characterized by holistic regulation and multi-target intervention, has demonstrated significant advantages in the treatment of PD and depression, offering new insights for managing PD-depression comorbidity. This study integrates research extracted from multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), that investigates the potential mechanisms of PD and depression as well as TCM-based treatments for these conditions. The aim is to elucidate the shared pathological mechanisms underlying PD and depression and to explore the therapeutic potential of TCM in effectively combating PD-depression comorbidity through these shared mechanisms, thereby providing valuable insights for the development of targeted therapies.
5.Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Zheng XU ; Yuan TANG ; Fenglan QIU ; Yiguang LI ; Lingyu YANG ; Jie CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):322-330
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common type of dementia, primarily characterized by cognitive and behavioral impairments as well as deficits in learning and memory. The progression of AD has imposed a significant economic burden on society and families. However, its exact pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated. Currently, available therapeutic drugs are limited and are often accompanied by serious adverse effects. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and their extracts are mostly natural products and possess advantages such as multi-pathway regulation and relatively few adverse reactions. Experimental studies have shown that TCMs exhibit great potential in the prevention and treatment of AD. For example, Huanglian Jieduang, Danggui Shaoyaosan, Kaixin San, Liuwei Dihuangwan, Buyang Huanwutang, as well as Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, Coptidis Rhizoma, Gardeniae Fructus, Ginkgo Folium, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, can reduce β-amyloid deposition, inhibit excessive Tau protein phosphorylation, restore mitochondrial function, alleviate oxidative stress, suppress neuroinflammation and apoptosis, repair synaptic function, and improve gut microbiota. This article mainly summarizes the effects of several TCMs and compound prescriptions on AD, aiming to provide a reference for subsequent TCM-based treatment of AD.
6.Predictive value of aqueous humor stromal cell-derived factor-1 and epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide-78 levels for visual impairment following vitrectomy in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Man XU ; Jiamin ZHENG ; Wenjin ZHONG
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):493-498
AIM:To investigate the predictive value of aqueous humor stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)and epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide-78(ENA78)for visual impairment following vitrectomy in patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS: Patients with DR who underwent vitrectomy in the ophthalmology department of our hospital from March 2022 to March 2024 were enrolled as study group. According to the results of uncorrected visual acuity examination during the 1-year follow-up after surgery, they were further divided into visual impairment group and good visual acuity group. In addition, patients with cataracts who were treated in our hospital during the same period were recruited as control group. The levels of SDF-1 and ENA78 in aqueous humor were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of indicators. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influencing factors of postoperative visual impairment in DR patients. Relative risk analysis was conducted to assess the impact of different aqueous humor SDF-1 and ENA78 levels on postoperative visual impairment in DR patients. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was applied to determine the predictive value of aqueous humor SDF-1 and ENA78 levels for postoperative visual impairment in DR patients.RESULTS: Totally 156 cases(156 eyes)were enrolled in the study group, including 87 males and 69 females, with a mean age of 60.65±8.91 years old; and 91 cases(91 eyes)were enrolled in the control group, including 53 males and 38 females, with a mean age of 58.72±8.43 years old. The levels of SDF-1 and ENA78 in aqueous humor of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.001). According to the results of uncorrected visual acuity during the 1-year follow-up after surgery, the study group was further divided into the visual impairment group(n=49)and the good visual acuity group(n=107), including 28 males and 21 females in the visual impairment group, with a mean age of 63.73±7.41 years, and 59 males and 48 females in the good visual acuity group, with a mean age of 59.24±8.47 years. The age and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels of the visual impairment group were higher than those of the good visual acuity group(all P<0.05). Compared with the good visual acuity group, the levels of SDF-1 and ENA78 in aqueous humor of the visual impairment group were significantly elevated(all P<0.05). A positive correlation was found in the study group between the levels of SDF-1, ENA78 in aqueous humor and HbA1c(r=0.314, 0.362, all P<0.05). Elevated levels of aqueous humor SDF-1(OR=2.936, 95% CI: 1.628-5.296)and ENA78(OR=3.092, 95% CI: 1.738-5.502)were identified as risk factors for postoperative visual impairment in DR patients(all P<0.05). High levels of SDF-1 and ENA78 increased the risk of postoperative visual impairment by 1.958-fold and 2.030-fold compared with the low-level groups, respectively; the area under the curve(AUC)of combined detection of aqueous humor SDF-1 and ENA78 for predicting postoperative visual impairment in DR patients was 0.936, which was superior to the predictive value of SDF-1 or ENA78 alone(Zcombination-SDF-1=2.850, Zcombination-ENA78=2.445, all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of aqueous humor SDF-1 and ENA78 are risk factors for postoperative visual impairment in DR patients, and the combined detection of SDF-1 and ENA78 has high clinical application value for predicting postoperative visual impairment in DR patients.
7.Standardization Challenges in Outcome Evaluation Systems of Animal Experiments and Considerations for Core Outcome Set Construction Strategies
Qingyong ZHENG ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Chen TIAN ; Hui LIU ; Min TIAN ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Yating CUI ; Junfei WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):138-148
Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.
8.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
9.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
10.Study on Reducing Hepatotoxicity and Retaining Anti-osteoporosis Activity of Psoraleae Fructus Though Salt Processing Based on Zebrafish
Yiqi LIU ; Xuan WANG ; Qiqi FAN ; Zehua CHANG ; Shuo FAN ; Na WANG ; Zheng LI ; Xinfang XU ; Chongjun ZHAO ; Xiangri LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):79-90
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of salt processing of Psoraleae Fructus (PF) through modern analytical techniques and biotechnology, focusing on its effects related to hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporosis activity. MethodsThe zebrafish model was utilized to evaluate the impact of PF and salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus (SPF) on the hepatotoxicity (using 134.17 , 178.89, 268.34 mg·L-1 as low, medium, and high dose groups of PF, 135.04, 180.06, 270.08 mg·L-1 as low, medium, and high dose groups of SPF, respectively) and anti-osteoporotic activity (using 33.54 , 67.08 and 134.17 mg·L-1 as low, medium, and high dose groups of PF, 33.76, 67.52, 135.04 mg·L-1 as low, medium, and high dose groups of SPF, respectively), which was using alizarin red skull staining of zebrafish as an indicator of different batches of PF. The specific dosage of a batch of PF was taken as an example. Then ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) analysis was employed to identify the chemical composition of PF before and after salt processing, and PCA, OPLS-DA, and independent sample t-test were used to elucidating the compositional changes associated with the effects of salt processing on hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporosis activity. ResultsUnder specific conditions, PF induced notable hepatotoxicity in zebrafish while simultaneously demonstrating protective effect against prednisolone-induced osteoporosis. In comparison to PF, SPF showed alleviated hepatotoxicity while retaining significant anti-osteoporosis activity. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis revealed that after salt processing, the overall chemical composition of PF showed a downward trend, with 69 components showing a decrease in content, represented by psoralen, and 13 components showing an increase, represented by 4′-O-methyl psoralen B. Further multivariate statistical analysis revealed 11 key differential components before and after salt processing of PF, including psoralen and bakuchiol. ConclusionSalt processing effectively diminishes hepatotoxicity without impairing therapeutic efficacy against osteoporosis of PF, which may be related to the compositional changes before and after salt processing of PF and provides key evidence to reveal the scientific significance of salt processing of PF.

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