1.Comprehensive Analysis of Flavonoid Content in Chrysanthemum Indicum:Germplasm Variation,Tissue Distribution,and Developmental Stage Changes
Jiahao LIAO ; Haiqiong ZHANG ; Zhiwei QIN ; Xu WANG ; Yifei LIU ; Jingjing ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1546-1554
Objective To provide a scientific basis for the quality control of Chrysanthemi Indici Flos medicinal materials and the sustainable development of this resource,the germplasm differences,tissue distribution,and developmental stage changes of flavonoid content in Chrysanthemum indicum was explored.Methods High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to quantitatively analyze the five main flavonoid compounds,including linarin,tilianin,cynaroside,apigenin,and acacetin.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qPCR)technology was used to evaluate the relative expression levels of the rhamnosyltransferase(RhaT)gene at different developmental stages.Results The study found significant differences in flavonoid accumulation among different Chrysanthemum indicum germplasms,with the highest content of linarin observed in the Hubei diploid.Flavonoid content was significantly higher in leaves,flower buds,and flowers compared to stems and roots.Linarin and tilianin peaked at the flower bud stage and then gradually decreased,while the contents of apigenin and acacetin increased with flower development.The qPCR analysis further showed that the expression level of the RhaT gene was highly consistent with the accumulation pattern of linarin.Conclusion The results reveal that flavonoid content in Chrysanthemum indicum is significantly affected by germplasm,tissue type,and developmental stage,providing important data support for the quality evaluation of Chrysanthemum indicum medicinal materials and the rational development of this resource.
2.Clinical and pathological features and prognostic analysis of early-onset intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Delong QIN ; Yue TANG ; Zonglong LI ; Jialu CHEN ; Zhimin GENG ; Chuandong SUN ; Hong WU ; Yinghe QIU ; Tianqiang SONG ; Xianhai MAO ; Yu HE ; Zhangjun CHENG ; Wenlong ZHAI ; Jingdong LI ; Xiao LIANG ; Ruixin LIN ; Di TANG ; Zhaohui TANG ; Zhiwei QUAN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(6):500-507
Objective:To explore the clinical and pathological features and survival outcomes of patients with early-onset intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EOICC).Methods:This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study. Data of 1 160 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients undergoing radical resection in 14 tertiary Grade A hospitals in China from January 2010 to November 2021 were retrospectively collected. The cohort included 632 males and 528 females, aged( M (IQR)) 61 (14) years (range: 22 to 93 years). ICC aged ≤50 years at the time of diagnosis was defined as EOICC and >50 years as late-onset intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (LOICC). Of these, there were 247 cases in the EOICC group and 913 cases in the LOICC. The clinical and pathological characteristics of both groups were analyzed and compared using the independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models for patient outcomes were constructed and forest graphed. Results:Compared with the patients in the LOICC group, patients in the EOICC group had lower carcinoembryonic antigen levels (2.5(4.0) μg/L vs. 3.1(5.2)μg/L, U=124 899, P=0.009) and CA19-9 level (63.4(524.7)U/ml vs. 77.9(611.3)U/ml, U=120 320, P=0.013), higher levels of ALT (29(35)U/L vs. 24(26)U/L, U=101 214, P=0.013), a lower score of the Eastern US Cooperative Oncology Group (0 score patients: 54.7% vs. 44.1%, χ2=12.472, P=0.014), higher TNM stage ( χ2=11.807, P=0.038), and proportion of lymph node dissection (62.3% vs. 54.1%, χ2=5.355, P=0.021). Patients in the two groups in sex, first diagnosis symptoms, intrahepatic bile duct stone history, nail protein, albumin, total bilirubin, transaminase, liver function Child-Pugh grade, T stage, stage, N stage, preoperative laparoscopic exploration proportion, tumor diameter, vascular invasion proportion, differentiation, margin, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative complications, postoperative hospital days were no statistical significance (all P>0.05). Patients in the EOICC group had better outcomes than the LOICC group (median survival time: 29.7 months vs. 25.0 months, 3-year overall survival: 45.1% vs. 37.8%, P=0.027). Conclusion:EOICC patients are better than LOICC patients in carcinoembryonic antigen, CA19-9, ALT, physical strength status and TNM stage, and the long-term prognosis is also better than LOICC patients.
3.Identification and management strategies for postoperative recurrence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Delong QIN ; Yue TANG ; Zonglong LI ; Jialu CHEN ; Zhaohui TANG ; Zhiwei QUAN
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(6):480-485
Postoperative recurrence is one of the primary factors contributing to the poor prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The recurrence patterns of ICC can be classified into intrahepatic,extrahepatic,and intrahepatic-extrahepatic recurrence,while the timing of recurrence can be categorized as very early,early,and late recurrence. Common risk factors for recurrence include positive surgical margins,lymph node metastasis,multifocality,vascular invasion,large tumor size,and concomitant liver cirrhosis. The key to improving the quality of life for ICC patients with postoperative recurrence lies in the accurate preoperative identification of high-risk populations and the implementation of targeted interventions,as well as the formulation of appropriate treatment strategies based on individual patient conditions after recurrence. Interventions for high-risk populations include standardized neoadjuvant therapy,postoperative adjuvant therapy,and high-frequency follow-up. Re-resection remains the most ideal treatment option for recurrence,although the surgical indications are stringent. Non-surgical treatments,including systemic therapy,local therapy,and supportive care,should be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient.
4.An excerpt of ESMO clinical practice guideline interim update on the management of biliary tract cancer in 2025
Delong QIN ; Yue TANG ; Zonglong LI ; Jialu CHEN ; Zhaohui TANG ; Zhiwei QUAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):625-627
In January 2025, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) released the ESMO clinical practice guideline interim update on the management of biliary tract cancer as a supplementary update to Biliary tract cancer: ESMO clinical practice guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up published in November 2022. This interim update mainly revises the latest evidence-based medical recommendations in the key fields of molecular diagnostics and clinical management since the release of the original guidelines, and it is not a comprehensive update of the entire document. This article summarizes and makes an excerpt of the new recommendations from this interim update.
5.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
6.Effect and Mechanism of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma Herb Pair in Treatment of Simple Obesity
Wenjing LI ; Zhongyu WANG ; Yongxin HUANG ; Jingjing XU ; Ying DING ; You WU ; Zhiwei QI ; Ruifeng YANG ; Xiaotong YANG ; Lili WU ; Lingling QIN ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):70-79
ObjectiveTo preliminarily explore the active components and target pathways of Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Polygonati Rhizoma (ASR-PR) herb pair in the treatment of simple obesity through network pharmacology and molecular docking, and to verify and investigate its mechanism of action via animal experiments. MethodsThe chemical constituents and targets of ASR and PR were predicted using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to simple obesity were identified by retrieving the GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), and DisGeNET databases. The intersection of drug and disease targets was used to construct an active component-target network using Cytoscape software. This network was imported into the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and topological analysis was conducted to identify core genes. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and mapping were performed using the DAVID database and the Microbioinformatics platform. AutoDock 1.5.7 software was used to perform molecular docking between the top five active components and core targets. An animal model of simple obesity was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet. The mice were administered ASR (2.06 g·kg-1), PR (2.06 g·kg-1), or ASR-PR (4.11 g·kg-1) for 10 weeks, while the model group received an equal volume of purified water by gavage. After the administration period, the mice were sacrificed to measure body fat weight and serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological sections of liver and adipose tissue. Serum levels of leptin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in liver tissue were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsNetwork pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that the treatment of simple obesity by ASR-PR may involve the regulation of protein expression of core targets EGFR and STAT3 by its main components MOL009760 (Siberian glycoside A_qt), MOL003889 (methyl protodioscin_qt), MOL009766 (resveratrol), MOL006331 (4′,5-dihydroxyflavone), and MOL004941 (baicalin), thereby modulating the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. The animal experiment results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased body weight, body fat weight, and serum levels of TG, TC, TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin (P<0.01). EGFR mRNA expression was significantly elevated (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Histological analysis revealed disordered hepatic architecture in the model group, with pronounced lipid vacuoles, cytoplasmic loosening, lipid accumulation, and steatosis. Adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) of the model group exhibited markedly increased diameters, reduced cell counts per unit area, and irregular morphology. Compared with the model group, the ASR-PR group significantly reduced body weight, body fat weight, serum TC, IL-6, TNF-α, leptin levels, and EGFR mRNA expression (P<0.01). TG levels were also significantly decreased (P<0.05), while STAT3 mRNA expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Histopathological improvements included reduced size and number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and restoration of liver cell morphology toward that of the normal group. The diameter of adipocytes significantly decreased, and the number of adipocytes per unit area increased. ConclusionASR-PR may regulate the expression of key target proteins such as EGFR and STAT3 via its core active components, modulate the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT signaling pathways, repair damaged liver and adipose tissues, and thereby alleviate the progression of obesity in mice.
7.Antidepressant effects and mechanisms of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress
Zhiwei Qi ; Lingling Qin ; Ming Gao ; Ruifeng Yang ; Congyi Liu ; Ning Wang ; Wenjing Li ; Yongxin Huang ; Lili Wu ; Tonghua Liu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(3):364-374
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Wuhua herbal tea on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression and explore its mechanism of action in combating depression.MethodsWe tested the antidepressant effects of Wuhua herbal tea in a rat model of CUMS-induced depression using fluoxetine as a positive control. The rats were divided into four groups: control group, model group, fluoxetine group, and Wuhua herbal tea group. The rats underwent body weight measurements, sucrose preference test, and open-field test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detect the serum levels of serotonin, dopamine, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6. Intergroup comparisons and detection of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mRNA expression in the hippocampus were performed using RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the expression of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) proteins in hippocampal paraffin sections of CUMS rats.ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group rats had depressive tendencies, exhibiting low vitality and interest in various behavioral indicators which were signs of despair. The Wuhua herbal tea group statistically increased the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the serum of CUMS rats to varying degrees (P = .015 and P = .002); reduced serum levels of ACTH, corticosterone, norepinephrine, and interleukin-6 (all P .05); and decreased mRNA expression of BDNF, CREB, JAK2, and STAT3 in the hippocampus (all P .05); and decreased p-STAT3 protein levels (P = .006).ConclusionWuhua herbal tea shows antidepressant potential in CUMS rats by modulating the HPA axis and inhibiting JAK2-STAT3 overactivation, alleviating neuroinflammation. It also restores BDNF-CREB pathway function, reducing depressive symptoms.
8.Exploring the therapeutic potential of propolis in managing diabetes: A preclinical study
Hannah Shi Tiang ; Lingling Qin ; Tonghuang Hua Liu ; Zhiwei Qi ; Huizhao Qin ; Huelee Yong ; Xuesheng Ma ; Lili Wu
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(2):165-174
Objective:
To evaluate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of action of propolis in db/db mice.
Methods:
The chemical composition of propolis was analyzed using UHPLC-MS/MS. Thirty mice, including six wt/wt and 24 db/db mice, were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6 per group): control, model, metformin (250 mg/kg), low dose propolis (100 mg/kg), and high dose propolis (HDP; 400 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for four weeks. Body weight and FBG levels were recorded weekly, and an oral glucose tolerance test was conducted on the 25th day. Serum levels of FIN, GSP, connecting peptide, AST, ALT, HDL, LDL, TG, and TC were quantified using ELISA. Liver histopathology was assessed using H&E and PAS staining. Western blotting was performed to examine the expression levels of NF-κB, phosphorylated NF-κB, IκBα, pIκBα, and AKT in liver tissues.
Results:
The top 10 metabolites of propolis were identified in positive and negative ion modes. The HDP group exhibited a significant reduction in FBG levels, body weight, connecting peptide levels, homeostatic model assessment of β-cell function scores, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance scores (all P < .05). GSP levels were significantly reduced in both treatment groups (all P < .001). The HDP group also exhibited a reduction in TC and LDL levels (both P < .05), whereas HDL levels increased in both treatment groups (all P < .05). Liver weight, AST levels, and ALT levels were reduced in both treatment groups (all P < .05). Histological analysis revealed improved liver morphology. Protein analysis demonstrated downregulation of phosphorylated NF-κB and phosphorylated IκB, alongside upregulation of AKT.
Conclusion
Propolis exhibited significant antihyperglycemic effects in db/db mice, potentially by modulating the AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management.
9.Cloning and Prokaryotic Expression of Three Flavonoid Glycoside Synthesizing UGT Genes of Chrysanthemum indicum.L
Zhiwei QIN ; Jiahao LIAO ; Jingjing ZHANG ; Yifei LIU ; Zhigang HU ; Jingjing LIU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):56-64
Objective The three UGT genes involved in the synthesis of flavonoid glycosides in the wild chrysanthemum were cloned,fused and expressed in prokaryotic system,which provided a basis for further study of the functions of these genes in the synthesis of flavonoid compounds.Methods three candidate UDP-glycosyltransferase(UGT)family genes were successfully cloned from flower tissue cDNA of diploid Chrysanthemum indicum.L in Hubei,namely:CiUGT1(1425 bp),CiUGT2(1311 bp)and CiUGT3(1314 bp)encoded opal fraction of 51.72,48.08 and 48.28 kDa,respectively.After the physical and chemical properties of the protein were analyzed,the recombinant plasmid was constructed by seamless Klon technology,and the recombinant proteins of CiUGT2 and CiUGT3 were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli.Results SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the purified CiUGT2 and CiUGT3 protein samples were about 0.2 mg/mL and 1.4 mg/mL,respectively.Conclusion Two candidate UGTs were obtained to catalyze the synthesis of flavonoid 7-O-glucosides in Chrysanthemum indicum.L,which provide the theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism of flavonoid glycosides biosynthesis in the capitulum of Chrysanthemum indicum.L.
10.Comprehensive Analysis of Flavonoid Content in Chrysanthemum Indicum:Germplasm Variation,Tissue Distribution,and Developmental Stage Changes
Jiahao LIAO ; Haiqiong ZHANG ; Zhiwei QIN ; Xu WANG ; Yifei LIU ; Jingjing ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(6):1546-1554
Objective To provide a scientific basis for the quality control of Chrysanthemi Indici Flos medicinal materials and the sustainable development of this resource,the germplasm differences,tissue distribution,and developmental stage changes of flavonoid content in Chrysanthemum indicum was explored.Methods High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to quantitatively analyze the five main flavonoid compounds,including linarin,tilianin,cynaroside,apigenin,and acacetin.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qPCR)technology was used to evaluate the relative expression levels of the rhamnosyltransferase(RhaT)gene at different developmental stages.Results The study found significant differences in flavonoid accumulation among different Chrysanthemum indicum germplasms,with the highest content of linarin observed in the Hubei diploid.Flavonoid content was significantly higher in leaves,flower buds,and flowers compared to stems and roots.Linarin and tilianin peaked at the flower bud stage and then gradually decreased,while the contents of apigenin and acacetin increased with flower development.The qPCR analysis further showed that the expression level of the RhaT gene was highly consistent with the accumulation pattern of linarin.Conclusion The results reveal that flavonoid content in Chrysanthemum indicum is significantly affected by germplasm,tissue type,and developmental stage,providing important data support for the quality evaluation of Chrysanthemum indicum medicinal materials and the rational development of this resource.


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