This study predicts the quality markers(Q-markers) for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules based on pharmacodynamics, plasma drug chemistry, network pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics. Strong ammonia solution spray and phenol red secretion assays were employed to evaluate the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules. Twentysix absorbed prototype components of Kening Granules were identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with QExactive Plus quadrupole/Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Exactive Plus Orbitrap HRMS). Through network pharmacology, 11 potential active components were screened out for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules. The 11 components acted on 40 common targets such as IL6, TLR4, and STAT3, which mainly participated in PI3K/Akt, HIF-1, and EGFR signaling pathways. Pharmacokinetic quantitative analysis was performed for 7 prototype components. Three compounds including azelaic acid, caffeic acid, and vanillin were identified as Q-markers for the cough-relieving and phlegm-expelling effects of Kening Granules based on their effectiveness, transmissibility, and measurability. The results of this study are of great significance for clarifying the pharmacological substance basis, optimizing the quality standards, and promoting the clinical application of Kening Granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Network Pharmacology ; Cough/blood* ; Male ; Humans ; Animals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Quality Control ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Antitussive Agents/chemistry*

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in China, and a large amount of pharmaceutical residue generated during its processing and production is discarded as waste, which not only wastes resources but also pollutes the environment. Therefore, elucidating the chemical composition of the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and the differences between the residue and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix itself is of great significance for the comprehensive utilization of the residue. This study, based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology combined with multivariate statistical methods, provides a thorough characterization, identification, and differential analysis of the overall components of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue. Firstly, 61 compounds in Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were rapidly identified based on their precise molecular weight, fragment ions, and compound abundance, using a self-constructed compound database. Among them, 41 compounds were found in the residue, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Secondly, through principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), 15 key compounds differentiating Sophorae Flavescentis Radix from its residue were identified. These included highly polar alkaloids, such as oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine, which showed significantly reduced content in the residue, and less polar flavonoids, such as kurarinone and kuraridin, which were more abundant in the residue. In summary, this paper clarifies the overall composition, structure, and content differences between Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue, suggesting that the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix can be used as a raw material for the extraction of its high-activity components, with promising potential for development and application in cosmetics and daily care. This research provides a scientific basis for the future comprehensive utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Sophora/chemistry* ; Flavonoids/chemistry* ; Alkaloids/chemistry*

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, usually result from atherosclerosis, has the highest mortality rate globally. Lipid metabolism disorder is the main cause of atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which not only lead to acute diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke, acute pancreatitis, but also chronic kidney disease. In recent years, the advancement of gene therapy technologies has provided novel means for lipid metabolism study, and has also made it possible to cure patients with congenital lipid metabolism abnormalities. Adeno-associatd virus has a wide host range, high safety, low immunogenicity, and especially the ability of long-term stable expression in vivo, making it the preferred delivery tool for gene therapy of monogenic genetic diseases. Alipogene triprivec, also known as Glybera, was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2012. It is the first gene therapy drug that uses recombinant AAV1 vector to directly deliver a highly active LPL protein S447X mutant to muscle cells for the treatment of patients with hereditary LPL deficiency. To enhance the targeted transduction efficiency of AAV carriers, recombinantAAV8.TBG.hLDLR utilizes the tissue tropsim of AAV8 to liver, meanwhile utilizes a liver specific thyroxine binding globulin promoter to control gene transcription, thereby achieving liver cell specific high expressionof human low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). In patients with familial hypercholesterolemia,AAV8.TBG.hLDLR treatment effectively lower the level of plasma LDL for a long time, thus preventing the occurrence of atherosclerosis.Proprotein convert subunit kexin 9 (PCSK9) is secreted by liver cells. PCSK9 binds and transports LDLR to lysosomes for degradation, preventing the circulation and regeneration of LDLR, leading to accelerated degradation of LDLR and finally resulting in the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in plasma. Using AAV to deliver Cas9 of Staphylococcus aureus and gRNA targeting the Pcsk9 gene can knock out Pcsk9 in mouse liver, leading to a long-term significant decrease in plasma cholesterol levels in mice. Hepatocyte specific angiopoietin related protein 3 (Angptl3) is an endogenous inhibitor of LPL. Using the AAV9 mediated AncBE4max system and the dCas9 mediated single base gene editing system to introduce early termination codons, the knockout of Angptal3 in liver cells was achieved with an average knockout efficiency of 63.3%. After 2-4 weeks of administration in mice, the Angptl3 protein was completely undetectable in the peripheral blood, and serum triglycerides and total cholesterol decreased by 58% and 61%, respectively. Ring finger containing protein 130 (RNF130) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Research has shown that overexpression of RNF130 using AAV2/8 leads to ubiquitination degradation and redistribution of LDLR on the cell membrane, significantly reducing LDLR expression on liver cells and increasing plasma LDLC levels, while knocking out Rnf130 gene using the AAV-CRISPR system results in the opposite effect. This AAV mediated RNF130 function study proves that RNF130 is a posttranslational regulatory protein of LDLR and plays an important role in the regulation of serum LDLC. As mentioned above, recently, various lipid-lowering gene therapy drugs carried by different serotypes of adeno-associated virus have been applied in clinic or are undergoing clinical trials, and adeno-associated virus has emerging to be an important tool for lipid metabolism research.This article reviews the new progress of adeno-associated virus vectors in lipid metabolism study and lipid-lowering gene therapy.

The dynamin superfamily protein (DSP) encompasses a group of large GTPases that are involved in various membrane remodeling processes within the cell. These proteins are characterized by their ability to hydrolyze GTP, which provides the energy necessary for their function in membrane fission, fusion, and tubulation activities. Dynamin superfamily proteins play critical roles in cellular processes such as endocytosis, organelle division, and vesicle trafficking. It is typically classified into classical dynamins and dynamin-related proteins (Drp), which have distinct roles and structural features. Understanding these proteins is crucial for comprehending their functions in cellular processes, particularly in membrane dynamics and organelle maintenance. Classical dynamins are primarily involved in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), a process crucial for the internalization of receptors and other membrane components from the cell surface into the cell. These proteins are best known for their role in pinching off vesicles from the plasma membrane. Structually, classical dynamins are composed of a GTPase domain, a middle domain, a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain that binds phosphoinositides, a GTPase effector domain (GED), and a proline-rich domain (PRD) that interacts with SH3 domain-containing proteins. Functionally, the classical dynamins wrap around the neck of budding vesicles, using GTP hydrolysis to constrict and eventually acting as a “membrane scissor” to cut the vesicle from the membrane. In mammals, there are three major isoforms: dynamin 1 (predominantly expressed in neurons), dynamin 2 (ubiquitously expressed), and dynamin 3 (expressed in testes, lungs, and neurons). Recent studies have also revealed some non-classical functions of classical dynamins, such as regulating the initiation and stabilization of clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) at the early stages of CME, influencing the formation of the actin cytoskeleton and cell division. Drps share structural similarities with classical dynamins but are involved in a variety of different cellular processes, primarily related to the maintenance and remodeling of organelles, and can be mainly categorized into “mediating membrane fission”, “mediating membrane fusion” and “non-membrane-dependent functions”. Proteins like Drp1 are crucial for mitochondrial division, while others like Fis1, Mfn1, and Mfn2 are involved in mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission and fusion processes, which are essential for the maintenance of mitochondrial and peroxisomal integrity and affect energy production and apoptosis. Proteins like the Mx protein family exhibit antiviral properties by interfering with viral replication or assembly, which is critical for the innate immune response to viral infections. Some other proteins are involved in the formation of tubular structures from membranes, which is crucial for the maintenance of organelle morphology, particularly in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Studies on dynamin superfamily proteins have been extensive and have significantly advanced our understanding of cellular biology, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. These studies encompass a broad range of disciplines, including molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and pharmacology. By comprehensively summarizing and organizing the structural features and functions of various members of the dynamin superfamily protein, this review not only deepens the understanding of its molecular mechanisms, but also provides valuable insights for clinical drug research related to human diseases, potentially driving further advancements in the field.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between mutated genes and clinical features in patients with essential thrombocythemia(ET).Methods:The clinical data of 69 patients with ET from October 2018 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.According to driver mutation type,patients were divided into JAK2 group,CALR group and triple-negative group.The sex,age,cardiovascular risk factors,thrombosis,splenomegaly,routine blood test and coagulation status of patients in three groups were analyzed.Results:Among 69 ET patients,46 cases were associated with JAK2 mutation,14 cases with CALR mutation,8 cases with triple-negative mutation,and one with MPL gene mutation.There were no significant differences in age and sex among the three groups(P＞0.05).The highest thrombotic rate was 26.09％(12/46)in JAK2 group,then 12.5％(1/8)in triple-negative group,while no thrombotic events occurred in CALR group.The incidence of splenomegaly was the highest in JAK2 group(34.78％),while no splenomegaly occurred in triple-negative group.The white blood cell(WBC)count in JAK2 group was(9.00±4.86)× 109/L,which was significantly higher than(6.03±2.32)× 109/L in CALR group(P＜0.05).The hemoglobin(Hb)and hematocrit(HCT)in JAK2 group were(148.42±18.79)g/L and(0.44±0.06)％,respectively,which were both significantly higher than(131.00±15.17)g/L and(0.39±0.05)％in triple-negative group(P＜0.05).The platelet(PLT)in JAK2 group was(584.17±175.77)× 109/L,which was significantly lower than(703.07±225.60)× 109/L in CALR group(P＜0.05).The fibrinogen(Fg)in JAK2 and triple-negative group were(2.64±0.69)g/L and(3.05±0.77)g/L,respectively,which were both significantly higher than(2.24±0.47)g/L in CALR group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT)in triple-negative group was(28.61±1.99)s,which was significantly decreased compared with(31.45±3.35)s in CALR group(P＜0.05).Conclusions:There are differences in blood cell count and coagulation status among ET patients with different driver gene mutations.Among ET patients,JAK2 mutation is most common.Compared with CALR group,the thrombotic rate,WBC and Fg significantly increase in JAK2 group,while PLT decrease.Compared with triple-negative group,the incidence of splenomegaly and HCT significantly increase.Compared with CALR group,Fg significantly increases but APTT decreases in triple-negative group.

In recent years, with the increasing societal focus on drug quality and safety, quality issues have become a major challenge faced by the pharmaceutical industry, directly impacting consumer health and market trust. By combining multispectral imaging technology with machine learning, it is possible to achieve rapid, non-destructive, and precise detection of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations, thereby revolutionizing traditional detection methods and developing more convenient and automated solutions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current applications of rapid, non-destructive detection techniques based on machine learning algorithms in the field of TCM preparations. It analyzed the principles and advantages of commonly used rapid, non-destructive detection techniques, offering a reference for the application and promotion of these technologies in TCM preparation detection. Additionally, this paper explored various data preprocessing techniques, operational processes, and machine learning algorithms to enhance data utilization efficiency. Finally, it focused on the challenges of applying machine learning in TCM preparation detection and offered corresponding recommendations, providing guidance for the future integration of machine learning with rapid, non-destructive detection techniques in practical production.
Machine Learning ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Humans ; Quality Control

At present, China's traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) industry is developing rapidly with the support of modern science and technology. While promoting economic development and improving national health, it has brought multiple environmental problems. Under the "dual carbon" goals, the ecological fine manufacturing of TCM may become one of the breakthroughs for the TCM industry to practice low-carbon economy. From the perspective of low-carbon economy and considering the current situation of TCM pharmaceutical manufacturing, this paper analyzes the problems and shortcomings of the TCM pharmaceutical industry. In view of the key factors influencing the quality of TCM preparations under the ecological fine manufacturing mode, this paper proposes a practical and feasible selection plan for the ecological fine manufacturing mode of TCM, aiming to provide research ideas and a theoretical basis for the TCM industry in helping to achieve the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/economics* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Carbon/analysis* ; China ; Drug Industry/economics*

Identification of critical material attributes(CMAs) is a key issue in the quality control of large-scale TCM products like Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets. This study focuses on the granules of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, using tablet tensile strength as the primary quality attribute. A method for identifying the CMAs and a design space for the granules were established, along with a predictive model for the granule CMAs based on Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy(FT-NIR). First, granules of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets with different properties were prepared using a partial factorial design method from the design of experiments(DOE). The powder properties of the granules were measured. An orthogonal partial least squares(OPLS) model was established to correlate the powder properties with tensile strength. Based on the characteristics of the comprehensive variables extracted by OPLS, the independent variables with the greatest explanatory power for tensile strength were identified. FT-NIR technology was then employed to establish a predictive model for the granule CMAs. The final CMAs identified were hygroscopicity, moisture content, D_(50), collapse angle, mass flow rate, and tapped density. The coefficients of determination of the prediction set(R■) and relative percentage deviation(RPD) of the prediction set for flowability, D_(50), and moisture content were 0.891, 0.994, and 0.998; and 2.97, 12.4, and 20.7, respectively. The established OPLS model clearly identified the impact of various factors on tensile strength, demonstrating good fit results. The model exhibited high prediction accuracy and can be used for the rapid and accurate determination of CMAs in granules of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Tablets/chemistry* ; Tensile Strength ; Quality Control ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the combination of chemotherapy with staged Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) therapy could enhance health-related quality of life (QoL) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and prolong the time before deterioration of lung cancer symptoms, in comparison to chemotherapy alone. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted from December 14, 2017 to August 28, 2020. A total of 180 patients with stage I B-IIIA NSCLC from 5 hospitals in Shanghai were randomly divided into chemotherapy combined with CHM (chemo+CHM) group (120 cases) or chemotherapy combined with placebo (chemo+placebo) group (60 cases) using stratified blocking randomization. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life-Core 30 Scale (QLQ-C30) was used to evaluate the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) during postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early-stage NSCLC. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed in the safety analysis. RESULTS: Out of the total 180 patients, 173 patients (116 in the chemo+CHM group and 57 in the chemo+placebo group) were included in the PRO analyses. The initial mean QLQ-C30 Global Health Status (GHS)/QoL scores at baseline were 57.16 ± 1.64 and 57.67 ± 2.25 for the two respective groups (P>0.05). Compared with baseline, the chemo+CHM group had an improvement in EORTC QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL score at week 18 [least squares mean (LSM) change 17.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.29 to 21.38]. Conversely, the chemo+placebo group had a decrease in the score (LSM change -13.67, 95% CI -22.70 to -4.63). A significant between-group difference in the LSM GHS/QoL score was observed, amounting to 31.63 points (95% CI 25.61 to 37.64, P<0.001). The similar trends were observed in physical functioning, fatigue and appetite loss. At week 18, patients in the chemo+CHM group had a higher proportion of improvement or stabilization in GHS/QoL functional and symptom scores compared to chemo+placebo group (P<0.001). The median time to deterioration was longer in the chemo+CHM group for GHS/QoL score [hazard ratio (HR)=0.33, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.48, P<0.0010], physical functioning (HR=0.43, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.75, P=0.0005), fatigue (HR=0.47, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.72, P<0.0001) and appetite loss (HR=0.65, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.00, P=0.0215). The incidence of AEs was lower in the chemo+CHM group than in the chemo+placebo group (9.83% vs. 15.79%, P=0.52). CONCLUSION The staged CHM therapy could help improve the PROs of postoperative patients with early-stage NSCLC during adjuvant chemotherapy, which is worthy of further clinical research. (Registry No. NCT03372694).
Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/surgery* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Patient Reported Outcome Measures ; Quality of Life ; Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Prospective Studies