1.Establishment of a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease by Introducing Human Triple Mutant APP Gene into Hippocampus via Brain Stereotactic Technology
Linlin XIAO ; Yixuan YANG ; Shanshan LI ; Lanshiyu LUO ; Siwei YIN ; Juming SUN ; Wei SHI ; Yiqiang OUYANG ; Xiyi LI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):269-278
Objective To establish a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) expressing human triple mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the hippocampus, and to provide a model for the study of disease mechanisms and drug development. Methods Twenty-four 12-week-old SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a virus control group and an experimental group, with eight rats in each group; among them, the experimental group received a stereotaxic injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying the human triple mutant APP and NanoLuc luciferase genes into the hippocampus. In vivo imaging was used to observe viral expression in the brains of rats in each group, the novel object recognition test was used to assess the recognition memory of the rats in each group, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of the APP gene, HE staining was used to examine the brain histopathology, Nissl staining was used to assess the hippocampal lesions, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). Results In vivo imaging showed that reporter fluorescence was detected in the brains of rats in both experimental and virus control groups. Fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression level of the APP gene was significantly increased in the brains of rats in the experimental group (P<0.01). Novel object recognition test revealed that the recognition memory of rats in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared with that of the blank control group (P<0.01). Six months after recombinant AAV virus infection, HE staining and Nissl staining of brain tissues showed that the number of neurons and Nissl bodies in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the experimental group was reduced and disorganized; immuno-histochemistry testing of the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the pyramidal cell layer of the experimental group revealed prominent brown deposits, indicating Aβ protein deposition. Conclusion The rat model successfully established by stereotaxic injection and AAV-mediated delivery of human triple mutant APP gene exhibits typical AD features, providing a valuable animal model for studying AD pathology and developing drug therapies targeting Aβ protein deposition.
2.Establishment of a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease by Introducing Human Triple Mutant APP Gene into Hippocampus via Brain Stereotactic Technology
Linlin XIAO ; Yixuan YANG ; Shanshan LI ; Lanshiyu LUO ; Siwei YIN ; Juming SUN ; Wei SHI ; Yiqiang OUYANG ; Xiyi LI
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(3):269-278
Objective To establish a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) expressing human triple mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the hippocampus, and to provide a model for the study of disease mechanisms and drug development. Methods Twenty-four 12-week-old SPF-grade female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a virus control group and an experimental group, with eight rats in each group; among them, the experimental group received a stereotaxic injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying the human triple mutant APP and NanoLuc luciferase genes into the hippocampus. In vivo imaging was used to observe viral expression in the brains of rats in each group, the novel object recognition test was used to assess the recognition memory of the rats in each group, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of the APP gene, HE staining was used to examine the brain histopathology, Nissl staining was used to assess the hippocampal lesions, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). Results In vivo imaging showed that reporter fluorescence was detected in the brains of rats in both experimental and virus control groups. Fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression level of the APP gene was significantly increased in the brains of rats in the experimental group (P<0.01). Novel object recognition test revealed that the recognition memory of rats in the experimental group was significantly reduced compared with that of the blank control group (P<0.01). Six months after recombinant AAV virus infection, HE staining and Nissl staining of brain tissues showed that the number of neurons and Nissl bodies in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in the experimental group was reduced and disorganized; immuno-histochemistry testing of the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the pyramidal cell layer of the experimental group revealed prominent brown deposits, indicating Aβ protein deposition. Conclusion The rat model successfully established by stereotaxic injection and AAV-mediated delivery of human triple mutant APP gene exhibits typical AD features, providing a valuable animal model for studying AD pathology and developing drug therapies targeting Aβ protein deposition.
3.Regulation of Renal Interstitial Fibrosis-related Pathways by Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Dandan WEI ; Shanshan LI ; Yongjie WANG ; Hongling WANG ; Zongyao WU ; Qingbo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):254-265
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathological change process from the development of various chronic nephropathies to the end stage, and it is an important histological manifestation of renal function decline. At present, no effective anti-fibrosis drugs have been found in clinical practice. In recent years, with the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacology, molecular biology, system biology, and network pharmacology, the research on regulating RIF with TCM monomer, single TCM, TCM compound, Chinese patent medicine, and TCM injection is deepening. Among them, Jianpi Yishen recipe, Shendi Bushen capsules, Jianzhong Bushen Xiaozheng decoction, Liuwei Dihuangtang, and Lycium barbarum polysaccharides can regulate transforming growth factor-β/small mother against decapentaplegic (TGF-β1/Smads), Wnt/β-catenin, and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch) signaling pathways. Wulingsan, Zhenwutang, pachymic acid ZA, pachymic acid ZC, and pachymic acid ZD, which mainly induce diuresis, can regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Hirudin, curcumin, and Fuzheng Huayu recipe, which mainly promote blood circulation, can inhibit inflammation-related pathways such as p-nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), Toll-like receptor 4/p-nuclear transcription factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB), and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT), so as to achieve anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects and alleviate the progression of RIF. Shenshuai Xiezhuo decoction, Shenkang injection, and Shenshuai recipe, which are mainly used for invigorating Qi, removing blood stasis, and removing turbidity, can inhibit transdifferentiation of pericytes-myofibroblasts through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling pathway. At present, there are many studies on the regulation of the RIF signaling pathway by TCM, but there is a lack of a systematic summary. In this study, by combing the signaling pathway of TCM in the treatment of RIF, the effective target of TCM treatment is screened, and its possible mechanism is found, which provides new ideas for clinical treatment and new drug research and development.
4.Influence of Gene Mutation on the Effectiveness of Arsenic-Containing Herbal Compound Formula in Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes of Different TCM Patterns
Zichun WANG ; Zhuo CHEN ; Dexiu WANG ; Haiyan XIAO ; Weiyi LIU ; Ruibai LI ; Chi LIU ; Fengmei WANG ; Shanshan ZHANG ; Mingjing WANG ; Liu LI ; Xiaoqing GUO ; Hongzhi WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1463-1472
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of gene mutation on the effectiveness of arsenic-containing Chinese herbal compound formulas in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) of different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns, so as to provide the basis for the clinical application. MethodsClinical data of 442 MDS patients who were treated with arsenic-containing herbal compound formulas were retrospectively collected, including the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Based on the TCM four examinations, the patients were divided into the spleen-kidney deficiency group as well as the qi-yin deficiency group, and according to the results of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) test, they were divided into the group with and without gene mutation respectively. The influence of gene mutation on the clinical effectiveness of patients with different TCM patterns was analyzed, the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients with different outcomes of the two TCM patterns were compared, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted on the influencing factors of the effective rate of MDS patients with gene mutation. ResultsA total of 190 cases were included in the spleen-kidney deficiency group (119 cases with gene mutation) and 43 cases in the qi-yin deficiency group (23 cases with gene mutation). No statistically significant differences were noted in effectiveness assessment, total effective rate, and total response rate between the spleen-kidney deficiency group and the qi-yin deficiency group (P>0.05). In the spleen-kidney deficiency group, the total effective rate of MDS with gene mutation was 65.55% (78/119), which was lower than 80.28% (57/71) of MDS without gene mutation, with statistical significance (P = 0.033), while no statistical differences in effectiveness assessment and total response rate were noted (P>0.05). In the qi-yin deficiency group, no statistical differences were observed in effectiveness assessment, total effective rate, and total response rate of the patients in with or without gene mutation (P>0.05). In the spleen-kidney deficiency group with gene mutation, the rate of complex karyotype (P = 0.031) and the mutation rate of CBL gene (P = 0.032) in the ineffective population were higher than those in the effective population, while the mutation rate of DDX41 gene in the effective population was higher than that in the ineffective population (P = 0.033). No statistically significant differences were found in other gene mutations, age, gender distribution, number of gene mutations, bone marrow hyperplasia degree, blast cell range, reticular fiber tissue proliferation or not, and prognosis of chromosomal abnormalities between the effective and ineffective populations (P>0.05). In the qi-yin deficiency group with gene mutation, no statistically significant differences were found in various items between populations with different outcomes (P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that complex karyotype, CBL mutation, and DDX41 mutation were independently associated with the effective rate of MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency and gene mutation (P<0.05). DDX41 mutation was an independent protective factor in the spleen-kidney deficiency group (OR>1), while complex karyotype and CBL mutation were independent risk factors (OR<1). ConclusionThe arsenic-containing TCM compound formulas exhibited better effectiveness in MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern without mutation; and in MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern without complex karyotypes, CBL mutation, and with DDX41 mutations. Furthermore, DDX41 mutation was an independent protective factor in the spleen-kidney deficiency group, while complex karyotype and CBL mutation were independent risk factors. In MDS with qi-yin deficiency pattern, gene mutation-related factors showed no significant impact on the effectiveness of arsenic-containing TCM compound formulas.
5.Microscope-assisted minimally invasive flap periodontal bone grafting for mandibular molar grade Ⅱ furcation defects
HUANG Rongyu ; GAO Li ; LUO Qi ; XIAO Jianhao ; MA Shanshan ; BAI Ruiqi
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(9):765-772
Objective:
To investigate the clinical efficacy of oral microscope-assisted microflap periodontal bone grafting in treating class Ⅱ furcation involvement in mandibular molars, and to provide clinical evidence for its treatment in furcation involvement.
Methods:
This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Sixty mandibular molars with class II furcation involvement caused by periodontitis were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical study, utilizing a random number table method. Patients were categorized into a control group (n=30) and an experimental group (n=30) based on the surgical procedure employed. The control group underwent periodontal flap surgery with an internal oblique incision and vertical incision; this procedure was performed without the aid of a microscope. Conversely, the experimental group underwent micro flap periodontal bone grafting surgery without vertical incision; an oral microscope was used for this procedure. Both groups were analyzed 6 months after surgery, and postoperative gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI), vertical bone height increase (VBHI), pain level, and complications were recorded.
Results:
Both groups showed improvement in PD and BI after 6 months compared to preoperative levels: the control group had a preoperative PD of (7.33 ± 1.72 mm) and a 6-month postoperative PD of (3.37 ± 0.96 mm), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The preoperative PD of the experimental group was (7.27 ± 1.57 mm), and the 6-month postoperative PD was (3.00 ± 0.69 mm), with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). The BI of the control group decreased from 3.03 ± 1.03 before surgery to 0.77 ± 0.82 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.001), while the BI of the experimental group decreased from 3.20 ± 1.09 before surgery to 0.73 ± 0.64 at 6 months after surgery (P<0.001), and the differences were statistically significant. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in GR (0.70 ± 0.59 mm) compared to preoperative GR (1.26 ± 0.94 mm) at 6 months after surgery (P=0.007), while the control group showed an increase in GR (1.37 ± 0.89 mm) at 6 months after surgery compared to preoperative GR (1.13 ± 0.97 mm), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.337). The inter group comparison results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in PD and BI between the two groups at 6 months after surgery (PD: P=0.096, BI: P=0.861); The GR of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative VBHI between the two groups (P=0.128). The pain level scores of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group at 4 and 24 hours after surgery (P<0.001). None of the patients experienced complications.
Conclusion
Microflap periodontal bone grafting assisted by an oral microscope effectively improves the periodontal condition of patients with grade Ⅱ root bifurcation lesions of mandibular molars, and the bone grafting effect is good, with mild pain and good safety.
6.Mechanism of Mingshi Prescription in Regulating Opn4-dopamine Axis to Inhibit Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Delay Myopia Progression
Baohua LI ; Zefeng KANG ; Lulu WANG ; Xin YAN ; Jianquan WANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Bobiao NING ; Shanshan YE ; Mengyu LIU ; Yipeng SHI ; Danyu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):58-67
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Mingshi prescription regulates the retinal melanopsin-dopamine (Opn4-DA) axis in myopic mice to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the retina and sclera, thereby delaying axial elongation associated with myopia. MethodsSixty 4-week-old male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a form-deprived myopia group (FDM group), an intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells ablation group (ipRGCs group), a Mingshi Prescription group (MSF group, 5.2 g·kg-1), and an ipRGCs + MSF group (5.2 g·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups underwent FDM modeling. Additionally, the ipRGCs and ipRGCs + MSF groups received retinal ipRGC ablation. Three weeks after modeling, the MSF and ipRGCs + MSF groups were administered Mingshi prescription via continuous gavage for six weeks. After refraction and axial length were measured in all mice, eyeballs were collected along with retinal and scleral tissues. Pathological and morphological changes in the retina, choroid, and sclera were observed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Western blot was employed to detect the relative protein expression levels of dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Real-time PCR was used to detect the relative mRNA expression of Opn4, CHOP, and GRP78 in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Immunofluorescence staining (IF) was performed to detect the expression of Opn4 and DRD1 in retinal tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the FDM group showed a significant myopic shift in refraction (P<0.05) and a significant increase in axial length (P<0.05). The retinal layers were thinner, the number of ganglion cells was reduced, and collagen fibers in the sclera were loosely arranged with evident gaps. Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retinal and scleral tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the ipRGCs group exhibited further increases in myopic refraction and axial length (P<0.05), more pronounced thinning and looseness in the retinal, choroidal, and scleral layers, lower expression of Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA in the retina (P<0.05), and higher expression of CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA in the retina and sclera (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the MSF group showed significantly reduced refractive error and axial length (P<0.05), with improved cellular number, arrangement, and thickness in ocular tissues, increased Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina (P<0.05), and reduced CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retina and sclera (P<0.05). Similarly, the ipRGCs + MSF group showed significant improvements in terms of the above items compared with the ipRGCs group (P<0.05). ConclusionMingshi Prescription delays myopic axial elongation and refractive progression by regulating the Opn4-DA axis in the retina of myopic mice, thereby inhibiting ER stress in the retina and sclera. This intervention promotes Qi and blood nourishment of the eyes, softens the fascia, and restores ocular rhythm.
7.Quality Evaluation of Black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix Based on Neuroprotective Spectrum-effect Relationship
Yuting YANG ; Shuyun LIANG ; Shanshan LI ; Yulong YANG ; Ziqi YANG ; Guangzhi CAI ; Liru ZHAO ; Jiyu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):149-156
ObjectiveTo clarify the neuroprotective effect of black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(PQR) and explore its active ingredients, with the aim of establishing an activity-oriented quality evaluation method. MethodsTransgenic Tg(HuC∶EGFP) zebrafish was used to establish a neuronal injury model by aluminum chloride immersion. Different doses(10, 20 mg·L-1) of PQR and black PQR ethanol extracts were administered. The neuroprotective effects of PQR and black PQR were compared by analyzing the fluorescent area and intensity of zebrafish neurons. Based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), a fingerprint profile of black PQR was established, followed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). Differential components were screened using the criteria of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 and P<0.05. The neuroprotective activity of 14 batches of black PQR was assessed, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify saponins related to neuroprotective activity, which were then validated. Based on the above results, active marker components were determined, and an UPLC method was established for their quantitation with clear content limits. ResultsPharmacological efficacy results showed that both PQR and black PQR at different doses could significantly improved neuronal damage in zebrafish. At a dose of 20 mg·L-1, black PQR demonstrated superior efficacy(P<0.05). The fingerprint similarities of 14 batches of black PQR were>0.94, with 26 common peaks identified. Through comparison with the reference standards, 8 components were confirmed, including peak 1(ginsenoside Rg1), peak 2(ginsenoside Re), peak 5(ginsenoside Rb1), peak 9(ginsenoside Rd), peak 16[ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3], peak 17[ginsenoside 20(R)-Rg3], peak 18(ginsenoside Rk1), and peak 19(ginsenoside Rg5). The results of PCA and OPLS-DA indicated that there were differences in saponins among black PQR samples from different origins, and 12 differential components were screened. All 14 batches of black PQR exhibited good protective effects on zebrafish neurons, with Shaanxi-produced black PQR showing superior protective effects compared to the other three production regions. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that a total of 11 components, including ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5, showed a significant positive correlation with the neuroprotective effect in zebrafish(P<0.05). The activity validation results indicated that ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 were the primary components responsible for the neuroprotective effects of black PQR. Quantitative analysis showed that the content of ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 in 14 batches of black PQR ranged from 0.17% to 0.52%, and the repair rate of neuronal damage ranged from 42.77% to 97.83%. ConclusionBased on the fingerprint and neuronal protective activity, the spectrum-effect related quality control model of black PQR was established, with ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 as the quality control index, and the neuronal damage repair rate≥60% as the evaluation standard, the minimum limit of ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 in black PQR should be≥0.20%.
8.Clinical and Mechanistic Study of Modified Sinisan in Treating Precancerous Lesions of Digestive System Based on "Inflammation-to-Cancer Transformation"
Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Xin PENG ; Shanshan LI ; Yihan ZHAO ; Fuke YAO ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):221-234
Tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis occur in the context of a persistent inflammatory microenvironment, and a variety of inflammatory factors can lead to the development of various tumors. Guided by the thought of "preventive treatment of disease" in TCM and the concept of tertiary prevention in modern medicine, it is of great significance to effectively intervene in the inflammatory stage of the disease, interrupt disease progression, prevent the occurrence of malignant tumors, and reverse the process of "inflammation-to-cancer transformation". Sinisan, a commonly used prescription in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases, has been widely applied in the treatment of precancerous lesions of the digestive system, demonstrating considerable advantages. This article reviewed literature from the past 20 years, summarizing the application of Sinisan in precancerous lesions of the digestive system from three aspects: the exploration of its prescription-syndrome relationship, clinical application, and mechanistic study. It is found that basic syndrome indications of Sinisan include harmonizing the Earth element to promote spleen-stomach transportation and transformation, soothing the liver and nourishing the Wood element to restore the smooth flow of Qi, and regulating Yin and Yang to relieve stagnation within the system. In clinical application, Sinisan has shown significant efficacy in atrophic gastritis and precancerous conditions such as intestinal metaplasia, gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, esophagitis, and pancreatitis. Mechanistic studies have revealed that Sinisan can inhibit inflammatory factors and improve the inflammatory microenvironment, inhibit cell proliferation and regulate apoptosis, exhibit anti-angiogenic and antitumorigenic effects, modulate immune function, and exert antioxidant effects. These mechanisms can be achieved by regulating pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1), farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/Nrf2, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5/cyclic adenosine monophosphate/protein kinase A (TGR5/cAMP/PKA), interleukin-4/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (IL-4/STAT6), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK), and transforming growth factor-β/Smad proteins (TGF-β/Smads), confirming Sinisan's role in reversing the inflammation-to-cancer transformation. The current research status of Sinisan in precancerous lesions of the digestive system was thoroughly examined through the above three aspects, along with the identification of limitations and areas for improvement in current research. The aim is to provide a basis and support for future in-depth research on Sinisan, promote the development of new integrated treatment models combining TCM and Western medicine for precancerous lesions, and aid in the research and development of drugs related to precancerous lesions.
9.Consistency Evaluation of Processing of Black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix Decoction Pieces Based on "Chromaticity-chemistry-activity"
Yulong YANG ; Shanshan LI ; Yuting YANG ; Ziqi YANG ; Guangzhi CAI ; Liru ZHAO ; Jiyu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):195-203
ObjectiveTo assess the quality consistency of black Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(bPQR) decoction pieces prepared by atmospheric and pressurized steaming processes based on chromaticity-chemical composition-vasoactive inhibition. The ultimate goal was to screen the pressurized steaming process yielding quality equivalent to atmospheric steaming, and optimize the processing technology of bPQR. MethodsThe bPQR decoction pieces were prepared using both atmospheric and pressurized steaming processes, and the chromaticity values[lightness value(L*), red/green chromaticity value(a*), yellow/blue chromaticity value(b*), total chromaticity value(E*ab)] were measured. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was employed to establish fingerprint profiles for the decoction pieces, and cluster analysis was conducted on chromaticity values and the common peak areas in fingerprint profiles to elucidate the quality relationships between the decoction pieces processed by different methods. The optimal atmospheric steaming of bPQR decoction pieces was determined through zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition experiments. The contents of ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, 20(S)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 in the decoction pieces were quantified, and Spearman correlation analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between saponin content, chromaticity, and angiogenesis inhibition activity during the steaming process. By integrating the consistency of chromaticity, saponin components and angiogenesis inhibition activity, pressurized steaming conditions with quality equivalent to the atmospheric pressure method were selected. ResultsCompared with the atmospheric steaming method, pressurized steaming resulted in faster color darkening and higher conversion rates of ginsenosides in bPQR decoction pieces. Moreover, the neovascularization inhibitory activity of bPQR decoction pieces continued to increase with the deepening of processing. Based on the effectiveness and safety, the optimal process for preparing bPQR decoction pieces with neovascularization inhibitory activity was determined to be atmospheric steaming for 21 h. All six ginsenosides tested exhibited strong to extremely strong correlations with both the chromaticity values of the decoction pieces and their neovascularization inhibitory activities. Among them, ginsenosides Rg1, Re and Rb1 exhibited positive correlations with chromaticity values and negative correlations with zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition activity. Conversely, ginsenosides 20(S)-Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 showed negative correlations with chromaticity values and positive correlations with zebrafish angiogenesis inhibition activity. By integrating chromaticity values, cluster analysis results, as well as the results of activity, it was determined that the quality of bPQR decoction pieces steamed under pressurized conditions of 110 ℃(0.045 MPa) for 5 h and 115 ℃(0.07 MPa) for 3 h was highly consistent with that obtained by atmospheric steaming for 21 h. ConclusionThe preparation of bPQR decoction pieces by pressurized steaming has the advantages of short preparation time, low energy consumption, and rapid saponin conversion rate, making it a viable alternative to atmospheric steaming for preparing bPQR decoction pieces. Meanwhile, the evaluation method based on chromaticity-chemical composition-activity can provide a more scientific and effective explanation of change rules in the quality during traditional Chinese medicine processing, and offer a new model for optimizing processing technology and enhancing quality control.
10.Compatibility Effect and Mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma on Antitumor: A Review
Hanyu KANG ; Shanshan LI ; Dandan WEI ; Yihan ZHAO ; Ruxin DU ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):276-286
Malignant tumor is a serious and difficult disease threatening human health, which has a high morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in improving the therapeutic effect of malignant tumors and alleviating adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Qi deficiency and blood stasis are important pathogeneses in the development of malignant tumors, and the method of supplementing Qi and activating blood is an effective strategy for treating malignant tumors. Astragali Radix, sweet in taste and warm in nature, has effects of tonifying Qi and rising Yang, strengthening the exterior and reducing sweat, promoting fluid and nourishing blood. Curcumae Rhizoma, acrid and bitter in taste and warm in nature, has the effects of promoting Qi and breaking blood stasis, eliminating mass, and relieving pain. Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma, as the classic herb pair of invigorating Qi and activating blood, has a clear effect on inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Studies have shown that Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma contains astragalus polysaccharide, astragaloside, calycosin, formononetin, curcumin, β-elemene, curcumenol, curcumenone, curcumendione, gemacrone, and other anti-tumor active ingredients. It can significantly inhibit the occurrence and development of liver cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers and has the advantages of superposition effect, synergistic complementarity, and increased dissolution compared with single herb and monomer of Chinese traditional herbs and has been widely valued in the field of TCM anti-cancer. Its anti-tumor mechanism includes inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, promotion of tumor cell apoptosis and autophagy, anti-invasion and metastasis, regulation of immune function, and enhancement of anti-tumor drug sensitivity. By combining Chinese and foreign literature, the compatibility effect and anti-tumor mechanism of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma were summarized, and then scientific compatibility of these two herbs was expounded, in order to provide a useful reference for clinical application and future research of Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma.


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