1.Analyzing Differences in Volatile Components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Before and After Being Stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum Based on HS-GC-MS and Intelligent Sensory Technology
Li XIN ; Jiawen WEN ; Wenhui GONG ; Beibei ZHAO ; Shihao YAN ; Huashi CHEN ; Haiping LE ; Jinlian ZHANG ; Yanhua XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):157-162
ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in color, odor and volatile components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(CRP) before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, and to explore the material basis of enhancing the effect of strengthening spleen after processing and the scientific connotation of decoction pieces processed with Halloysitum Rubrum as the auxiliary material. MethodsThe volatile components of the samples before and after processing were identified and relatively quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the volatile components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). According to the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1.5, volatile differential components before and after processing were screened. And combined with intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeter and electronic nose, the chroma and odor information of CRP before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum were identified. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile differential components and chroma values. ResultsA total of 112 volatile components were identified from CRP and CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, of which 84 were from CRP and 97 were from CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum. And 7 differential components were selected, including α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, sabinene, ocimene isomer mixture, A-ocimene, and δ-elemene. After being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the brightness value(L*), yellow-blue value(b*) and total chromatic value(E*ab) of CRP were decreased(P<0.01), and red-green value(a*) was increased(P<0.01), the response values of S4, S5, S10 and S13 sensors were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the response values of S3 and S8 sensors were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that α-pinene and β-myrcene were negatively correlated with L* and E*ab, but positively correlated with a*. Sabinene was positively correlated with L* and E*ab. Linalool was positively correlated with L* and E*ab, and negatively correlated with a*. The ocimene isomer mixture was positively correlated with the L*. ConclusionAfter being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the appearance color, odor and volatile components of CRP change significantly, and α-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, linalool and A-ocimene are the characteristic volatile components before and after processing, which can provide references for the quality evaluation and clinical application of CRP and its processed products.
2.Analyzing Differences in Volatile Components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Before and After Being Stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum Based on HS-GC-MS and Intelligent Sensory Technology
Li XIN ; Jiawen WEN ; Wenhui GONG ; Beibei ZHAO ; Shihao YAN ; Huashi CHEN ; Haiping LE ; Jinlian ZHANG ; Yanhua XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):157-162
ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in color, odor and volatile components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(CRP) before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, and to explore the material basis of enhancing the effect of strengthening spleen after processing and the scientific connotation of decoction pieces processed with Halloysitum Rubrum as the auxiliary material. MethodsThe volatile components of the samples before and after processing were identified and relatively quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the volatile components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). According to the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1.5, volatile differential components before and after processing were screened. And combined with intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeter and electronic nose, the chroma and odor information of CRP before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum were identified. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile differential components and chroma values. ResultsA total of 112 volatile components were identified from CRP and CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, of which 84 were from CRP and 97 were from CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum. And 7 differential components were selected, including α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, sabinene, ocimene isomer mixture, A-ocimene, and δ-elemene. After being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the brightness value(L*), yellow-blue value(b*) and total chromatic value(E*ab) of CRP were decreased(P<0.01), and red-green value(a*) was increased(P<0.01), the response values of S4, S5, S10 and S13 sensors were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the response values of S3 and S8 sensors were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that α-pinene and β-myrcene were negatively correlated with L* and E*ab, but positively correlated with a*. Sabinene was positively correlated with L* and E*ab. Linalool was positively correlated with L* and E*ab, and negatively correlated with a*. The ocimene isomer mixture was positively correlated with the L*. ConclusionAfter being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the appearance color, odor and volatile components of CRP change significantly, and α-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, linalool and A-ocimene are the characteristic volatile components before and after processing, which can provide references for the quality evaluation and clinical application of CRP and its processed products.
3.Analysis of Changes on Volatile Components of Ligusticum sinense cv. Chaxiong Rhizome Before and After Wine Processing Based on Electronic Nose and HS-GC-MS
Wen ZHANG ; Peng ZHENG ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Xiaolin XIAO ; Zaodan WU ; Li XIN ; Wenhui GONG ; Jinlian ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):173-181
ObjectiveBy comparing the composition and content of volatile components in raw products, wine-washed products and wine-fried products of Ligusticum sinense cv. Chaxiong rhizome(LSCR), to investigate the influence of wine processing on the volatile components of LSCR, in order to provide a basis for the development of quality standards for LSCR and its processed products. MethodsElectronic nose was used to identify the odors of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR, and their volatile components were detected by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the relative mass fractions of these components were determined by peak area normalization method. Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were performed on the obtained sample data by SIMCA 14.1 software, and the differential components of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR were screened according to the variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between volatile differential flavor components and electronic nose sensors. ResultsElectronic nose detection results showed that there were significant differences in the odors of LSCR, wine-washed and wine-fried LSCR, mainly reflected in the sensors S2, S4, S5, S6, S11, S12, S13. And a total of 62 compounds were identified from LSCR and its wine-processed products, among which 46, 50 and 51 compounds were identified from LSCR, wine-fried and wine-washed LSCR, respectively. There were 21 differential components between the raw products and wine-fried products, of which 10 components were increased and 11 were decreased after processing. There were 20 differential components between the raw products and wine-washed products, of which 11 constituents increased and 9 decreased after processing. There were 17 differential components between the wine-wash products and wine-fried products. Compared with the wine-washed products, the contents of 13 components in the wine-fried products increased, and the contents of 4 components decreased. The increasing trend of the content of phthalides in the wine-washed products was more obvious than that in the wine-fried products, but the content of total volatile components was higher in the wine-fried products than the wine-washed products. Correlation analysis showed that there were different degrees of correlation between the 7 differential sensors of electronic nose and 24 differential volatile components, mainly phthalides and olefins. ConclusionThe odor and the content of volatile components in LSCR changed obviously after wine processing, and n-butylphthalide, Z-butylidenephthalide and E-ligustilide can be used as the candidate differential markers of volatile components in LSCR before and after wine processing.
4.Visual feature extraction combining dissolution testing for the study of drug release behavior of gliclazide modified release tablets
Si-yu CHEN ; Ze-ya LI ; Ping LI ; Xin-qing ZHAO ; Tao GONG ; Li DENG ; Zhi-rong ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):225-231
Oral solid dosage forms require processes such as disintegration and dissolution to release the drug before it can be absorbed and utilized by the body. In this manuscript, imaging technology was used to continuously visualize and characterize the
5.Heterogeneity of Adipose Tissue From a Single-cell Transcriptomics Perspective
Yong-Lang WANG ; Si-Si CHEN ; Qi-Long LI ; Yu GONG ; Xin-Yue DUAN ; Ye-Hui DUAN ; Qiu-Ping GUO ; Feng-Na LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):820-835
Adipose tissue is a critical energy reservoir in animals and humans, with multifaceted roles in endocrine regulation, immune response, and providing mechanical protection. Based on anatomical location and functional characteristics, adipose tissue can be categorized into distinct types, including white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), beige adipose tissue, and pink adipose tissue. Traditionally, adipose tissue research has centered on its morphological and functional properties as a whole. However, with the advent of single-cell transcriptomics, a new level of complexity in adipose tissue has been unveiled, showing that even under identical conditions, cells of the same type may exhibit significant variation in morphology, structure, function, and gene expression——phenomena collectively referred to as cellular heterogeneity. Single-cell transcriptomics, including techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), enables in-depth analysis of the diversity and heterogeneity of adipocytes at the single-cell level. This high-resolution approach has not only deepened our understanding of adipocyte functionality but also facilitated the discovery of previously unidentified cell types and gene expression patterns that may play key roles in adipose tissue function. This review delves into the latest advances in the application of single-cell transcriptomics in elucidating the heterogeneity and diversity within adipose tissue, highlighting how these findings have redefined the understanding of cell subpopulations within different adipose depots. Moreover, the review explores how single-cell transcriptomic technologies have enabled the study of cellular communication pathways and differentiation trajectories among adipose cell subgroups. By mapping these interactions and differentiation processes, researchers gain insights into how distinct cellular subpopulations coordinate within adipose tissues, which is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and function. Understanding these mechanisms is essential, as dysregulation in adipose cell interactions and differentiation underlies a range of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Furthermore, single-cell transcriptomics holds promising implications for identifying therapeutic targets; by pinpointing specific cell types and gene pathways involved in adipose tissue dysfunction, these technologies pave the way for developing targeted interventions aimed at modulating specific adipose subpopulations. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of single-cell transcriptomic technologies in uncovering the heterogeneity and functional diversity of adipose tissues.
6.A Mouse Model and Mechanism Study of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Induced by Different Concentrations of Cyclophosphamide
Leilei GONG ; Xiaoxia WANG ; Xuewei FENG ; Xinlei LI ; Han ZHAO ; Xueyan ZHANG ; Xin FENG
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2025;45(4):403-410
ObjectiveTo observe and compare the effects of different concentrations of cyclophosphamide (CTX) in inducing premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) model in mice and investigate the mechanism of injury. MethodsThirty-two 6~8-week-old female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=8 per group) using a weight-based block randomization method. The POI model was established via a single intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CTX), 120 mg/kg CTX, 120 mg/kg CTX + 12 mg/kg Busulfan, or an equivalent volume of normal saline (control). Ovarian coefficients, serum estradiol (E2) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were measured. Western blotting was performed to assess changes in ovarian expression levels of NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-5 (SIRT5) and forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) under different modeling conditions. After determining the optimal CTX concentration for modeling, an additional forty 6~8-week-old femal C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=8 per group) using a weight-based block randomization method: saline control, 120 mg/kg CTX sampling at 1, 2, 7, or 14 days after modeling. Western blotting was used to evaluate temporal changes of ovarian SIRT5 and FOXO3a protein expression. ResultsCompared with the saline control, all concentrations of CTX (75 mg/kg CTX, 120 mg/kg CTX) and 120 mg/kg CTX + 12 mg/kg Busulfan induced POI injury in mice. The 120 mg/kg CTX group exhibited smaller changes in ovarian coefficients (P<0.001) and E2 levels (P<0.05), whereas the 120 mg/kg CTX + 12 mg/kg Busulfan group showed rough and reduced luster fur, sluggish response and was in the worst state. Compared with the saline control group, FOXO3a expression was significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), while SIRT5 remained unchanged in the 75 mg/kg CTX group (P>0.05). In contrast, both SIRT5 (P<0.05) and FOXO3a (P<0.05) were significantly down-regulated in the 120 mg/kg CTX group. Further analysis revealed that on day 2 and 7 after 120 mg/kg CTX modeling, the expressions of SIRT5 (P<0.01) and FOXO3a (P<0.001) were significantly down-regulated, with the largest decrease observed on day 7 (SIRT5, P<0.000 1; FOXO3a, P<0.000 1). ConclusionOvarian injury in the POI model induced by 120 mg/kg CTX is milder than that in the POI model induced by 75 mg/kg CTX. Moreover, the expression changes of SIRT5 and FOXO3a are most significant on day 7 after modeling induced by 120 mg/kg CTX, which may be related to the inhibition of the SIRT5-FOXO3a signaling pathway.
7.Analysis on Advantages of New Integration Processing Method in Producing Area of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata
Xueying XIN ; Jialin JING ; Shuangrong GAO ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Qianfeng GONG ; Lu LUO ; Raorao LI ; Ting LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):167-175
ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of new integration processing method in producing area and traditional method on the composition and pharmacological action of Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata(PMRP), and to illustrate the advantages of toxicity reducing and efficacy enhancing of the decoction pieces prepared by the new method. MethodFresh Polygoni Multiflori Radix(PMR) was taken from Dao-di producing area, and was processed by new integration processing method in producing area(steaming with black bean juice under pressure of 0.1 MPa and temperature at 120 ℃ for 10.5 h) and traditional method(steaming with black bean juice under water for 36 h), respectively. Samples were collected during the processing process of the two methods, For new method, the samples were collected at 0.5, 3, 5.5, 8, 10.5 h, separately. For traditional method, the samples were collected every 4 h. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish fingerprint and identify common peaks, the content of polysaccharides was determined by anthrone-sulfuric acid colorimetry at 627 nm, and the contents of anthraquinones and stilbene glycosides in different processed products were determined according to the methods under the item of determination of PMR and PMRP in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In pharmacological experiments, 90 SD rats were randomly divided into 9 groups with 10 in each group(half of male and half of female), including the blank group, and raw products, 24 h processed products under atmospheric pressure, 30 h processed products under atmospheric pressure, 8 h processed products under high pressure groups with low and high dosages(4.125, 16.5 g·kg-1). Rats were given the drug by gavage for 29 d with once a day, blood was collected from the abdominal aorta after the last administration, and the serum was isolated, the body mass and liver mass of rats were weighed and the organ index was calculated. The pathological change of liver tissue was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and biochemical methods were used to detect the contents of aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH) in serum which used as liver function indicators and the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA), glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) in brain tissues which used as oxidation indicators. ResultA total of 14 common peaks were identified in the fingerprint of PMR, PMRP prepared by new method and traditional method, and three of the peaks were designated as stilbene glycoside, emodin and emodin methyl ether, respectively. The characteristic peak areas of each processed products changed significantly from 0 min to 25 min, indicating that different processing methods had an effect on the contents of components with high polarity in PMRP, and the trend of the changes of the two methods was similar, with the higher degree of change in the new method. The determination results showed that compared with the traditional method, the content of polysaccharide(a kind of beneficial component in PMRP obtained by the new method) significantly increased, while the contents of stilbene glycoside and bound anthraquinone(liver-damaging ingredients) significantly decreased. The pharmacological results showed that compared with the blank group, AST and LDH levels of male rats in the low and high dose groups of 24 h processed products under atmospheric pressure and AST level of male rats in the low and high dose groups of 8 h processed products under high pressure were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), while compared with the raw product groups with the same dose, AST and LDH levels of male rats in the low dose group of 30 h processed products under atmospheric pressure were significantly reduced(P<0.05, P<0.01), the AST levels of male rats in the low and high dose groups of 8 h processed products under high pressure were significantly decreased(P<0.01), and there was no statistical significance in the differences of biochemical indexes of female rats in each administration group as compared with those of the blank group. ConclusionThe new integration processing method in producing area of PMRP can reach the quality of relevant regulations in 8 h. The processed products obtained by this method have more advantages than the traditional method in terms of toxicity reducing and efficacy enhancing, and energy saving to avoid the loss of ingredients, which can provide ideas for the production of high-quality decoction pieces of PMRP, and the integration processing method in producing area of other roots and rhizomes of traditional Chinese medicines.
8.Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine:Aural Vertigo
Yingdi GONG ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Wei FENG ; Daxin LIU ; Jiaxi WANG ; Jianhua LIU ; Yu ZHANG ; Shusheng GONG ; Guopeng WANG ; Chunying XU ; Xin MA ; Bo LI ; Shuzhen GUO ; Mingxia ZHANG ; Jinfeng LIU ; Jihua GUO ; Zhengkui CAO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhonghai XIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(8):215-222
Aural vertigo frequently encountered in the otolaryngology department of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) mainly involves peripheral vestibular diseases of Western medicine, such as Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuritis, and vestibular migraine, being a hot research topic in both TCM and Western medicine. Western medical therapies alone have unsatisfactory effects on recurrent aural vertigo, aural vertigo affecting the quality of life, aural vertigo not relieved after surgery, aural vertigo with complex causes, and children's aural vertigo. The literature records and clinical practice have proven that TCM demonstrates unique advantages in the treatment of aural vertigo. The China Association of Chinese medicine sponsored the "17th youth salon on the diseases responding specifically to TCM: Aural vertigo" and invited vertigo experts of TCM and Western medicine to discuss the difficulties and advantages of TCM diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo. The experts deeply discussed the achievements and contributions of TCM and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo, the control and mitigation of the symptoms, and the solutions to disease recurrence. The discussion clarified the positioning and advantages of TCM treatment and provided guidance for clinical and basic research on aural vertigo.
9.Improvement effects of 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone of Fructus Aurantii on rats with damp blockage of the middle energizer
Wenhui GONG ; Yating XIE ; Li XIN ; Shihao YAN ; Beibei ZHAO ; Yuqing ZHENG ; Jingying GUO ; Jie SHANG ; Peng ZHENG ; Jinlian ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2024;35(7):819-824
OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptamethoxyflavone (HMF) of Fructus Aurantii on rats with damp blockage of the middle energizer. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, positive control group (Raceanisodamine tablet, 1 mg/kg), HMF low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 mg/kg), with 7 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the other groups were modeled by internal and external composite factors. After successful modeling, the rats in each group were given the corresponding drug or normal saline, once a day, for 14 days. The general behavioral states such as dietary intake, water intake and mental state of the rats were observed, and the fecal water content rate and saliva flow rate were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological and morphology in gastric and small intestinal tissues of rats. The plasma content of aldosterone was detected, and the expression of aquaporins (AQP3) in the gastric tissue of rats was determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the dietary intake and water intake of the model group rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the fecal water content rate, salivary flow rate, plasma content of aldosterone and the expression of AQP3 in gastric tissue were increased significantly (P<0.01). Gastric tissue injury invaded the mucosal muscle layer, resulting in mucosal muscle layer rupture; pathological and morphological changes such as small intestinal villous erosion and glandular structure destruction were observed in the small intestine. Compared with the model group, the dietary intake and water intake of rats were increased in HMF groups; fecal water content rate, salivary flow rate, plasma content of aldosterone, the expression of AQP3 in gastric tissue were decreased, most of the above differences were statistically significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pathological and morphological changes in the gastric and small intestine tissues of rats had been improved to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS HMF of Fructus Aurantii with dry property HMF could improve the symptoms of rats with damp blockage of middle energizer, the mechanism of which may be associated with reducing the content of plasma aldosterone and down-regulating the expression of gastric AQP3.
10.Association between endometrial cancer and breast cancer: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
LIANG Wei ; GONG Xin ; ZHANG Xiaoxiao ; LI Shumiao
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(4):350-354
Objective:
To examine the causal relationship between endometrial cancer and breast cancer using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.
Methods:
Genetic association data of endometrial cancer were collected through a meta analysis, including 54 884 participants and 9 464 330 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and genetic association data of breast cancer were collected through the Breast Cancer Society Consortium, with 228 951 participants and 10 680 257 SNPs. A forward MR analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method with 8 endometrial cancer-associated SNPs as instrumental variables and breast cancer as the study outcome, and a reverse MR analysis was performed with 112 breast cancer-associated SNPs as instrumental variables and endometrial cancer as the study outcome. The heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test, the horizontal pleiotropy was assessed using the MR-PRESSO test and MR-Egger regression, and the robustness of the results was verified with the leave-one-out.
Results:
Forward MR analysis results showed that patients with genetically predicted endometrial cancer had an increased risk of breast cancer compared to those without endometrial cancer (OR=1.083, 95%CI: 1.037-1.132). Reverse MR analysis showed that patients with genetically predicted breast cancer had an increased risk of endometrial cancer compared to those without breast cancer (OR=1.070, 95%CI: 1.010-1.134). Cochran's Q test detected no heterogeneity (P>0.05), and neither the MR-PRESSO test nor the MR-Egger regression revealed horizontal pleiotropy of instrumental variables (both P>0.05). Leave-one-out analysis showed robustness of the MR analysis results.
Conclusion
There are bidirectional causal relationship between endometrial cancer and breast cancer.


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