1.In Vitro and In Vivo Chemical Composition Analysis of Reference Sample of Jinshui Liujunjian Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Xinyue YANG ; Huiyu LI ; Yaqi LOU ; Xingxing WANG ; Guifang YU ; Chenfeng ZHANG ; Zhenzhong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):166-173
ObjectiveTo elucidate the chemical composition of the reference sample of Jinshui Liujunjian and its distribution characteristics in blood and tissues of rats. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to detect the reference sample solution, plasma, and tissue samples of Jinshui Liujunjian under positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Qualitative Analysis 10.0 software and a self-constructed database were employed for primary mass spectrum matching.Compound identification was further validated by comparing retention times, secondary mass spectral fragments, reference standards, and literature data to deduce fragmentation pathways. ResultsA total of 122 compounds were identified in the reference sample of Jinshui Liujunjian, including 47 flavonoids, 5 amino acids, 13 iridoids, 16 triterpenoid saponins, etc., of which 42 compounds were confirmed by comparison with reference substances. A total of 21 prototype components were identified in blood components; 50 prototype components were identified in different tissues, among which 13, 10, 7, 21, 11, 6, 14, and 40 prototype components were identified in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, large intestine, and stomach, respectively. Among them, 7 compounds such as ferulic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, and nobiletin were exposed in the target organs of lung and kidney. ConclusionThis study elucidates the material basis of the reference samples of Jinshui Liujunjian, primarily composed of flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins, along with their in vivo distribution characteristics. These findings provide a scientific basis for establishing quality evaluation indicators and offer references for subsequent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic investigations.
2.In Vitro and In Vivo Chemical Composition Analysis of Reference Sample of Jinshui Liujunjian Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS
Xinyue YANG ; Huiyu LI ; Yaqi LOU ; Xingxing WANG ; Guifang YU ; Chenfeng ZHANG ; Zhenzhong WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):166-173
ObjectiveTo elucidate the chemical composition of the reference sample of Jinshui Liujunjian and its distribution characteristics in blood and tissues of rats. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to detect the reference sample solution, plasma, and tissue samples of Jinshui Liujunjian under positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Qualitative Analysis 10.0 software and a self-constructed database were employed for primary mass spectrum matching.Compound identification was further validated by comparing retention times, secondary mass spectral fragments, reference standards, and literature data to deduce fragmentation pathways. ResultsA total of 122 compounds were identified in the reference sample of Jinshui Liujunjian, including 47 flavonoids, 5 amino acids, 13 iridoids, 16 triterpenoid saponins, etc., of which 42 compounds were confirmed by comparison with reference substances. A total of 21 prototype components were identified in blood components; 50 prototype components were identified in different tissues, among which 13, 10, 7, 21, 11, 6, 14, and 40 prototype components were identified in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, large intestine, and stomach, respectively. Among them, 7 compounds such as ferulic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, and nobiletin were exposed in the target organs of lung and kidney. ConclusionThis study elucidates the material basis of the reference samples of Jinshui Liujunjian, primarily composed of flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins, along with their in vivo distribution characteristics. These findings provide a scientific basis for establishing quality evaluation indicators and offer references for subsequent pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic investigations.
3.Mechanism of Icariin in Regulating TGF-β1/Smad Pathway to Induce Autophagy in Human Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Yaqi ZHANG ; Yankun JIANG ; Guoyuan SUN ; Bo LI ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Weiguo WANG ; Qidong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):123-130
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of icariin (ICA) on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and the effect on autophagy in BMECs. MethodsBMECs were isolated and cultured, and the cell types were identified by immunofluorescence. Cells were divided into the control group, model group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone), ICA group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA), and TGF-β inhibitor group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA +1×10-5 mol·L-1 LY2157299). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure and autophagosome number of BMECs. Autophagy double-standard adenovirus was used to monitor the confocal autophagy flow generation of each cell. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the gene and protein expression of autophagy in the TGF-β1/ Smad pathway. ResultsAfter cell separation culture, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) and von willebrand factor (vWF) immunofluorescence identified BMECs. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cell membrane was damaged, and the nucleus was pyknotic and broken in the model group. Compared with the model group, the ICA group had complete cell membranes, clear structures, with autophagy-lysosome sparsely distributed. The confocal photo showed that BMECs had autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes, and the autophagy expression of the ICA group was similar to that of the blank group. Compared with the blank group, in the model group and the LY2157299 group, autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes were barely seen in the autophagy flow. Compared with the blank group, the mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy effector protein 1 (Beclin1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of ubiquitin-binding protein (p62) were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad homolog 2 (Smad2), and Smad homolog 3 (Smad3) decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the mRNA and protein expression of Beclin1 and LC3B in BMECs of the ICA group increased (P<0.01), and those of p62 significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Beclin1, LC3B, and p62 in the inhibitor group were not statistically significant. The expression of key genes and proteins of the TGF-β1 pathway in the inhibitor group was not statistically significant. ConclusionICA can promote glucocorticoid-induced autophagy expression of BMECs, and its mechanism may be related to activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
4.Effect of Icariin on Steroid-induced Ferroptosis in Rat Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Jiancheng TANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Ruichen JIANG ; Zhengrong YUE ; Ming LI ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Zetao YIN ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):131-140
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on steroid-induced ferroptosis in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). MethodsRat BMECs were selected and treated with 500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone for 1.5 h to establish a ferroptosis model of BMECs. The experimental cells were divided into a blank group, hormone group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone), ICA group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone + 34 mg·L-1 ICA), and ferroptosis agonist group (500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone + 34 mg·L-1 ICA + 2.7 mg·L-1 erastin). Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The levels of ferrous ion, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by related kit species. The ferroptosis-related proteins, such as glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), ferritin light chain (FTL), and transferrin receptor protein1 (sTfR) were detected by Western blot, as well as autophagy-related proteins including microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B), Beclin1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Caspase-3. Results500 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone intervention for 1.5 h could effectively induce ferroptosis in BMECs, and ferroptosis levels could reach a peak as the intervention continued. In terms of cellular antioxidant capacity, compared with those in the blank group, the cell vitality, GSH in the hormone group decreased significantly, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the hormone group, the cell viability, GSH were significantly increased, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions were decreased in the ICA group (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the cell vitality, GSH in the ferroptosis agonist group decreased significantly, and the levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, and ferrous ions increased significantly (P<0.01). In terms of the relationship between ferroptosis and autophagy, compared with the blank group, the hormone group had significantly increased expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, Beclin1, and FTL and significantly decreased expression levels of GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with the hormone group, The ICA group had significantly decreased expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, and FTL and significantly increased expression levels of Beclin 1 and GPX4 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the expression levels of LC3B, sTfR, and FTL increased in the rapamycin group, and those of Beclin 1 and GPX4 decreased (P<0.01). In terms of cell ferroptosis and apoptosis,compared with the blank group, the hormone group had significantly increased expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 and significantly decreased expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with the hormone group, the ICA group had significantly decreased expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 and significantly increased expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Compared with those in the ICA group, the expression levels of FTL, sTfR and Caspase-3 in the ferroptosis agonist group were increased, and the expression levels of GPX4, and Bcl-2 were decreased (P<0.01). In terms of cell function,compared with that in the blank group, the ability of cell migration and tube formation was significantly decreased in the hormone group (P<0.01). Compared with that in the hormone group, the cell migration and tube formation ability in the ICA group were significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionFerroptosis is involved in steroid-induced damage in BMECs. ICA can inhibit steroid-induced ferroptosis in BMECs, and the mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of ferroptosis by regulating autophagy.
5.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head via Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Yaqi ZHANG ; Bo LI ; Jiancheng TANG ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Yaping XU ; Qidong ZHANG ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):141-149
Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a severe musculoskeletal disorder often induced by the prolonged or excessive use of glucocorticoids. Characterized by ischemia of bone cells, necrosis, and trabecular fractures, SONFH is accompanied by pain, femoral head collapse, and joint dysfunction, which can lead to disability in severe cases. The pathogenesis of SONFH involves hormone-induced osteoblast apoptosis, bone microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease. Modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can promote Akt phosphorylation, thereby stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts, promoting angiogenesis in BMECs, and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. The research on the treatment of SONFH with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds have potential therapeutic effect on SONFH by intervening in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These studies not only provide a scientific basis for the application of TCM in the treatment of SONFH but also offer new ideas for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review summarized the progress in Chinese and international research on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SONFH over the past five years. It involved the composition and transmission mechanisms of the signaling pathway, as well as its regulatory effects on osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclasts, BMECs, and other cells. Additionally, the review explored the TCM understanding of SONFH and the application of TCM monomers and compounds in the intervention of the PI3K/Akt pathway. By systematically analyzing and organizing these research findings, this article aimed to provide references and point out directions for the clinical prevention and treatment of SONFH and promote further development of TCM in this field. With in-depth research on the PI3K/Akt pathway and the modern application of TCM, it is expected to bring safer and more effective treatment options for patients with SONFH.
6.Clinical application value of intracavitary PRP infusion combined with IVF-FET in patients with chronic endometritis
Xiaotong ZHANG ; Xiaoyuan HAO ; Rui FANG ; Shuyao HU ; Linkun MA ; Yaqi ZHAO ; Wei HAN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(3):382-387
[Objective] To evaluate the clinical application value of intrauterine perfusion with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with in vitro fertilization-frozen-thawed embryo transfer (IVF-FET) in patients with chronic endometritis (CE). [Methods] A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted, enrolling 60 CE patients undergoing artificial cycle frozen embryo transfer at our hospital from January 2022 to January 2024. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (routine frozen embryo transfer, n=20), Group B (routine frozen embryo transfer + one PRP intrauterine perfusion, n=20), and Group C (routine frozen embryo transfer + two PRP intrauterine perfusions, n=20). Endometrial thickness during the transformation and transplantation phases, uterine artery pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic peak velocity/end-diastolic velocity (S/D) ratio during transplantation, serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α during transplantation, as well as biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and early miscarriage rate were compared across groups. [Results] No significant differences in endometrial thickness were observed among the three groups during the transformation phase (P>0.05). During the transplantation phase, endometrial thickness in Groups C and B was significantly higher than in Group A[9.54 (8.96-10.22) and 8.90 (8.34-9.72) vs 8.37 (7.89-8.75) mm, P<0.05], with Group C showing greater thickness than Group B (Z=3.733, P<0.05). Endometrial thickness in Groups C and B during transplantation was significantly increased compared to their respective transformation phases (Z=2.191, 2.462; P<0.05). Groups C and B exhibited lower PI, RI, and S/D values than Group A[PI:1.87 (1.77-1.97), 1.94 (1.88-2.15) vs 2.43 (2.35-2.49); RI:0.75 (0.73-0.77), 0.78 (0.75-0.81) vs 0.84 (0.83-0.86); S/D:2.61 (2.33-3.42), 3.01 (2.20-3.93) vs 3.72 (3.06-4.49); P<0.05]. Group C demonstrated lower PI and RI than Group B (P<0.05). IL-2 levels in Groups C and B were higher than in Group A[3.88 (2.71-5.01), 3.59 (2.73-4.38) vs 3.16 (2.11-3.25) ng/L, P<0.05], while IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels were significantly lower (IL-4: Z=1.428, 2.421; IL-6: Z=1.754, 2.435; IL-10: Z=1.754, 2.854; TNF-α: Z=1.961, 1.765; P<0.05). Group C had lower IL-6 levels than Group B (Z=3.976, P<0.05). Biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in Group C were significantly higher than in Group A (75% vs 40%, 70% vs 35%, 60% vs 20%, P<0.05). No significant differences in early miscarriage rates were observed among the groups (χ2=3.750, P>0.05). [Conclusion] Intrauterine autologous PRP perfusion in CE patients enhances pregnancy and live birth rates, improves pregnancy outcomes post-FET, and demonstrates superior efficacy in endometrial repair and receptivity with two PRP perfusions compared to a single perfusion. This provides a safe and effective therapeutic option for optimizing outcomes in CE patients with prior implantation failure.
7.P4HA1 mediates YAP hydroxylation and accelerates collagen synthesis in temozolomide-resistant glioblastoma.
Xueru LI ; Gangfeng YU ; Xiao ZHONG ; Jiacheng ZHONG ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Qinglong CHEN ; Jinjiang XUE ; Xi YANG ; Xinchun ZHANG ; Yao LING ; Yun XIU ; Yaqi DENG ; Hongda LI ; Wei MO ; Yong ZHU ; Ting ZHANG ; Liangjun QIAO ; Song CHEN ; Fanghui LU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(16):1991-2005
BACKGROUND:
Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance is a significant challenge in treating glioblastoma (GBM). Collagen remodeling has been shown to be a critical factor for therapy resistance in other cancers. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of TMZ chemoresistance by GBM cells reprogramming collagens.
METHODS:
Key extracellular matrix components, including collagens, were examined in paired primary and recurrent GBM samples as well as in TMZ-treated spontaneous and grafted GBM murine models. Human GBM cell lines (U251, TS667) and mouse primary GBM cells were used for in vitro studies. RNA-sequencing analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, and co-immunoprecipitation assays were conducted to explore the mechanisms involved in collagen accumulation. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to assess the role of the collagen regulators prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) and yes-associated protein (YAP) in sensitizing GBM cells to TMZ.
RESULTS:
This study revealed that TMZ exposure significantly elevated collagen type I (COL I) expression in both GBM patients and murine models. Collagen accumulation sustained GBM cell survival under TMZ-induced stress, contributing to enhanced TMZ resistance. Mechanistically, P4HA1 directly binded to and hydroxylated YAP, preventing ubiquitination-mediated YAP degradation. Stabilized YAP robustly drove collagen type I alpha 1 ( COL1A1) transcription, leading to increased collagen deposition. Disruption of the P4HA1-YAP axis effectively reduced COL I deposition, sensitized GBM cells to TMZ, and significantly improved mouse survival.
CONCLUSION
P4HA1 maintained YAP-mediated COL1A1 transcription, leading to collagen accumulation and promoting chemoresistance in GBM.
Temozolomide
;
Humans
;
Glioblastoma/drug therapy*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*
;
YAP-Signaling Proteins
;
Hydroxylation
;
Dacarbazine/pharmacology*
;
Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism*
;
Transcription Factors/metabolism*
;
Collagen/biosynthesis*
;
Collagen Type I/metabolism*
;
Prolyl Hydroxylases/metabolism*
;
Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating/therapeutic use*
8.Erratum: Author correction to "The upregulated intestinal folate transporters direct the uptake of ligand-modified nanoparticles for enhanced oral insulin delivery" Acta Pharm Sin B 12 (2022) 1460-1472.
Jingyi LI ; Yaqi ZHANG ; Miaorong YU ; Aohua WANG ; Yu QIU ; Weiwei FAN ; Lars HOVGAARD ; Mingshi YANG ; Yiming LI ; Rui WANG ; Xiuying LI ; Yong GAN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(6):3353-3353
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.024.].
9.Development and validation of a DCE-MRI radiomics-based machine learning model for predicting HER-2 status in breast cancer
Yan ZHANG ; Zhijian ZHU ; Jihua HAN ; Honglei LUO ; Yaqi SONG ; Wei HUANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(6):811-818
Objective To analyze dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) radiomic features using machine learning algorithms, and to develop and validate a predictive model for HER-2 status in breast cancer. Methods The DCE-MRI images of 272 treatment-naive female patients with breast cancer between 2020 and 2022 were included in this study. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually segmented using 3d-Slicer software, and radiomic features were extracted. All patients were randomly divided into training sets or validation sets at a ratio of 4∶1. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used for feature screening on the training set, followed by the development of predictive models using six machine learning algorithms. Internal cross-validation was performed to compare the performance differences between the models. The best-performing model was selected, trained on the training set, and evaluated on the validation set. Evaluation metrics included area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, precision, and recall rate. Results The clinical data of patients in the training set and validation set showed no significant differences. Five features were identified by the LASSO algorithm. With these features, six machine learning models were developed on the training set, and their predictive performance was internally cross-validated using the bagging method. XGBoost model had the highest mean AUC (0.696), followed by RF model (0.690); XGBoost model had the highest mean precision (0.756), followed by LR and RF models. Therefore, XGBoost was the optimal model. An HER-2 predictive model was built using the XGBoost algorithm on the training set and applied to the validation set. The AUC, precision, sensitivity, and specificity of the predictive model on the validation set were calculated, and ROC curves, precision-recall curves, calibration curves, and decision-making curves were plotted. Conclusion This study constructed and evaluated different DCE-MRI radiomics-based machine learning models for predicting HER-2 status in breast cancer. Among them, XGBoost algorithm performed the best and has the potential to become a new non-invasive method for preoperative prediction of HER-2 status, providing reliable evidence for personalized clinical diagnosis and treatment.
10.Preparation of Lactobacillus paracei TK1501 postbiotic and its inhibitory effect against Helicobacter pylori infection in mice
Jinrui NIE ; Yahui WU ; Xuemei HAN ; Yaqi LI ; Haikuan WANG ; Huitu ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(5):867-875
Objective To prepare a postbiotic using soybean fermentation product of Lactobacillus paracasei TK1501 and evaluate its inhibitory effect against Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection in mice.Methods L.paracasei TK1501 was cultured for 32 h at 37℃in an anaerobic condition for solid substrate fermentation with a solid to water ratio of 1:1.5 in the substrate and an inoculation density of 5×107 CFU/mL.The postbiotic was isolated and purified using macroporous resin XAD-16N adsorption,cation exchange chromatography and HPLC,and its stability and antibacterial activity were assessed.The inhibitory effect of this postbiotic against Hp infection was evaluated in a mouse model with gastric mucosal Hp infection,which were treated with the postbiotic via gavage for 4 weeks at the dose of 0.02 or 0.1 mL.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β of the mice were analyzed after the treatments,and gastric tissues of the mice were collected for HE staining.Results L.paracasei TK1501 postbiotic could be easily degraded by protease and had good thermal stability and tolerance to exposures to acid,base,and organic solvents.In the in vitro experiment,the postbiotic showed strong inhibitory effects in bacterial cultures of Staphylococcus aureus,Hp and other common pathogenic bacteria without obviously affecting the resident bacteria in the digestive tract.In the mouse models,treatment with the postbiotic at the dose of 0.1 mL significantly alleviated Hp infection and lowered the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β of the mice.Conclusion L.paracasei TK1501 postbiotic has strong inhibitory effects on Hp and Staphylococcus aureus but not on normal intestinal flora in mice.

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