1.Exploring Chemical Constituent Distribution in Blood/Brain(Hippocampus) and Emotional Regulatory Effect of Raw and Vinegar-processed Products of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride
Yi BAO ; Yonggui SONG ; Qianmin LI ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Ming YANG ; Huanhua XU ; Qin ZHENG ; Yiting HUANG ; Zihan GAO ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):189-197
ObjectiveTo investigate the migration and distribution characteristics of chemical constituents in blood and hippocampal tissues before and after vinegar processing of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride(CRPV), and to explore the potential material basis and mechanisms underlying their regulatory effects on emotional disorders by comparing the effects of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed to characterize and identify the chemical constituents of raw and vinegar-processed products of CRPV extracts, as well as their migrating components in blood and hippocampal tissues after oral administration. Reference standards, databases, and relevant literature were utilized for compound annotation, with data processing performed using PeakView 1.2 software. Seventy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into seven groups, including the blank group, model group, diazepam group(2.5 mg·kg-1), raw CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), and vinegar-processed CRPV low/high dose groups(0.6, 1.2 g·kg-1), with 10 mice per group. Except for the blank group, all other groups underwent chronic restraint stress(2 h·d-1) for 20 d. Each drug-treated group received oral administration at the predetermined dose starting 10 d after modeling, with a total treatment duration of 10 d. Following model-based drug administration, mice underwent open-field, forced swimming, and elevated plus maze tests. After anesthesia with isoflurane, whole brains were collected from each group of mice, and hippocampi were dissected. Reactive oxygen species(ROS) level in hippocampal tissues was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe hippocampal tissue morphology. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect neuronal nuclei(NeuN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha(PPARα) expressions in hippocampal tissue. Then, pharmacodynamic evaluations were conducted to assess the effects of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV on mood disorders, exploring the potential mechanisms. ResultsVinegar processing caused significant changes in the chemical composition of CRPV, with 18 components showing increased relative content and 35 components showing decreased relative content. The primary changes occurred in flavonoid compounds, including 20 flavonoids, 20 flavonoid glycosides, 3 triterpenes, 3 phenolic acids, 1 alkaloid, and 6 other compounds. Twenty-one components were detected in blood(15 methoxyflavones, 4 flavonoid glycosides, and 2 phenolic acids), with 17 shared between raw and vinegar-processed CRPV. Seven components reached hippocampal tissues(all common to both forms). In regulating emotional disorders, Vinegar-processed CRPV exhibited superior antidepressant-like effects compared to raw products. HE staining revealed that both treatments improved hippocampal neuronal morphology, particularly in the damaged CA1 and CA3 regions. Immunofluorescence and ELISA analyses demonstrated that both raw and vinegar-processed CRPV significantly modulated NeuN and PPARα expressions in hippocampal tissue while alleviating oxidative stress induced by excessive ROS(P<0.05). ConclusionThe chemical composition of CRPV undergoes changes after vinegar processing, but the migrating components in blood and hippocampus are primarily methoxyflavonoids. These components may serve as the potential material basis for activating the PPARα pathway, thereby negatively regulating ROS generation in the hippocampus, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting the development of NeuN-positive neurons. These findings provide experimental evidence for enhancing quality standards, pharmacodynamic material research, and active drug development of raw and vinegar-processed CRPV.
2.Research progress on the mechanisms of oxidative stress in retinopathy of prematurity
Na LI ; Yirong QIN ; Yi ZHU ; Ribo PENG
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):45-49
Retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)is a leading cause of childhood blindness, with extremely preterm and very-low-birth-weight infants now constituting the main high-risk group. ROP progresses in two stages: early retinal microvascular degeneration and progressive vascular arrest, followed by abnormal neovascularization in the avascular area. Early oxidative and nitrosative stress—amplified by oxygen fluctuations and immature antioxidant defenses—drives the two-phase pathogenesis via hypoxia-inducible factor/vascular endothelial growth factor(HIF/VEGF), NOX/STAT3, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2(Nrf2)-antioxidant response element(ARE)pathways, mediating apoptosis of endothelial cells, damage to barrier and pathological angiogenesis. This review systematically analyzes different oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR)models, elucidates key signaling pathways including Notch, Wnt in physiological and pathological vascularization, with particular emphasis on the biphasic effects of Nrf2 and the differential roles of NOX signaling between phases. We also discuss the limitations of anti-VEGF therapy and oxygen management principles. Reactive oxygen species(ROS)play context-dependent roles across vaso-obliteration and neovascularization phases. Based on mechanistic insights, we propose future directions including combined/sequential interventions, ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation targeting, nano-delivery systems for enhanced bioavailability, and perinatal safety assessment strategies, aiming to provide translatable mechanistic basis for reducing pathological neovascularization while promoting physiological vascular development.
3.Analysis of the association between the use of oral progesterone drugs in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus
Yan QIN ; Jinhua GU ; Jing ZHU ; Lin LUO ; Peng PING ; Lingqi GU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):721-726
OBJECTIVE To explore the association between the use of oral progesterone drugs in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS Through real-world retrospective cohort research method, pregnant women who underwent the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at the Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Nantong University between January 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled. Based on whether oral progesterone drugs were used in early pregnancy, they were divided into treatment group and control group; propensity score matching (PSM) with a 1∶1 ratio was employed to control for confounding factors; Logistic regression and linear regression were employed to analyze the association between drug factors (whether use of oral progesterone drug, duration of medication, dosage, and drug type) and outcome indicators (occurrence of GDM, fasting blood glucose levels, and OGTT 1 and 2 h blood glucose levels in late pregnancy). RESULTS A total of 709 pregnant women were enrolled in the two groups before PSM; after PSM, 256 cases were included in both the treatment group and the control group. The results of association analysis indicated that there was no significant association between the use of oral progesterone drugs and GDM (P>0.05); but a significant correlation was found with OGTT 1 h blood glucose levels [β=0.965, 95%CI (0.007,1.922), P<0.05], specifically with Dydrogesterone tablets [β=0.977, 95%CI (0.009, 1.944), P<0.05] and Progesterone soft capsules [β =1.089, 95%CI (0.077, 2.102), P<0.05]. There was no significant correlation between other drug factors and outcome indicators (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The use of oral progestogen drugs in early pregnancy is not significantly associated with GDM. The blood glucose levels in late pregnancy, especially OGTT 1 h blood glucose levels, have a certain correlation with Progesterone soft capsules and Dydrogesterone tablets.
4.Research progress of ferroptosis in the occurrence and development of periodontitis
SUN Ruiman ; QIN Xu ; ZHU Guangxun
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(4):336-343
Periodontal disease is a chronic infectious disease characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of the periodontal tissue. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, is primarily characterized by altered iron homeostasis, weak antioxidant defense, and accumulation of lipid peroxides and plays an important role in a variety of diseases. Recent research has shown the correlation between ferroptosis and the occurrence and development of periodontal disease. Through in-depth research of relevant literature on periodontal ligament fibroblasts, periodontal ligament stem cells, human immortalized oral epithelial cells, human gingival fibroblasts, dental pulp stem cells, MLOY4 cells, mouse mandibular osteoblast, and macrophages, we found that ferroptosis is widely suppressed in periodontal disease. This phenomenon is primarily related to lipid metabolism, iron metabolism, cysteine/glutamate transporter system xc-/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate/ferroptosis suppressor protein 1/coenzyme Q10, kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2, and p53. Current research indicates that ferroptosis plays an important role in regulating the destruction of periodontal soft and hard tissues, inflammatory response, and periodontopathogen-induced progression of systemic diseases. Although there are several studies on the mechanism of ferroptosis in periodontal disease, there are many uncertainties in the application of ferroptosis in periodontal therapy. Therefore, further studies are required to explore and develop ferroptosis-related drugs for the treatment of periodontal disease.
5.Inhibition of HDAC3 Promotes Psoriasis Development in Mice Through Regulating Th17
Fan XU ; Xin-Rui ZHANG ; Yang-Chen XIA ; Wen-Ting LI ; Hao CHEN ; An-Qi QIN ; Ai-Hong ZHANG ; Yi-Ran ZHU ; Feng TIAN ; Quan-Hui ZHENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):1008-1017
ObjectiveTo investigate the influence of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) on the occurrence, development of psoriasis-like inflammation in mice, and the relative immune mechanisms. MethodsHealthy C57BL/6 mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (Control), psoriasis model group (IMQ), and HDAC3 inhibitor RGFP966-treated psoriasis model group (IMQ+RGFP966). One day prior to the experiment, the back hair of the mice was shaved. After a one-day stabilization period, the mice in Control group was treated with an equal amount of vaseline, while the mice in IMQ group was treated with imiquimod (62.5 mg/d) applied topically on the back to establish a psoriasis-like inflammation model. The mice in IMQ+RGFP966 group received intervention with a high dose of the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966 (30 mg/kg) based on the psoriasis-like model. All groups were treated continuously for 5 d, during which psoriasis-like inflammation symptoms (scaling, erythema, skin thickness), body weight, and mental status were observed and recorded, with photographs taken for documentation. After euthanasia, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess the effect of RGFP966 on the skin tissue structure of the mice, and skin thickness was measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HDAC3 in skin tissues were detected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze neutrophils in peripheral blood and lymph nodes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood, and IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, spleen CD4+ T lymphocyte expression of HDAC3, CCR6, CCR8, and IL-17A secretion levels were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the localization and expression levels of HDAC3, IL-17A, and IL-10 in skin tissues. ResultsCompared with the Control group, the IMQ group exhibited significant psoriasis-like inflammation, characterized by erythema, scaling, and skin wrinkling. Compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 exacerbated psoriasis-like inflammatory symptoms, leading to increased hyperkeratosis. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) skin symptom scores were higher in the IMQ group than those in the Control group, and the scores were further elevated in the IMQ+RGFP966 group compared to the IMQ group. Skin thickness measurements showed a trend of IMQ+RGFP966>IMQ>Control. The numbers of neutrophils in the blood and lymph nodes increased sequentially in the Control, IMQ, and IMQ+RGFP966 groups, with a similar trend observed for CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the blood. In skin tissues, compared with the Control group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC3 decreased in the IMQ group, but RGFP966 did not further reduce these expressions. HDAC3 was primarily located in the nucleus. Compared with the Control group, the nuclear HDAC3 content decreased in the skin tissues of the IMQ group, and RGFP966 further reduced nuclear HDAC3. Compared with the Control and IMQ groups, RGFP966 treatment decreased HDAC3 expression in splenic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. RGFP966 treatment increased the expression of CCR6 and CCR8 in splenic CD4+ T cells and enhanced IL-17A secretion by peripheral blood and splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes. Additionally, compared with the IMQ group, RGFP966 reduced IL-10 protein levels and upregulated IL-17A expression in skin tissues. ConclusionRGFP966 exacerbates psoriatic-like inflammatory responses by inhibiting HDAC3, increasing the secretion of the cytokine IL-17A, and upregulating the expression of chemokines CCR8 and CCR6.
6.Effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Alcohol Extract on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in db/db Mice Based on Transcriptomics and Gut Microbiota
Yifei ZHU ; Lei DING ; Wei LIU ; Yahui SUN ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum alcohol extract in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice through transcriptomics and gut microbiota analysis. MethodsEighteen db/db mice were randomly assigned to the model(DM) group, metformin(MET) group, and G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract(GP) group, with six mice in each group, based on stratification of fasting blood glucose and body weight. An additional six db/m mice were selected as the normal control(NC) group. Mice in the NC and DM groups were administered deionized water (10 mL·kg-1) daily. The MET group received metformin (0.195 g·kg-1) by gavage. The GP group was treated with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (3.9 g·kg-1) by gavage for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose was measured every two weeks. After six weeks of intervention, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure insulin (FINS), adiponectin (ADP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver histomorphology, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was employed to assess hepatic glycogen synthesis, and Oil Red O staining was used to detect hepatic lipid deposition. Liver transcriptomic data were used to identify differentially expressed genes in the liver and conduct enrichment analysis. Real-time PCR was employed to verify the expression levels of adiponectin gene (Adipoq), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), glucokinase (GCK), forkhead box (Fox)O1, FoxO3, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC). Metagenomic sequencing was conducted to analyze changes in gut microbiota composition. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the DM group exhibited significantly elevated fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), serum AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C (P<0.01). FINS, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ADP was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Histological analysis confirmed severe hepatic steatosis and excessive lipid accumulation in the DM group, along with markedly reduced glycogen synthesis. Compared with the DM group, the GP group showed significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), reduced serum TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels (P<0.05), significantly decreased serum TG and AST levels (P<0.01), significantly reduced FINS, HOMA-IR, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01), and significantly increased ADP (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition were significantly alleviated, while glycogen synthesis was markedly enhanced. Transcriptomic differential and enrichment analyses suggested that the mechanisms by which G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice may involve regulation of the AMPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Real-time PCR results confirmed that expression of PGC-1α, PEPCK, G6PC, FoxO1, and FoxO3 was significantly downregulated following treatment with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas mRNA expression of Adipoq, PPARα, GCK, and AMPK was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metagenomic analysis showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia species was higher in the GP group than in the DM group. ConclusionG. pentaphyllum alcohol extract may improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice by regulating the hepatic AMPK/PPARα pathway to suppress lipid deposition and alleviate hepatic steatosis, by inhibiting gluconeogenesis through the AMPK/PGC-1α and FoxO pathways to lower fasting blood glucose, and by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia to restore gut microbiota balance.
7.Effect of Different Fermentation Conditions on Fungal Community and Chemical Composition of Aurantii Fructus
Zhihong YAN ; Xiumei LIU ; Qiuyan GUAN ; Yonggui SONG ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Yuhui PING ; Ming YANG ; Qin ZHENG ; Huanhua XU ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):254-262
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different fermentation methods and times on the fungal flora and chemical composition of Aurantii Fructus, in order to obtain the optimal fermentation conditions and flora structure, and to ensure the stability and controllability of the fermented varieties. MethodsScanning electron microscopy was used to observe and analyze the colony characteristics on the surface of Aurantii Fructus under different fermentation conditions. Internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2) high-throughput sequencing, combined with fungal community diversity analysis and fungal community structure analysis, were used to obtain the fungal flora microbial categories of Aurantii Fructus under the conditions of traditional pressure-shelf fermentation and non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation for 7, 14, 21 d(numbered Y1-Y3 for the former, and numbered F1-F3 for the latter), respectively. At the same time, the chemical components in the fermentation process were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), combined with principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and compound retention time, parent ions, characteristic fragment ions and other information, the differential compounds between the different fermentation samples were screened and identified. ResultsThe analysis of fungal community diversity showed that the dominant flora did not change at different fermentation time points in the traditional pressure-shelf fermentation method, while in the non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation method, there was a significant difference with the fermentation process, and at the genus level, the dominant genus of samples Y1, Y2, Y3 and F2 was Aspergillus, while the dominant genera of samples F1 and F3 were both Rhizopus. This indicated that the microbial growth environment provided by the traditional fermentation method was more stable, and the microbial community structure was more stable, which was more conducive to the stable and controllable fermentation process and fermented products. A total of 155 compounds were identified by compositional analysis, including 70 flavonoids, 38 coumarins, 10 alkaloids, 34 organic acids and 3 other compounds. After fermentation, two new components of ribalinine and pranferin were produced. Different fermentation conditions also brought about differences in chemical composition, multivariate statistical analysis obtained 26 differential compounds under two different fermentation methods, mainly including flavonoids, organic acids and coumarins. Comprehensively, the microbial community structure of samples fermented by the traditional pressure-shelf method of Aurantii Fructus for 14 d was stable, the species richness was high and the overall content of differential compounds was high, which was the optimal processing condition. ConclusionCompared with non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation, the traditional method has obvious advantages in terms of the stability of the microbial community structure and the content of chemical compounds, and the optimal condition is 14 days of fermentation. This study is helpful to promote the quality stability and fermentation bioavailability of fermented products of Aurantii Fructus, as well as to provide an experimental basis for the further improvement of the quality control methods of this variety.
8.Effect of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Alcohol Extract on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in db/db Mice Based on Transcriptomics and Gut Microbiota
Yifei ZHU ; Lei DING ; Wei LIU ; Yahui SUN ; Lingling QIN ; Lili WU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):80-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Gynostemma pentaphyllum alcohol extract in improving glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice through transcriptomics and gut microbiota analysis. MethodsEighteen db/db mice were randomly assigned to the model(DM) group, metformin(MET) group, and G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract(GP) group, with six mice in each group, based on stratification of fasting blood glucose and body weight. An additional six db/m mice were selected as the normal control(NC) group. Mice in the NC and DM groups were administered deionized water (10 mL·kg-1) daily. The MET group received metformin (0.195 g·kg-1) by gavage. The GP group was treated with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (3.9 g·kg-1) by gavage for six weeks. Fasting blood glucose was measured every two weeks. After six weeks of intervention, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine (CREA), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure insulin (FINS), adiponectin (ADP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe liver histomorphology, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was employed to assess hepatic glycogen synthesis, and Oil Red O staining was used to detect hepatic lipid deposition. Liver transcriptomic data were used to identify differentially expressed genes in the liver and conduct enrichment analysis. Real-time PCR was employed to verify the expression levels of adiponectin gene (Adipoq), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), glucokinase (GCK), forkhead box (Fox)O1, FoxO3, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC). Metagenomic sequencing was conducted to analyze changes in gut microbiota composition. ResultsCompared with the NC group, the DM group exhibited significantly elevated fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), serum AST, ALT, TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C (P<0.01). FINS, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were significantly increased (P<0.01), while ADP was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Histological analysis confirmed severe hepatic steatosis and excessive lipid accumulation in the DM group, along with markedly reduced glycogen synthesis. Compared with the DM group, the GP group showed significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (P<0.01), reduced serum TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels (P<0.05), significantly decreased serum TG and AST levels (P<0.01), significantly reduced FINS, HOMA-IR, and TNF-α levels (P<0.01), and significantly increased ADP (P<0.01). Hepatic steatosis and lipid deposition were significantly alleviated, while glycogen synthesis was markedly enhanced. Transcriptomic differential and enrichment analyses suggested that the mechanisms by which G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism in db/db mice may involve regulation of the AMPK and FoxO signaling pathways. Real-time PCR results confirmed that expression of PGC-1α, PEPCK, G6PC, FoxO1, and FoxO3 was significantly downregulated following treatment with G. pentaphyllum alcohol extract (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas mRNA expression of Adipoq, PPARα, GCK, and AMPK was significantly upregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). Metagenomic analysis showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia species was higher in the GP group than in the DM group. ConclusionG. pentaphyllum alcohol extract may improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in db/db mice by regulating the hepatic AMPK/PPARα pathway to suppress lipid deposition and alleviate hepatic steatosis, by inhibiting gluconeogenesis through the AMPK/PGC-1α and FoxO pathways to lower fasting blood glucose, and by increasing the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Alistipes, and Akkermansia to restore gut microbiota balance.
9.Effect of Different Fermentation Conditions on Fungal Community and Chemical Composition of Aurantii Fructus
Zhihong YAN ; Xiumei LIU ; Qiuyan GUAN ; Yonggui SONG ; Zhifu AI ; Genhua ZHU ; Yuhui PING ; Ming YANG ; Qin ZHENG ; Huanhua XU ; Dan SU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):254-262
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different fermentation methods and times on the fungal flora and chemical composition of Aurantii Fructus, in order to obtain the optimal fermentation conditions and flora structure, and to ensure the stability and controllability of the fermented varieties. MethodsScanning electron microscopy was used to observe and analyze the colony characteristics on the surface of Aurantii Fructus under different fermentation conditions. Internal transcribed spacer 2(ITS2) high-throughput sequencing, combined with fungal community diversity analysis and fungal community structure analysis, were used to obtain the fungal flora microbial categories of Aurantii Fructus under the conditions of traditional pressure-shelf fermentation and non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation for 7, 14, 21 d(numbered Y1-Y3 for the former, and numbered F1-F3 for the latter), respectively. At the same time, the chemical components in the fermentation process were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS), combined with principal component analysis(PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) and compound retention time, parent ions, characteristic fragment ions and other information, the differential compounds between the different fermentation samples were screened and identified. ResultsThe analysis of fungal community diversity showed that the dominant flora did not change at different fermentation time points in the traditional pressure-shelf fermentation method, while in the non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation method, there was a significant difference with the fermentation process, and at the genus level, the dominant genus of samples Y1, Y2, Y3 and F2 was Aspergillus, while the dominant genera of samples F1 and F3 were both Rhizopus. This indicated that the microbial growth environment provided by the traditional fermentation method was more stable, and the microbial community structure was more stable, which was more conducive to the stable and controllable fermentation process and fermented products. A total of 155 compounds were identified by compositional analysis, including 70 flavonoids, 38 coumarins, 10 alkaloids, 34 organic acids and 3 other compounds. After fermentation, two new components of ribalinine and pranferin were produced. Different fermentation conditions also brought about differences in chemical composition, multivariate statistical analysis obtained 26 differential compounds under two different fermentation methods, mainly including flavonoids, organic acids and coumarins. Comprehensively, the microbial community structure of samples fermented by the traditional pressure-shelf method of Aurantii Fructus for 14 d was stable, the species richness was high and the overall content of differential compounds was high, which was the optimal processing condition. ConclusionCompared with non-pressure-shelf natural fermentation, the traditional method has obvious advantages in terms of the stability of the microbial community structure and the content of chemical compounds, and the optimal condition is 14 days of fermentation. This study is helpful to promote the quality stability and fermentation bioavailability of fermented products of Aurantii Fructus, as well as to provide an experimental basis for the further improvement of the quality control methods of this variety.
10.Variation Tendency and Prediction of Colorectal Cancer Burden Among Chinese Population from 1990 to 2021
Tongzhou WANG ; Juanfang ZHU ; Jin ZHOU ; Pan ZHANG ; Qin TANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(4):319-323
Objective To examine the current status and trends of colorectal cancer (CRC) burden among Chinese residents from 1990 to 2021. Methods Data on CRC burden in China, Asia, and the global population from 1990 to 2021 were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease database for descriptive analysis. An age-period-cohort model was employed to estimate the effects of age, period, and cohort on CRC mortality and to forecast changes in disease burden. Results In 2021, China’s age-standardized mortality rate, prevalence rate, and DALY rate for CRC were higher than global and Asian averages. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) from 1990 to 2021 were −0.49% (95%CI: −0.55% to −0.43%) for mortality, 3.17% (95%CI: 3.03%−3.31%) for prevalence, and −0.62% (95%CI: −0.71% to −0.54%) for DALYs. Areas with high and medium-high sociodemographic indexes (SDIs) showed significant decreases in standardized mortality and DALY rates, but these rates remained higher compared with other regions. CRC mortality increased with age in the Chinese population, more prominently in males than in females. Using the 2002–2006 period as a reference (RR=1), the period effect on CRC mortality risk for women was higher than that for men until 2004, after which it declined considerably. With the 1957 birth cohort as a reference (RR=1), CRC mortality risk generally decreased across subsequent birth cohorts. Predictions indicate that by 2035, the standardized prevalence rate will be 267.21 per 100 000, and the standardized mortality rate will be 12.29 per 100 000. Conclusion From 1990 to 2021, China’s age-standardized CRC mortality and DALY rates have decreased, while the standardized prevalence rate has increased. These findings suggest the government to establish a comprehensive multi-level CRC prevention network.


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