OBJECTIVE To study the effect of Puerariae Lobatae Radix on improving coronary microcirculation disorders in ovariectomized rats. METHODS Seventy-two SD female rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group, estradiol valerate group, and Puerariae Lobatae Radix aqueous extract groups(0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 g·kg^-1), and the perimenopausal model of rat was established by bilateral de-ovulation. Two weeks after molding, drugs were continuously administered by gavage for 16 weeks, once a day, and the corresponding dose of saline was given to the sham-operated and model groups. At the end of the 16th week, PowerLab electrophysiological recorder was used to detect systolic blood pressure(SBP), diastolic blood pressure(DBP), mean blood pressure(MBP), left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP), left ventricular diastolic pressure(LVDP), and maximal left ventricular pressure rising rate (+dp/dt)and maximal left ventricular pressure decline rate(-dp/dt) in the rats. The whole blood high, middle and low shear viscosity, plasma viscosity and hematocrit of rats were detected by blood rheometer. The changes of four items of blood lipid low triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) in rat plasma; in plasma of rats were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. HE staining was conducted to observe the pathological changes in rat myocardium. DiI visualization technology was used to observe the changes in the structure and morphology of coronary microvessels. AngioTool software was applied to analyze the vascular area, density, diameter, the degree of empty space, and according to Poisson Leaf's formula the ion of microvascular resistance to blood flow was calculated. The content changes of nitric oxide(NO) in serum were detected by microtiter method. The content changes of endothelin-1(ET-1) and von Willebrand factor(vWF) in serum were detected by Elisa. Western blot was used to detect the expression of estrogen receptor α(ERα), vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR2) protein in myocardial tissue. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the water extract of Puerariae Lobatae Radix reduced SBP, DBP, MBP, LVSP and LV±dp/dt max in hemodynamics, whole blood high, medium and low shear viscosity, plasma viscosity and hematocrit in hemorheology, blood flow resistance, myocardial enzyme indexes LDH and CK content, vasoconstrictor factor ET-1 and endothelial injury factor vWF content, and HDL-C content in blood lipid four items, which could reduce inflammatory cell infiltration and myocardial cell atrophy. The contents of TG, TC, LDL-C, blood vessel diameter, area, percentage, porosity, NO content, ERα, VEGFR2 and VEGF protein expression were increased. CONCLUSION Puerariae Lobatae Radix extract can improve coronary microcirculation disorder in ovariectomized rats by regulating endothelial function through estrogen receptor.

OBJECTIVE To elucidate the pharmacodynamic substance basis of Aconiti Kusnezoffii processed with Terminalia chebula using plant metabolomics technology combined with bioinformatic analysis and in vitro activity validation methods. METHODS Firstly, high throughput data were collected from the aqueous extracts of A. Kusnezoffii processed with T. chebula before and after concoction based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS), and multivariate statistical analysis combined with univariate analysis was utilized to screen for differences in chemical components before and after the concoction. Secondly, based on the screened different chemical components, bioinformatic analysis and simulated molecular docking technology were used to analyze the potential pharmacodynamic components, targets and signaling pathways of A. Kusnezoffii processed with T. chebula for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Finally, the pharmacodynamics was verified by in vitro cellular anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant activity assays. RESULTS A total of 64 differential chemical components including alkaloids, organic acids and sugar components were screened before and after the preparation of A. Kusnezoffii. A. Kusnezoffii processed with T. chebula may exert its therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis by regulating the abnormal expression of proteins such as TP53, ESR1, HSP90AA1, and PIK3R1, via cancer signaling pathway, metabolic signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and RAS signaling pathway. Both the aqueous extracts of A. Kusnezoffii before and after concoction significantly inhibited LPS-induced release of inflammatory factors such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as possessed significant scavenging ability for DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion. CONCLUSION The pharmacodynamic material basis of A. Kusnezoffii processed with T. chebula is clarified, which provides a theoretical basis for the safe and effective clinical application of A.Kusnezoffii.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP) on opportunistic pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in immunocompromised mice. METHODS Immunocompromised mouse models were constructed using cyclophosphamide, then randomly divided these mice into a pneumonia model group, high-dose LBP group(40 mg·kg^-1), medium-dose LBP group(20 mg·kg^-1), low-dose LBP group(10 mg·kg^-1), and a normal control group. Pneumonia mouse models were constructed by intranasal administration of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) bacterial solution. Mice in LBP-treated groups were administered LBP at corresponding concentrations through gavage once daily for 10 days, while the control and model group mice were given equal volumes of normal saline. During the experiment, the general condition, body weight, and survival rate of the mice were monitored. After the experiment, the lungs, spleen, thymus, and liver of the mice were collected to calculate the organ index. The lung tissue bacterial load and histopathology were analyzed, and the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils, spleen lymphocyte subsets, and proliferative capacity were detected to evaluate the immune function of the mice. Combined with the analysis of inflammation-related cytokines and oxidative stress activity, the mechanism of action was further revealed. RESULTS The general condition, body weight, and survival rate of mice in the model group were significantly decreased, accompanied by a significant downregulation of the neutrophil phagocytic index, a significant reduction in the total number of spleen lymphocytes, total T cells, T helper cells(Th), and B cells, as well as decreased myeloperoxidase(MPO) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity, collectively demonstrating the successful preparation of the immunocompromised model. However, after treatment with different doses of LBP, the results showed that LBP could effectively improve the general condition and survival rate of immunocompromised mice with KP-infected pneumonia. The lung index of mice in the LBP treatment groups was significantly lower than that in the model group(P<0.05), indicating reduced lung inflammation. The lung tissue homogenate bacterial load was significantly decreased, and histopathological analysis showed relatively intact alveolar structure, reduced congestion, and decreased inflammatory exudation. At the same time, the total number of lymphocytes, total T cells, Th, and B cells in the treatment groups were increased compared with the model group(P<0.05), with significant differences in the high-dose group. In addition, the LBP groups also showed obviously increased neutrophil phagocytic index and lymphocyte proliferation rate, as well as restored MPO and SOD activity, collectively indicating that LBP has an immune-enhancing effect and exerts an anti-infective effect. Finally, compared with the disordered serum cytokine levels in the model group, LBP showed a dose-dependent downregulation of abnormally elevated inflammatory cytokines interferon(IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, and interleukin(IL)-6 levels. CONCLUSION LBP can effectively improve the general condition and survival rate of immunocompromised mice with KP-infected pneumonia. Specifically, it reduces lung tissue bacterial load, alleviates lung tissue pathological damage, increases lymphocyte count and proliferative capacity, enhances neutrophil phagocytic capacity, corrects imbalanced cytokine levels and oxidative stress levels, etc., collectively improving the immune function and anti-infective ability of immunocompromised mice and exerting immune protection and immunomodulatory effects.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of this tratitional Chinese medicine irradiation sterilization on the chemical composition, especially pills with complex herb composition. METHODS The chemical composition of Pishenliangzhu Pills was examined using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Then, the obtained data were used for the multivariate statistical analysis of the components of Pishenliangzhu Pills and finally, the contents of 22 index components of 15 medicines in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 were compared before and after irradiation, and the rest of the compounds were analyzed by mass spectrometry, so as to comprehensively investigate the differences in the chemistry of the irradiated sterilizers.RESULTS A total of 260 compounds were identified,including 45 flavonoids, 28 triterpenoids, 24 phenylpropanoid compounds, and 163 glycosides, organic acids, lipids, amino acids, and alkaloids.Principal component analysis and cluster analysis revealed that there were no significant changes in the chemical composition of Pishenliangzhu Pills after Cobalt-60 irradiation at a dose of(2.5±0.5)kGy, with only 13 components showing minor alterations.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of high-resolution mass spectrometry in investigating chemical differences induced by irradiation sterilization in traditional Chinese medicine using Pishenliangzhu Pills as an example, which providing scientific evidence for the utilization of irradiation sterilization technology in producing Chinese patent medicines.

OBJECTIVE To modify and optimize the structure of osthole derivatives with better antibacterial activities. METHODS First, intermediate 2 was synthesized by oxidation of SeO₂ and NaClO₂/NaH₂PO₄ using osthole extract as raw material. Next, intermediate 3 was synthesized through condensation reaction of Boc-L-phenylalanine and amines, followed by deprotection reaction. Then, the target compounds were prepared by recondensing intermediate 2 and 3. Finally, the antibacterial activities of the products were tested by the agar dilution method. RESULTS Twenty-two osthole derivatives were synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by NMR and elemental analysis. The results showed that these compounds had better inhibitory effects on the tested bacteria. The activities of compounds 4o and 4q against E. coli, MRSA and FREC were the most significant, the MIC of 4o was 2, 16, and 4 μg·mL^-1 respectively, and the MIC of 4q was 4, 16, and 8 μg·mL^-1 respectively, which were superior to that of the control drug oxacillin. CONCLUSION Some derivatives have significant inhibitory effects on both gram-positive and negative bacteria. The introduction of L-phenylalanine into the structure of osthole can enhance its anti-gram-negative bacteria activities.

OBJECTIVE To establish a universal method for determining the refractive index increment(dn/dc)of sodium hyaluronate(SH),laying the foundation for achieving accurate determination of SH molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. METHODS Various instruments, mobile phases,and samples were used to study the dn/dc of SH. RESULTS SH was more stable in 0.1 mol·L^-1 sodium nitrate solution,and the relative standard deviation(RSD)of dn/dc was less than 1.0%(n=3). CONCLUSION The newly established determination method is simple,fast,and accurate,solving the problem of difficult determination of SH dn/dc both domestically and internationally for many years.It also provides new methods and ideas for determining the dn/dc of other polymer substances.

OBJECTIVE To prepare human serum albumin(HSA) modified liposomes,realize thetargeting ability bybinding to albumin receptor and achieve targeting transportto tumor tissues. METHODS The paclitaxel-maleimide prodrug was synthesized, and the prodrug loaded liposomes were constructed based on it. Then, albumin modified liposomes were prepared by spontaneous binding between maleimide and free mercapto group in albumin structure, and their pharmacological properties were characterized. Moreover, cell and animal experiments were conducted to further investigate the uptake ability of albumin modified liposomes by tumor cells, as well as its anti-tumor activity and targeting in vivo. RESULTS The cell uptake of albumin-modified liposomes mediated by overexpression of albumin-binding protein on tumor cell surface was significantly increased. The cell intake of coumarin-6 loaded albumin-modified liposomes was significantly higher than that of free coumarin-6. The evaluation of antitumor activity in vivo showed that the PTX@HSA-lipos group had a better effect on tumor volume control. After administration, the average tumor weight in the saline group was(7.88±1.22) g, and that in the PTX@HSA-lipos group was (3.126±0.68)g, with significant difference(F=28.36, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Albumin modified liposomes are a kind of drug delivery system with high efficiency, low toxicity and targeting to tumor tissue.

OBJECTIVE To compare technical documents on criteria for chromatographic-mass spectrometric confirmation of the identification of analytes in major international organizations,and provide suggestion for updates of corresponding technical specifications in Chinese Pharmacopeia. METHODS Chinese Pharmacopeia volume Ⅳ,the guidance or technical documents in European Commission,Food and Drug Administration,and World Anti-Doping Agency were reviewed.The key parameters in relevant technical documents were compared. RESULTS The criteria in different organizations were updated following the repaid development of analytical techniques.Existing technical documents also vary in their requirements for specific technical parameters. CONCLUSION It is suggested that the criteria for chromatographic-mass spectrometric confirmation of the identification of analytes in Chinese Pharmacopeia general chapter 0431 mass spectrometry should be specified to provide more detailed guidance and ensure relevant methods executed scientifically and standardly.

Skin, as the first line of defense of the body, is often damaged by various factors, causing skin trauma. Skin wound repair has become a serious health problem. Medical wet dressings can create a sustained moist environment around the wound, stimulating the release of cytokines and cell proliferation, as well as enhancing the function of inflammatory cells, which have broad prospects in promoting wound healing. With the advancement of medical technology, multifunctional wound treatment strategies and auxiliary treatment technologies combined with medical wet dressings have provided better treatment options for skin wound repair and healing. This article summarizes the types and applications of medical wet dressings, elucidates and generalizes the research progress on functional medical wet dressings and related auxiliary treatment technologies, providing insights for researchers to develop new types of medical wet dressings.

The symbiotic relationship between Gastrodia elata and Armillaria, as well as Polyporus umbellatus and Armillaria, is widely recognized in the field. The method of combined planting with Armillaria has emerged as a successful technique for the industrial cultivation of G. elata and P. umbellatus. However, the comprehension of the symbiotic connection between Armillaria and G. elata, as well as P. umbellatus, is still not deeply explored. The taxonomic challenge related to symbiotic Armillaria species has not received sufficient attention in scientific studies, and the incorrect utilization of Armillaria species in practical cultivation can lead to significant losses. Moreover, the limited understanding of symbiotic Armillaria groups hinders the improvement and optimal utilization of symbiotic Armillaria genetic resources. This paper conducts a retrospective analysis of the historical knowledge concerning symbiotic Armillaria with G. elata and P. umbellatus, the rationale for using Armillaria mellea, the different symbiotic Armillaria groups, and suggests potential directions for future research. The aim of this review is to enhance the understanding of symbiotic Armillaria groups, lay the groundwork for further exploration, and maximize the exploitation of symbiotic Armillaria resources.