Role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway in alcoholic liver disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

The incidence rate of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is increasing year by year China, and there is a gradual increase in disease burden among Chinese people. Oxidative stress response in hepatocytes is an important pathogenic mechanism of ALD. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway is an important endogenous anti-oxidative stress pathway in the body, and Nrf2 is activated in response to oxidative stress and exerts its transcriptional activity to induce high HO-1 expression. HO-1 is an important oxidative stress response protein and plays a role in anti-inflammation, anti- oxidation, and cell apoptosis regulation together with heme hydrolysis products (bilirubin, carbon monoxide, and iron). This article reviews the research advances in the role of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in ALD in recent years, so as to find a theoretical basis for the development and progression of ALD and an entry point for treatment.

Chinese Medicine Intervention on Deep Vein Thrombosis-related Signaling Pathways After Total Knee Arthroplasty： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Total knee arthroplasty， as a common treatment option for advanced knee osteoarthritis， can alleviate the clinical symptoms of patients. Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity is the most common complication of total knee arthroplasty. Previous studies have shown that the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty is mostly related to the overexpression of inflammatory factors in vivo. Nuclear transcription factor-κB， Toll-like receptor 4， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B， tumor necrosis factor， and nuclear transcription factor E2-related factor 2 are typical signaling pathways related to inflammation. Regulating the expression of the signaling pathways can intervene the formation of inflammatory factors. Inhibiting the formation of inflammatory factors can help suppress the activation of platelets， thereby blocking thrombosis. According to previous research， Chinese medicine monomers， Chinese medicine extract， and compound Chinese medicine prescriptions all directly or indirectly inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors by regulating the above signaling pathways， thereby suppressing the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis after total knee arthroplasty. Therefore， Chinese medicine can reduce postoperative complications and promote postoperative recovery of patients at low cost with small side effects. This article summarizes the research on Chinese medicine intervention on deep vein thrombosis-related signaling pathways after total knee arthroplasty， which is expected to lay a basis for the in-depth study and clinical application of Chinese medicine in deep vein thrombosis.

Authenticity discrimination of Pulsatillae Radix based on dry-process REIMS fingerprinting combined with machine learning / 中国中药杂志

In this study, rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry(REIMS) fingerprints of 388 samples of roots of Pulsatilla chinensis(PC) and its common counterfeits, roots of P. cernua and roots of Anemone tomentosa were analyzed based on REIMS combined with machine learning. The samples were determined by REIMS through dry burning, and the REIMS data underwent cluster analysis, similarity analysis(SA), and principal component analysis(PCA). After dimensionality reduction by PCA, the data were analyzed by similarity analysis and self-organizating map(SOM), followed by modeling. The results indicated that the REIMS fingerprints of the samples showed the characteristics of variety differences and the SOM model could accurately distinguish PC, P. cernua, and A. tomentosa. REIMS combined with machine learning algorithm has a broad application prospect in the field of traditional Chinese medicine.

Hepatoprotective activity of cis-(trans)-emodin-emodin dianthrone from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb / 药学学报

The cis-emodin-emodin dianthrone (compound 1) and trans-emodin-emodin dianthrone (compound 2) were extracted from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. The protective effect and mechanism of compound 1 and compound 2 (emodin-emodin dianthrones) on acute liver injury induced by concanavalin A (ConA) in ICR mice was first investigated. The results indicated that emodin-emodin dianthrones at 1 mg·kg-1 significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level (P < 0.05). Emodin-emodin dianthrones also improved liver histopathological damage in liver-injured mice. The level of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) mRNA in liver was significantly reduced by 1 mg·kg-1 of emodin-emodin dianthrones, while the level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA expression was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The protective activity of compounds 1 and 2 against hepatocyte injury was further evaluated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced hepatocyte injury. Compounds 1 and 2 significantly inhibited H2O2-induced hepatocyte injury and reduced the levels of ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in cell culture. Compounds 1 and 2 also significantly improved the cell survival rate and decreased H2O2-induced oxidative stress in hepatocytes. Compound 1 (0.5 µmol·L-1) significantly increased the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hepatocytes (P < 0.01), and 0.5 µmol·L-1 of compound 2 significantly decreased the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased SOD enzyme activity, and glutathione (GSH) content (P < 0.01). Compounds 1 and 2 at 0.5 µmol·L-1 also inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis by increasing the protein expression ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (P < 0.05) and decreasing the protein expression ratio of cleaved caspase-3 and pro caspase-3 (P < 0.05). This study indicates that the emodin-emodin dianthrones from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. have liver-protective activity. Compounds 1 and 2 exerted hepatoprotective effects by inhibiting apoptosis and oxidative stress. The study provides an important material basis for the hepatoprotective effect of commonly used amounts of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.

Reinforced radiculoplasty for the treatment of symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts: A clinical analysis of 71 cases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the safety and efficacy of reinforced radiculoplasty in the treatment of symptomatic sacral Tarlov cysts (TCs).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and follow-up data of 71 patients with symptomatic sacral TCs who underwent reinforced radiculoplasty in the Neurosurgery Department of Peking University Third Hospital from June 2018 to March 2021. All the operations were performed under neuroelectrophysiological monitoring. Intraoperative cyst exploration, partial resection of the cyst wall, narrowing of the leak, nerve root sleeve radiculoplasty and artificial dural reinforcement were performed. The incidence of postoperative complications and new neurological dysfunction was analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the changes of pain before and after surgery. The Japanese Orthopedics Association (JOA) low back pain score was used to evaluate the changes in nerve function before and after surgery.@*RESULTS@#In the study, 71 patients had 101 TCs, 19 (18.8%) TCs originated from the left S1 nerve, 26 (25.7%) originated from the left S2 nerve, 3 (3.0%) originated from the left S3 nerve, 14 (13.9%) originated from the right S1 nerve, 33 (32.7%) originated from the right S2 nerve, 6 (5.9%) originated from the right S3 nerve, all the TCs underwent reinforced radiculoplasty. Deep infection (1 case), subcutaneous effusion (1 case), fat li-quefaction (1 case) and urinary tract infection (4 cases) were recorded postoperatively. The patients were followed up for 12-43 months (median, 26 months). Two cases had new urinary retention after operation, and the catheter was removed at the end of the first and second months respectively. One case had new fecal weakness, which improved after 3 months. Compared with preoperation, VAS decreased significantly at the last follow-up [median, 6 (4-9) vs. 1 (0-5), Z=-7.272, P < 0.001], JOA score increased significantly [median, 20 (16-25) vs. 27 (18-29), Z=-7.265, P < 0.001]. There were 18 cured cases (25.4%), 41 excellent cases (57.7%), 8 effective cases (11.3%), and 4 invalid cases (5.6%). The total efficiency was 94.4% (67/71). Two (1.98%) cysts recurred.@*CONCLUSION@#For patients with symptomatic sacral TCs, reinforced radiculoplasty can significantly improve the pain and nerve function, which is safe and reliable.

The association between heavy metal exposure and erectile dysfunction in the United States / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Literature regarding the impacts of heavy metal exposure on erectile dysfunction (ED) is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between 10 urinary metals and ED in a large, nationally representative adult male sample. The dataset was extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the period of 2001-2002 and 2003-2004. Weighted proportions and multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding variables were utilized to determine the relationship between metal exposure and ED. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was utilized to evaluate the impact of a mixture of urinary metals on ED. A total of 1328 participants were included in our study. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, cobalt (Co) and antimony (Sb) were positively associated with ED (odds ratio [OR]: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.73, P = 0.020; and OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.77, P = 0.018, respectively) after full adjustment. Men in tertile 4 for Co (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02-2.41, P for trend = 0.012) and Sb (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08-2.40, P for trend = 0.041) had significantly higher odds of ED than those in tertile 1. Furthermore, the WQS index was significantly linked with increased odds of ED after full adjustment (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04-1.72, P < 0.05). Our study expanded on previous literature indicating the possible role of heavy metal exposure in the etiology of ED. The evaluation of heavy metal exposure should be included in the risk assessment of ED.

Considerations on investigation on quality standard of Chinese patent medicine / 药学学报

Chinese patent medicine (CPM) is an important part of traditional and Chinese medicine (TCM). Its quality has direct impact on the safety and effectiveness of clinical use. The quality standard is the pivotal approach to guarantee the quality of CPM. Due to the complex material basis, multitudinous quality influencing factors and unveiled active ingredients, dose-effect relationship and action mechanism, the investigation on quality standard faces many difficulties. This paper surveys the current quality status of CPM and the general situation of CPM standards. At present, the dosing problem has the crucial impact on the quality of CPM. The current quality standard system of CPM is confirmed and the limitations are indicated. Based on the above analysis, the principles and considerations on investigation of quality standard are proposed as follows: ① Adhere to safety as the bottom line, strengthen the risk-control ability of the standard of CPM; ② Adhere to theory of TCM and comprehensive quality, improve the integrative control level of the CPM standard; ③ Emphasize technological development and innovation, promote the quality control competence of CPM standard; ④ Facilitate planning and coordination, optimize the management of the CPM standard system; ⑤ Reinforce investigation on evaluation method, develop grade evaluation standard, accelerate high-quality development of CPM. Finally, the future perspective on investigation of CPM quality standard is prospected.

Determination of monosaccharide composition of polysaccharide and free monosaccharides in Cistanches Herba by ion chromatography-integral pulsed amperometry / 药学学报

Polysaccharides and free monosaccharides are important active components in Cistanches Herba, which have functions of anti-aging and immunological activity regulation. The study of monosaccharide composition in polysaccharide and free monosaccharide can lay a foundation for the study of primary structure, spatial structure of Cistanche polysaccharide and biological activity of Cistanches Herba. In this study, a method of water extraction and alcohol precipitation was used to extract Cistanche polysaccharide. Trifluoroacetic acid was selected as the hydrolytic acid for polysaccharide hydrolysis. An orthogonal experimental method is established. Three levels of acid concentration, hydrolysis temperature and hydrolysis time were selected to investigate the optimal hydrolysis condition. The optimal hydrolysis condition was 0.08 mol·L-1 trifluoroacetic acid hydrolysis at 100 ℃ for 3 h. The free monosaccharides of Cistanches Herba were extracted by water extraction. The established ion chromatogram integrated pulsed amperometry method can efficiently separate 11 monosaccharides in a short time. The method has good repeatability and high sensitivity, methodological experiment results meet the requirements of quantitative determination. It can accurately determine the monosaccharide composition of Cistanche polysaccharide and free monosaccharide content. Ion chromatography does not require derivatization operation and the pre-treatment steps are simple. This method can measure fructose, but PMP derivation-HPLC method can't. The monosaccharide composition of Cistanche polysaccharide include fucose, arabinose, rhamnose-galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, fructose, ribose and glucuronic acid, among which the contents of glucose and fructose are relatively high. The free monosaccharides in the water extract of Cistanches Herba include glucose, fructose and mannose.

Analysis of the of Pb, Cd and As in decoction of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. by PBET digestion in vitro/Caco-2 cell model and their cumulative risk assessment / 药学学报

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. The physiologically based extraction test (PBET) digestion in vitro/Caco-2 cell model was established to investigate the bioaccessible contents of Pb, Cd and As in decoction of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. The target-organ toxicity dose modification of HI method (TTD) was used to evaluate the cumulative risk caused by the combined exposure of the total levels of Pb, Cd and As in Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. and the bioaccessible contents in the decoction. The results showed that the total contents of Pb, Cd and As in 4 batches of samples were in the range of 2.901-3.872, 1.299-1.800 and 0.062-0.216 mg·kg-1, respectively. After transportation by Cacco-2 cells, the bioaccessible contents of Pb, Cd, and As in the decoction were in the range of 0.045-0.080, 0.070-0.112 and 0.004-0.018 mg·kg-1. The results of risk assessment showed that calculated by the total amounts of heavy metals in the Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm., for the end points of nervous system, the cumulative risks of co-exposure of heavy metals in 3 batches of samples were of concern. After decoction and transportation by Caco-2 cells, for the end points of cardiovascular system, blood, nervous system, kidney and testis, the TTD modification of HI values of all batches of samples were less than 1, and the health risks were acceptable. The study provided methodology basis for a more objective assessment of the health risks of heavy metals and harmful elements in traditional Chinese medicine and for a more scientific limit standard of heavy metals and harmful elements.

Design, synthesis and anti-tumor activity of combretastatin A-4 derivatives / 中国药科大学学报

@#Based on the structure of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4), a microtubulin inhibitor, eight novel compounds were designed and synthesized by introducing different substituents into the benzimidazole backbone which substituted B ring of CA-4, and the structures were characterized by NMR and HRMS. Proliferation inhibition of six tumor cells including A549, HepG2, HCT-116, MCF-7, PC-3 and Siha was measured by MTT method.The effect of active compound on cell migration was evaluated by scratch test.Molecular docking technique was applied to investigate the interaction between the most active compound with the tubulin and PI3K kinases respectively.Compound 4e showed prominent inhibition against six strains of tumor cells, especially with the strongest inhibitory effect on Siha cells (IC50 = 12.18 ± 1.17 μmol/L).Moreover, compound 4e could effectively inhibit cell migration, which deserves further study.Molecular docking study showed that the binding energy to the tubulin of compound 4e was stronger than that of CA-4, and the affinity with PI3Ks displayed that the PI3Kδ subtype kinase was the strongest; its binding energy was -37.2 kJ/mol.This study lays a foundation for the development of anti-tumor drug based on PI3K and microtubulin.

Microscopic resection of lumbar intraspinal tumor through keyhole approach: A clinical study of 54 cases / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the feasibility and key technology of microscopic resection of lumbar intraspinal tumor through microchannel keyhole approach.@*METHODS@#The clinical features, imaging characteristics and surgical methods of 54 cases of lumbar intraspinal tumor which were microscopically operated by microchannel from February 2017 to September 2019 were reviewed and analyzed. There were 8 cases of extradural tumor, 3 cases of extra-and intradural tumor and 43 cases of subdural extramedullary tumor (including 3 cases of ventral spinal tumor). The tumors were 0.5-3.0 cm in diameter. The clinical symptoms included 49 cases of pain in the corresponding innervation area, 5 cases of sensory disturbance (numbness) at or below the tumor segment, 7 cases of limb weakness and 2 cases of urination and defecation dysfunction.@*RESULTS@#In the study, 37 tumors were resected through hemilaminectomy, 14 tumors were resected through interlaminar fenestration, 3 tumors were resected through hemilaminectomy or interlaminar fenestration combined with facetectomy of medial 1/4 facet. All of the 54 tumors were totally resected. The operation time was 75-135 min, with an average of 93.3 min. The postoperative hospital stay was 4-7 days, with an average of 5.7 days. Postoperative pathology included 34 cases of schwannoma, 4 cases of meningioma, 9 cases of ependymoma, 1 case of enterogenous cyst, 5 cases of teratoma/epidermoid/dermoid cyst, and 1 case of paraganglioma. No infection or cerebrospinal fluid leakage was found after operation. No neurological dysfunction occurred except 1 case of urination dysfunction and 4 cases of limb numbness. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 33 months with an average of 14.4 months. Five patients with new onset symptoms returned to normal. The pain symptoms of 49 patients were completely relieved; 4 of 5 patients with hypoesthesia recovered completely, the other 1 patient had residual mild hypoesthesia; 7 patients with limb weakness, and 2 patients with urination and defecation dysfunction recovered to normal. No spinal instability or deformity was found, and no recurrence or residual tumors were found. According to McCormick classification, they were of all grade Ⅰ.@*CONCLUSION@#The lumbar intraspinal extramedullary tumors within two segments (including the ventral spinal tumors) can be totally resected at stage Ⅰ through microchannel keyhole approach with appropriate selection of the cases. Microchannel technique is beneficial to preserve the normal structure and muscle attachment of lumbar spine, and to maintain the integrity and stability of lumbar spine.

Considerations on Relevant Technical Requirements for Listing Application of Over-the-counter Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In this paper， a comparative analysis is carried out on the policy of listed drugs in Australia， the policy of over-the-counter drugs in Japan， the policy related to the conversion of Chinese patent medicines to over-the-counter drugs， and the policy related to health food. The focus is on one of the possible situations for the registration of over-the-counter traditional Chinese medicines （TCMs）， namely new prescription-composed over-the-counter TCMs. This paper discussed separately from the three parts of the scope of Chinese medicinal materials in the prescription medicines， the scope of indications， and the technical requirements， in order to provide references for the technical requirements related to the registration of over-the-counter TCMs. Recommendations on the marketing and registration of new prescription-composed over-the-counter TCMs：①It is recommended to formulate a list of medicinal materials for the use of Chinese herbal medicines， and consider including raw materials of health food. On this basis， a batch of safe Chinese medicinal materials/decoction pieces was added. And consider dynamic supervision， such as allowing the addition or recall of Chinese medicinal materials/decoction pieces in the list of medicinal materials. ②The scope of indications is recommended to consider the scope of indications for the conversion of Chinese patent medicines to over-the-counter TCMs in China， and the selection of medium-risk indications can reflect the characteristics and advantages of TCM treatment. ③Efficacy evaluation needs to provide high-quality scientific evidence， including clinical research data， and consider relaxing the requirements for non-clinical pharmacodynamic trials.

Preliminary Considerations on Management Mode and Technical Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Same Name and Prescription / 中国实验方剂学杂志

With the publication of Registration and Classification of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） and Application Data Requirements， the related management and technical documents of TCM with the same name and prescription need to be further studied and formulated. In this paper， the management mode and technical evaluation of TCM with the same name and prescription are discussed to provide reference for the formulation of management and technical documents of TCM with the same name and prescription. The issues to be discussed include which management mode to adopt， how to select the control drugs with the same name and prescription， whether the indication risk level should be divided， whether the indication should be limited to medium and low risk， and how to carry out the technical evaluation of similarity/consistency. From the perspective of technical document research and formulation， this paper mainly focuses on the technical level. However， there are still other theoretical possibilities in the management mode and technical evaluation of TCM with the same name and prescription. Therefore， this paper， as a preliminary summary of the management and technical evaluation of TCM with the same name and prescription， needs more scholars and industry experts to pay attention to and participate in this work.

Determination and Risk Assessment of Six Hepatotoxic Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Verbenae Herba / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To establish ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） for simultaneous determination of six hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Verbenae Herba， and to carry out preliminary risk assessment according to the research results. Method:An ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column （2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.8 μm） was used for analysis with 0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L^-1 ammonium formate in water （A）-0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L^-1 ammonium formate in acetonitrile （B） as mobile phase for gradient elution （0-12 min， 3%-8%B； 12-25 min， 8%-15%B； 25-26 min， 15%-3%B； 26-30 min， 3%B）， the flow rate was 0.3 mL·min^-1， the column temperature was 40 ℃， and the injection volume was 1 μL. MS system was operated by electrospray ionization （ESI） in the positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring mode. MS parameters of triple quadrupole and six analytes were optimized for qualitative and quantitative analysis. According to the determination results， the risk assessment was carried out by using margin of exposure （MOE） combined with transfer rate of hot water extraction. Result:Based on the instrument precision， linear range， repeatability， stability， recovery and other methodological validations， the results were in conformity with relevant standards of quantitative analysis. The linear ranges of intermedine， lycopsamine， intermedine <italic>N</italic>-oxide， lycopsamine<italic> N</italic>-oxide， echimidine<italic> N</italic>-oxide and echimidine were good （<italic>r</italic>≥0.999 0） between peak area and mass concentration in the ranges of 0.984-49.20， 0.994-49.70， 1.012-50.60， 1.032-51.60， 1.004-50.20， 1.016-50.80 µg·L^-1， respectively. The average recoveries of these six analytes were 87.2%-94.2% with relative standard deviation （RSD）<4.0%. Their MOE values were >10 000. Conclusion:The UPLC-MS/MS established in this study is stable and feasible， which can provide scientific basis for the quality control and safety evaluation of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Verbenae Herba.

Quality Analysis and Suggestion for Ginkgo Folium Tablets and Ginkgo Folium Capsules / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To conduct quality evaluation of Ginkgo Folium preparations by analyzing the national evaluation sampling test results， analyze the quality differences， and put forward suggestions for the improvement of quality standards and market supervision. Method:The contents of total flavonol glycosides and terpene lactones in Ginkgo Folium tablets and Ginkgo Folium capsules were determined according to the methods of determination in the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia （the first volume）， and the contents of free flavonoids （quercetin， kaempferide and isorhamnetin） and sophoricoside in Ginkgo Folium preparations were determined according to related supplementary testing method of Ginkgo Folium tablets and Ginkgo Folium capsules issued by National Medical Products Administration. The quality differences of Ginkgo Folium preparations from different batches and different manufacturers were compared according to the contents of total flavonol glycosides， terpene lactones， free flavonoids and sophoricoside in 328 batches of Ginkgo Folium tablets and Ginkgo Folium capsules manufactured by 48 enterprises. Result:Quality of 328 batches of Ginkgo Folium tablets and Ginkgo Folium capsules was in accordance with the standard， but the contents of terpene lactones and total flavonol glycosides were all distributed in a wide range， and the quality of samples varied greatly among different enterprises. Conclusion:It is recommended that each enterprise should optimize the production process and strictly control the raw materials to ensure the consistency between different batches of samples.

Identification of geographical origins of Cordyceps based on data of amino acids with self-organizing map neural network / 中国中药杂志

In this study, data of amino acids of Cordyceps samples from Qinghai and Tibet was analyzed with self-organizing map neural network. A model of XY-Fused network was established with the content of 8 major amino acids and total amino acids for the identification of geographical origins of Cordyceps from Qinghai and Tibet. It had the prediction accuracy of 83.3% for the test set. In addition, data mining indicated that methionine was a special kind of amino acid in Cordyceps which could serve as a marker to identify its geographical origins. On this basis, the content ratio of methionine to total amino acids was proposed to be a quantifiable indicator to distinguish Cordyceps from Qinghai and Tibet.

Simultaneous determination of six pyrrolizidine alkaloids in different parts of Emilia sonchifolia by UPLC-MS/MS / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to develop a UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of six pyrrolizidine alkaloids(PAs)--intermedine N-oxide(ImNO), lycopsamine N-oxide(LyNO), seneciphylline(Sp), seneciphylline N-oxide(SpNO), senecionine N-oxide(SnNO), and senkirkine(Sk) in different parts of Emilia sonchifolia. UPLC conditions are as follows: ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm), mobile phase consisting of 0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium formate in water(A)-0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium formate in acetonitrile(B) for gradient elution. MS conditions are as below: electrospray ionization(ESI) in the positive ion mode, multiple reaction monitoring(MRM), and the content of the six PAs was calculated with the external standard method. The results suggested the differences in the six PAs among different parts of E. sonchifolia. Sk was detected in all the four parts, with similar content. SnNO also existed in all the four parts, but the content in roots was significantly higher than that in other parts. Sp and SpNO were found in both roots and flowers, with the content higher in the former than in the later. ImNO and LyNO were only found in leaves, and the content was low. Among the six components detected, ImNO, LyNO, and SpNO were found and determined for the first time, which enriched the toxic components and laid a scientific basis for the quality and safety evaluation of E. sonchifolia.

Quantitation and content investigation of bilirubin in cultured cow-bezoar / 中国中药杂志

A determination method for bilirubin in cultured cow-bezoar was developed in this study, with which the bilirubin in 15 batches of samples was quantified. The samples were first processed with 10% oxalic acid solution for the conversion of bilirubin from conjugated to unconjugated, followed by the extraction with dichloromethane. Then the obtained sample solutions were analyzed at 450 nm by HPLC[chromatographic column: Agilent TC-C_(18)(4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm); mobile phase: acetonitrile and 1% glacial acetic acid aqueous solution(95∶5); flow rate: 1.0 mL·min~(-1)]. The bilirubin content in the 15 batches of cultured cow-bezoar was ranged from 21.9% to 41.7% with the average of 32.4%. The proposed method is accurate and reliable, thus making it suitable for the quantitation of bilirubin in cultured cow-bezoar and its quality assessment and control.

Identification of Gastrodiae Rhizoma chromatographic peaks identification by liner calibration with two reference substances assisted / 药学学报

This study aimed to establish a method for positioning six chromatographic peaks occurred in HPLC profile of Gastrodiae Rhizoma. The "liner calibration with two reference substances" (LCTRS) method was used to calculate the retention time so as to assist in positioning of chromatographic peaks in terms of the prediction accuracy of retention time and the coincidence rate of chromatographic column. A total of 24 C18 chromatographic columns from different brands and types available were used to determine the retention times of six components in Gastrodiae Rhizoma, then the average retention time of each component was obtained as standard retention time (SRT). Parishin E (peak 3) and Parishin A (peak 6) were simultaneously taken as reference substance to forecast the retention time of the other four components by using the LCTRS method. Four different C18 columns were employed to verify the method. Meanwhile, for the purpose of comparison, the relative retention time (RRT) method was applied to forecast the retention time, by using Parishin E as the single reference substance. The comparison between LCTRS and RRT methods indicated that the former was more accurate in predicting the retention time and more applicable in utilization of chromatographic columns. This study demonstrated that the LCTRS method shows the superior performance in positioning of chromatographic peak, and therefore has a good prospect of application.

Development of an overall evaluation system for traditional Chinese medicine / 药学学报

This paper reviews modern science and technology with regard to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research methods, quality control, and discusses the establishment and improvement of the evaluation system for TCM, focusing on the following issues: 1) How to incorporate the efficacy of TCM in the overall evaluation of TCM quality; 2) how to quantify the efficacy and properties of TCM; 3) how to understand the correlation between the efficacy and properties of TCM and its application; 4) how to reflect the specificity of the effective components in the overall evaluation of TCM quality; and 5) how to reflect the quality value transfer of effective components in the whole process of production and metabolism in vivo to the overall evaluation of TCM quality. The overall quality evaluation of TCM needs to better reflect its clinically safety and effectiveness. It is suggested to establish a clinical quality assessment method based on the content of the chemical components of TCM to explore and establish an overall evaluation method of TCM quality that reflects the efficacy of TCM and conforms with clinical practice.