Recent advances in small-molecule inhibitors targeting influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase / 药学学报

Influenza virus causes serious threat to human life and health. Due to the inherent high variability of influenza virus, clinically resistant mutant strains of currently approved anti-influenza virus drugs have emerged. Therefore, it is urgent to develop antiviral drugs with new targets or mechanisms of action. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is directly responsible for viral RNA transcription and replication, and plays key roles in the viral life cycle, which is considered an important target of anti-influenza drug design. From the point of view of medicinal chemistry, this review summarizes current advances in diverse small-molecule inhibitors targeting influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, hoping to provide valuable reference for development of novel antiviral drugs.

Label-free target identification for natural products based on proteomics / 药学学报

Target identification and verification of natural products is an important and challenging work in the field of chemical biology. It is also an important job for researchers to apply chemical proteomics technology to biomedicine in order to identify target proteins of natural products. Target identification is critical to understanding its mechanisms and developing natural products as molecular probes and potential therapeutic drugs. Traditional approaches of small molecule target identification based on affinity have been shown to be successful, such as click-chemical probes, radioisotope labeling or photosensitized small-molecule probes. Nevertheless, these technologies require purified candidate target proteins, and modified small molecules with probes or linkers, such as adding agarose beads, biotin labels, fluorescent labeling or photo-affinity labeling. Many structure-activity relationship studies should be performed to ensure that the addition of small molecule labels undisturbed the original biological activity of the small molecules. Unfortunately, all these modifications are likely to alter their biological activity or binding specificity. To overcome the bottleneck of "target recognition", researchers have developed a series of new techniques for unmodified drug target identification. In this article, we reviewed the target identification techniques of natural product without structural modification in order to provide reference for the development of natural products.

The technologies of small molecule ligand-target protein interaction and high throughput ligand screening / 药学学报

The interaction of drug and target protein is a critical part of new drug discovery. It is the premise for drugs to exert therapeutic effects by targeting specific binding sites of target proteins and thereby affecting its pharmacological activity. Currently, a variety of techniques are exploited to detect the interaction between drug ligands and target proteins. For example, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) based on thermodynamics, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance technology, etc. In addition, high-throughput ligand screening technology provides technical convenience for the search of specific ligand, and is a powerful tool to efficiently identify the interaction between drug ligand and target protein. Here, we summarize the detection techniques of interaction between small molecules and target proteins, and discuss the application of high-throughput ligand screening technology in drug research.

Recent advances in small-molecule inhibitors targeting influenza virus glycoproteins / 药学学报

Hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, two important glycoproteins on the surface of influenza virus, play a considerable role in the entry and release stage of the viral life cycle, respectively. With in-depth investigation of influenza virus glycoproteins and the continuous innovation of drug discovery strategies, a new generation of glycoproteins inhibitors have been continuously discovered. From the point of view of medicinal chemistry, this review summarizes the current advances in seeking small-molecule inhibitors targeting influenza virus glycoproteins, hoping to provide valuable guidance for future development of novel antiviral drugs.

Total flavonoids of Dracocephalum moldavica L. inhibit oxidative stress against H9c2 cell ischemia-reperfusion injury via VEGF-B/AMPK pathway / 药学学报

Total flavonoids of Dracocephalum moldavica L. (TFDM) is an effective component extracted and isolated from the traditional Uighur medicinal herb Cymbidium fragrans. Cymbidium fragrans has the effects of tonifying the heart and brain, promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, and has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases for a long time. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of total flavonoids from Cymbidium fragrans on hypoxia/re-oxygenation (H/R) injury in H9c2 (rat cardiomyocytes) cells and its mechanism. A model (H/R) of hypoxia/re-oxygenation injury in H9c2 cells was established using hypoxia and glucose deprivation for 9 h combined with re-oxygenation and rehydration for 2 h to simulate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The effects of total flavonoids from Cymbidium fragrans on cell viability, markers of myocardial cell damage, oxidative stress levels, and reactive oxygen radical (ROS) content were investigated, Western blot was used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway related proteins. The results showed that the total flavonoids of Cymbidium fragrans significantly increased the viability of myocardial cells after H/R injury, and decreased the content of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isozyme (CK-MB) in the cell supernatant. It significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and decreased intracellular ROS and nitric oxide (NO) content. Western blot analysis showed that the total flavonoids of Cymbidium fragrans decreased Bax levels in H9c2 cells damaged by H/R and increased Bcl-2 expression. Total flavones of Cymbidium fragrans upregulate VEGF-B/AMPK pathway related proteins VEGF-B, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR-1), neuropilin 1 (NRP-1), peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein (p-AMPK) and phospho mechanistic target of rapamycin (p-MTOR) levels. The above research results indicate that the total flavonoids of Cymbidium can significantly reduce the H/R injury of myocardial cells, which may be related to the upregulation of VEGF-B/AMPK pathway and inhibition of oxidative stress response.

Patents research and development prospects of spleen-invigorating health food with the homology of medicine and food from 2000 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis / 数字中医药（英文）

@#,Objective To analyze the current status and development trends of the patents of spleen-invigorating health food with the homology of medicine and food in China, and to provide ideas and references for the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) spleen-invigorating health food with the homology of medicine and food. @*Methods@#The State Administration for Market Regulation website’s “Special Food Information Query Platform” and the incoPat global patent database were searched in this study. Based on the methods of bibliometrics, the registered health food and patents related to spleen-invigorating health food with the homology of medicine and food in China were sorted out. Furthermore, the research and development numbers, provinces, institutions, technology and efficacy classification, major drugs, active ingredients and others of invigorating spleen health food in China were analyzed, and filtered patent data were visualized and analyzed by R programming language and CytoScape software. @*Results@# A total of 285 patents of health food with the homology of medicine and food for invigorating spleen were included and analyzed. From 2012, the patent registration numbers of these spleen-invigorating health food with the homology of medicine and food increased significantly in China. Over the past 20 years, the top five provinces in terms of patent disclosures were Guangdong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Guangxi. It was found that the technical efficacy of over 20 patents was described as “immune enhancement” “digestion” “disease prevention”, etc. Patent applications were mainly aimed at the research and development of the preservation of food or ingredients, the specific therapeutic activity of compounds, and pharmaceutical preparations, which were led by corporation research and development registrations, and supplemented by applications from research institutions and individuals. Among the 285 patents, the top 10 raw materials of spleen-invigorating health food with the homology of medicine and food were Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria), Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Fengmi (Mel), Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus), and Dangshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). The main functions were to nourish spleen and replenish Qi, invigorate spleen and benefit lungs, nourish blood and promote fluid production, and nourish spleen and stomach. @*Conclusion@#The main drug composition and functional components of spleen-invigorating health food with the homology of medicine and food are relatively clear, and the technical effects of invigorating the spleen and stomach, eliminating accumulation of food, and enhancing immunity are highly targeted. This paper provides evidence for the research and development, mechanism research, and process improvement of spleen-invigorating health food with the homology of medicine and food in the future.

Correlation between chronic periodontitis and pulmonary ventilation function / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the correlation between chronic periodontitis and pulmonary ventilation function.Methods:A total of 135 patients with chronic periodontitis who received treatment in Yuyao People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province between June 2014 and December 2019 were included in this study. They were divided into group A (stage I, initial lesion, n = 45), group B (stage II, early lesion, n = 45), group C (stage III, confirmed lesion, n = 45) according to the severity of periodontal lesion. Lung ventilation function indexes and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were compared among the three groups. The correlation between periodontal condition and lung ventilation function indexes was analyzed. Results:Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), number of missing teeth, alveolar bone resorption level were (1.67 ± 0.65) mm, (2.48 ± 0.44) mm, 0 pieces, and (1.38 ± 0.23) mm in group A, (2.05 ± 0.30) mm, (4.04 ± 0.97) mm, 1 piece, (3.37± 0.73) mm in group B, and (2.23 ± 0.47) mm, (5.17 ± 0.75) mm, 3 pieces, (6.48 ± 0.62) mm in group C. With the worsening of the disease, PD, CAL, number of missing teeth, and alveolar bone resorption level were gradually increased. PD, CAL and alveolar bone resorption level in group C were significantly higher than those in group A ( t = 4.68, 20.75, 51.74, all P < 0.001) and group B ( t = 2.17, 6.18, 21.78, P = 0.033, < 0.001, < 0.001). PD, CAL and alveolar bone resorption level in group B were significantly higher than those in group A ( t = 3.56, 9.82, 17.44, all P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of missing teeth ( P > 0.05). Serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels were (11.28 ± 4.26) ng/L, (7.48 ± 1.97) ng/L, (14.59 ± 2.11) ng/L in group A, (17.09 ± 4.91) ng/L, (10.82 ± 2.10) ng/L, (19.95 ± 4.48) ng/L in group B, and (26.47 ± 5.86) ng/L, (15.06 ± 2.75) ng/L, (33.76 ± 6.30) ng/L] in group C. With the worsening of the disease, serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels were gradually increased. Serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels in group C were significantly higher than those in group A ( t = 14.06, 15.03, 19.36, P < 0.001) and group B ( t = 8.23, 8.22, 11.98, all P < 0.001). Serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels in group B were significantly higher than those in group A ( t = 6.00, 7.78, 7.26, P < 0.001). The percentage of the maximum expiratory volume in the first second to the predicted value (FEV 1%pre) and the ratio of the maximum expiratory volume in the first second to the forced vital capacity (FEV 1/FVC) were (81.53 ± 6.30)% and (68.73 ± 4.65)% in group A, (70.47 ± 5.25)% and (60.86 ± 3.42)% in group B, and (59.02 ± 3.41)% and (56.93 ± 4.21)% in group C. With the worsening of the disease, FEV 1%pre and FEV 1/FVC were gradually decreased. FEV 1%pre and FEV 1/FVC in group C were significantly lower than those in group A ( t = 21.08, 12.62, both P < 0.001) and group B ( t = 12.27, 4.86, both P < 0.001). FEV 1%pre and FEV 1/FVC in group B were significantly lower than those in group A ( t = 9.05, 9.25, both P < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels were negatively correlated with FEV1%pre and FEV 1/FVC ( r = -0.50, -0.28, -0.42, -0.61, -0.34, -0.51, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:There is a correlation between chronic periodontitis and pulmonary ventilation function. Inflammatory mediators may be involved in chronic periodontitis as internal systemic factors.

Gene polymorphisms of cytochrome B-245 alpha chain (CYBA) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and susceptibility to generalized aggressive periodontitis / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the correlation of cytochrome B-245 alpha chain (CYBA) rs4673 and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) rs12720922 polymorphisms with the susceptibility of gene-ralized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).@*METHODS@#The study was a case-control trial. A total of 372 GAgP patients and 133 periodontally healthy controls were recruited. The CYBA rs4673 and CETP rs12720922 polymorphisms were detected by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the correlation of CYBA rs4673 and CETP rs12720922 variants with the susceptibility of GAgP. The interaction between the two gene polymorphisms to the susceptibility of GAgP was analyzed by the likelihood ratio test. The interaction model adopted was the multiplication model.@*RESULTS@#The mean age of GAgP group and control group was (27.5±5.2) years and (28.8±7.1) years respectively. There was significant difference in age between the two groups (P < 0.05). The gender distribution (male/female) was 152/220 and 53/80 respectively, and there was no significant difference between GAgP group and controls (P>0.05). For CYBA rs4673, the frequency of CT/TT genotype in the GAgP group was significantly higher than that in the controls [18.0% (66/366) vs. 10.6% (14/132), P < 0.05]. After adjusting age and gender, the individuals with CT/TT genotype had a higher risk of GAgP (OR=1.86, 95%CI: 1.01-3.45, P < 0.05), compared with CC genotype. There was no statistically significant difference in distributions of the CETP rs12720922 genotypes (GG, AA/AG) between GAgP patients and healthy controls (P>0.05). A significant interaction between CYBA rs4673 and CETP rs12720922 in the susceptibility to GAgP was observed. The GAgP risk of the individuals with CYBA rs4673 CT/TT and CETP rs12720922 GG genotypes was significantly increased (OR=3.25, 95%CI: 1.36-7.75, P < 0.01), compared with those carrying CC and AA/AG genotypes.@*CONCLUSION@#CYBA rs4673 CT/TT genotype is associated with GAgP susceptibility. There is a significant interaction between CYBA rs4673 CT/TT genotype and CETP rs12720922 GG genotype in the susceptibility of GAgP.

Distribution of mosquito species and associated viruses in Hami City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2019 to 2020 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the distribution of mosquito species and their associated viruses, and identify Culex pipiens subspecies in Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Methods Mosquitoes were captured using mosquito trapping lamps method in Yizhou District, Yiwu County, and Balikun County of Hami City in mi-July, 2019 and 2020. The species and subspecies of all captured mosquitoes were characterized. In addition, the flavivirus, alphavirus, bunyavirus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Liaoning virus, Tahyna virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus and West Nile virus were detected using reverse-transcription PCR assay in captured mosquitoes. Results A total of 1 496 mosquitoes were captured from Yizhou District, Yiwu County, and Balikun County of Hami City, belonging to 3 genus and 3 species. Cx. pipiens was the dominant mosquito species (986 mosquitoes, 65.91%), followed by Aedes caspius (457 mosquitoes, 30.55%), while Culiseta alaskaensis had the lowest number (53 mosquitoes, 3.54%). All captured Cx. pipiens mosquitoes were identified as Cx. pipiens pipiens based on the terminalia of male mosquitoes. RT-PCR assay tested negative for flavivirus, alphavirus, bunyavirus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Liaoning virus, Tahyna virus, tick-borne encephalitis or West Nile virus in captured Cx. pipiens mosquitoes. Conclusions There were 3 species of mosquitoes in Hami City from 2019 to 2020, including Cx. pipiens, Ae. Caspius and C. alaskaensis, with Cx. pipiens as the dominant mosquito species, and all captured Cx. pipiens mosquitoes were Cx. pipiens pipiens; however, no arboviruses were detected.

Effect of electroacupuncture on laparoscope postoperative shivering in patients undergoing general anesthesia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on laparoscope postoperative shivering in patients undergoing general anesthesia and explore its effect mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 patients with elective laparoscopic resection of intestinal tumor under general anesthesia were randomly divided into an EA group and a tramadol group, 40 cases in each group. Thirty min prior to the end of the operation, in the EA group, EA was exerted at Neimadian and Zusanli (ST 36), with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in intensity, and lasting 30 min. In the tramadol group, tramadol hydrochloride injection was dropped intravenously, 1 mg/kg. The conditions of shivering, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and agitation were observed in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were observed before treatment (T0), at the moment of extubation (T1), in 3 min of extubation (T2) and 1 h after operation (T3). Using ELISA, at T0 and T3, the expression levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in plasma were detected separately. Choking and agitation were recorded during extubation.@*RESULTS@#① In the EA group, the incidence of shivering, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and agitation in the PACU was lower than that in the tramadol group (P<0.05). ②Compared with T0, HR, SBP and DBP were increased at T1 and T2 in the tramadol group (P<0.05). HR, SBP and DBP in the EA group were lower than the tramadol group at T1 and T2 (P<0.05). ③Compared with T0, the expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT in plasma were increased at T3 in the tramadol group (P<0.05). The expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT in the EA group were lower than the tramadol group at T3 (P<0.05). ④The incidence of choking and agitation during exudation in the EA group was lower than that in the tramadol group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture can reduce the incidence of laparoscopic postoperative shivering under general anesthesia. The potential mechanism mays related to the modulation of the expression levels of IL-6 and 5-HT caused by surgical trauma.

Effect of effective parts of Dracocephalum moldavica on the necroptosis of HBMECs after OGD/R injury / 药学学报

We investigated the ability of Dracocephalum moldavica (EPDM) flavonoids to protect human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) from necroptosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury. To mimic the process of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, a necroptosis model was established by treatment with the pan-cysteine aspartic acid protease (caspase) inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK combined with oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) injury using HBMECs. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity (cell counting kit-8, CCK-8) was used to measure cell viability. A Hoechst33342/PI fluorescent double-staining method was exploited to determine the rate of cell necroptosis. A commercial kit was used to detect lactate dehydrogenase in the cell culture supernate. DCFH-DA probes, calcein AM and JC-1 probes were used to measure changes in ROS production, mitochondrial membrane permeability transformation pore (MPTP) opening and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were chosen to detect the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Western blotting was used to detect necroptosis-related proteins. The results show that relative to control group, Z-VAD-FMK combined with OGD/R injury reduced cell viability, increased the necroptosis rate and the levels of LDH and ROS in HBMECs. The MPTP of the model group cells opened and the MMP reduced. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were significantly elevated. Furthermore, the expression of receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) and mitochondrial phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5) was significantly increased, accompanied by an increase of phosphorylated mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (p-MLKL)/MLKL. EPDM partially reversed the changes of the above-mentioned factors in HBMECs induced by Z-VAD-FMK plus OGD/R injury. These results indicate that EPDM may protect HBMECs from cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting the RIP3/MLKL/PGAM5 pathway and MPTP opening to maintain mitochondrial function, thereby providing a scientific basis for the use of EPDM in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-related diseases.

Xuebijing Injection Regulates Mitochondrial N-formyl Peptides/NLRP3 Inflammatory Pathway to Treat Severe Acute Pancreatitis in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection （XBJ） on sodium taurocholate （Na-Tc）-induced severe acute pancreatitis （SAP） in rats. MethodForty rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups： sham operation group， SAP model group， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （4， 8， 12 mL·kg·d-1， respectively） XBJ groups. SAP model was established by retrograde injection of Na-Tc （1 mL·kg-1） into the biliary and pancreatic ducts. XBJ was injected intraperitoneally 3 days before and 0.5 h after modeling. The ascitic fluid volume and the pancreas weight-to-body weight ratio were measured. The pathological changes of pancreatic tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The protein levels of formyl peptide receptor 1 （FPR1） and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 （NLRP3） in pancreatic tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chains 1-6 （MT-ND1， MT-ND2， MT-ND3， MT-ND4， MT-ND5， and MT-ND6） in rat plasma. ResultCompared with sham operation group， the SAP model group showcased increased ascitic fluid volume and pancreas weight-to-body weight ratio （P<0.05）， serious lesions in pancreatic tissue， increased total pathological score （P<0.05）， and up-regulated protein levels of FPR1 and NLRP3 in pancreatic tissue （P<0.05）. The model group had lower MT-ND2 level （P<0.05） and higher MT-ND1， MT-ND3， and MT-ND6 levels in plasma （P<0.05） than the sham operation group， while MT-ND4 and MT-ND5 had no significant differences between the two groups. Compared with SAP model group， the XBJ treatment decreased ascitic fluid volume and pancreas weight-to-body weight ratio （P<0.01）， ameliorated pancreatic lesions， and down-regulated the protein levels of FPR1 and NLRP3 in pancreatic tissue （P<0.01）. The treatments， especially high-dose XBJ （P<0.01）， down-regulated the expression of MT-ND1 （P<0.01）， MT-ND3 （P<0.01）， MT-ND6 （P<0.01）， and MT-ND4 and did not change that of MT-ND5. ConclusionXBJ may antagonize partial mitochondrial N-formyl peptides and excessive inflammatory response mediated by FPR1/NLRP3 to treat SAP in rats.

Progress in immunotherapy for uveal melanoma / 中华眼底病杂志

Once uveal melanoma (UM) has distant metastasis, the median survival time of the patient is less than 12 months. There is currently a lack of standard treatment for metastatic UM. In recent years, immunotherapy is splendid in the field of oncology. Immune checkpoint therapy, cancer vaccine therapy and T cell adoptive therapy have been applied to UM therapy. However, most of the clinical effects are limited and the survival benefit is not high. The recent early research results of the new immunotherapeutic drug IMCgp100 are encouraging.

Preliminary Study on Commodity Grade Classification of Phyllanthi Fructus Based on Color Component Correlation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To provide a scientific basis for the classification of Phyllanthi Fructus product grades. Method:A total of 30 batches of Phyllanthi Fructus currently available in the market were collected for quantification based on such appearance indexes as diameter， thickness， grain weight， and crust colour （<italic>L</italic>^*， <italic>a</italic>^*， and <italic>b</italic>^* values）. The contents of gallic acid， corilagin， chebulagic acid， and ellagic acid were measured by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）， followed by descriptive statistical analysis （DSA）， analysis of variance （ANOVA）， and principal component analysis （PCA） to determine the importance of each main index and explore the correlations between the appearance indexes and internal components. The classification standard of Phyllanthi Fructus product grades was formulated， and its scientificity was verified in hepatocelular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Result:The correlation analysis revealed that the crust colour <italic>L</italic>^*， <italic>a</italic>^*， and <italic>b</italic>^* values were significantly negatively correlated with corilagin， chebulagic acid， and ellagic acid （<italic>|r|</italic>>0.5， <italic>P</italic><0.01）， but irrelevant to gallic acid （<italic>|r|</italic><0.1）. Considering the variable coefficient of each index， PCA results， and the requirement of gallic acid as quality indicator for Phyllanthi Fructus in <italic>Chinese Pharmacopoeia</italic>， the crust colour <italic>L</italic>^*， <italic>a</italic>^*， and <italic>b</italic>^* values and gallic acid content were determined to be the classification indexes. The K-means cluster analysis confirmed that products with crust colour <italic>L</italic>^*<44， <italic>a</italic>^*<7， and <italic>b</italic>^*<10 and gallic acid content >1.6% could be classified into the first class， and those failing to meet the above requirements into the second class. The cell experiment demonstrated that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration （IC₅₀） of the first-class product against hepatocelular carcinoma HepG2 cells was lower than that of the second-class product. A colourimetric card was developed based on crust colour <italic>L</italic>^*， <italic>a</italic>^*， and <italic>b</italic>^* values to provide a visual tool for on-site evaluation of Phyllanthi Fructus products. Conclusion:This study has initially established the classification standard of Phyllanthi Fructus product grades， which contributes to guiding price negotiation of Phyllanthi Fructus products based on quality grade and thus ensuring high quality and high price.

Effect of Forsythionin A on Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders in Mice Treated with Chemotherapy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of forsythiaside A on gastrointestinal motility disorder induced by chemotherapy in mice， and explore the mechanism of forsythiaside A regulating gastrointestinal motility. Method:The 60 KM mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， metoclopramide group （5 mg·kg-1） and forsythiaside A low， medium and high-dose groups （30， 60， 120 mg·kg-1）， 10 for each group， which include half male and half female. The above dose was given once a day for 4 consecutive days， which the intragastric volume was 10 mL·kg-1. One hour after 1rd day administration， equal volume of saline was intraperitoneally injected to the normal group， 2 mg·kg-1 cisplatin was intraperitoneally injected to the other groups with daily for 4 consecutive days. Observing the effects of forsythiaside A on gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion on mice models， serum gastrin （GAS） and somatostatin （SS）， motilin （MTL）， vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Activities of acetylcholinesterase （AChE） and total nitric oxide synthase （tNOS） in gastric antrum and ileum were detected by ELISA. The expression of AChE and inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） in gastric antrum and ileum were detected by Western blot. Result:Compared with normal group， the gastric retention rate and small intestinal propulsion rate of the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）， serum levels of MTL， GAS， SS and VIP， the AChE activity in the homogenate of ileum in the model group were significantly reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01）， while the tNOS activities in gastric antrum and ileum were significantly increased （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Protein expression of AChE in gastric antrum and ileum were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， and the expression level of iNOS protein was significantly increased in the model group （P<0.05）. Compared with model group， different doses of forsythiaside A can reduce the gastric residual rate and small intestinal propulsion rate of mice to varying degrees. Meanwhile forsythiaside A can increase the serum levels of MTL， GAS， SS， and VIP， and the AChE activity and protein expression levels in gastric antrum and ileum tissues were also increased， while tNOS activity and iNOS protein expression were decreased in gastric antrum and ileum （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Conclusion:Forsythiaside A can significantly ameliorate the delayed gastric emptying and small intestine hyperfunction induced by cisplatin in mice. Its mechanism to ameliorate gastrointestinal dysfunction caused by chemotherapy is related to the regulation of gastrointestinal AChE and NOS activity in gastric antrum and ileum and the regulation of gastrointestinal hormone levels.

Metabolism characteristics and pharmacological insights of flavonoids based on the intestinal bacteria / 药学学报

The gut microbiota takes part in many in vivo important physiological activities of host, such as the substance metabolism and energy exchange, etc. The interaction between the host and the intestinal microorganisms has attracted scholars' attention. Flavonoids are a group of polyphenol compounds widely found in natural plants, with the bioactive effect of regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, anti-inflammation. However, their low bioavailability cause difficulty to clarify the effective substances and the mechanism of flavonoids. Apart from the metabolic effects of liver on flavonoids, recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota can interact with flavonoids. On the one hand, flavonoids can be metabolized by gut microbiota and subsequent metabolites can produce pharmacological activities different from the parent components. On the other hand, flavonoids and their metabolites can in turn regulate the composition and physiological activities of the intestinal flora, which seems to provide a new insight for the research on the effective substances of flavonoids. In this review, we introduced the metabolic characteristics of flavonoids under the actions of intestinal bacteria, and the regulation effects of flavonoids on gut microbiota was also summarized. Meanwhile, the therapeutic effect of flavonoids under the action of intestinal bacteria was discussed.

The mechanism of tilianin against ischemia-reperfusion injury of H9c2 cells / 药学学报

Z-VAD-FMK was combined with hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) injury to establish a necroptosis model of H9c2 cells to mimic the pathological changes of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) in vitro and to study the effect and mechanism of tilianin against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. A cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect cell viability, and commercial kits were used to detect lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cell culture supernatant. Hoechst 33342/PI immunofluorescence staining was used to detect cell death. DCFH-DA, BBcellProbeTMM61, and JC-1 probes were used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), respectively. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect the release of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The results show that the cell viability, SOD activity, and MMP of the model group induced by H/R injury decreased, as compared with control group, but the necroptosis rate, LDH level, and ROS release increased significantly. Furthermore, mPTP of the model group cells opened, and TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher. Molecular docking modeling showed that tilianin can bind to calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and Western blot results showed that compared with control group, the expression levels of p-CaMKII and phospho-mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein increased in the model group, and tilianin could decrease the expression level of these proteins. The above results indicate that tilianin can protect H9c2 cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of CaMKⅡ at threonine 287, protecting mitochondrial function, and inhibiting the opening of mPTP to prevent necroptosis. This study has value for research on new methods to treat H/R injury.

Polyphyllin I promotes cell death via suppressing UPR-mediated CHOP ubiquitination and degradation in non-small cell lung cancer / 中国天然药物

Polyphyllin I (PPI) purified from Polyphyllarhizomes displays puissant cytotoxicity in many kinds of cancers. Several researches investigated its anti-cancer activity. But novel mechanisms are still worth investigation. This study aimed to explore PPI-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress as well as the underlying mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Cell viability or colony-forming was detected by MTT or crystal violet respectively. Cell cycle, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed by flow cytometry. Gene and protein levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting respectively. Protein interaction was determined by immunoprecipitation or immunofluorescence assay. Gene overexpression or silencing was carried out by transient transfection with plasmids or small interfering RNAs. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used for Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), survival analysis, gene expression statistics or pathway enrichment assay. PPI inhibited the propagation of NSCLC cells, increased non-viable apoptotic cells, arrested cell cycle at G2/M phase, induced ROS levels but failed to decrease mitochondrial membrane potential. High levels of GRP78 indicates poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. PPI selectively suppressed unfolded protein response (UPR)-induced GRP78 expression, subsequently protected CHOP from GRP78-mediated ubiquitination and degradation. We demonstrated that the natural product PPI, obtained from traditional herbal medicine, deserves for further study as a valuable candidate for lead compound in the chemotherapy of NSCLC.

Deep learning applied to two-dimensional color Doppler flow imaging ultrasound images significantly improves diagnostic performance in the classification of breast masses: a multicenter study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The current deep learning diagnosis of breast masses is mainly reflected by the diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions. In China, breast masses are divided into four categories according to the treatment method: inflammatory masses, adenosis, benign tumors, and malignant tumors. These categorizations are important for guiding clinical treatment. In this study, we aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) for classification of these four breast mass types using ultrasound (US) images.@*METHODS@#Taking breast biopsy or pathological examinations as the reference standard, CNNs were used to establish models for the four-way classification of 3623 breast cancer patients from 13 centers. The patients were randomly divided into training and test groups (n = 1810 vs. n = 1813). Separate models were created for two-dimensional (2D) images only, 2D and color Doppler flow imaging (2D-CDFI), and 2D-CDFI and pulsed wave Doppler (2D-CDFI-PW) images. The performance of these three models was compared using sensitivity, specificity, area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), positive (LR+) and negative likelihood ratios (LR-), and the performance of the 2D model was further compared between masses of different sizes with above statistical indicators, between images from different hospitals with AUC, and with the performance of 37 radiologists.@*RESULTS@#The accuracies of the 2D, 2D-CDFI, and 2D-CDFI-PW models on the test set were 87.9%, 89.2%, and 88.7%, respectively. The AUCs for classification of benign tumors, malignant tumors, inflammatory masses, and adenosis were 0.90, 0.91, 0.90, and 0.89, respectively (95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.87-0.91, 0.89-0.92, 0.87-0.91, and 0.86-0.90). The 2D-CDFI model showed better accuracy (89.2%) on the test set than the 2D (87.9%) and 2D-CDFI-PW (88.7%) models. The 2D model showed accuracy of 81.7% on breast masses ≤1 cm and 82.3% on breast masses >1 cm; there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.001). The accuracy of the CNN classifications for the test set (89.2%) was significantly higher than that of all the radiologists (30%).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The CNN may have high accuracy for classification of US images of breast masses and perform significantly better than human radiologists.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Chictr.org, ChiCTR1900021375; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=33139.

Advance in mechanisms of glial scarring after stroke and intervention of traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

When ischemia or hemorrhagic stroke occurs, astrocytes are activated by a variety of endogenous regulatory factors to become reactive astrocytes. Subsequently, reactive astrocytes proliferate, differentiate, and migrate around the lesion to form glial scar with the participation of microglia, neuron-glial antigen 2(NG2) glial cells, and extracellular matrix. The role of glial scars at different stages of stroke injury is different. At the middle and late stages of the injury, the secreted chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan and chondroitin sulfate are the main blockers of axon regeneration and nerve function recovery. Targeted regulation of glial scars is an important pathway for neurological rehabilitation after stroke. Chinese medicine has been verified to be effective in stroke rehabilitation in clinical practice, possibly because it has the functions of promoting blood resupply, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, inhibiting cell proliferation and differentiation, and benign intervention in glial scars. This study reviewed the pathological process and signaling mechanisms of glial scarring after stroke, as well as the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine upon glial scar, aiming to provide theoretical reference and research evidence for developing Chinese medicine against stroke in view of targeting glial scarring.