Zein-based nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable attention as potential delivery systems for bioactive compounds. However, their application has been limited by poor stability and redispersibility. In this study, we addressed these challenges by fabricating zein nanocarriers using branching structural fructo-oligosaccharides (P-FOS) and sodium caseinate (NaCas) as costabilizers. P-FOS and NaCas were incorporated through an antisolvent coassembled precipitation technique. Astilbin (Ast) served as a model lipophilic bioactive compound to evaluate this innovative nanocarrier system. The results showed that Ast-loaded zein/P-FOS/NaCas nanoparticles (AZPS NPs) were successfully prepared, featuring a distinct spherical core-shell structure with a mean particle size of 156.4 ± 2.1 nm, zeta potential of -27.5 ± 3.5 eV and a uniform size distribution. Microstructural analysis using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and intermolecular hydrogen bonding contributed to the formation of the composite NPs. Compared to Ast-loaded zein NPs stabilized solely with NaCas (AZS), AZPS NPs exhibited superior stability under various environmental conditions (temperature, pH, and ionic strength) and demonstrated exceptional redispersibility after freeze drying. They also achieved an efficient Ast encapsulation rate of 92.3 % and a loading capacity of 12.4 %, compared to 73.56 % and 13.3 % in AZS, along with significantly enhanced bioavailability (2.4-fold) and antioxidation activity of Ast. Our findings suggest that P-FOS and NaCas are effective costabilizers for zein NPs, providing new insights into the application of fructans in zein-based composite NPs for the efficient delivery of hydrophobic bioactive compounds in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.

Scutellarein, a flavonoid compound from the traditional Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibits inhibitory effects against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its clinical application is limited by relatively weak potency. To enhance its antitumor activity, we synthesized a novel derivative, 5,6,7-trimethoxy-4'-benzimidazolyl scutellarein 6b (TBS6b), by introducing antitumor pharmacophores-trimethoxyphenyl and benzimidazole-into the scutellarein scaffold. TBS6b demonstrated significantly improved anti-HCC activity both in vitro and in vivo. Cell-based assays, including colony formation, EdU staining, wound healing, transwell migration, and western blot analysis, demonstrated that TBS6b significantly inhibits HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, we employed proteomic and transcriptomic sequencing, along with western blot and qRT-PCR experiments, to predict and validate atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) as the target of TBS6b. Molecular docking studies confirmed that TBS6b binds tightly to the ACKR3 protein. Additionally, with the aid of pharmacological tools, we established that TBS6b promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of ACKR3. Tissue microarray analysis and queries of public databases revealed that ACKR3 expression is elevated in HCC tissues compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues, correlating closely with patient survival. By constructing cell lines with either silenced or overexpressed ACKR3, we confirmed that ACKR3 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC. Finally, rescue experiments indicated that TBS6b exerts its anticancer effects primarily through targeting ACKR3. These findings establish ACKR3 as a critical target through which TBS6b mediates its anticancer activity against HCC.

Purpose:Yuquan capsule (YQC) is a well-known proprietary Chinese medicine used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism and efficacy of YQC in the treatment of T2DM by means of metabolomics. Methods:Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups of control, type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM), metformin (Met), and YQC. Establishment of the T2DM model by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and weight were measured weekly, urine output was collected and recorded. The blood, kidney, pancreas, and liver tissue samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Blood samples were analyzed with methods of ELISA, pancreas, and liver tissues were analyzed by pathological sections, and serum was analyzed by metabolomics using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS). Results:It was observed that YQC could reduce blood glucose levels by modulating blood lipid and transaminase indices, and by diminishing the concentration of inflammatory factors within hepatic and pancreatic tissues. Furthermore, YQC restores homeostasis by regulating lipid and amino acid metabolism, engaging 21 biomarkers and 10 metabolic pathways. Conclusion:YQC has the capacity to enhance blood lipid and transaminase levels, suppress the expression of inflammatory factors, and foster the homeostatic progression of metabolic circulation in rats with T2DM.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The fruits of Illicium verum, which is a medicinal and edible resource, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of I. verum extracts (IVEs) on human RA fibroblasts-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) by using a sensitive and selective ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with high-definition mass spectrometry (UPLC-HDMS) method. We subsequently analyzed the metabolites produced after the incubation of cultured RA-FLS with IVEs. Results: IVEs inhibited the proliferation and suppressed the migration of RA-FLS, and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-6. Twenty differential metabolites responsible for the effects of IVEs were screened and annotated based on the UPLC-HDMS data by using a cell metabolomics approach. Discussion: Our findings suggest that treating RA-FLS with IVEs can regulate lipid and amino acid metabolism, indicating that this extract has the potential to modify the metabolic pathways that cause inflammation in RA. Conclusions: This might lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing patients with RA.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive killer worldwide with high incidence and mortality. The herb Chloranthus fortunei (A. Gray) Solms-Laub is known as " Si Ji Feng " and is classified as a Feng-type medicine in classic Yao medicines. According to Yao ' s medical beliefs, Chloranthus fortunei has the functions of dispelling Feng, regulating qi, detoxifying, promoting blood circulation, etc. Folk uses its decoctions to treat stagnant liver conditions, such as liver abscesses, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer. However, the bioactivity and mechanisms of Chloranthus fortunei extract against HCC have not been reported. Aim of the study: To investigate the anti-HCC bioactivity and potential mechanism of the extract of Chloranthus fortunei (CFS). Materials and methods: Using 70% ethanol for reflux extraction of CFS resulted in the CFS ethanol extract, followed by sequential extractions with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, yielding four fractions. The CCK-8 assay was utilized to examine the cytotoxic effects of 4 fractions on MHCC97-H and HepG2 cells, exploring the most effective component, namely petroleum ether extracts of CFS (PECFS). The major active ingredients of PECFS were identified using LC/MS technology, and the impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis in HCC cells was studied. The key genes and proteins in the pathway were validated using RT-PCR and Western blotting. BALB/c nude mice were chosen for tumor xenotransplantation and PECFS therapy. hinders the proliferation of HCC cells and promotes apoptosis. Results: Among the four fractions, it was found that PECFS have the highest antiproliferative activity against MHCC97-H and HepG2 cells (IC 50 = 13.86, 10.55 mu g/mL), with sesquiterpene compounds being the primary active constituents. The antiproliferative activity of PECFS on HCC cells was linked to the inhibition of cell cloning, invasion, and metastasis abilities, as well as the arrest of the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Additionally, exerts pro-apoptotic effects on HCC cells by upregulating the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, downregulating the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, and activating the expression of the Caspase family. Moreover, protein and m-RNA expression data showed that PECFS inhibits HCC cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Besides, after PECFS treatment, tumor growth in nude mice was suppressed. Conclusion: PECFS can inhibit the viability of HCC cells by acting on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, demonstrating anti-tumor potential. This study ' s findings suggest that PECFS may represent a promising source of novel agents for liver cancer treatment, providing scientific evidence for the traditional application of CFS in treating HCC.

Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (Leguminosae) has been used for medicinal purposes for a long period. Flavonoids are the major bioactive components of S. suberectus. However, there is still limited knowledge of the exact method via which transcription factors (TFs) regulate flavonoid biosynthesis. The full-length transcriptome of S. suberectus was analyzed using SMRT sequencing; 61,548 transcripts were identified, including 12,311 new gene loci, 53,336 novel transcripts, 44,636 simple sequence repeats, 36,414 complete coding sequences, 871 long non-coding RNAs and 6781 TFs. The SsMYB158 TF, which is associated with flavonoid biosynthesis, belongs to the R2R3-MYB class and is localized subcellularly to the nucleus. The overexpression of SsMYB158 in Nicotiana benthamiana and the transient overexpression of SsMYB158 in S. suberectus resulted in a substantial enhancement in both flavonoids and catechin levels. In addition, there was a remarkable upregulation in the expression of essential enzyme-coding genes associated with the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Our study revealed SsMYB158 as a critical regulator of flavonoid biosynthesis in S. suberectus and laying the foundation for its molecular breeding.

The Yuquan capsules is a commonly used traditional Chinese Patent Medicine used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In this study, a high-throughput analytical method for identifying the chemical composition of Yuquan capsules was established for the first time by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. The data obtained were subjected to fragment analysis and this was combined with UNIFI processing of natural products. One-hundred sixteen compounds were characterized from Yuquan capsules. Twelve of the bioactive compounds were quantitatively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. This study was undertaken to obtain a comprehensive chemical profile analysis as well as to evaluate the overall quality of Yuquan capsules. The results will provide a reference for the quality evaluation of different Yuquan preparations. In addition, the data will enable basic pharmacodynamic research into these extensively used capsules.

Jigucao capsules (JGCC) have the effects of soothing the liver and gallbladder and clearing heat and detoxification. It is a good medicine for treating acute and chronic hepatitis cholecystitis with damp heat of the liver and gallbladder. However, the existing quality standard of JGCC does not have content determination items, which is not conducive to quality control. In this study, serum pharmacochemistry technology and UNIFI data processing software were used to identify the blood prototype components and metabolites under the condition of the obvious drug effects of JGCC, and the referenced literature reports and the results from in vitro analysis of JGCC in the early stage revealed a total of 43 prototype blood components and 33 metabolites in JGCC. Quality markers (Q-markers) were discovered, such as abrine, trigonelline, hypaphorine and isoschaftoside. In addition, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) was used to determine the active ingredients in JGCC. The components of quantitative analysis have good correlation in the linear range with R2 ≥ 0.9993. The recovery rate is 93.15%~108.92% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) is less than 9.48%. The established UPLC-MS/MS quantitative analysis method has high sensitivity and accuracy, and can be used for the quality evaluation of JGCC.

目的 研究八角茴香复方对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的大鼠急性肺炎模型的抗炎作用.方法 取48只大鼠随机分为6组,分别为对照组、模型组、阳性对照组及复方低、中、高剂量组,灌胃给药2 d,末次给药l h后使用鼻腔滴入法制备急性肺炎模型,继续给药3 d后腹腔注射2％戊巴比妥钠麻醉.采用ELISA试剂盒检测各组大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和白细胞介素-6(IL-6)含量的变化;血液分析仪检测血液白细胞种类和数量,并对BALF的炎性细胞进行分类和计数;通过中性粒细胞/淋巴粒细胞比值(NLR)评估肺炎预后价值;HE染色观察肺组织形态学变化.结果 八角茴香复方对LPS诱导的大鼠急性肺损伤具有较好的抗炎作用,可降低大鼠BALF及血清中IL-1β、1L-6、TNF-α的表达,降低炎性细胞的种类和数量.结论 八角茴香复方对LPS诱导的大鼠急性肺炎模型具有抗炎作用,其机制可能通过降低IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α的表达来实现的.

In order to determine the optimal harvesting period and the application value of each part of Pueraria lobata var. thomsonii and to explore the correlation between the main nutrients and the isoflavones, P. lobata var. thomsonii of Tengxian, Guangxi was used as the material, the contents of isoflavones in different parts, the contents of main nutrients and isoflavones in different growth periods were determined by test box method, enzyme gravimetric method, Soxhlet extraction method, high performance liquid chromatography and other physiological and biochemical techniques, and the relationship between the accumulation of various nutrients and isoflavones was analyzed to clarify the accumulation rule of main nutrients and isoflavonoids and their relationships in P. lobata var. thomsonii. The results were as follows: (1)At the mature stage, the content of genistein in different parts of P. lobata var. thomsonii was not significantly different, but the content of isoflavoues aglycone in leaf was significantly lower than that in middle vine, and the contents of total isoflavones, puerarin and daidzein in root apex and vine were significantly higher than those in leaf and tuberon, and the contents of puerarin in root apex and vine were more than 1.00%. (2)The accumulation of starch, polysaccharide, crude protein, and soluble protein reached the maximum in November and December, the accumulation of insoluble dietary fiber reached the minimum in December, the accumulation of soluble dietary fiber was the maximum in August and December, and the accumulation of total isoflavones and puerarin reached the maximum in August and September. (3)The correlation analysis results showed that the accumulation of total isoflavones and puerarin was negatively correlated with the accumulation of starch and polysaccharide; the accumulation of total isoflavones and puerarin was positively correlated with the accumulation of insoluble dietary fiber. Therefore, it can be concluded that the root apex and vine of pueraria powder contain rich total isoflavones, puerarin, daidzein, which has good value for medicinal development; the best harvest time for medicinal using are August and September, and the best harvest time for edible using are November and December; the accumulation of total isoflavones and puerarin is related to starch, polysaccharide and insoluble dietary fiber. This study clarify the accumulation rule and correlation of the main nutrients and total isoflavones in P. lobata var. thomsonii, and provides a reference for the comprehensive development and utilization of P. lobata var. thomsonii and the determination of the harvest time.

Abrus mollis Hance is a traditional Chinese medicine that is widely used to treat acute and chronic hepatitis, steatosis, and fibrosis. Its therapeutic qualities of it have long been acknowledged, although the active ingredients responsible for its efficacy and the mechanisms of its action are unknown. In this study, the chemical constituents absorbed into the blood from Abrus mollis Hance were assessed by using liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and the data was analyzed with the UNIFI screening platform. The results obtained were compared to existing chromatographic-mass spectrometry information, including retention times and molecular weights as well as known reference compounds. 41 chemical constituents were found in Abrus mollis Hance, and these included 16 flavonoids, 13 triterpenoids, five organic acids, and two alkaloids. Experimentally it was found that Abrus mollis Hance had a therapeutic benefit when treating α-naphthalene isothiocyanate-induced acute liver injury in rats. In addition, 11 blood prototypical constituents, including six flavonoids, three triterpenoids, and two alkaloids, were found in serum samples following intragastric administration of Abrus mollis Hance extracts to rats. This novel study can be used for the quality control and pharmacodynamic assessment of Abrus mollis Hance in order to assess its efficacy in the therapeutic treatment of patients.

Dampness-heat Jaundice Syndrome (DHJS) is a complex Chinese medicine syndrome, while Jigucao capsule (JGCC) is an effective compound preparation of Chinese medicine for the treatment of DHJS about liver and gallbladder, but its mechanism is not clear yet. The purpose of this study is to clarify the pathogenesis of DHJS and the treatment mechanism of JGCC. We used ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) combined with pattern recognition, accompanied the advanced software and online database for the urine metabolomics of rats. The potential biomarkers disturbing metabolism were identified and the metabolic pathway was analyzed. We investigated the callback of biomarkers after treatment with JGCC. Finally, A total of 25 potential urine biomarkers were identified, including Arachidonic acid, Phenylpyruvic acid, L-Urobilin and so on, and 14 related metabolic pathways were disturbed. After treatment with JGCC, the clinical biochemical indexes and histopathological were significantly improved, and the disturbed biomarkers were also obviously adjusted. It is proved that JGCC has remarkable effect on the treatment of DHJS.

目的 采用网络药理学和分子对接方法,基于"药材–成分–靶标–通路"关联网络,揭示鸡骨草治疗乙型肝炎的作用机制.方法 采用中药系统药理学数据库及分析平台(TCMSP)筛选鸡骨草中OB≥30％且DL≤0.18的活性成分,补充文献报道中鸡骨草代表性成分,通过Swiss target prediction在线预测靶标,整合GeneCards、DisGeNET数据库中乙型肝炎靶标,利用Cytoscape筛选核心靶标并进行GO和KEGG富集分析,利用分子对接技术验证核心靶标和作用成分的结合模式.结果 鸡骨草中21个活性成分作用91个乙型肝炎靶标,包括17个核心靶标,包括ESR1、MMP9、STAT3、JUN等,核心成分包括相思子碱、相思子皂醇、大豆甾醇、2',4'-二羟基查尔酮等.GO富集得出928条结果,其中生物过程808条,细胞组成41条,分子功能79条.KEGG通路富集得相关通路118条,提示鸡骨草作用于癌症信号通路、内分泌抗性、乙型肝炎信号通路、MAPK等多条信号通路.分子对接结果显示核心靶标和作用成分可以自由结合.结论 鸡骨草通过相思子碱、相思子皂醇、大豆甾醇等关键成分干预了ESR1、MMP9、STAT3及JUN等靶标,调节了乙型肝炎信号通路、缺氧诱导因子1信号通路及内分泌抗性等通路发挥治疗乙型肝炎作用.

目的 基于UPLC-Q/TOF-MS研究H1N1病毒感染树鼩动物模型的血清代谢特征.方法 H1N1病毒滴鼻法制备感染树鼩动物模型,测量病毒载量和抗体血抑滴度,进行肺组织的病理学检查,采集树鼩血清样本并进行非靶向代谢组学研究.结果 模型制备第3~7天,体温和病毒载量逐渐达峰,多变量统计分析发现H1N1病毒感染树鼩血清中24个差异离子,它们导致磷脂酰胆碱代谢、鞘脂代谢、花生四烯酸代谢等代谢紊乱.结论 本研究首次发现H1N1病毒感染树鼩模型的代谢特征,H1N1病毒感染树鼩模型紊乱的代谢与炎症反应有关.

This study analyzed the quality markers(Q-markers) of Yuquan Capsules(YQC) based on serum pharmacochemistry of Chinese medicine and detected the components and metabolites of YQC absorbed into the blood by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and UNIFI systems. As a result, 32 components of YQC were detected, including 17 prototype components and 15 metabolized components. Among them, 12 prototype components(ginsenoside Rh_2, genistein, formononetin, puerarin, daidzein, schizandrin A, schizandrin B, schizandrin C, schizandrol A, schizandrol B, gomisin D, and ononin) and 12 metabolized components(ginsenoside Rg_1, ginsenoside Rg_2, ginsenoside Rg_3, ginsenoside Ro, 3'-methoxypuerarin, daidzin, astragaloside Ⅱ, astragaloside Ⅳ, glycyrrhizic acid, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritin, and verbascoside) showed inhibitory effects and pharmacological activities against diabetes, and these 24 blood-entering components against diabetes were identified as Q-markers of YQC.

Jigucao capsule is a well-known Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis and cholecystitis. The chemical components of Jigucao capsule were not clear resulting from the paucity of relevant studies, which hindered the research of the pharmacological mechanism, the comprehensive development, and utilization of Jigucao capsule in clinical studies. By establishing a high-throughput ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry in combination with intelligent UNIFI software data processing platform to automatically characterize and identify the chemical profile of Jigucao capsule, 144 compounds were determined rapidly, including 34 terpenoids, 25 flavonoids, 22 steroids, 21 phenylpropanoids, 10 glycosides, six alkaloids, 13 organic acids, and other 13 components. These compounds may be the active components of Jigucao capsule. In this study, a rapid and robust method for comprehensively analyzing the chemical composition of Jigucao capsule was described and established for the first time. The results will provide a reference for the quality control of Jigucao capsule and the establishment of a higher quality standard, as well as for the pharmacodynamic material basis research.

To explore the potential mechanism of the Chinese patent medicine Jigucao capsule in treating the serum metabolic profile of rats with Yanghuang syndrome, zingiber officinale Rosc. and ethanol simulates the syndrome background of traditional Chinese medicine and uses α-naphthyl isothiocyanate to induce liver damage in rats to prepare a Yanghuang syndrome model. The histopathological observation and the determination of biochemical indexes evaluate the therapeutic effect of the Jigucao capsule, and the metabolomic method analyzes the mechanism of the Jigucao capsule against Yanghuang syndrome. Jigucao capsule reduces the number of inflammatory cells, inhibits the proliferation of bile duct epithelial cells and hepatocyte necrosis. Compared with Yanghuang syndrome rats, the levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bile acid were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Jigucao capsule significantly reversed the abnormal levels of glucose 1-phosphate, phenylalanyl-cysteine, taurodeoxycholic acid, lysoPC (22:6 (4Z, 7Z, 10Z, 13Z, 16Z, 19Z), lysoPC (15:0), lysoPC (P-18:0), 7alpha-hydroxy-3-oxo-4-cholestenoate and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatrieic acid and regulated part of the lipid metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism, Jigucao capsule has a therapeutic effect on Yanghuang syndrome rats. In short, this study sets for the first time elaborated on the underlying mechanism of Jigucao capsule resistance to Yanghuang syndrome rats from a metabolomics perspective, providing the basic data for the pharmacodynamic studies of the Jigucao capsule.

目的:对广西不同产地野葛及粉葛种质资源进行分析.方法:采用紫外分光光度法,测定野葛及粉葛中主要活性成分总黄酮的含量.结果:不同产地的野葛与粉葛总黄酮含量存在差异,百色地区的野葛及桂平市垌心乡粉葛含量相对较高.结论:以总黄酮含量为指标分析不同产地的野葛及粉葛样品,可为广西葛根种质资源评价和健康产品开发提供一定参考.

在模拟生理条件下,采用荧光光谱分析鹅膏蕈氨酸(Ibotenic acid,IBO)与人血清蛋白(Human serum al-bumin,HSA)相互作用的猝灭机制、结合常数和结合位点数,根据热力学方程计算热力学参数和作用力类型.采用同步荧光光谱和三维荧光光谱分析相互作用过程中的构象变化.结果表明:IBO通过静态和动态相结合的猝灭机制猝灭人血清白蛋白的内源荧光.温度对结合过程影响比较大.结合过程轻微地改变人血清白蛋白的结构和微环境.范德华力和氢键是结合过程中的主要作用力.

鸡骨草胶囊根据民间验方研究改进而成,由毛鸡骨草、栀子、茵陈、白芍、三七等10味药材组成,是治疗属肝胆湿热证的急、慢性肝炎和胆囊炎的常用中成药.国内治疗肝胆疾病的药物市场潜力巨大,但鸡骨草胶囊因缺乏系统而深入的药理研究而遇到发展瓶颈.本文总结了鸡骨草胶囊的化学成分、质量控制、药理作用及临床应用研究进展,旨在为深入研究和开发鸡骨草胶囊提供参考.