Comprehensive HRMS Screening and Risk Assessments of Aristolochic Acid Analogues in Asari Radix et Rhizoma and Related Commercial Health Products.

Aristolochic acid analogues (AAAs) are well-known toxins. We performed the first comprehensive screening on AAAs in Asari Radix et Rhizoma (underground part of Asarum heterotropoides Schmidt), the only Aristolochiaceae plant widely used in clinical practice. LC-HRMS revealed 70 trace AAAs using polygonal mass defect filtering and precursor ion list strategies, 38 of which were newly discovered in A. heterotropoides. UHPLC-QTrap-MS/MS was then utilized for quantitative/semiquantitative analysis of 26 abundant compounds. Seventeen AAAs were detected from 91 batches of A. heterotropoides and 20 AAAs from 166 consumable products. For 141 Asari-containing proprietary products, aristolactam I and aristolactam II-glucoside exhibited the widest distribution, present in 98% products. AA IVa was the most abundant, detected in 91%. Notably, 60% of the products contained AA I (0.03-0.79 ppm). The safety was assessed using linear extrapolation, permitted daily exposure, cumulative amount, and the margin of exposure. It is recommended that AA I content be limited to 3 ppm.

Integration of machine learning for developing a prognostic signature related to programmed cell death in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health burden, characterized by a heterogeneous molecular landscape and various genetic and epigenetic alterations. Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a critical role in CRC, offering potential targets for therapy by regulating cell elimination processes that can suppress tumor growth or trigger cancer cell resistance. Understanding the complex interplay between PCD mechanisms and CRC pathogenesis is crucial. This study aims to construct a PCD-related prognostic signature in CRC using machine learning integration, enhancing the precision of CRC prognosis prediction. METHOD: We retrieved expression data and clinical information from the Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Fifteen forms of PCD were identified, and corresponding gene sets were compiled. Machine learning algorithms, including Lasso, Ridge, Enet, StepCox, survivalSVM, CoxBoost, SuperPC, plsRcox, random survival forest (RSF), and gradient boosting machine, were integrated for model construction. The models were validated using six GEO datasets, and the programmed cell death score (PCDS) was established. Further, the model's effectiveness was compared with 109 transcriptome-based CRC prognostic models. RESULT: Our integrated model successfully identified differentially expressed PCD-related genes and stratified CRC samples into four subtypes with distinct prognostic implications. The optimal combination of machine learning models, RSF + Ridge, showed superior performance compared with traditional methods. The PCDS effectively stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, with significant survival differences. Further analysis revealed the prognostic relevance of immune cell types and pathways associated with CRC subtypes. The model also identified hub genes and drug sensitivities relevant to CRC prognosis. CONCLUSION: The current study highlights the potential of integrating machine learning models to enhance the prediction of CRC prognosis. The developed prognostic signature, which is related to PCD, holds promise for personalized and effective therapeutic interventions in CRC.

Targeting the PHF8/YY1 axis suppresses cancer cell growth through modulation of ROS.

High levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) are linked to cancer development, which is tightly controlled by the electron transport chain (ETC). However, the epigenetic mechanisms governing ETC gene transcription to drive mROS production and cancer cell growth remain to be fully characterized. Here, we report that protein demethylase PHF8 is overexpressed in many types of cancers, including colon and lung cancer, and is negatively correlated with ETC gene expression. While it is well known to demethylate histones to activate transcription, PHF8 demethylates transcription factor YY1, functioning as a co-repressor for a large set of nuclear-coded ETC genes to drive mROS production and cancer development. In addition to genetically ablating PHF8, pharmacologically targeting PHF8 with a specific chemical inhibitor, iPHF8, is potent in regulating YY1 methylation, ETC gene transcription, mROS production, and cell growth in colon and lung cancer cells. iPHF8 exhibits potency and safety in suppressing tumor growth in cell-line- and patient-derived xenografts in vivo. Our data uncover a key epigenetic mechanism underlying ETC gene transcriptional regulation, demonstrating that targeting the PHF8/YY1 axis has great potential to treat cancers.

Diastereomers of Steroidal Alkaloids with Cytotoxic Activities against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer from the Bulbs of Fritillaria sinica.

Eleven new steroidal alkaloids, along with nine known related compounds, were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria sinica. Seven pairs of diastereomers were identified, including six and four 20-deoxy cevanine-type steroidal alkaloid diastereomers with molecular weights of 413 and 415, respectively. Structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data analysis, chemical derivatization, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, and 20 exhibited significant in vitro cytotoxic activity against non-small-cell lung cancer with CC50 values from 6.8 ± 3.9 to 12 ± 5 µM.

Species discrimination of multiple botanical origins of Fritillaria species based on infrared spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography-image analysis and untargeted metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: Fritillaria Bulbus (FB), a precious medicinal herb renowned for its heat-clearing, lung-moistening, cough-relieving and phlegm-eliminating effects. In pursuit of profits, unscrupulous merchants have engaged in the substitution or adulteration of valuable varieties with cheaper alternatives. It is, therefore, urgent to develop effective technical approaches to identify FBs from adulterants. METHODS: This paper employed infrared spectroscopy (IR), thin layer chromatography-image analysis (TLC-IA), and untargeted metabolomics techniques to discriminate ten species of FBs. RESULTS: Five species of FBs were successfully differentiated using mid-infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the power of TLC-IA technology allowed the differentiation of five species of FBs and two origins of FCBs (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus). Remarkably, through the application of untargeted metabolomics technique, the precise discrimination of five species of FBs, as well as three origins of FCBs were accomplished. Moreover, a comprehensive identification of 101 markers that reliably distinguished diverse FBs was achieved through the employment of untargeted metabolomics technique. CONCLUSION: The investigation presented powerful means of detection for assuring the quality control of Fritillaria herbs.

Undescribed steroidal alkaloids from the bulbs of Fritillaria sinica.

Eight undescribed steroidal alkaloid derivatives, including three cevanine-type isosteroidal alkaloids (two N-oxide glycosides and one D-ring aromatization) (1-3), one verazine-type steroidal alkaloid derivative (4), three solanidine-type steroidal alkaloid glycosides (5-7), and one veratramine-type analogue (8), along with three known compounds (9-11) were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria sinica. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectroscopic data, acidic hydrolysis, and X-ray crystal diffractions. In the in vitro bioassay, the anti-cancer effect, anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory activities for the isolates were evaluated at a concentration of 10 µM.

[Effect of Interactions Among Obesity-Related Proteins on Breast Cancer Risk: A Preliminary Study].

Objective: To explore the potential interactions among obesity-related proteins in the pathogenic process of breast cancer (BC) in women. Methods: We conducted a case-control study, enrolling 279 primary breast cancer cases and 260 age-frequency-matched healthy women between April 2014 and May 2015. Based on the evidence of previous published literature on obesity-related proteins and BC risks, we selected proteins that received more attention and measured the plasma levels of these proteins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After stratification of the subjects according to their menopausal status, an analytic strategy combining multivariate logistic regression and generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to explore the effect of the possible interactions of these proteins on BC risk. Results: There were marginal high-order interactions among insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), C-reactive protein (CRP), resistin (RETN), soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R), and adiponectin (ADP) in premenopausal women (with the balanced accuracy for the testing set being 59.01%, cross-validation consistency being 10/10, and permutation test P=0.05). There were high-order interactions among leptin (LEP), sOB-R, ADP, CRP, IGFBP3 and visfatin (VF) in postmenopausal women (with the balanced accuracy for the testing set being 67.31%, cross-validation consistency being 10/10, and permutation test P=0.01). Along with an increase in the number of obesity-related proteins to which the subjects were exposed, the risk of developing breast cancer gradually increased in both pre- and postmenopausal women ( OR pre =2.18, 95% CI: 1.69-2.82; OR post =2.41, 95% CI: 1.75-3.32). Conclusions: This preliminary study suggested high-order interactions among obesity-related proteins on BC risk in both pre- and postmenopausal women. In future studies, close attention should be given to these potential interactions when these proteins are used jointly as predictors, as well as in developing a comprehensive risk scoring system for BC.

Systematical characterization of gypenosides in Gynostemma pentaphyllum and the chemical composition variation of different origins.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino is an herbaceous plant of Cucurbitaceae family, which has been widely used as an herbal tea and traditional Chinese medicine. Since its saponins are similar to ginsenosides and have a wide range of activities, it has attracted wide interest. However, there are still a large number of unknown saponins that have not been isolated, especially some trace gypenosides. In the present study, a HILIC × RP offline two-dimensional liquid separation combined with a multimode data acquisition was developed for the systematical characterization of gypenosides. On top of the negative mode information, considering that saponins are prone to in-source fragmentations in positive ion mode, a precursor ion list data acquisition method was used for the targeted acquisition of multistage positive data. Reference herbal drug was taken as a golden sample to probe the chemical composition of G. pentaphyllum. The mixed sample of commercially available samples were also analyzed in parallel. Furthermore, the chemical compositions of commercially available samples from different sources were compared. In total, 1108 saponins were characterized, among which 588 were accurately characterized, with 574 identified in the reference herbal drug and 700 in the mixed commercially available samples. The commercially available samples showed great composition variation. These findings clarified the material basis and provided clues for quality control of G. pentaphyllum.

Magnetic Ti3C2 MXene Nanosheets Prepared for Enrichment of Phosphopeptides.

MXenes have received lots of attention since discovered and have been applied in various fields. In this work, Ti3C2-Fe3O4 composites with exposed non-modified Ti3C2 MXene nanosheets were designed and prepared by an in situ growth strategy and then applied in the enrichment of phosphopeptides. The two-dimensional composites could interact with the phosphopeptides through a metal oxide affinity chromatography mechanism provided by Ti-O and Fe-O bonds and a hydrophilic interaction chromatography mechanism by surface hydroxyl groups. This magnetic nanomaterial with a specific surface area of 66.1 m2·g-1 had high sensitivity to phosphopeptides (0.5 nmol·L-1) and high selectivity (1:1000 of the molar ratio of ß-casein to bovine serum albumin). Non-fat milk was adopted as a real sample to preliminarily examine the applicability of the Ti3C2-Fe3O4-based protocol. Subsequently, Qingkailing injection, a kind of traditional Chinese medicine injection, was introduced to further explore the suitability of the nanocomposites for phosphopeptide enrichment from more complex matrices and satisfactory results were obtained.

Comparison of evaluation indexes for Gastroenterology and Hepatology journals in different databases.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of the quality of academic journals is of great significance. While Journal Impact Factor (JIF), calculated by Clarivate and based upon the Web of Science literature database, and CiteScore (CS), developed by Elseiver and based upon the Scopus database, have enjoyed high uptake worldwide, efforts continue towards creation of other scientometric indexes that will provide ever-greater qualitative insights into journal impact. Such efforts have yielded the newly-launched Journal Article Influence Index (JAII), which is based on the Reference Citation Analysis (RCA) database, an open multidisciplinary citation analysis database based on artificial intelligence technology. AIM: To evaluate and summarize the similarities and differences between JAII and JIF/CS as journal evaluation indicators, and provide an intuitive method for visual representation of the related data. METHODS: We searched the Journal Citation Reports to obtain the 2021 JIF list, downloaded the CS list updated in July on the Scopus website, and collected the comprehensive list of 2022 JAIIs from the RCA database (www.referencecitationanalysis.com). RESULTS: Our research results revealed that by breaking through the time limit of mainstream journal evaluation methods, the JAII is able to perform well in data reliability, establishing its benefit as a complementary scientometric index to JIF and CS. CONCLUSION: JAII provides comprehensive assessment of the quality and performance of journals.

Deep chemical identification of phytoecdysteroids in Achyranthes bidentata Blume by UHPLC coupled with linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry and targeted isolation.

Achyranthes bidentata Blume is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine with the effects of nourishing the liver and kidneys and strengthening muscles and bones. In this work, a rapid and simple strategy was developed for characterizing phytoecdysteroids by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with liner ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometry using electrospray ionization in the negative mode. As a result, 47 phytoecdysteroids were unambiguously or tentatively characterized. Among them, seven known compounds were identified according to the reference standards along with molecular formula, retention time and fragmentation patterns, while others were mostly potential new compounds. Through targeted isolation, the structures of three new compounds were determined by NMR spectra, which were consistent with LC-MS characterization. The present study provides an efficient method to deeply characterize phytoecdysteroids.

Nardosinone regulates the slc38a2 gene to alleviate Parkinson's symptoms in rats through the GABAergic synaptic and cAMP pathways.

In a rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) rat model, behavioral investigation, pathological examination, inflammatory factor analysis, and mitochondrial structure and function investigation verified the anti-PD efficacy of nardosinone. A combined transcriptome and proteome analysis proposed that the anti-PD target of nardosinone is the slc38a2 gene and may involve the GABAergic synaptic pathway and cAMP-signaling pathway. Analysis of targeted slc38a2 knockout cells and expression of key enzyme-encoding genes in both pathways verified the target and pathways proposed by the 'omics analysis. This further confirms that nardosinone can regulate the slc38a2 gene, a potential new target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, and plays an anti-PD role through the GABAergic synaptic and cAMP pathways.

[Analysis of chemical constituents in classical prescription Danggui Buxue Decoction based on RP-Q-TOF-MS and HILIC-Q-TOF-MS].

The chemical constituents of classical prescription Danggui Buxue Decoction were analyzed by reversed-phase(RP) chromatography and hydrophilic interaction chromatography(HILIC) coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RP separation of Danggui Buxue Decoction was performed on ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 µm), while HILIC separation was on Waters BEH Amide(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 µm). Mass spectrometry(MS) data were acquired in both negative and positive ion modes. Chemical constituents of Astragali Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix were searched from Reaxys and thus the in-house library was established. MS data were further analyzed by MassLynx 4.1 combined with in-house library, HMDB, Reaxys, and comparison with reference substances. In conclusion, a total of 154 compounds were identified and characterized: 16 saponins, 44 flavonoids, 10 phthalides, 7 phenylpropanoids, 15 bases and the corresponding nucleosides, 30 oligosaccharides, and 32 other compounds. Among them, 65 compounds were detected by HILIC-MS/MS. This study provides experimental evidences for the material basis research, quality control, and preparation development of Danggui Buxue Decoction and a reference method for comprehensive characterization of Chinese medicine decoctions typified by classical prescriptions.

[Effects of Nardostachys jatamansi on gut microbiota of rats with Parkinson's disease].

Under the guidance of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory of "Zangfu-organs of spleen and stomach" and the modern theory of "microbiota-gut-brain axis", this study explored the effects of Nardostachys jatamansi on the gut microbiota of rats with Parkinson's disease(PD). The 40 SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, PD model group, levodopa group, and Nardostachys jatamansi ethanol extract group. The PD model was established by subcutaneous injection of rotenone in the neck and back area. After 14 days of intragastric administration, the PD rats' behaviors were analyzed through open field test, inclined plane test, and pole test. After the behavioral tests, the striatum, colon, and colon contents of rats in each group were collected. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) and α-synuclein(α-syn) in striatum and that of α-syn in colon. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), and nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB) in striatum and colon. High-throughput sequencing of 16 S rRNA gene was conducted to detect the differences in microbial diversity, abundance, differential phyla, and dominant bacteria of rats between groups. The results indicated that Nar. ethanol extract could relieve dyskinesia, reverse the increased levels of α-syn, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NF-κB in striatum, and improve the protein expression of TH in striatum of PD rats. The α diversity analysis indicated a significant decrease in diversity and abundance of gut microbiota in the PD model. The results of linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe) of dominant bacteria indicated that Nardostachys jatamansi ethanol extract increased the relative abundance of Clotridiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Anaerostipes, and reversed the increased relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia-Shigella in PD model group to exhibit the neuroprotective effect. In summary, the results indicated that Nar. ethanol extract exert the therapeutic effect on PD rats. Specifically, the extract may regulate gut microbiota, decrease the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and reduce the protein aggregation of α-syn in the colon and striatum to alleviate intestinal inflammation and neuroinflammation. This study provides a basis for combining the theory of "Zangfu-organs of spleen and stomach" with the theory of "microbiota-gut-brain axis" to treat PD.

Development and Validation of an Unethical Professional Behavior Tendencies Scale for Student Teachers.

Teacher's unethical professional behaviors affect students' physical and mental health. Prevention should start with student teachers, but empirical research is lacking in China. This study surveyed over 2,000 student teachers from China to examine the psychometric properties of a student teachers' unethical professional behavior tendencies scale which revised by primary and secondary school teachers' unethical professional behavior tendencies scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that a bi-factor model fit the data best. The final student teachers' unethical professional behavior tendencies scale comprised four subscales, including a general factor (unethical professional behaviors) and four special factors (perfunctory attitude and carelessness, insults and discrimination, unfairness, and using power for personal gain). The student teachers' unethical professional behavior tendencies scale correlated negatively with their professional ethical values and positively with perceived frequency of unethical professional behaviors of college teachers around them. The data supported the scale's measurement invariance across gender, and male student teachers scored significantly higher on unethical professional behavior tendencies than female student teachers. The findings suggest that the student teachers' unethical professional behavior tendencies scale is a useful instrument for assessing student teachers' unethical professional behaviors in China.

Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb. Against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Network Pharmacological Analysis, and In Vivo Evaluation.

Zhi zhu xiang (ZZX) is the root and rhizome of Valeriana jatamansi Jones ex Roxb. Recent studies have shown that ZZX can exert antianxiety, antidepressant, and sedative effects. Because post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is similar to depression and anxiety in terms of its etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations, it is possible that ZZX may also be useful for the prevention and treatment of PTSD. In this study, a mouse model of PTSD was established and used to study the pharmacological action of a 95% ethanol extract of ZZX on PTSD via a series of classic behavioral tests. We found that a 95% ethanol extract of ZZX was indeed effective for relieving the symptoms of PTSD in mice. Moreover, network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the potential active ingredients, targets, and possible pathways of ZZX in the treatment of PTSD. The neurotransmitter system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the endocannabinoid (eCB) system were identified to be the most likely pathways for anti-PTSD action in ZZX. Due to the lack of a falsification mechanism in network pharmacology, in vivo tests were carried out in mice, and the expression levels of neurotransmitters, hormones, and genes of key targets were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time PCR to further verify this inference. Analysis showed that the levels of norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and glutamic acid were increased in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala of PTSD mice, while the levels of dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid were decreased in these brain regions; furthermore, ZZX could restore the expression of these factors, at least to a certain extent. The levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone, and corticotropin-releasing hormone were increased in these different brain regions and the serum of PTSD mice; these effects could be reversed by ZZX to a certain extent. The expression levels of cannabinoid receptor 1 and diacylglycerol lipase α mRNA were decreased in PTSD mice, while the levels of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase mRNA were increased; these effects were restored by ZZX to a certain extent. In conclusion, our findings suggest that ZZX may provide new therapeutic pathways for treating PTSD by the regulation of neurotransmitters, the HPA, and expression levels of eCB-related genes in the brain.

[Spectrum-effect relationship of hemostatic effects of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma with different commodity specifications].

This article aims to establish the fingerprints, determine the hemostatic pharmacodynamic indicators, and explore the spectrum-effect relationship of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in 12 different specifications. Firstly, HPLC and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) were employed to establish the fingerprints of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The rat plasma recalcification experiment and the rat gastric bleeding experiment were conducted to determine the pharmacodynamic indicators, including plasma recalcification time(PRT), thrombin time(TT), prothrombin time(PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT). Afterwards, the partial least squares method was employed to explore the spectrum-effect relationship of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in different specifications. Twenty-six common peaks were detected in the HPLC fingerprints of different specifications of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and 11 out of the 26 common peaks represented saponins. The content of dencichine was determined by LC-MS. The rat experiments showed that the pharmacodynamic indicators were significantly different among different specifications of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. The spectrum-effect relationship was explored between 27 common components and pharmacodynamic indicators. Among them, 16 components had positive effects on the pharmacodynamic indicators of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, and 11 exerted negative effects. This study provides a basis for the precision medication and quality control of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma.

Chemical profiling of Huashi Baidu prescription, an effective anti-COVID-19 TCM formula, by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS.

Huashi Baidu prescription (HSBDF), recommended in the Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Pneumonia (On Trials, the Seventh Edition), was clinically used to treat severe corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with cough, blood-stained sputum, inhibited defecation, red tongue etc. symptoms. This study was aimed to elucidate and profile the knowledge on its chemical constituents and the potential anti-inflammatory effect in vitro. In the study, the chemical constituents in extract of HSBDF were characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS in both negative and positive modes, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to determine the effects of HSBDF in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results showed that a total of 217 chemical constituents were tentativedly characterized in HSBDF. Moreover, HSBDF could alleviate the expression levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the cell models, indicating that the antiviral effects of HSBDF might be associated with regulation of the inflammatory cytokines production in RAW264.7 cells. We hope that the results could be served as the basic data for further study of HSBDF on anti-COVID-19 effect.

[Study on mechanism of Valerianae Jatamansi Rhizoma et Radix against post-traumatic stress disorder based on molecular docking and network pharmacology].

This paper aims to investigate the active components and mechanism of Valerianae Jatamansi Rhizoma et Radix against post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The main components and targets of Valerianae Jatamansi Rhizoma et Radix were obtained by literature mining methods, SwissTargetPrediction, BATMAN and ETCM database. PTSD-related genes were collected from DrugBank, TTD and CTD databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed based on STRING, and the core targets of Valerianae Jatamansi Rhizoma et Radix in the treatment of PTSD were selected according to the topological parameters. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to construct the compound-target network. DAVID database was used for GO enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis. The relationship network of "compound-target-pathway" was constructed through Cytoscape 3.7.2 to analyze and obtain the key targets and their corresponding components in the network, and their results were verified by molecular docking. The results showed that a total of 47 components(such as valeraldehyde, dihydrovalerin, valerate, chlorovaltrate K, 8-hydroxypinoresinol, 6-hydroxyluteolin, apigenin, farnesin, vanillin, luteolin, kaempferol, glycosmisic acid and pogostemon) of Valerianae Jatamansi Rhizoma et Radix may act on 94 key targets such as CNR1, MAOA, NR3 C1, MAPK14, MAPK8, HTR2 C and DRD2. Totally 29 GO terms were obtained by GO functional enrichment analysis(P<0.05), and 20 signaling pathways were obtained from KEGG pathway enrichment, mainly involving neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, dopaminergic synapse, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, neurotrophin signaling pathway, gap junction, cholinergic synapse, estrogen signaling pathway, glutamatergic synapse and long-term potentiation. Molecular docking analysis showed that hydrogen bonding, π-π interaction and hydrophobic effecting may be the main forms of interaction. This study used the network of compound-target-pathway and molecular docking technology to screen the effective components of Valerianae Jatamansi Rhizoma et Radix against PTSD, and explore its anti-PTSD mechanism, so as to provide scientific basis for exploring the anti-PTSD drugs from traditional Chinese medicine and clarifying its mechanism of action.

[Population-based Study of the Effects of Adiponectin, Leptin and Soluble Leptin Receptor on Risks for Breast Cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the individual or combined effects of adiponectin, leptin, and soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) on risks for premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer, and to provide evidence for revealing the molecular mechanism between obesity and breast cancer. METHODS: 469 newly-diagnosed breast cancer cases were sequentially recruited for the study and 469 age-frequency-matched healthy women were enrolled as the controls over the same period of time. The participant baseline information was collected with questionnaires, and plasmic levels of adiponectin, leptin and sOB-R were checked with ELISA. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was conducted and the analyses were further stratified according to waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI) to explore the effect of the indicators on the risks for premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer. RESULTS: A total of 480 premenopausal and 458 postmenopausal women were included in the study. Among the premenopausal subjects, 249 were breast cancer patients and 231 were controls. The median BMI was 22.9 kg/m 2and 23.2 kg /m 2, respectively, and the median WHR was 0.80 and 0.83, respectively. Among the postmenopausal subjects, 220 were breast cancer patients and 238 were controls. The median BMI was 23.4 kg/m 2 and 23.7 kg/m 2, respectively, and the median WHR was 0.82 and 0.86, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that before and after model adjustment, the increase in sOB-R and adiponectin levels was correlated to reduced risks of premenopausal and postmenopausal breast cancer ( P<0.05), while the increase in the leptin/sOB-R ratio (also known as free leptin index, FLI) and leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio was only correlated to increased risks of postmenopausal breast cancer. After further stratification by WHR and BMI, the association between adiponectin, FLI and postmenopausal breast cancer remained statistically significant in all subgroups. Among subjects with normal-BMI central obesity (18.5 kg/m 2≤BMI<24 kg/m 2 & WHR≥0.85) , higher L/A ratio was associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. No clear association between leptin and premenopausal and risks for postmenopausal breast cancer was found in the study. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with decreased levels of sOB-R and adiponectin, and increased FLI and L/A, and premenopausal women with decreased levels of sOB-R and adiponectin were found to be at high risks for breast cancer.