The efficacy of radiotherapy based combined therapy for unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer and its associated factors analysis / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: Retrospective analysis of the efficacy and influencing factors of bladder preservation integrated therapy for unresectable invasive bladder cancer confined to the pelvis was done, also including the bladder function preservation and adverse effects analysis. Methods: Sixty-nine patients with unresectable locally invasive bladder cancer who received radiotherapy-based combination therapy from March 1999 to December 2021 at our hospital were selected. Among them, 42 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 32 underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapyand 43 with transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) prior to radiotherapy. The late adverse effect of radiotherapy, preservation of bladder function, replase and metastasis and survival were followed-up. Cox proportional hazards models were applied for the multifactorial analysis. Results: The median age was 69 years. There were 63 cases (91.3%) of uroepithelial carcinoma, 64 of stage Ⅲ and 4 of stage Ⅳ. The median duration of follow-up was 76 months. There were 7 grade 2 late genito urinary toxicities, 2 grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities, no grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred. All patients maintained normal bladder function, except for 8 cases who lost bladder function due to uncontrolled tumor in the bladder. Seventeen cases recurred locally. There were 11 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 26.2% (11/42) and 6 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a local recurrence rate of 22.2% (6/27), and the difference in local recurrence rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.709). There were 23 cases of distant metastasis (including 2 cases of local recurrence with distant metastasis), including 10 cases in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 23.8% (10/42) and 13 cases in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group with a distant metastasis rate of 48.1% (13/27), and the distant metastasis rate in the non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group was higher than that in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (P=0.036). The median 5-year overall survival (OS) time was 59 months and the OS rate was 47.8%. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) time was 20 months and the PFS rate was 34.4%. The 5-year OS rates of concurrent and non-concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were 62.9% and 27.6% (P<0.001), and 5-year PFS rates were 45.4% and 20.0%, respectively (P=0.022). The 5-year OS rates of with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy were 78.4% and 30.1% (P=0.002), and the 5-year PFS rates were 49.1% and 25.1% (P=0.087), respectively. The 5-year OS rates with or without TURBT before radiotherapy were 45.5% and 51.9% (P=0.233) and the 5-year PFS rates were 30.8% and 39.9% (P=0.198), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that the clinical stage (HR=0.422, 95% CI: 0.205-0.869) was independent prognostic factor for PFS of invasive bladder cancer. The multivariate analysis showed that clinical stages (HR=0.278, 95% CI: 0.114-0.678), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (HR=0.391, 95% CI: 0.165-0.930), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR=0.188, 95% CI: 0.058-0.611), and recurrences (HR=10.855, 95% CI: 3.655-32.638) were independent prognostic factors for OS of invasive bladder cancer. Conclusion: Unresectable localized invasive bladder cancer can achieve satisfactory long-term outcomes with bladder-preserving combination therapy based on radiotherapy, most patients can retain normal bladder function with acceptable late adverse effects and improved survival particularly evident in patients with early, concurrent chemoradiotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Anti-obesity and Gut Microbiota Modulation Effect of Astragalus Polysaccharides Combined with Berberine on High-Fat Diet-Fed Obese Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether astragalus polysaccharides (APS) combined with berberine (BBR) can reduce high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in mice.@*METHODS@#Except for normal mice, 32 HFD-induced obese mice were randomized into HFD, APS (1,000 mg/kg APS), BBR (200 mg/kg BBR), and APS plus BBR (1,000 mg/kg APS plus 200 mg/kg BBR) groups, respectively. After 6-week treatment (once daily by gavage), the obesity phenotype and pharmacodynamic effects were evaluated by histopathological examination of epididymal fat, liver, and colon using hematoxylin-eosin staining and serum biochemical analyses by an automated chemistry analyzer. The feces were collected at the 12 th week, and taxonomic and functional profiles of gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) sequencing.@*RESULTS@#Compared with HFD group, the average body weight of APS plus BBR group was decreased (P<0.01), accompanied with the reduced fat accumulation, enhanced colonic integrity, insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Importantly, APS combined with BBR treatment was more effective than APS or BBR alone in improving HFD-induced insulin resistance (P<0.05 or P<0.01). 16S rRNA sequence-based analysis of fecal samples demonstrated that APS combined with BBR treatment exhibited a better impact on HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, exclusively via the enriched abundances of Bacteroides, which corresponded to the large increase of predicted bacterial genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism.@*CONCLUSION@#APS combined with BBR may synergistically reduce obesity and modulate the gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice.

Research Progress on Compatibility Mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma-Euodiae Fructus： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Herb pair， a common form of compounding in Chinese medicinal prescriptions， reflects the experience of pharmacists in clinical medication in the past. It is characterized by simple composition while has the basic characteristics of Chinese medicine compounding. The combination of two medicinal herbs can enhance effect or reduce toxicity. Coptidis Rhizoma （CR） has the effects of clearing heat， drying dampness， purging fire， and removing toxin. Euodiae Fructus （EF） is acrid， bitter， and hot-natured， which can not only warm the Yang Qi in spleen and stomach to dissipate cold and relieve pain， but also descend stomach Qi and prevent vomiting. Furthermore， it can warm the liver and kidney. CR and EF form a typical cold-heat herb pair， which oppose and yet also complement each other. Specifically， their cold and heat natures interact with each other to clear liver fire， harmonize stomach for descending adverse Qi， relieve depression， and dissipate mass. CR clears the intestine and stops dysentery， while EF warms the middle and promotes the circulation of Qi. The combination of them can thus clear heat， dry dampness， and relieve pain. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that CR-EF has not only significant efficacy against digestive system diseases but also good anti-cancer， anti-inflammatory， anti-ulcer， and lipid-lowering activities. Therefore， the article summarized the effect enhancement and toxicity reduction of the herb pair at the levels of cellular molecule， isolated organ， and whole animal， and clarified the mechanism of its pharmacological action. It will provide a theoretical basis for further development and clinical use of the herb pair.

Modern research thoughts and methods on bio-active components of TCM formulae / 中国天然药物

TCM formulae are the important guidances for clinical application of traditional Chinese medicines, which follow the principles of diagnosis and treatment in TCM. Elucidating the bio-active components of TCM formulae is the key to the modernization and internationalization of traditional Chinese medicines. With the rapid development of modern instruments and technology, many new theories, methods and strategies are emerging, which upgrade the research of TCM formulae into a higher level. Only when the medicinal efficacy, bio-active components, function mechanism of TCM formulae are understood, we can guarantee TCM safety and quality control. In this paper, we summarized the latest modern research thoughts and methods on bio-active components of TCM formulae including formula decomposition study, serum pharmacology and serum pharmacochemistry, association analysis, biochromatography, network pharmacology, metabolomics and proteomics, so as to provide reference for the research and development of TCM in the future.

Efficacy and Safety of Lianhua Qingwen for Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / 中国结合医学杂志

BACKGROUND@#Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world since its outbreak, and there is no ascertained effective drug up to now. Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) has been widely used in China and overseas Chinese, which had some advantages in the treatment of COVID-19.@*OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LHQW for COVID-19 by conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis.@*METHODS@#A comprehensive literature search was conducted in 12 electronic databases from their establishment to October 30, 2021. Note Express 3.2.0 was used for screening of trials, and the data was independently extracted in duplicate by 2 researchers. The risk of bias of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies were assessed by using the Cochrane collaboration tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale, respectively, followed by data analysis using RevMan 5.3. The RCTs or retrospective studies to treat COVID-19 using LHQW were included. The intervention measures in the experimental group were LHQW alone or combined with chemical drugs (LCWC), and that in the control group were chemical drugs (CDs). Outcome measures included computed tomography (CT) recovery rate, disappearance rates of primary (fever, cough, fatigue), respiratory, gastrointestinal and other symptoms, exacerbation rate and adverse reaction. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to whether LHQW was combined with CDs and the different treatment methods in the control group.@*RESULTS@#Nine trials with 1,152 participants with COVID-19 were included. The CT recovery rates of LHQW and LCWC were 1.36 and 1.32 times of CDs, respectively (P<0.05). Compared with CDs, LCWC remarkably increased the disappearance rates of fever, cough, fatigue, expectoration, shortness of breath, and muscle soreness (P<0.05). LHQW also obviously decreased the exacerbation rate, which was 0.45 times of CDs alone (P<0.05). There was no obvious difference between LCWC and CDs in adverse reaction (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#LHQW was more suitable for treating COVID-19 patients with obvious expectoration, shortness of breath and muscle soreness. LHQW had advantages in treating COVID-19 with no obvious exacerbation. (PROSPERO No. CRD42021235937).

Research on Q-markers of Polygoni Perfoliati Herba based on analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method and fingerprints / 中国中药杂志

The potential quality markers(Q-markers) of Polygoni Perfoliati Herba were studied based on analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM), network pharmacology, and spectrum-effect relationship analysis. The AHP-EWM was used for quantitative identification of the Q-markers. To be specific, AHP was applied for the weight analysis of the validity, testability, and specificity of the first-level indexes, and EWM for the analysis of the second-level indexes supported by literature and experimental data. Based on literature and network pharmacology, the validity analysis was to study the component-target-disease-efficacy network, and select the components with the strongest correlation with the efficacy of clearing heat and removing toxin, diuresis and alleviating edema, and relieving cough. For the testability analysis, the high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and literature research were used to determine the 10 components in Polygoni Perfoliati Herba, and the fingerprints of Polygoni Perfoliati Herba were established at the same time. The specificity analysis was based on the statistics of the number of plants in which the components existed. Thereby, the 11 compounds: quercetin, oleanolic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, rutin, esculetin, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, ursolic acid, protocatechuic acid, and ferulic acid, were identified as potential Q-markers. The 11 compounds were identified to have high anti-inflammatory activity, indicating that the 11 Q-markers may be the functional material basis. The result in this study is expected to serve as a reference for the quality control of Polygoni Perfoliati Herba.

Research progress on effective components and mechanisms of anti-depressive Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

Since the pathogenesis of depression is complicated, the therapeutic effects of western medicine are poor accompanied by severe side effects. Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment based on syndrome differentiation and contains many effective components against depression, including flavonoids, terpenes, phenylpropanoids, quinones, and alkaloids. These chemical components can delay the course of the disease, improve the curative effect, and reduce side effects of western medicine by regulating the biochemical abnormalities of monoamine neurotransmitters, brain tissue protein content, and internal environment as well as energy metabolism to make the treatment of Chinese medicine highlighted and recognized. This study systematically reviewed the effective components and mechanisms of anti-depressive Chinese medicine to inspire the rational development and utilization of new Chinese medicines against depression.

Identification of quality markers of Qixuehe Capsules based on analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight methods / 中国中药杂志

Qixuehe Capsules is a compound Chinese patent medicine developed for treating the disorder of Qi and blood(a common etiology of gynecological disease), which has remarkable effects on smoothing liver and regulating Qi, activating blood circulation, and relieving pain. However, due to its complex prescriptions(15 herbs) and multiple effects, the quality control of Qixuehe Capsules has always been a bottleneck problem limiting its sustainable development. Therefore, this study adopted the traditional Chinese medicine Q-markers quantitative identification system established previously by our research group based on the combination of analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight methods. With the different effects of Qixuehe Capsules as the entry point, the comprehensive scores of chemical ingre-dients in Qixuehe Capsules under the items of effectiveness(smoothing liver and regulating qi, activating blood circulation, and relieving pain), testability and specificity were calculated and integrated, respectively. Subsequently, through the analysis of compatibility relationship of Qixuehe Capsules, 15 active ingredients with high comprehensive scores were found to be the top Q-mar-kers of Qixuehe Capsules, including ferulic acid, quercetin, caffeic acid, kaempferol, rutin, Z-ligustilide, senkyunolide Ⅰ, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, senkyunolide A, gallic acid, tetrahydropalmatine and eugenol. Collectively, this study not only provided scientific evidence for further research on the improvement and standardization of quality standards of Qixuehe Capsules but also provided methodological references for the quantitative identification of Q-markers of multi-effect traditional Chinese medicine formulae.

Quantitative identification of TCM Q-markers based on analytical hierarchy and the entropy weight comprehensive method by taking Shaoyao Gancao decoction as an example / 药学学报

The quality markers (Q-markers) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have become a topic of interest in TCM research in recent years. Nonetheless, there is still no consensus on how to scientifically characterize TCM Q-markers. Our study establishes an identification method for TCM Q-markers based on the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the entropy weight comprehensive method. By constructing an evaluation system encompassing the target layer, the factor layer and the control layer, AHP can be used to analyze the weight of three core TCM quality attributes, including effectiveness, testability and specificity. Following that, the entropy weight method is employed to analyze the specific indicators for each attribute based on the literature and experimental data. Finally, the comprehensive weight of each index is obtained by combining the two weights, and the comprehensive weight and the specific value of each component is multiplied and summed to obtain the integrated score ranking, and thereby identify the TCM Q-markers. Taking Shaoyao Gancao decoction as an example, the analysis revealed that the top 8 components are as follows: paeoniflorin > quercetin > albiflorin > glycyrrhizic acid > naringenin > liquiritin > oxypaeoniflorin > benzoylpaeoniflorin, and can be identified as Q-markers of Shaoyao Gancao decoction. This study not only provides support for the establishment of quality standards and process quality control of TCM formulae, but also provides innovative ideas and methods for quantitative evaluation and accurate identification of TCM Q-markers.

Research on Q-markers of Eupatorium lindleyanum based on analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method and network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

The potential quality markers( Q-markers) of Eupatorium lindleyanum were studied with analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM) and network pharmacological method. Based on the concept of Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine, AHP-EWM was employed to quantitatively identify the Q-markers of E. lindleyanum. AHP method was applied to the weight analysis of the validity, testability, and specificity of the first-level indexes, and EWM method was used to analyze the secondlevel indexes supported by literature and experimental data. At the same time, based on the theory and method of network pharmacology, the component-target-disease-efficacy network of E. lindleyanum was built, and the components most closely related to the efficacy of resolving phlegm and relieving cough and asthma were screened out. Through the integrated analysis of the results obtained with AHP-EWM and network pharmacological method, 13 compounds including rutin, quercetin, nepetin, cirsiliol, luteolin, hyperoside,isoquercitrin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, eupalinolide K, eupalinolide A, eupalinolide B, and eupalinolide C were comprehensively identified as the potential Q-markers of E. lindleyanum. The results provide a basis for the quality control of E. lindleyanum.

3, 4-seco-Isopimarane and 3, 4-seco-pimarane diterpenoids from Callicarpa nudiflora / 中国天然药物

A phytochemical investigation was carried out on the extract of a medicinal plant Callicarpa nudiflora, resulting in the characterization of five new 3, 4-seco-isopimarane (1-5) and one new 3, 4-seco-pimarane diterpenoid (6), together with four known compounds. The structures of the new compounds were fully elucidated by extensive analysis of MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculation of electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, and DFT calculations for NMR chemical shifts and optical rotations.

Studies on blood enrichment and anti-tumor effects of combined Danggui Buxue Decoction, Fe and rhEPO based on colon cancer-related anemia model and gut microbiota modulation / 中国天然药物

Colon cancer-related anemia (CCRA) is mainly caused by systemic inflammation, intestinal bleeding, iron deficiency and chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in colon cancer. However, the best therapeutic schedule and related mechanism on CCRA were still uncertain. Studies on blood enrichment and anti-tumor effects of combined Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD), Fe and rhEPO based on CCRA and gut microbiota modulation were conducted in this paper. Here, CCRA model was successfully induced by subcutaneous inoculation of CT-26 and i.p. oxaliplatin, rhEPO + DBD high dosage + Fe (EDF) and rhEPO + DBD high dosage (ED) groups had the best blood enrichment effect. Attractively, EDF group also showed antitumor activity. The sequencing results of gut microbiota showed that compared to P group, the relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae and opportunistic pathogen (Odoribacter) in ED and EDF groups were decreased. Interestingly, EDF also decreased the relative abundances of cancer-related bacteria (Helicobacter, Lactococcus, Alloprevotella) and imbalance-inducing bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella and Parabacteroides) and increased the relative abundances of butyrate-producing bacteria (Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014), however, ED showed the opposite effects to EDF, this might be the reason of the smaller tumor volume in EDF group. Our findings proposed the best treatment combination of DBD, rhEPO and Fe in CCRA and provided theoretical basis and literature reference for CCRA-induced intestinal flora disorder and the regulatory mechanism of EDF.

Application of objective performance criteria in post-marketing evaluation schemes of traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

Traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) have certain limitations in the clinical research design in their post-marketing evaluation, so that randomized controlled programs cannot be strictly implemented in some studies, while the objective performance criteria is a reasonable external controlled research method that has been gradually recognized at home and abroad in recent years in addition to randomized controlled trial(RCT) method. It is more mature in medical devices, surgery and other research fields, but there is no relevant report in the field of post-marketing evaluation of Chinese patent medicines. In this paper, the application prospect of the objective performance criteria and the problems were discussed in the field of post-marketing evaluation of TCM. The characteristics of as TCM are more consistent with the scope of the objective performance criteria, the application of the objective performance criteria in post-marketing evaluation of Chinese patent medicines, especially in single arm research, can break through the limitations of existing conventional clinical research methods, and improve the level of evidence, with good feasibility and advantages. However, in the application process, we should pay attention to the key issues such as the selection of index, research population, follow-up period and the reference selection, to ensure the quality of research. This research group has carried out some exploration and practice in the field of post-marketing evaluation of TCM injections by using single arm combined with the objective performance criteria, hoping to establish the key technology in this field, and provide certain research and design reference for the secondary development of Chinese patent medicines.

Research progress on processing history evolution as well as effect on chemical compositions and traditional pharmacological effects of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma / 中国中药杂志

Rhei Radix et Rhizoma(RRR) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, with extensive pharmacological effects and clinical applications. This paper summarized processing history evolution of RRR and its effect on chemical compositions and pharmacological effects, and provided feasible insights for further studies on the chemical compositions and pharmacological effects of RRR before and after processing. Relevant information demonstrated that RRR has a long history of processing and various methods. At pre-sent, Chinese Pharmacopoeia mainly records four processing methods: cleaning(raw RRR), wine processing(RRR stir-fried with wine), steaming processing(RRR wine steaming), fried charcoal(RRR charring). RRR has a good effect in clearing heat effect, hemostatic effect and blood promoting effect, and its main chemical components are anthraquinone/anthrones, stilbene, phenylbutanone, chromogens, flavonoids and tannin compounds. This paper reviewed the history evolution of RRR and its effect on chemical composition and pharmacological changes, and put forward further study ideas, with the aim to provide a basic reference for processing mechanism, effective material basis and clinical application of RRR.

Effect of scalp acupuncture stimulation on cerebral cortex function and related mechanism / 针刺研究

A literature review was performed to investigate the possible mechanism of scalp acupuncture in stimulating the skin, fascia, muscle, and periosteum and thus affecting cerebral cortex function. The results of literature research show that the effect of scalp acupuncture on cerebral cortex function may be achieved by the stimulation of specific anatomical structures. Stimulation of the skin, fascia, muscle and periosteum can activate the functional areas of the cerebral cortex through the midbrain, thalamus, and brainstem. In addition, different depths of stimulation may affect the deep and shallow sensation of the brain, self-monitoring of the fascia, subcortical central compensation, and cortical discharge. Therefore, exploration of the specific rules and differences in the effect of stimulating different anatomical structures on brain function is the future focus of the clinical and basic research on scalp acupuncture.

Definition of lost acupuncture technique: based on / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#By defining the inclusion criteria of the lost acupuncture technique and sorting out the content of lost acupuncture technique (possibly lost acupuncture technique), this article aimed to provide ideas and methods of the inheritance of acupuncture technique.@*METHODS@#The whole entries of @*RESULTS@#A total of 364 items of acupuncture technique were retrieved, including 17 items of lost acupuncture technique and 12 items of possibly lost acupuncture technique.@*CONCLUSION@#The lost acupuncture technique is defined as the acupuncture technique recorded in ancient classics but can not be retrieved in modern literature of clinical application or expert's experience. The change of government or alternation of dynasty, the evolution of acupuncture-moxibustion theories and education are the related causes of lost acupuncture technique.

Research thoughts and methods on grading identification and transmission change law of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) Q-marker / 中国中药杂志

The quality marker( Q-maker) of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) has been the core concept of TCM quality evaluation and control in recent years. Based on the knowledge and long-term practice of the researches on TCM quality,we put forward that " Taking the effectiveness as the core,the measurability and peculiarity as necessary conditions,and considering compatibility for TCM formulae,TCM Q-makers are selected and confirmed,and then the transmission and traceability should be investigated as its functional attributes". Selecting the commonly used representative TCM as the research object,based on the score of TCM effectiveness,measurability and peculiarity,a layered three-dimensional integrated technology was adopted for the quantitative evaluation and grading identification of the Q-markers for TCM. And after Q-markers for TCM are selected and confirmed,the transmission variation of the Q-markers is studied in the whole process from the formation of TCM to its function representation. Based on TCM chemical and biological characteristics as well as effectiveness,and integrating multidisciplinary techniques and methods,researches on innovative methods for system identification and confirmation of the TCM Q-makers are developed emphatically to form representative and exemplary extensive application,which will provide significant theoretical and methodological support for effectively improving the quality control level of TCM.

Modern research approaches and strategies for compatibility effects and efficacy components of herbal pairs / 药学学报

The herb pair is the simple and exquisite experience summary accumulated by generations of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experts in the process of long-term herbal prescription for curing diseases. Although it is only a combination of two herbs, it is cleverly matched and properly proportioned, which can well interpret TCM characteristics of "great combination and artful application". Moreover, the herb pair is an intermediate point between single herb and several TCM formulae, which implicates certain regularity and some connotation of many TCM formulae for diagnosis and treatment based on an overall analysis of the illness and the patient's condition. Our team has long been focusing on the complexity of drug interactions and the diversity of TCM components to carry out systematic research on herb pair by using modern scientific and technological knowledge and approaches. As results, a series of modern research approaches and strategies formed for the compatibility effect and bio-active components of the herb pair. By representing the principles and application characteristics of these approaches, this paper provides important support for elucidating scientific connotation of compatibility regularity of herb pairs and application of formulae optimization, as well as explorative ideas and approaches for modern research on other herb pairs.

Elucidating the interaction of kansui and licorice by comparative plasma/tissue metabolomics and a heatmap with relative fold change / 药物分析学报

Although compatibility is highly advocated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), inappropriate com-bination of some herbs may reduce the therapeutic action and even produce toxic effects. Kansui and licorice, one of TCM"Eighteen Incompatible Medicaments", are the most representative cases of improper herbal combination, which may still be applied simultaneously under given conditions. However, the potential mechanism of their compatibility and incompatibility is unclear. In the present study, two different ratios of kansui and licorice, representing their compatibility and incompatibility respectively, were designed to elucidate their interaction by comparative plasma/tissue metabolomics and a heatmap with relative fold change. As a result, glycocholic acid, prostaglandin F2a, dihydroceramide and sphin-ganine were screened out as the principal alternative biomarkers of compatibility group; sphinganine, dihydroceramide, arachidonic acid, leukotriene B4, acetoacetic acid and linoleic acid were those of in-compatibility group. Based on the values of biomarkers in each tissue, the liver was identified as the compatible target organ, while the heart, liver, and kidney were the incompatible target organs. Furthermore, important pathways for compatibility and incompatibility were also constructed. These results help us to better understand and utilize the two herbs, and the study was the first to reveal some innate characters of herbs related to TCM"Eighteen Incompatible Medicaments".