1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Research on Mechanism
Junxiang LI ; Hong SHEN ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):103-110
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved significant progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 30, 2024, across Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The clinical applications and mechanistic studies of TCM in IBD were systematically reviewed. The current status of TCM research on the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD, innovative clinical practices, and multimodal therapeutic approaches, including Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs or active compounds, acupuncture, herbal retention enema, and acupoint application, were summarized, together with their synergistic effects when combined with western medical treatments. The development and application of Chinese patent medicines for IBD are undergoing a profound transition from efficacy validation to mechanistic exploration. Mechanistic studies on the effects of TCM in IBD mainly focus on regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and modulating intestinal immune balance. Furthermore, future research directions for TCM-based IBD management are proposed, including the establishment of TCM diagnostic and treatment models, expanding integrated applications of external and internal TCM therapies, innovating personalized treatment strategies, and advancing drug development. These efforts aim to provide insights for the standardized and precision-oriented development of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
3.Cost-utility analysis of rezivertinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Xiaowei ZHU ; Tongming ZHU ; Jia YI ; Wenqiang LI ; Piaopiao LU ; Aizong SHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):55-60
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rezivertinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. METHODS A Markov model was constructed based on the REZOR trial data, with a cycle length of 3 weeks and a study duration of 5 years. Both costs and health outcomes were discounted at an annual rate of 5%. A cost-utility analysis was conducted using 3 times China’s 2024 per capita gross domestic product as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. The economic differences between the rezivertinib regimen versus the gefitinib regimen were evaluated using the incremental cost- effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB). Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the model. RESULTS Compared to the gefitinib regimen, the rezivertinib regimen saved 225 310.47 yuan and gained an additional 0.57 quality- adjusted life years (QALYs), resulting in an ICER of -395 562.80 yuan/QALY, which was much lower than the WTP threshold of this study, indicating that rezivertinib had an absolute economic advantage. The INMB analysis (389 041.26 yuan) further validated this conclusion. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the model. Scenario analysis, incorporating a 15% reduction in drug prices and adjustments to the utility values for progression free survival and progression disease, yielded consistent results with the base case analysis. CONCLUSIONS Compared to gefitinib, rezivertinib as a first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC has an absolute economic advantage.
4.Material Basis and Its Distribution in vivo of Qili Qiangxin Capsules Analyzed by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS
Jianwei ZHANG ; Jiekai HUA ; Rongsheng LI ; Qin WANG ; Xinnan CHANG ; Wei LIU ; Jie SHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):185-193
ObjectiveBased on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS), the chemical constituents of Qili Qiangxin capsules was identified, and their distribution in vivo was analyzed. MethodsUPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS was used to detect the sample solution of Qili Qiangxin capsules, as well as the serum, brain, heart, lung, spleen, liver and kidney tissues of mice after oral administration. Using the Thermo Xcalibur 2.2 software, the compound information database was constructed, and the molecular formulas of compounds corresponding to the quasi-molecular ions were fitted. Based on the information of retention time, accurate relative molecular mass and fragments, the compounds and their distribution in vivo were analyzed by comparing with the data of reference substances and literature. ResultsA total of 233 compounds, including 70 terpenoids, 60 flavonoids, 23 organic acids, 17 alkaloids, 20 steroids, 7 coumarins and 36 others, were identified or predicted from Qili Qiangxin capsules, 73 of which were identified matching with standard substances. Tissue distribution results showed that 71, 17, 38, 33, 32, 58 and 43 migrating components were detected in blood, brain, heart, lung, spleen, liver and kidney, respectively. Thirty-seven components were absorbed into the blood and heart, including quinic acid, benzoylaconitine benzoylmesaconine and so on. Fourteen components were absorbed into the blood and six tissues, including calycosin, methylnissolin, formononetin, alisol B, alisol A and so on. ConclusionThis study comprehensively analyzes the chemical components of Qili Qiangxin capsules and their distribution in vivo. Among them, astragaloside Ⅳ, salvianolic acid B, ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rb3, ginsenoside Rd, ginsenoside Rg3, calycosin-7-glucoside, and sinapine may be the important components for the treatment of heart failure, which can provide useful reference for its quality control and research on pharmacodynamic material basis.
5.Factors influencing repeat blood donor lapsing in Guangzhou: based on the zero-inflated poisson regression model
Rongrong KE ; Guiyun XIE ; Xiaoxiao ZHENG ; Yingying XU ; Xiaochun HONG ; Shijie LI ; Yongshi DENG ; Jinyu SHEN ; Jinyan CHEN ; Jian OUYANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):73-78
[Objective] To analyze the influencing factors of repeat blood donor lapsing using a zero-inflated poisson regression model (ZIP). [Methods] The blood donation behavior of 12 498 whole blood donors from 2020 was tracked until December 31, 2023. The factors influencing the frequency of blood donations in a given year was analyzed using ZIP, and donors with 0 blood donation in that year were considered to have lapsed. The changes in relevant influencing factors associated with each blood donation were measured and modeled for analysis. [Results] The zero-inflated part of ZIP showed that the risk of lapsing of male blood donors was 2.24 times that of female blood donors (OR 95% CI:1.864-2.696, P<0.001); the risk of lapsing of the 35-44 age group and over 45 age group was respectively 40% (OR 95% CI:0.455-0.790, P<0.001) and 61%(OR 95% CI:0.268-0.578, P<0.001) lower than that of the under 25 age group; the risk of lapsing for those who have donated blood twice and ≥3 times was respectively 50% (OR 95% CI:0.405-0.609, P<0.001) and 81% (OR 95% CI:0.154-0.225, P<0.001) lower than that of first-time donors; the risk of lapsing of those with junior high or high school education was 1.2 times that of those with a college degree or higher (OR 95% CI:1.033-1.384, P<0.05); the risk of lapsing for the divorced group was 2.02 times that of the married group (OR 95% CI:1.445-2.820, P<0.001); the risk of lapsing for those with an income (Yuan) of 10 000 to 50 000, 50 000 to 100 000 and more than 100 000 was respectively 0.67 (OR 95% CI:0.552-0.818, P<0.001), 0.72 (OR 95% CI:0.591-0.884, P=0.002) and 0.67 (OR 95% CI:0.535-0.834, P<0.001) times that of those with an income (Yuan) of less than 10 000. The results of the Poisson part are consistent with the results of the zero-inflated part in terms of age and education level. [Conclusion] Blood donor lapsing is overall related to factors such as gender, age, donation frequency, education, marital status and family income. It's essential to care for those blood donors prone to lapse to retain more regular blood donors.
6.Optimization of osmotic pressure swelling method in the process of hemoglobin extraction from red blood cells
Honghui ZHANG ; Wentao ZHOU ; Shasha HAO ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Chengmin YANG ; Shen LI ; Fengjuan LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):91-96
[Objective] To extract hemoglobin (Hb) from red blood cells using osmotic pressure swelling method, expected to achieve a hemoglobin dissolution rate of ≥80% and a cell membrane integrity rate of ≥70%. [Methods] Human umbilical cord blood red blood cells were used as raw materials and phosphate buffer solution was used as the swelling solution for red blood cells. A three factor three-level orthogonal experiment (n=3) was conducted to determine the optimal matching conditions for selecting the osmolality molar concentration of phosphate buffer solution, pH value of hypotonic phosphate buffer solution and volume ratio of hypotonic phosphate buffer solution to washed red blood cells. Red blood cell swelling solution samples (n=6) were prepared by the optimal matching conditions and the original process conditions. The hemoglobin dissolution rate and cell membrane integrity rate were checked. In the expanded comparative experiment, red blood cell swelling solution samples (n=6) were prepared by the optimal matching conditions and the original process conditions, which was filtered by ultrafiltration membranes. The filtration time and hemoglobin yield were checked. [Results] The optimal matching conditions for preparing red blood cell swelling solution were obtained through orthogonal experiment as follows: osmotic pressure molar concentration was 30 mOsmol/Kg, pH was 7.8, and phosphate buffer to red blood cell volume ratio was 6∶1. On the basis of the above conditions, the red blood cell swelling solution sample was compared with the original process sample: the hemoglobin dissolution rate was (82.4±1.8)% vs (78.6±3.0)% (P<0.05), and the cell membrane integrity rate was (65.8±4.0)% vs (28.7±2.3)% (P<0.05). In the expanded comparative experiment, the optimal matching conditions were compared with the original process conditions: filtration time(s) (327±9) vs (434±13) (P<0.05), and hemoglobin yield was (72.3±1.2)% vs (66.0±1.4)% (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Compared with the original preparation process, the hemoglobin extraction process which optimized through orthogonal experiments greatly reduces the cell membrane fragmentation rate and minimizes the entry of cell membrane matrix into the target solution, ensuring a slightly higher hemoglobin dissolution rate, and reducing the preparation difficulty for the subsequent cell membrane separation and further purification.
7.Analysis of pediatric pre-prescription review orders based on PCNE classification system
Anle SHEN ; Peiqi WANG ; Tao XU ; Jia LUO ; Xuexian WANG ; Shunguo ZHANG ; Zhiling LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):351-355
OBJECTIVE To provide reference for improving the pre-prescription review system and reducing the occurrence of medication error by analyzing the drug-related problems (DRPs) in the pre-prescription review orders of pediatric outpatient clinics using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) classification system. METHODS The data of pre-prescription review orders were retrospectively collected from outpatient department of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from July 2022 to June 2023; DRPs in the pre-prescription review orders were classified and summarized by using the PCNE classification system (version 9.1), and then analyzed in terms of types and causes of issues, and the acceptance of interventions. RESULTS A total of 66 017 DRPs orders were included, involving 41 165 patients. The proportion of DRPs orders in children aged ≤5 years old was the highest (58.25%), followed by children aged 6-12 years old (33.52%); the department with the highest proportion of DRPs was internal medicine of pediatrics department (71.41%); the department with the highest incidence of DRPs was thoracic surgery department (9.73%); top three drug categories of DRPs orders were systemic anti- infective drugs (25.26%), Chinese patent medicines (24.74%) and respiratory drugs (22.38%). Referring to PCNE classification system, the types of DRPs mainly focused on treatment safety (64.86%); the reasons of DRPs orders mainly focused on dose selection (82.09%), of which 41.26% were due to excessive drug dosage; 92.13% of interventions could be accepted and fully executed by doctors. CONCLUSIONS DRPs orders identified by the pre-prescription review system can be effectively analyzed by using PCNE classification system. Pharmacists should focus on medication use in children aged ≤5 years old, update and develop personalized prescription review rules timely, and meet the rational needs of clinical medication for children.
8.Analysis of Major Syndromes and Their Typical Related Symptoms and Signs in 135 Patients with Metabolic Syndrome:A Clinical Study Based on Syndrome Element Differentiation and Latent Class Analysis
Tong WANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Lifen MI ; Shanyi SHEN ; Shujie XIA ; Candong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):376-381
ObjectiveTo explore the typical syndromes and their characteristic of symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). MethodsTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic information was collected from 135 MS patients. Syndrome element differentiation and latent class analysis (LCA) were applied to identify the major TCM syndromes in MS patients. Symptoms were analyzed based on the differentiated syndromes, and a binary logistic regression model was constructed to determine symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value. ResultsA total of 135 MS patients were included, involving 163 symptoms and signs with a total frequency of 1749; twenty-three syndrome elements were extracted, 367 times frequency in total, among which 8 syndrome elements occurred ≥10 times with 323 frequencies (88.01% of the total). These included location-related elements such as kidney (48 times), spleen (14 times), and stomach (14 times), and nature-related elements such as phlegm (71 times), yin deficiency (64 times), dampness (57 times), heat (42 times), and qi deficiency (13 times). Based on LCA, the 135 patients were categorized into two groups distinguished by the syndrome elements of dampness and phlegm, forming the "phlegm-dampness syndrome" as the major syndrome type. Nine high-frequency symptoms and signs associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome were identified,i.e. obesity (39 times), greasy coating (38 times), slippery pulse (33 times), white coating (31 times), preference for fatty and heavy foods (30 times), excessive urination (30 times), fatigue and lack of strength (29 times), wiry pulse (25 times), and dark red tongue (25 times). A binary logistic regression model was constructed combining these nine symptoms and signs with the LCA classification results, ultimately identifying obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating as independent factors associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients (P<0.05). ConclusionThe major TCM syndrome in MS patients is phlegm-dampness syndrome, and obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating are the typical symptoms and signs for diagnosing phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients.
9.Efficacy Mechanism of Xianlian Jiedu Prescription Against Colorectal Cancer Recurrence vias Regulating Angiogenesis
Yanru XU ; Lihuiping TAO ; Jingyang QIAN ; Weixing SHEN ; Jiani TAN ; Chengtao YU ; Minmin FAN ; Changliang XU ; Yueyang LAI ; Liu LI ; Dongdong SUN ; Haibo CHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):79-87
ObjectiveTo explore effect of Xianlian Jiedu prescription on the recurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigate the related mechanisms. MethodsA postoperative recurrence model was established in 25 Balb/c mice by injecting CT26 cells subcutaneously into the armpit, followed by surgical removal of 99% of the subcutaneous tumor. The mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-L) group (6.45 g·kg-1·d-1), medium-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-M) group (12.9 g·kg-1·d-1), high-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription (XLJDP-H) group (25.8 g·kg-1·d-1), and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) group (1×10-3 g·kg-1·d-1). The mice were euthanized after 14 days of continuous intervention, and recurrent tumor tissue was harvested. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological and morphological changes in the recurrent tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to assess the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki67), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) in recurrent tumor tissue. The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2), VEGF, phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-Akt), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in recurrent tumor tissue. ResultsBefore treatment, there were no statistical differences in tumor volume, tumor weight, and body mass among the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group, indicating model stability. After treatment, compared with those in the model group, the tumor volume and tumor weight in the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced (P<0.01), showing dose dependency. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in body weight among the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group. HE staining showed that compared with that in the model group, tumor tissue in the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group had loosely arranged cells, increased intercellular spaces, small and shriveled nuclei, light staining, fewer mitotic figures and atypical nuclei, and increased necrotic areas. IHC showed that compared with those of the model group, the positive rates of Ki67, VEGF, and CD31 in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced (P<0.01) in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot results showed that compared with those of the model group, the protein expression levels of ANG-2 and VEGF in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L, XLJDP-M, and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly downregulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the p-Akt/Akt and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXianlian Jiedu prescription significantly inhibits the recurrence of CRC in mice after subcutaneous tumor surgery. The mechanism may involve regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating key angiogenic proteins such as ANG-2, VEGF, and CD31.
10.Clinical observation of doxycycline in the treatment of macrolide-unresponsive Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children under 8 years of age
Shanshan LI ; Jishan ZHENG ; Yanyan CHEN ; Longhui SHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(4):464-468
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of doxycycline in the treatment of macrolide-unresponsive Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MUMPP) in children under 8 years of age. METHODS The medical records of children with MUMPP admitted to the Women and Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Ningbo University were collected from January 1st, 2023 to December 31st, 2023. They were divided into doxycycline group (44 cases), doxycycline combined with methylprednisolone group (35 cases), and azithromycin combined with methylprednisolone group (35 cases) according to the treatment methods. Doxycycline group was given Doxycycline hyclate enteric-coated capsules; doxycycline combined with methylprednisolone group was given Doxycycline hyclate enteric-coated capsules and Methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection; azithromycin combined with methylprednisolone group was given Azithromycin for injection and Methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection. Treatment courses of 3 groups lasted for 10 d. The fever reduction rate, the time of fever reduction and improvement rate of lung infection absorption were compared among the three groups. The occurrence of adverse drug reactions was recorded during their hospitalization and followed up within 5 months after discharge. RESULTS The fever reduction rats 48, 72 h after treatment and improvement rate of lung infection absorption in doxycycline group and doxycycline combined with methylprednisolone group were significantly higher than azithromycin combined with methylprednisolone group; the time of fever reduction was significantly shorter than azithromycin combined with methylprednisolone group (P<0.05); there was no statistical significance in the difference between the doxycycline group and the doxycycline combined with methylprednisolone group (P>0.05). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of rash, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and elevated transaminases among the three groups during hospitalization and within 5 months after discharge (P>0.05). None of the children treated with doxycycline suffered from tooth discoloration or enamel hypoplasia. CONCLUSIONS Doxycycline has good efficacy and safety in therapy of MUMPP in children under 8 years of age; adjunctive coadministration of low-dose glucocorticoids does not necessarily result in significant additional efficacy.

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