1.Current situation research on the optimization path of market access for over-the-counter drugs in China and suggestions for the application of international experience
Na LU ; Haiping HAO ; Zuoqi DING
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1417-1423
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for optimizing the market access process for over-the-counter drugs (OTC) in China. METHODS Based on literature review, questionnaire survey was designed and distributed via the Wenjuanxing platform to respondents from pharmaceutical enterprises, drug regulatory agencies, industry associations, medical institutions and universities. The collected survey data were then subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 154 questionnaires were collected, all of which were valid. Among the respondents, 58.5% were from pharmaceutical enterprises, 18.8% were from the field of drug regulation, and the remaining 22.7% were from universities and medical institutions. More than half of the respondents had been working for 10 years or more. A total of 89.6% of the respondents called for the establishment of an independent review system for OTC. Additionally, 88.3% believed it was necessary to establish an OTC monograph system based on China’s national conditions. Meanwhile, 73.4% of respondents believed it was necessary to standardize the monograph inclusion procedures and processes, while 77.3% thought the specific process for switching prescription drugs to OTC status should be improved. Furthermore, 91.0% of the respondents considered that real-world data/evidence could contribute to simplifying the OTC market approval pathway, although challenges related to data quality and data accessibility were acknowledged. CONCLUSIONS The review cycle for China’s OTC market access mechanism is relatively long. A localized adaptation and optimization path of “institutional reconstruction-technological innovation-regulatory innovation” in a trinity is proposed to provide a decision-making basis for establishing a scientific and efficient OTC regulatory system with international experience serving as a reference.
2.Analysis on current situation of position training of clinical pharmacists in medical institutions in China
Dongni ZHENG ; Ya CHEN ; Mi GAN ; Shunlong OU ; Yongdong JIN ; Zhiqiang HU ; Xiaoyi CHEN ; Jinqi LI ; Qian JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1424-1429
OBJECTIVE To summarize the current status of position training for clinical pharmacists in China and provide references for the continuous optimization of such training programs. METHODS SinoMed, CNKI,VIP and Wanfang Data were electronically searched to collect position training of clinical pharmacists studies from the inception until November 5th 2024. After data extraction and quality evaluation, descriptive analysis was performed on the results of the included studies. RESULTS & A total of 68 pieces of relevant literature were included in the study. Among them, 50 studies reported on training content, 49 involved the allocation of teaching resources in the bases, 48 addressed training methods, and 39 focused on training evaluation; only 2 studies mentioned faculty development. There were notable variations in the clinical pharmacist training programs across different bases, particularly in the allocation of teaching resources, such as the composition of the teaching team and the utilization of auxiliary teaching tools. Additionally, differences existed in training approaches, such as those employing a single method versus a blended approach. Conversely, the core training content of each base generally revolved around clinical pharmacy practice, demonstrating a degree of consistency. Moreover, the overall emphasis on teacher training and assessment tended to be obviously insufficient. Each base can focus on enhancing the competence of clinical pharmacists by allocating teaching resources, selecting training methods, improving training content, and using evaluation tools, to further enhance the quality of clinical pharmacist training.
3.Improvement effects and mechanism of total secondary ginsenosides on hypertrophic changes in cardiomyocytes
Bin LI ; Jia LI ; Zhongjie YUAN ; Mingjun ZHU ; Shiyang XIE ; Yuan GAO ; Rui YU ; Xinlu WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1430-1435
OBJECTIVE To investigate the ameliorative effects and potential mechanism of total secondary ginsenosides (TSG) on hypertrophic changes of primary cardiomyocytes stimulated by angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ). METHODS Primary cardiomyocytes were isolated from the hearts of neonatal SD rats and divided into the following groups: control group, AngⅡ group (2 µmol/L), TSG group (7.5 µg/mL), PFK-015 group [6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) inhibitor, 10 nmol/L], and TSG+PFK-015 group (TSG 7.5 µg/mL+PFK-015 10 nmol/L). The surface area, protein synthesis, energy metabolism-related indicators [free fatty acid (FFA), coenzyme A (CoA), acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA)], and the expressions of glycolysis-related factors [hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), glucose transporter protein 4 (GLUT-4), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) and PFKFB3] in primary cardiomyocytes of each group were measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the surface area of primary cardiomyocytes and protein synthesis were significantly increased, the content of FFA, protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, LDHA, PDK1 and PFKFB3 were significantly increased or up-regulated in the AngⅡ group, while the contents of CoA and acetyl-CoA, the protein and mRNA expressions of GLUT-4 were significantly decreased or down-regulated (P<0.05). Compared with the AngⅡ group, both TSG group and PFK-015 group showed significant improvements in these indexes, with the TSG+PFK-015 group generally demonstrating superior effects compared to either treatment alone (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS TSG can reduce the surface area of AngⅡ-induced primary cardiomyocytes, decrease protein synthesis, and inhibit their hypertrophic changes. These effects may be related to improving energy metabolism and the inhibition of glycolysis activity.
4.Exploration of the mechanism of cognitive impairment induced by ketamine in mice based on metabolomics
Tingting LUO ; Xiaoxiao YAO ; Xinyi ZHAN ; Yiru MA ; Ting GAO ; Ying WEI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1436-1441
OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of ketamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice based on metabolomics. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and ketamine group (25 mg/kg), with 12 mice in each group. Each group of mice was intraperitoneally injected with normal saline or corresponding drugs, 4 times a day, for 10 consecutive days. On the last 2 days of drug administration, the cognitive behavior was evaluated by Y maze and novel object recognition test, and the histopathological changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were observed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology was used to analyze the changes of metabolites in PFC, screen for differential metabolites, and perform pathway enrichment analysis. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the morphology of PFC neurons in the ketamine group of mice was inconsistent. There were cavities around the nucleus, and the number of deeply stained cells increased. The mean optical density value of the Nissl staining positive area was significantly reduced, and the alternation rate and discrimination index were significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the PFC tissue samples of mice of the two groups, there were a total of 114 differential metabolites, including 73 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated metabolites, including glutamine, succinic acid, ketoglutarate, and choline, etc. The differential metabolites mentioned above were mainly enriched in metabolism of alanine, aspartate and glutamate, metabolism of arginine and proline, γ aminobutyric acid synapses, pyrimidine metabolism, cholinergic synapses pathways, etc. CONCLUSIONS Ketamine can induce cognitive impairment in mice. Its neurotoxicity is related to abnormal synaptic transmission and energy metabolism, and neuroimmune regulation disorders.
5.Study on chemical composition,pharmacodynamic consistency and mechanism between Hugan qingzhi formula decoction and its formulated granules
Zhenhua ZHANG ; Changrui LONG ; Huixing WU ; Shijian XIANG ; Benjie ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1442-1448
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the contents of characteristic components in Hugan qingzhi formula (HGQZ) decoction and formulated granules and the pharmacodynamic consistency of them on high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model mice, and explore their potential underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze and compare the contents of six characteristic components in HGQZ decoction and formulated granules. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, HGQZ decoction low- dose and high-dose groups (13, 26 g/kg, calculated by crude drugs), and HGQZ formulated granules low-dose and high-dose groups (13, 26 g/kg, calculated by crude drugs), with 6 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group, which was fed a regular diet, the mice in the other groups were fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks to establish the NAFLD model; at the same time, the mice in each group were gavaged with the corresponding drugs/water once. The fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, glucose and insulin tolerance, body weight, liver index, white adipose Δ 基金项目 国家自然科学基金项目(No.82074078);广东省基础 tissue index, brown adipose tissue index, as well as lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglycerides) and liver function indicators (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase) were measured. Additionally, histopathological changes and lipid accumulation in liver tissues were observed. The serum samples of mice in the model group, HGQZ decoction high-dose group and HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group were taken for metabolomics analysis, and validation of the underlying mechanisms was conducted. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the contents of ginsenoside Rb1, typhaneoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside, hyperoside, nuciferine, and 23-acetylalismol B between HGQZ decoction and HGQZ formulated granules (P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the hepatic histopathological changes in mice were alleviated in both the HGQZ decoction group and all dose groups of HGQZ formulated granules. Inflammatory cell infiltration and lipid vacuoles were reduced. Additionally, there was a general improvement in FBG levels, glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance, body weight, liver index, white/brown adipose tissue index, lipid levels, and liver function indicators (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed between these treatment groups (P>0.05). There were 234 and 136 differentially expressed serum metabolites identified in the model group versus HGQZ decoction high-dose group, and model group versus HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group, respectively. After taking the intersection, 65 common differentially expressed metabolites were obtained, which were enriched in metabolic pathways such as purine metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. Among these, the content of citrate in the model group was significantly lower than that in both the HGQZ decoction group and HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group (P<0.05). Both high-dose HGQZ decoction and formulated granules could significantly elevate the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS HGQZ decoction and formulated granules contain comparable amounts of characteristic components, and both exhibit equivalent efficacy on NAFLD model mice. The anti-NAFLD effects of HGQZ are associated with the activation of the AMPK energy metabolism pathway.
6.Study on the mechanism of rutin in ameliorating depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder characterized by liver qi stagnation syndrome
Yiwei ZHANG ; Xianliang SONG ; Yashuang REN ; Dedi GUO ; Runwei SONG ; Xitai CHEN ; Huaiwei ZHAO ; Chunhong SONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1449-1456
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanisms of rutin in alleviating depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) characterized by liver qi stagnation syndrome. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the intersecting targets of action between PMDD and rutin. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed to screen core targets, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. Molecular docking simulations validated rutin’s binding affinity to core targets. The bilateral ovaries of female Wistar rats were removed, followed by artificial hormone induction. The rats were then randomly divided into normal group (10 rats) and modeling group (50 rats). PMDD rat model with liver qi stagnation syndrome was established via restraint stress. The successfully modeled rats were further divided into model group, fluoxetine group (positive control) and rutin group, with 12 rats in each group. The corresponding drug solutions or water were administered by gavage at 9:00 a.m. every day, continuing for two estrous cycles. The open-field test, forced swimming test and Y-maze test were utilized to evaluate the effects of rutin on the behavioral indexes of model rats. Additionally, the density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampal tissues of the rats was observed. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and the expressions of BDNF, tyrosine kinase receptor type B (TrkB), synuclein (Syn), and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) in hippocampal tissues were quantified, respectively. RESULTS Network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed the core targets through which rutin ameliorated PMDD characterized by liver qi stagnation syndrome included BDNF, TrkB, PSD65, Syn, etc. The results of experimental validation demonstrated that rutin significantly increased the spontaneous alternation behavior scores of PMDD model rats with liver qi stagnation syndrome during the non-receptive phase, shortened their immobility time during the forced swimming test, and enhanced the density of neuronal dendritic spines in the hippocampal tissues. Additionally, rutin upregulated the levels of serum BDNF and the protein expressions of BDNF, TrkB and Syn in the hippocampal tissues (P<0.05). However, it had no significant effect on the above indexes in model rats during the receptive phase (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Rutin ameliorates depressive symptoms, enhances spatial memory capabilities, and reduces neuronal damage in PMDD model rats with liver qi stagnation syndrome. These effects may be associated with the activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and upregulation of Syn protein expression.
7.Preparation and evaluation of quality,targeting and cytotoxicity of triptolide-loaded targeting nanoparticles
Moli YIN ; Wenbin LUO ; Jingzhe XU ; Zebo TANG ; Ni GUO ; Youxing LAO ; Huiyan WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1457-1462
OBJECTIVE To prepare nanoparticle-based targeting preparation loaded with triptolide (TP), and evaluate its quality, targeting ability and cytotoxic effects. METHODS Polymer nanoparticles carrying TP-targeted folic acid (FA) receptor (TP@PLGA-PEG-FA) were fabricated using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)/polyethylene glycol/FA (PLGA-PEG-FA) as the carrier by emulsion and volatilization technique. The morphology and distribution were observed, and their particle size, Zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were measured. Their stability, blood compatibility, in vitro drug release, uptake by RAW264.7 cells (localization with fluorescent dye Cy3.5), and in vitro cytotoxicity were evaluated. RESULTS TP@PLGA-PEG-FA exhibited spherical shape and uniform distribution, with particle size of (122.60±0.02) nm, Zeta potential of (-17.6±0.6)mV, and PDI of 0.26±0.02; drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of TP were measured to be (7.78±0.05)% and (68.62±0.03)%, respectively. The hemolysis rates of 100, 200, 300, 400 µg/mL TP@PLGA- PEG-FA were 0.77%, 0.92%, 1.34% and 1.63%, respectively. There were no significant changes in particle size, PDI and Zeta potential when TP@PLGA-PEG-FA were placed in 4 ℃ water for 14 days and in DMEM culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum at 37 ℃ for 12 h. The cumulative release rate of TP@PLGA-PEG-FA was (84.83±0.29)% in phosphate buffer at pH5.5 for 72 h, which was significantly higher than the cumulative release rates in phosphate buffer solutions at pH7.4 and 6.5 for 72 h ([ 42.37±0.35)% and (63.83±0.29)% , respectively] (P<0.05). Activated RAW264.7 cells took up significantly more Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG-FA than they took up Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG-FA+free FA and Cy3.5@PLGA-PEG. When the mass concentration of TP was≥15.63 ng/mL, the survival rates of activated cells in the TP@PLGA-PEG-FA groups were significantly lower than those of the same mass concentration of free TP groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The prepared TP@PLGA-PEG-FA has high stability, good blood compatibility, active targeting and cytotoxicity to inflammatory cells.
8.Preparation of HA-modified emodin-contained multi-walled carbon nanotubes drug delivery system and its inhi-bitory effect on breast cancer cells
Yuduo LI ; Juan DU ; Yunlong LIU ; Feng GENG ; Xiaobing CHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1463-1469
OBJECTIVE To prepare hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified emodin (EMD)-contained multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) drug delivery system (HA-MWCNTs-EMD) and explore its in vitro inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells. METHODS EMD was loaded onto MWCNTs to prepare a drug delivery system MWCNTs-EMD; subsequently, the system was further modified with HA to obtain the drug delivery system HA-MWCNTs-EMD. The two drug delivery systems mentioned above were characterized. With free EMD as the reference, the drug release in vitro of the above two drug delivery systems was investigated; the uptake of EMD by two breast cancer cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 cells) was detected. The impacts of the above two drug delivery systems on the expression of surface glycoprotein differentiation group 44 (CD44), activity, apoptosis and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release of two breast cancer cells were detected. RESULTS The encapsulation efficiencies of MWCNTs-EMD and HA-MWCNTs-EMD were both (63.52±2.74)%, with drug loading rates of (25.01±1.83)% and (12.13± 1.96)%, particle sizes of (865.95±2.16) and (351.86±1.68) nm, polydispersity indexes of 0.54±0.02 and 0.23±0.01, and Zeta potentials of (23.87±0.14) and (-42.79±0.39) mV, respectively. The 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24-hour cumulative release rates of EMD in MWCNTs-EMD and HA-MWCNTs-EMD were significantly lower than those in free EMD, while the cumulative release rate of HA-MWCNTs-EMD was significantly higher than that of MWCNTs-EMD (P<0.05); the EMD uptakes of MWCNTs-EMD and HA-MWCNTs-EMD by the two types of breast cancer cells were significantly higher than their uptake of free EMD (P<0.05). Compared with the free EMD group, the MWCNTs-EMD and MWCNTs-EMD groups showed significantly higher apoptosis rate and LDH release, significantly lower surface CD44 expression (except for the MWCNTs-EMD group) and cell viability in both cell types, and the effect of HA-MWCNTs-EMD was more pronounced (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A novel drug delivery system HA-MWCNTs- EMD loaded with EMD is developed successfully; the drug delivery system has a certain slow-release effect, which can significantly reduce the activity of breast cancer cells, promote their apoptosis and increase the release of LDH, and the above anti- breast cancer effect is significantly stronger than that of free EMD and MWCNTs-EMD.
9.Effects of Shugan jieyu capsules on the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole,rivaroxaban and apixaban in rats
Ying LI ; Chunhui SHAN ; Yizhen SONG ; Yinling MA ; Zhi WANG ; Caihui GUO ; Zhanjun DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1470-1475
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of multiple doses of Shugan jieyu capsules on the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole, rivaroxaban and apixaban in rats. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into voriconazole group (30 mg/kg), rivaroxaban group (2 mg/kg), apixaban group (0.5 mg/kg), Shugan jieyu capsules+voriconazole group (145 mg/kg+30 mg/kg), Shugan jieyu capsules+rivaroxaban group (145 mg/kg+2 mg/kg), Shugan jieyu capsules+apixaban group (145 mg/kg+0.5 mg/kg), with 6 rats in each group. After the rats in each group were consecutively administered solvent (0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution) or Shugan jieyu capsules by intragastric gavage for 8 days, they were respectively given voriconazole, rivaroxaban and apixaban solution by intragastric gavage on the 8th day. Blood samples were then collected at different time points (in voriconazole group, rivaroxaban group and corresponding drug combination groups, blood was collected before administration and at 0.17, 0.34, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours post-administration; in apixaban group and corresponding drug combination group, blood was collected before administration and at 0.08, 0.17, 0.25, 0.34, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 hours post-administration). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was employed to determine the mass concentrations of voriconazole, rivaroxaban and apixaban in rat plasma. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of these drugs were calculated using a non-compartmental model, and the comparisons were made between groups. RESULTS Compared with single drug group, after multiple administrations of Shugan jieyu capsules, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞ and cmax of voriconazole were significantly decreased, while CLz/F was significantly increased, and tmax was also significantly prolonged (P<0.05). For rivaroxaban and apixaban, their tmax values were both significantly prolonged (P<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the other pharmacokinetic parameters between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The combination of Shugan jieyu capsules can decrease the exposure, increase the clearance, and delay the peak concentration of oral voriconazole. However, it does not affect the exposure levels of rivaroxaban and apixaban, but it does delay the time to reach peak concentration for both drugs.
10.Mechanism prediction and validation of Kaixinsan in ameliorating neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease
Dandan XU ; Yongchang ZENG ; Shaoyu LIANG ; Qi LIU ; Junhong WU ; Kang HE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1476-1482
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the potential mechanisms of Kaixinsan (KXS) in ameliorating neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify core anti- inflammatory components and key inflammatory targets of KXS for AD. Gene ontology (GO) functional annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and molecular docking were performed. Based on these findings, male SD rats were used to establish an AD model via chronic D-galactose induction. The effects of KXS on AD rats were evaluated, including quantitative behavioral score, learning and memory parameters (escape latency, platform crossings, platform quadrant distance and time), organ indexes (heart, liver, spleen, thymus), histopathological alterations in the hippocampus, and expressions of inflammation-related pathway proteins and their upstream/downstream regulators. RESULTS Core anti-inflammatory components of KXS for AD included gomisin B, panaxytriol, gomisin A, enhydrin, vulgarin and panaxydol, while key inflammatory targets involved nuclear factor-kappa B subunit 1( NFKB1), nuclear factor-κB p65( NF-κB p65), interleukin-1β( IL- 1β), IL-6, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor, nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain- containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1 (CASP1). GO and KEGG pathway enrichment involved inflammatory response, phosphorylation and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between core components and key targets. Animal experiments demonstrated that, compared to the model group, KXS significantly alleviated histopathological damage (e.g., neuronal shrinkage, reduced Nissl bodies in hippocampal CA1, CA3, and DG regions), increased organ indexes (except for liver index) and Nissl-stained positive cells, improved learning and memory performance, and reduced behavioral scores (at the 8 and 12 weeks of the experiment) and protein expression of NF- κB p65, phosphorylated NF- κB p65, TLR4, NLRP3, CASP1 and IL-1β. CONCLUSIONS KXS effectively mitigates neuroinflammation, reduces hippocampal neuronal injury, and enhances learning and memory ability in AD rats, potentially through suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway and its upstream/ downstream regulators.
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