1.Study on strategies and methods for discovering risk of traditional Chinese medicine-related liver injury based on real-world data: an example of Corydalis Rhizoma.
Long-Xin GUO ; Li LIN ; Yun-Juan GAO ; Min-Juan LONG ; Sheng-Kai ZHU ; Ying-Jie XU ; Xu ZHAO ; Xiao-He XIAO
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(13):3784-3795
In recent years, there have been frequent adverse reactions/events associated with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), especially liver injury related to traditional non-toxic TCM, which requires adequate attention. Liver injury related to traditional non-toxic TCM is characterized by its sporadic and insidious nature and is influenced by various factors, making its detection and identification challenging. There is an urgent need to develop a strategy and method for early detection and recognition of traditional non-toxic TCM-related liver injury. This study was based on national adverse drug reaction monitoring center big data, integrating methodologies such as reporting odds ratio(ROR), network toxicology, and computational chemistry, so as to systematically research the risk signal identification and evaluation methods for TCM-related liver injury. The optimized ROR method was used to discover potential TCM with a risk of liver injury, and network toxicology and computational chemistry were used to identify potentially high-risk TCM. Additionally, typical clinical cases were analyzed for confirmation. An integrated strategy of "discovery via big data, identification via dry/wet method, confirmation via typical cases, and precise risk prevention and control" was developed to identify the risk of TCM-related liver injury. Corydalis Rhizoma was identified as a TCM with high risk, and its toxicity-related substances and potential toxicity mechanisms were analyzed. The results revealed that liver injury is associated with components such as tetrahydropalmatine and tetrahydroberberine, with potential mechanisms related to immune-inflammatory pathways such as the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, interleukin-17 signaling pathway, and Th17 cell differentiation. This paper innovatively integrated real-world evidence and computational toxicology methods, offering insights and technical support for establishing a risk discovery and identification strategy for TCM-related liver injury based on real-world big data, providing innovative ideas and strategies for guiding the safe and rational use of medication in clinical practices.
Corydalis/adverse effects*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects*
;
Humans
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/etiology*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/adverse effects*
;
Rhizome/adverse effects*
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Male
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Female
2.Development of oral preparations of poorly soluble drugs based on polymer supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery technology.
Xu-Long CHEN ; Jiang-Wen SHEN ; Wei-Wei ZHA ; Jian-Yun YI ; Lin LI ; Zhang-Ting LAI ; Zheng-Gen LIAO ; Ye ZHU ; Yue-Er CHENG ; Cheng LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4471-4482
Poor water solubility is the primary obstacle preventing the development of many pharmacologically active compounds into oral preparations. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems(SNEDDS) have become a widely used strategy to enhance the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs by inducing a supersaturated state, thereby improving their apparent solubility and dissolution rate. However, the supersaturated solutions formed in SNEDDS are thermodynamically unstable systems with solubility levels exceeding the crystalline equilibrium solubility, making them prone to drug precipitation in the gastrointestinal tract and ultimately hindering drug absorption. Therefore, maintaining a stable supersaturated state is crucial for the effective delivery of poorly soluble drugs. Incorporating polymers as precipitation inhibitors(PPIs) into the formulation of supersaturated self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems(S-SNEDDS) can inhibit drug aggregation and crystallization, thus maintaining a stable supersaturated state. This has emerged as a novel preparation strategy and a key focus in SNEDDS research. This review explores the preparation design of SNEDDS and the technical challenges involved, with a particular focus on polymer-based S-SNEDDS for enhancing the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. It further elucidates the mechanisms by which polymers participate in transmembrane transport, summarizes the principles by which polymers sustain a supersaturated state, and discusses strategies for enhancing drug absorption. Altogether, this review provides a structured framework for the development of S-SNEDDS preparations with stable quality and reduced development risk, and offers a theoretical reference for the application of S-SNEDDS technology in improving the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
Solubility
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Administration, Oral
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Polymers/chemistry*
;
Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
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Humans
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Emulsions/chemistry*
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Biological Availability
;
Animals
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Pharmaceutical Preparations/administration & dosage*
3.Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Streptococcus mitis Causing Bloodstream Infection in Children with Hematological Disease.
Yu-Long FAN ; Guo-Qing ZHU ; Zhi-Ying TIAN ; Yan-Xia LYU ; Zhao WANG ; Ye GUO ; Wen-Yu YANG ; Qing-Song LIN ; Xiao-Juan CHEN
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(1):286-291
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, and bacterial resistance of bloodstream infections caused by Streptococcus mitis in children with hematological disease, so as to provide a reference for infection control.
METHODS:
The clinical information and laboratory findings of pediatric patients complicated with blood cultures positive for Streptococcus mitis from January 2018 to December 2020 in the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital were searched and collected. The clinical characteristics, susceptibility factors, and antibiotic resistance of the children were retrospectively analyzed.
RESULTS:
Data analysis from 2018 to 2020 showed that the proportion of Streptococcus mitis isolated from bloodstream infections in children (≤14 years old) with hematological diseases was the highest (19.91%) and significantly higher than other bacteria, accounting for 38.64% of Gram-positive cocci, and presented as an increasing trend year by year. A total of 427 children tested positive blood cultures, including 85 children with bloodstream infections caused by Streptococcus mitis who tested after fever. Most children experienced a recurrent high fever in the early and middle stages (≤6 d) of neutropenia and persistent fever for more than 3 days. After adjusting the antibiotics according to the preliminary drug susceptibility results, the body temperature of most children (63.5%) returned to normal within 4 days. The 85 children were mainly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), accounting for 84.7%. The proportion of children in the neutropenia stage was 97.7%. The incidence of oral mucosal damage, lung infection, and gastrointestinal injury symptoms was 40%, 31.8%, and 27.1%, respectively. The ratio of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin was 65.9% and 9.4%, respectively. All isolated strains of Streptococcus mitis were not resistant to vancomycin and linezolid, and the resistance rate to penicillin, cefotaxime, levofloxacin, and quinupristin-dalfopristin was 10.6%, 8.2%, 9.4%, and 14.1%, respectively. None of children died due to bloodstream infection caused by Streptococcus mitis.
CONCLUSION
The infection rate of Streptococcus mitis is increasing year by year in children with hematological diseases, especially in children with AML. Among them, neutropenia and oral mucosal damage after chemotherapy are high-risk infection factors. The common clinical symptoms include persistent high fever, oral mucosal damage, and elevated CRP. Penicillin and cephalosporins have good sensitivity. Linezolid, as a highly sensitive antibiotic, can effectively control infection and shorten the course of disease.
Humans
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Child
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Streptococcal Infections/microbiology*
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Retrospective Studies
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Hematologic Diseases/complications*
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Streptococcus mitis
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Drug Resistance, Bacterial
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Risk Factors
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Microbial Sensitivity Tests
;
Anti-Bacterial Agents
;
Female
;
Male
;
Bacteremia/microbiology*
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Child, Preschool
;
Adolescent
4.Identification of ceRNA networks in type H and L vascular endothelial cells through integrated bioinformatics methods
Zhi LIU ; Zhe RUAN ; Haitao LONG ; Ruibo ZHAO ; Yong ZHU ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Peng CHEN ; Shushan ZHAO
Journal of Central South University(Medical Sciences) 2024;49(4):562-577
Objective:Type H blood vessels are a subtype of bone-specific microvessels(CD31hiEmcnhi)that play an important regulatory role in the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis.Despite reports on the distinct roles of type H and L vessels under physiological and pathological bone conditions,their genetic differences remain to be elucidated.This study aims to construct a competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)network of key gene for differencial expression(DE)in type H and L vascular endothelial cells(ECs)through integrated bioinformatic methods. Methods:We downloaded relevant raw data from the ArrayExpress and the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database and used the Limma R-Bioconductor package to screen for DE lncRNAs,DE miRNAs,and DE mRNAs between type H and L vascular ECs.A total ceRNA network was constructed based on their interactions,followed by refinement using protein-protein interaction(PPI)networks to select upregulated and downregulated key genes.Enrichment analysis was performed on these key genes.Random validation was conducted using flow cytometry and real-time RT-PCR. Results:A total of 1 761 DE mRNAs,187 DE lncRNAs,and 159 DE miRNAs were identified,and a comprehensive ceRNA network was constructed based on their interactions.Six upregulated(Itga5,Kdr,Tjp1,Pecam1,Cdh5,and Ptk2)and 2 downregulated(Csf1r and Il10)key genes were selected via PPI network to construct a subnetwork of ceRNAs related to these key genes.Upregulated key genes were mainly enriched in negative regulation of angiogenesis and vascular apoptosis.Results from flow cytometry and real-time RT-PCR were consistent with bioinformatics analysis. Conclusion:This study proposes a ceRNA network associated with upregulated and downregulated type H and L vascular ECs based on selected key genes,providing new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of type H and L vascular ECs in bone metabolism.
5.Determination of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome of Rat Model of Follicular Dysplasia Induced by Tripterygium Glycosides Based on Prescriptions via AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF Pathway
Yingying HU ; Xuejuan LIN ; Zushun ZHUO ; Shanshan DING ; Mengting ZHANG ; Guorong LIN ; Long ZHU ; Yuyu XIE ; Yan XIONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):46-54
ObjectiveTo determine the syndrome of a rat model of follicular dysplasia induced by Tripterygium glycosides based on prescriptions and investigate the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine intervention via the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. MethodForty-eight rats with regular estrous cycles were randomly assigned into a normal group (n=8) and a modeling group (n=40). The rats in the modeling group were administrated with Tripterygium glycoside suspension (75 mL·kg-1) by gavage for 30 days. The modeled rats were assigned into model, Siwutang (3.69 g·kg-1), Youguiyin (3.11 g·kg-1), Zuoguiyin (7.29 g·kg-1), and Guishenwan (10.35 g·kg-1) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The drug intervention lasted for 14 days. The changes of estrous cycle were detected by Pap staining, and a stereoscope was used to observe the morphology of the ovarian tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes and follicle count in the ovarian tissue. Enzyme-related immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) in the serum. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of AMPK, mTOR, HIF-1, and VEGF in the ovarian tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group, the model group had a disordered estrous cycle, reduced secondary and mature follicles, increased atretic follicles, elevated FSH and LH levels, lowered E2 level, up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of AMPK, and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of mTOR, HIF-1, and VEGF (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Guishenwan increased secondary and mature follicles, decreased atretic follicles, lowered the FSH and LH levels, elevated the E2 level, down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of AMPK, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of mTOR, HIF-1, and VEGF (P<0.01). Compared with Guishenwan group, Siwutang, Youguiyin, and Zuoguiyin decreased mature follicles, increased atretic follicles (P<0.01), elevated the LH (P<0.01) and FSH (P<0.05) levels, and lowered the E2 level (P<0.05). In addition, Youguiyin up-regulated the protein level of AMPK (P<0.05) and down-regulated the mRNA levels of mTOR and HIF-1 (P<0.01) as well as the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF (P<0.01). Siwutang down-regulated the mRNA levels of mTOR and HIF-1 as well as the mRNA and protein levels of VEGF (P<0.05). Zuoguiyin down-regulated the mRNA level of mTOR and the protein and mRNA levels of VEGF (P<0.05). ConclusionGuishenwan may improve the ovarian function and promote follicle maturation in a rat model of follicular dysplasia by inhibiting the AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF pathway, with the therapeutic effect superior to Zuoguiyin, Youguiyin, and Siwutang. It was hypothesized that this model presented the syndrome of kidney-essence deficiency.
6.Nerve decompression surgery for combined sacral plexus nerve injury through the lateral-rectus approach after sacral fracture fixation
Zilin LIANG ; Min ZENG ; Yong ZHU ; Ruibo ZHAO ; Haitao LONG ; Liang CHENG ; Zhangyuan LIN
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma 2024;26(3):215-221
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of nerve decompression surgery through the lateral-rectus approach for sacral plexus nerve injury after sacral fracture fixation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 10 patients with combined sacral plexus nerve injury after sacral fracture fixation who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital between May 2022 and May 2023. There were 2 males and 8 females with an age of 16.5 (15.0, 26.3) years. At the time of injury, the patients had been clearly diagnosed as sacral fracture combined with sacral plexus nerve injury. By the Denis classification of sacral fractures: 7 cases of type Ⅱ and 3 cases of type Ⅲ; sacral plexus nerve injury sites: 1 case of L 4, 8 cases of L 5, 7 cases of S 1, and 2 cases of S 2. All of them were treated with reduction and internal fixation via the posterior approach within 2 weeks after injury, but after surgery their manifestations of sacral plexus nerve injury still persisted which were confirmed by CT, magnetic resonance imaging and neuromuscular electromyography. Therefore, at (4.0±2.3) months after internal fixation, all patients were treated with nerve decompression surgery through the lateral-rectus approach. The operative time, intraoperative bleeding, length of hospitalization, Gibbons nerve damage score and neurological recovery at the last follow-up were recorded. Results:In the 10 patients, the operative time was (112.0±21.5) min, intraoperative bleeding (215.0±91.3) mL, and length of hospitalization 7.0 (6.0, 8.5) d. Intraoperatively, sacral plexus nerve compression was found in 9 cases (6 cases of nerve compression and pulling due to fracture displacement, 3 cases of nerve entrapment due to soft tissue scar adhesion), and 1 case of nerve root avulsion injury. No other intraoperative complications occurred. The 10 patients were followed up for (9.2±2.3) months after surgery. At the last follow-up, the Gibbons score for the 10 patients improved from preoperative 3.0 (3.0, 3.3) points to 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) point, and their British Medical Research Council (BMRC) nerve injury grading was improved from the preoperative grade 0.0 (0.0, 1.3) to grade 3.5 (2.8, 4.0) (1 case of M5, 4 cases of M4, 4 cases of M3, and 1 case of M2).Conclusion:The lateral-rectus approach is effective and safe for exploration and decompression of the sacral plexus nerve in patients combined with sacral plexus nerve injury despite sacral fracture fixation.
7.Postoperative Complications of Minimally Invasive Vaginal Contraction: A Report of Six Cases
Guojing CHANG ; Zenan XIA ; Xinran ZHANG ; Yuanbo KANG ; Hailin ZHANG ; Xiao LONG ; Lin ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(6):1468-1474
In recent years, the number of patients with vaginal relaxation has increased year by year, and the minimally invasive vaginal contraction has been carried out more and more widely in clinical practice, but the treatment normalization and safety have not been thoroughly studied. We summarized six cases of characteristics and treatment measures for patients with various complications after minimally invasive vaginal contraction surgery from September 2021 to December 2023 at Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The patients' age ranged from 26 to 44 years. Two cases accepted vaginal contraction with embedded vaginal thread, and four accepted vaginal contraction with acellular allogenic dermis. One patient showed vaginal hyper-tightness, one patient showed subcutaneous suture nodules, two patients showed explosion of acellular allogenic dermis, and three patients showed vaginal infection symptoms such as yellow leucorrhea and peculiar smell. All patients had sexual pain and discomfort. One patient underwent vaginal orifice dilation, one patient underwent suture extraction and secondary vaginal contraction, one patient underwent acellular allogenic dermis extraction and immediate vaginal contraction, two patients underwent acellular allogenic dermis extraction and secondary vaginal contraction, and one patient underwent secondary vaginal contraction. The symptoms of all six patients were relieved after treatment. Despite the short operation time and fast postoperative recovery of minimally invasive vaginal contraction, there are still complications after surgery, causing physical and mental damage to patients. Plastic surgeons, therefore, should be cautious in the treatment process to avoid collateral damage, so that patients get the best treatment effect.
8.GLUT1-targeted Nano-delivery System for Active Ingredients of Traditional Chinese Medicine:A Review
Hua ZHU ; Huimin LUO ; Si LIN ; Bingbing WANG ; Jinwei LI ; Liba XU ; Miao ZHANG ; Fengfeng XIE ; Long CHEN ; Meilin LI ; Lu LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(12):270-280
Tumor cells use glycolysis to provide material and energy under hypoxic conditions to meet the energy requirements for rapid growth and proliferation, namely the Warburg effect. Even under aerobic conditions, tumor cells mainly rely on glycolysis to provide energy. Therefore, glucose transporter protein 1(GLUT1), which is involved in the process of glucose metabolism, plays an important role in tumorigenesis, development and drug resistance, and is considered to be one of the important targets in the treatment of malignant tumors. In recent years, research on tumor glucose metabolism has gradually become a hot spot. It has been shown that various factors are involved in the regulation of tumor energy metabolism, among which the role of GLUT1 is the most critical. In this paper, the authors reviewed the latest research progress of GLUT1-targeted traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) active ingredient nano-delivery system in tumor therapy, aiming to reveal the feasibility and effectiveness of this system in the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. The GLUT1-targeted TCM active ingredient nano-delivery system can overcome the bottleneck of the traditional targeting strategy as well as the high-permeability long retention(EPR) effect. In summary, the authors believe that the GLUT1-targeted TCM active ingredient nano-delivery system provides a new strategy for targeted treatment of tumors and has a broad application prospect in tumor prevention and treatment.
9.Postoperative Complications of Minimally Invasive Vaginal Contraction: A Report of Six Cases
Guojing CHANG ; Zenan XIA ; Xinran ZHANG ; Yuanbo KANG ; Hailin ZHANG ; Xiao LONG ; Lin ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2024;15(6):1468-1474
In recent years, the number of patients with vaginal relaxation has increased year by year, and the minimally invasive vaginal contraction has been carried out more and more widely in clinical practice, but the treatment normalization and safety have not been thoroughly studied. We summarized six cases of characteristics and treatment measures for patients with various complications after minimally invasive vaginal contraction surgery from September 2021 to December 2023 at Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The patients' age ranged from 26 to 44 years. Two cases accepted vaginal contraction with embedded vaginal thread, and four accepted vaginal contraction with acellular allogenic dermis. One patient showed vaginal hyper-tightness, one patient showed subcutaneous suture nodules, two patients showed explosion of acellular allogenic dermis, and three patients showed vaginal infection symptoms such as yellow leucorrhea and peculiar smell. All patients had sexual pain and discomfort. One patient underwent vaginal orifice dilation, one patient underwent suture extraction and secondary vaginal contraction, one patient underwent acellular allogenic dermis extraction and immediate vaginal contraction, two patients underwent acellular allogenic dermis extraction and secondary vaginal contraction, and one patient underwent secondary vaginal contraction. The symptoms of all six patients were relieved after treatment. Despite the short operation time and fast postoperative recovery of minimally invasive vaginal contraction, there are still complications after surgery, causing physical and mental damage to patients. Plastic surgeons, therefore, should be cautious in the treatment process to avoid collateral damage, so that patients get the best treatment effect.
10.Progress in methodological research on bridging the efficacy-effectiveness gap of clinical interventions (1): to improve the validity of real-world evidence
Zuoxiang LIU ; Zilin LONG ; Zhirong YANG ; Shuyuan SHI ; Xinran XU ; Houyu ZHAO ; Zuyao YANG ; Zhu FU ; Haibo SONG ; Tengfei LIN ; Siyan ZHAN ; Feng SUN
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(2):286-293
Objective:Differences between randomized controlled trial (RCT) results and real world study (RWS) results may not represent a true efficacy-effectiveness gap because efficacy-effectiveness gap estimates may be biased when RWS and RCT differ significantly in study design or when there is bias in RWS result estimation. Secondly, when there is an efficacy- effectiveness gap, it should not treat every patient the same way but assess the real-world factors influencing the intervention's effectiveness and identify the subgroup likely to achieve the desired effect.Methods:Six databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP) were searched up to 31 st December 2022 with detailed search strategies. A scoping review method was used to integrate and qualitatively describe the included literature inductively. Results:Ten articles were included to discuss how to use the RCT research protocol as a template to develop the corresponding RWS research protocol. Moreover, based on correctly estimating the efficacy-effectiveness gap, evaluate the intervention effect in the patient subgroup to confirm the subgroup that can achieve the expected benefit-risk ratio to bridge the efficacy-effectiveness gap.Conclusion:Using real-world data to simulate key features of randomized controlled clinical trial study design can improve the authenticity and effectiveness of study results and bridge the efficacy-effectiveness gap.

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