1.Research progress in the regulation of exosomes on cell Ferroptosis
Sheng ZHAO ; Guodong WANG ; Jiawen JIANG ; Zhaofeng SUN ; Chuanxing ZHAI ; Yuanmin ZHANG
Journal of Chinese Physician 2023;25(7):1105-1109
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent, apoptotic cell death caused by massive lipid peroxidation-mediated cell membrane damage. Recent evidence suggests that exosomes, as a 30-100 nm diameter follicular body, contain a variety of active ingredients such as proteins, various RNAs and lipids that can have a great impact on the diagnosis and treatment of related diseases by regulating cellular iron death. To this end, this paper elaborates the research significance of exosomes in the regulation of cell ferroptosis, analyzes their role in disease treatment, and reviews the relevant reports and studies on exosomes regulating cell ferroptosis in recent years.
2.Progress in the Application of Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Andrology
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(2):238-244
External counterpulsation (ECP) technology represents a non-invasive adjunctive circulation treatment approach implemented in clinical practice since 1962, initially focused on managing cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Over the past four decades, continuous research and advancements in medical technology have facilitated the evolution of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP). This therapeutic modality can enhance the function of vascular endothelial cells, promote blood circulation, and improve metabolism by increasing organ perfusion pressure and blood flow. Given its demonstrated safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness, EECP has not only played a significant role in the clinical treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases but also expanded into diverse domains, including andrology, which provides new therapeutic avenues for various health concerns. Particularly in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction (ED), EECP has shown remarkable potential, and certain clinical practice experience and scientific research results are accumulated. Research indicates that the occurrence of ED is closely associated with endothelial dysfunction and microcirculatory issues. EECP has been shown to effectively alleviate symptoms in ED patients and improve treatment outcomes by optimizing endothelial function and overall systemic health.This article reviews relevant findings from both domestic and international sources, summarizing the current research on the application of EECP in treating andrological diseases. It focuses on analyzing its clinical effects and mechanisms in treating ED and explores potential applications in other male urological conditions. Additionally, this paper discusses the limitations of current research and offers insights into future research directions to provide a more robust scientific basis and references for the use of EECP in managing andrological diseases.
3.Optimization of the Extraction Process of Heart-nourishing Granule Based on Network Pharmacology and Box-Behnken Response Surface Method
WANG Jiawen ; WANG Jie ; FAN Qiangqiang ; ZHAI Bingtao ; ZHANG Xiaofei ; CHENG Jiangxue ; GUO Dongyan
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2023;40(15):2064-2075
OBJECTIVE To optimize the heart-nourishing granule extraction process by network pharmacology and Box-Behnken response surface method. METHODS The active ingredients of heart-nourishing granule were excavated through network pharmacology and their mechanism of action in the treatment of coronary heart disease was preliminarily explored. Molecular docking technology was used to predict the binding ability of the active ingredients to the main targets. At the same time, based on the compatibility relationship between the monarch, minister, assistant and guide of the prescription, the pharmacological effects of the ingredients, and the content determination index components of each medicinal flavor in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the process evaluation index components of heart-nourishing granule were further determined. In addition, combined with the analytic hierarchy process to determine the weight of each component, the Box-Behnken response surface method was used to optimize the extraction process of heart-nourishing granule. RESULTS The main active components of heart-nourishing granule screened were catalpol, Rhmannioside D, acteoside, ferulic acid and lobetyolin. By acting on core targets such as AKT1, IL-6, IL-1b, VEGFA, JUN and MAPK3, they regulated lipid and atherosclerosis, MAPK signaling and other pathways played a role in the treatment of coronary heart disease. Molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of active components and core targets predicted by network pharmacology were all < -5.0 kJ·mol-1. Five components catalpol, Rhmannioside D, acteoside, ferulic acid and lobetyolin were calculated by analytic hierarchy process method. The weight coefficients of arginyl glycosides were 0.329 7, 0.329 7, 0.164 8, 0.109 9, and 0.065 9, respectively. The Box-Behnken response surface method obtained the optimal water extraction process: 10 times the amount of water was used to extract twice, and each time was decocted for 1.5 h. The verification test showed that the contents of the five components were consistent with the predicted values, and the RSD values were all <5%. CONCLUSION The extraction process of heart-nourishing granule based on network pharmacology and Box-Behnken response surface methodology is stable and feasible, which provided an experimental basis for its further quality improvement.