1.Development of Electrospinning Setup for Vascular Tissue-Engineering Application with Thick-Hierarchical Fiber Alignment
Shen CHEN ; Chao XIE ; Xiaoxi LONG ; Xianwei WANG ; Xudong LI ; Peng LIU ; Jiabin LIU ; Zuyong WANG
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2025;22(2):195-210
BACKGROUND:
Tissue engineering holds promise for vascular repair and regeneration by mimicking the extracellular matrix of blood vessels. However, achieving a functional and thick vascular wall with aligned fiber architecture by electrospinning remains a significant challenge.
METHODS:
A novel electrospinning setup was developed that utilizes an auxiliary electrode and a spring. The impact of process parameters on fiber size and morphology was investigated. The structure and functions of the scaffolds were evaluated through material characterization and assessments of cellular biocompatibility.
RESULTS:
The new setup enabled controlled deposition of fibers in different designed orientations. The fabricated small-diameter vascular scaffolds consisted of an inner layer of longitudinally oriented fibers and an outer layer of circumferentially oriented fibers (L + C vascular scaffold). Key parameters, including rotational speed, the utilization of the auxiliary electrode, and top-to-collector distance (TCD) significantly influenced fiber orientation. Additionally, voltage, TCD, feed rate, needle size, auxiliary electrode and collector-auxiliary electrode distance affected fiber diameter and distribution. Mechanical advantages and improved surface wettability of L + C vascular scaffold were confirmed through tensile testing and water contact angle. Cellular experiments indicated that L + C vascular scaffold facilitated cell adhesion and proliferation, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells attaching and elongating along the fiber direction of the inner and outer layer, respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-aligned, thick-walled vascular scaffolds using a modified electrospinning setup. The findings provided insights into how the auxiliary electrode, specific collector influenced fiber deposition, potentially advancing biomimetic vascular scaffold engineering.
2.Gene Expression Alteration by Non-thermal Plasma-Activated Media Treatment in Radioresistant Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Sicong ZHENG ; Yudan PIAO ; Seung-Nam JUNG ; Chan OH ; Mi Ae LIM ; QuocKhanh NGUYEN ; Shan SHEN ; Se-Hee PARK ; Shengzhe CUI ; Shuyu PIAO ; Young Il KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Jae Won CHANG ; Yujuan SHAN ; Lihua LIU ; Bon Seok KOO
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2025;18(1):73-87
Objectives:
. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits high recurrence rates, particularly in cases of radioresistant HNSCC (RR-HNSCC). Non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy effectively suppresses the progression of HNSCC. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of NTP therapy in treating RR-HNSCC are not well understood. In this study, we explored the regulatory role of NTP in the RR-HNSCC signaling pathway and identified its signature genes.
Methods:
. After constructing two RR-HNSCC cell lines, we prepared cell lysates from cells treated or not treated with NTP-activated media (NTPAM) and performed RNA sequencing to determine their mRNA expression profiles. Based on the RNA sequencing results, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by a bioinformatics analysis to identify candidate molecules potentially associated with NTPAM therapy for RR-HNSCC.
Results:
. NTPAM reduced RR-HNSCC cell viability in vitro. RNA sequencing results indicated that NTPAM treatment activated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway and induced ferroptosis in RR-HNSCC cell lines. Among the 1,924 genes correlated with radiation treatment, eight showed statistical significance in both the cell lines and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Only five genes—ABCC3, DUSP16, PDGFB, RAF1, and THBS1—showed consistent results between the NTPAM data sequencing and TCGA data. LASSO regression analysis revealed that five genes were associated with cancer prognosis, with a hazard ratio of 2.26. In RR-HNSCC cells, NTPAM affected DUSP16, PDGFB, and THBS1 as activated markers within 6 hours, and this effect persisted for 12 hours. Furthermore, enrichment analysis indicated that these three DEGs were associated with the extracellular matrix, transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor pathways.
Conclusion
. NTPAM therapy exerts cytotoxic effects in RR-HNSCC cell lines by inducing specific ROS-mediated ferroptosis. DUSP16, PDGFB, and THBS1 were identified as crucial targets for reversing the radiation resistance induced by NTPAM therapy, providing insights into the mechanisms and clinical applications of NTPAM treatment in RR-HNSCC.
3.Overview of the amendments and revisions to the General Technical Requirements adopted by the Volume Ⅳ of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
ZHANG Jun ; NING Baoming ; WEI Shifeng ; SHEN Haoyu ; SHANG Yue ; ZHU Ran ; XU Xinyi ; CHEN Lei ; LIU Tingting ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):034-044
To introduce the general thinking, guidelines, work objectives and elaboration process of the general technical requirements adopted by volume Ⅳ of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, and to summarize and figure out the main characteristics on dosage forms, physico-chemical testing, microbial and biological testing, reference standards and guidelines The newly revised general chapters of pharmacopoeia give full play to the normative and guiding role of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard, track the frontier dynamics of international drug regulatory science and the elaboration of monographs, expand the application of state-of-the-art technologies, and steadily promote the harmonization and unification with the ICH guidelines; further enhance the overall capacity of TCM quality control, actively implement the 3 R principles on animal experiments, and practice the concept of environmental-friendly; replace and/or reduce the use of toxic and hazardous reagents, strengthen the requirements of drug safety control This paper aims to provide a full-view perspective for the comprehensive, correct understanding and accurate implementation of general technical requirements included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition.
4.Interpretation and thoughts on the formulation and revision of the standards for exogenous harmful residues in traditional Chinese medicinal materials in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition
WANG Ying ; SHEN Mingrui ; LIU Yuanxi ; ZUO Tiantian ; WANG Dandan ; HE Yi ; CHENG Xianlong ; JIN Hongyu ; LIU Yongli ; WEI Feng ; MA Shuangcheng
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(1):083-092
As people’s attention to health continues to increase, the market demand for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is growing steadily. The quality and safety of Chinese medicinal materials have attracted unprecedented social attention. In particular, the issue of exogenous harmful residue pollution in TCM has become a hot topic of concern for both regulatory authorities and society. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition further refines the detection methods and limit standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM. This not only reflects China’s high-level emphasis on the quality and safety of TCM but also demonstrates the continuous progress made by China in the field of TCM safety supervision. Basis on this study, by systematically reviewing the development history of the detection standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM and analyzing the revisions and updates of these detection standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition, deeply explores the key points of the changes in the monitoring standards for exogenous harmful residues in TCM in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 Edition. Moreover, it interprets the future development directions of the detection of exogenous residues in TCM, aiming to provide a reference for the formulation of TCM safety supervision policies.
5.The renoprotective effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza injection on HBOC-CHP01 resuscitated haemorrhagic shock rats
Shasha HAO ; Xintong XIE ; Shen LI ; Honghui ZHANG ; Hong WANG ; Chengmin YANG ; Wentao ZHOU ; Jiaxin LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):172-180
[Objective] To investigate the protective effect of Salvia miltiorrhiza injection (SMI) on the kidneys of HBOC-CHP01 resuscitated haemorrhagic shock rats. [Methods] A 50% haemorrhagic shock rat model was established, with 12 rats divided into two groups: SMI + HBOC-CHP01 group and HBOC-CHP01 group, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in the SMI+ HBOC-CHP01 group were given an equal volume of HBOC-CHP01 for resuscitation after haemorrhagic shock, and an 8 mL/kg dose of SMI. Rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group were resuscitated by administering an equilibrium blood loss volume of HBOC-CHP01 and given an 8 mL/kg dose of 0.9% NaCl solution. Blood was taken from rats at five points: before bloodletting (baseline), during haemorrhagic shock (HS), immediately after resuscitation (RS0h), 1 h after resuscitation (RS1h), and 24 h after resuscitation (RS24h). A blood gas analyser was used to detect the lactate level (Lac), glucose content (Glu), residual base (BEecf), pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), high iron haemoglobin (MetHb). White blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), haemoglobin content (Hb), carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) were detected using a quintuple classification. Blood creatinine (SCr), uric acid (UA), kidney-related indexes were detected using biochemistry instrument. Kidney tissues of the rats were taken after 24 h of resuscitation and after execution, and the inflammation of kidneys of the rats of the two groups was analyzed using HE staining. Fluorescence staining was used to detect the level of ROS in the kidneys of rats in both groups. [Results] At RS 0h, the Beecf, Glu and Lac levels of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group were significantly lower than those of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group, and the pH level of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly higher than that of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group, and the Glu levels of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group were significantly lower than those of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group at RS 1h. At RS 0h, the WBC, PLT and COHb contents of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group were all significantly higher than those of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group, and at RS 1h, the WBC content of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly higher than that of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group; at RS 1h, the UA content of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly lower than that of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group; at RS 24h, the SCr content of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly lower than that of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group; at RS 24h, the inflammation level of kidney tissues of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group was significantly lower than that of rats in the HBOC -CHP01 group rats, and the ROS and MPO levels in the kidney tissues of rats in the SMI+HBOC-CHP01 group were significantly lower than those of rats in the HBOC-CHP01 group. [Conclusion] The combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza injection during the resuscitation of rats with severe haemorrhagic shock by HBOC-CHP01 can alleviate renal injury by reducing inflammatory response and oxidative stress.
6.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.
7.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.
8.Research progress on drug delivery by ophthalmic microneedle
Han LIU ; Lanyue ZHANG ; Qiang SHEN ; Xiaojing PENG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):367-372
The presence of physiological barriers in the eye (both external and internal) makes conventional ophthalmic medications (eye drops, ointments, gels, etc.) less bioavailable and difficult to reach the posterior segment of the eye. Although intravitreal injection can deliver drugs to the posterior segment of the eye, it has disadvantages such as infection, injury, and poor tolerance. Ophthalmic microneedle breaks through the intra- and extra-ocular barriers, enabling the drug to reach the target site accurately and to be released continuously greatly avoiding intraocular infections and injuries, and improving the bioavailability of the drug, which has obvious advantages as an ophthalmic drug delivery tool. Ophthalmic microneedle can be classified into hollow microneedle, dissolving microneedle, and coated microneedle according to the usage methods. Each type of microneedle has its own advantages and has shown satisfactory performance in the treatment of diseases such as bacterial and fungal keratitis, glaucoma, exudative age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, non-infectious uveitis, corneal neovascularization, and even choroidal melanoma.
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.Study on the correlation between inflammatory indicators in the hyperacute phase of acute ischemic stroke and early neurological deterioration, syndrome factors, and prognosis
Ligaoge KANG ; Ying GAO ; Jinyue BAI ; Huan TANG ; Hongbo SHEN ; Lei LIU ; Lingbo KONG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):98-107
Objective:
Inflammatory cascade reactions play a crucial role in secondary neuronal injury in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The aim of this study was to explore the correlations between specific serological indicators, early neurological deterioration (END), disease prognosis, and syndrome factors in AIS based on this injury mechanism.
Methods:
The data for this study were collected from 135 patients with AIS admitted to the emergency department of Fangshan Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, within 24 h of onset between November 2019 and May 2021. Among these, 29 patients had complete data and experienced END. Additionally, 9 non-END patients were matched from the remaining 90 patients with complete data, resulting in a total of 38 patients for statistical analysis. Statistical methods, including logistic regression and receiver operating curves, were used to analyze the correlation between serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) within 24 h of END onset, disease prognosis, and syndrome factors. Grouping criteria included END occurrence, presence of syndrome elements on the first and third day post-onset, and prognosis at 90 days post-onset.
Results:
All 38 cases had onset time of less than 12 h, and there were no significant differences in age, gender, and onset time between the END and non-END groups. The TNF-α serum level within 24 h of onset was not associated with the occurrence of END but was negatively correlated with all-cause mortality at 90 days [0.1


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail