1.UPLC-Q-TOF-MS Reveals Mechanisms of Modified Qing'e Formula in Delaying Skin Photoaging and Regulating Circadian Rhythm
Wanyu YANG ; Xiujun ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Chunjing SONG ; Haoming MA ; Lifeng WANG ; Nan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):88-97
ObjectiveTo reveal the active substances and mechanisms of modified Qing'e formula (MQEF) in delaying skin photoaging by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS),network pharmacology, and cell experiments. MethodsUPLC-Q-TOF-MS and a literature review were employed to analyze the transdermally absorbed components in mice after the topical application of MQEF. The potential targets of MQEF in treating skin photoaging were retrieved from databases.The compound-potential target network and protein-protein interaction network were constructed to screen the key components and core targets. A photoaging cell model was established by irradiating HaCaT cells with medium-wave ultraviolet B (UVB). The safe doses of bakuchiol (BAK) and salvianolic acid B (SAB) for treating HaCaT cells and the effects of BAK and SAB on the viability of cells exposed to UVB irradiation were determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method.The reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescent probe was used to measure the ROS production in the cells treated with BAK and SAB.The expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress,inflammation,collagen metabolism,and circadian rhythm clock were measured by Real-time PCR. ResultsA total of 24 transdermally absorbed components of MQEF were identified,which acted on 367 potential targets,and 417 targets related to skin photoaging were screened out,among which 47 common targets were predicted as the targets of MQEF in treating skin photoaging. MQEF exerted the anti-photoaging effect via key components such as BAK and SAB,which acted on core proteins such as serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) and intervened in core pathways such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways.Compared with the model group,the administration of BAK and SAB increased the survival rate of HaCaT cells (P<0.01),down-regulated the mRNA levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),interleukin-6 (IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1),and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) (P<0.01),and up-regulated the mRNA levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO-1) (P<0.05,P<0.01) in photoaged HaCaT cells.In addition,it eliminated excess ROS production induced by UVB and up-regulated the mRNA levels of brain and muscle ARNT-like 1 (BMAL1) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) associated with circadian clock (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionMQEF delays skin photoaging through the coordinated effects of various components,multiple targets,and diverse pathways.The key components BAK and SAB in MQEF exhibit anti-photoaging properties,which involve inhibiting oxidative stress,preventing collagen degradation,mitigating inflammation,and maintaining normal skin circadian rhythms by regulating clock gene expression.
2.Study on the effect of berberine combined with fluconazole on fluconazole-tolerant Candida albcians strains
Zecheng SONG ; Shanshan MA ; Qiaoling HU ; Hua ZHONG ; Yan WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(2):87-91
Objective To investigate the combined effect of berberine (BBR) and fluconazole (FLC) on FLC-tolerant Candida albicans in vitro. Methods The sensitivity of 8 strains of Candida albicans to FLC was assessed by determining their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) using broth microdilution method. FLC-tolerant strains were screened from FLC-sensitive strains by disk diffusion assay. The effect of BBR combined with FLC on FLC-tolerant Candida albicans was investigated by disk diffusion assay. Results All eight strains of Candida albicans exhibited sensitivity to FLC, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values below 0.5 μg/ml. Strains Y0109, 9821, 7879, 7654, and 9296 displayed colony growth in the inhibition zone after 48 h of constant temperature incubation, indicating FLC tolerance. When strains Y0109 and 9821 were subjected to a combination of BBR and FLC, the number of colonies within the inhibition zone decreased progressively with the increase of BBR concentration following a 48 h constant temperature culture. The inhibition zone became clear with the increasing of BBR concentration and increased with the increase of FLC loading, which showed a dose-dependent relationship. Conclusion The BBR combined with FLC demonstrated efficacy against FLC-tolerant strains.
3.The Effects of Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-Relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方) on Cough Sensitivity,TRPV4 in Lung and Nasal Mucosal Tissues,and Neurogenic Inflammation in a Guinea Pig Model of Upper Airway Cough Syndrome
Jingshu LUO ; Jianling MA ; Liqing SHI ; Kun JI ; Song LIU ; Yuhan FAN ; Xianli LI ; Zhaodi GUO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):518-525
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanism of action of the Qufeng Tongqiao Cough-relieving Decoction (祛风通窍止咳方, QTCD) in the treatment of upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). MethodsTwenty-four guinea pigs were randomly divided into blank group, model group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, and inhibitor group, with six guinea pigs in each group. Except for the blank group, guinea pigs were sensitized with ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide via intraperitoneal injection, followed by ovalbumin nasal drops combined with smoke exposure to establish the UACS model. After modeling, the TCM group was administered QTCD 0.9 g/(100 g·d) by gavage, the inhibitor group received the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4) inhibitor GSK2193874 1 mmol/L, 5 min by nebulisation, and the blank group and model group were given 2 ml/(100 g·d) normal saline by gavage once daily. After 7 days of treatment, a cough provocation test was performed using 0.4 mol/L citric acid. The levels of IgE in serum and inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8) in serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and nasal lavage fluid (NLF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histopathological changes in lung and nasal mucosal tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein levels of TRPV4, substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung tissues. ResultsHE staining showed significant structural damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and nasal mucosal tissues in the model group, while the TCM group and inhibitor group showed improved pathological changes. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased cough frequency, serum IgE level, and IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF. The protein levels of TRPV4, SP, and CGRP in lung and nasal mucosal tissues and their mRNA expression were elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TCM group and inhibitor group showed reduced cough frequency, serum IgE level, and TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues. The TCM group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, and reduced TRPV4 and CGRP protein levels in lung and nasal mucosal tissues. The inhibitor group showed reduced IL-6 and IL-8 levels in serum, BALF, and NLF, reduced IL-6 in BALF, reduced IL-8 in NLF, and decreased TRPV4, SP, and CGRP protein levels in lung tissues and SP and CGRP protein levels in nasal mucosal tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the TCM group, the inhibitor group had increased serum IgE, IL-6, and IL-8 levels, increased IL-6 level in BALF, and increased IL-8 levle in NLF, but decreased SP protein level in lung tissues and increased TRPV4 and SP mRNA expression in lung tissues (P<0.01). ConclusionQTCD effectively reduces cough frequency in the UACS guinea pig model. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting the activation of the TRPV4 pathway, improving airway neurogenic inflammation, alleviating inflammatory responses, and reducing cough hypersensitivity.
4.Impact factors and reference range upper limit of thyroid volume in children aged 8-10 years old in Huangpu District, Shanghai
Weihua CHEN ; Chengdi SHAN ; Lili SONG ; Lifang MA ; Yun CAO ; Youshun QIAN ; Aina HE ; Jun XIAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(2):205-210
Background As one of the key populations in the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders, it is important to continuously monitor the iodine nutritional level of school-age children. The current reference interval for thyroid volume in China is based on age only, without taking into account differences in individual developmental levels, and the distribution of thyroid volume may vary regionally due to economic, demographic, and environmental factors. The current reference cut-off points for thyroid volume proposed by the World Health Organization are not based on the Chinese population. Objective To understand the iodine nutritional status and distribution of thyroid volume (Tvol) among children aged 8-10 years in Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, to identify impact factors of Tvol, and to propose a reference range upper limit for local thyroid health surveillance, so as to provide a basis for goiter control and prevention. Methods Six hundred children aged 8-10 years in Huangpu District were recruited in 2017, 2020, and 2023, and body height, weight, thyroid volume, urinary iodine, and iodine content of household edible salt were determined. A multilevel model was constructed using population density and area as regional variables, and age, body surface area (BSA), and body mass index (BMI) as potential impact factors for at the individual level, to assess their effects on thyroid volume. Quantile regression of thyroid volume was performed, and the 98th percentile (P98) of thyroid volume was predicted based on age and BSA. Results The iodized salt coverage in the households of surveyed children in 2017, 2020, and 2023 was 72.0%, 57.0%, and 48.0%, respectively, and the iodized salt coverage decreased by year (χ2=24.31, P<0.001). The urinary iodine level of children in 2017 was higher than that in 2020 and 2023 (χ2=18.77, P<0.001). The Tvol medians of children in 2017, 2020, and 2023 were 2.29, 2.49, and 2.97 mL, respectively, and the Tvol increased by year (χ2=60.04, P<0.001). The proportion of goiter was higher in children in 2023 than in 2017 and 2020 (χ2=6.57, P<0.05). Sex differences were not statistically significant for urinary iodine levels, thyroid volume, and goiter. The median Tvol was 2.26, 2.58, and 2.76 mL in children of 8, 9, and 10 years old respectively, and the Tvol increased with age (χ2=49.02, P <0.001). Tvol was positively correlated with age, BSA, and BMI with correlation coefficients of
5.Mechanism of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Ferroptosis and Enhancing Neurological Function Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury via GPX4-ACSL4 Axis
Luchun XU ; Guozheng JIANG ; Yukun MA ; Jiawei SONG ; Yushan GAO ; Guanlong WANG ; Jiaojiao FAN ; Yongdong YANG ; Xing YU ; Xiangsheng TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):20-30
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Buyang Huanwutang regulates the glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) axis to inhibit ferroptosis and promote neurological functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). MethodsNinety rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, model group, low-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (12.5 g·kg-1), high-dose Buyang Huanwutang group (25 g·kg-1), and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group (25 g·kg-1 + 5 g·kg-1 RSL3). The SCI model was established by using the allen method. Tissue was collected on the 7th and 28th days after operation. Motor function was assessed by using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Nissl, and Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining were performed to observe spinal cord histopathology. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of myelin basic protein (MBP), GPX4, and ACSL4. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of GPX4 and ACSL4. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Colorimetric assays were used to determine the iron content in spinal cord tissue. ResultsCompared to the sham operation group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced BBB scores (P<0.01), severe pathological damage in spinal cord tissue, and marked mitochondrial ultrastructural disruption. In addition, the model group showed a decrease in the number of NeuN-positive cells (P<0.01), reduced fluorescence intensity of MBP and GPX4 (P<0.01), lower levels of GSH and SOD (P<0.01), and downregulated mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01). Moreover, compared to the sham operation group, the model group had elevated levels of ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01), along with increased fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group showed significantly improved BBB scores (P<0.05, P<0.01) and exhibited less severe spinal cord tissue damage, reduced edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, increased neuronal survival, and more intact myelin structures. Additionally, mitochondrial ultrastructure was significantly improved in the Buyang Huanwutang group. Compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly increased the number of NeuN-positive cells and the fluorescence intensity of MBP (P<0.05, P<0.01). Furthermore, Buyang Huanwutang significantly increased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of GPX4 (P<0.01) and decreased the fluorescence intensity and mRNA expression of ACSL4 (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. Finally, the Buyang Huanwutang group significantly decreased ROS, MDA, and tissue iron content (P<0.01) and significantly increased GSH and SOD levels (P<0.01) compared to the model group and Buyang Huanwutang + inhibitor group. ConclusionBuyang Huanwutang inhibits ferroptosis through the GPX4/ACSL4 axis, reduces secondary neuronal and myelin injury and oxidative stress, and ultimately promotes the recovery of neurological function.
6.Meta-analysis of the effects of gene polymorphism on plasma concentration of voriconazole in patients with invasive fungal infection
Yaxuan LI ; Xingde LI ; Guohui WANG ; Panpan MAO ; Xuejiao MA ; Cangsang SONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):225-231
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of gene polymorphism on plasma minimum concentration (cmin) of voriconazole (VRZ) in patients with invasive fungal infection. METHODS The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data were searched for literature on the correlation between gene polymorphisms and cmin of VRZ from inception to April 2024. After screening the literature, extracting data, and evaluating the quality of the literature, meta-analysis was performed using R 4.3.2 software. RESULTS A total of 21 studies with 2 454 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the VRZ cmin of CYP2C19 IM and PM types was significantly higher than EM type, and the VRZ cmin of IM type was significantly lower than PM type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of CYP2C9 rs1057910 AA type was significantly higher than AC/CC type, and that of CYP3A5 rs776746 CC type was significantly higher than TT type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of POR rs10954732 GG type was significantly higher than GA and AA types, and that of POR rs1057868 CT type was significantly lower than TT type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of ABCB1 rs1045642 CC type was significantly higher than TT type (P<0.05). The VRZ cmin of NR1I2 rs2472677 CT type was significantly higher than TT type, and rs7643645 AA type was significantly higher than AG type (P<0.05). The VRZ cmin of ABCC2 rs717620 CC type was significantly lower than CT type and TT type, and the CT type was significantly lower than TT type (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mutant alleles in CYP2C19, CYP2C9 rs1057910, CYP3A5 rs776746, POR rs10954732, ABCB1 rs1045642 and NR1I2 rs7643645 can lead to a decrease in VRZ plasma concentration, and mutant allele in ABCC2 rs717620 can lead to an increase in VRZ plasma concentration.
7.Meta-analysis of the effects of gene polymorphism on plasma concentration of voriconazole in patients with invasive fungal infection
Yaxuan LI ; Xingde LI ; Guohui WANG ; Panpan MAO ; Xuejiao MA ; Cangsang SONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):225-231
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of gene polymorphism on plasma minimum concentration (cmin) of voriconazole (VRZ) in patients with invasive fungal infection. METHODS The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China Biomedical Literature Database, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data were searched for literature on the correlation between gene polymorphisms and cmin of VRZ from inception to April 2024. After screening the literature, extracting data, and evaluating the quality of the literature, meta-analysis was performed using R 4.3.2 software. RESULTS A total of 21 studies with 2 454 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that the VRZ cmin of CYP2C19 IM and PM types was significantly higher than EM type, and the VRZ cmin of IM type was significantly lower than PM type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of CYP2C9 rs1057910 AA type was significantly higher than AC/CC type, and that of CYP3A5 rs776746 CC type was significantly higher than TT type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of POR rs10954732 GG type was significantly higher than GA and AA types, and that of POR rs1057868 CT type was significantly lower than TT type (P<0.01). The VRZ cmin of ABCB1 rs1045642 CC type was significantly higher than TT type (P<0.05). The VRZ cmin of NR1I2 rs2472677 CT type was significantly higher than TT type, and rs7643645 AA type was significantly higher than AG type (P<0.05). The VRZ cmin of ABCC2 rs717620 CC type was significantly lower than CT type and TT type, and the CT type was significantly lower than TT type (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Mutant alleles in CYP2C19, CYP2C9 rs1057910, CYP3A5 rs776746, POR rs10954732, ABCB1 rs1045642 and NR1I2 rs7643645 can lead to a decrease in VRZ plasma concentration, and mutant allele in ABCC2 rs717620 can lead to an increase in VRZ plasma concentration.
8.Effect of pneumoperitoneum on renal function after robotic-assisted laparoscopic kidney transplantation
Shuncheng TAN ; Jianchun CUI ; Xun SUN ; Yongfeng LI ; Yonglin SONG ; Shuxin LI ; Yinrui MA ; Xingyong MA ; Yafei ZHANG
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(2):295-301
Objective To investigate the effect of pneumoperitoneum pressure during robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) on the function of the transplant kidney. Methods The data of 243 kidney transplant recipients were retrospectively analyzed and divided into open kidney transplantation (OKT) group (n=105) and RAKT group (n=138). The RAKT group was further divided into 13 mmHg group (n=67) and 7 mmHg group (n=71) based on pneumoperitoneum pressure. The donor information, recipient's preoperative general data, intraoperative data, and postoperative recovery of the three groups were compared. In the RAKT group, the renal artery, segmental artery, interlobar artery, and venous flow velocity of the transplant kidney were measured using laparoscopic ultrasound. Results There was a statistically significant difference in donor types among the groups (P<0.05), while other donor information and recipient's preoperative general data showed no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in serum creatinine and complications at 30 days and 1 year postoperatively among the groups (all P>0.05). The OKT group and 7 mmHg group had more intraoperative urine output than the 13 mmHg group. Both RAKT groups had less intraoperative blood loss and shorter hospital stays than the OKT group, and longer operation times than the OKT group (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay between the two RAKT groups (all P>0.05). The vascular flow velocity of the transplant kidney decreased at 13 mmHg compared to 7 mmHg pneumoperitoneum pressure, but the differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions Controllable pneumoperitoneum pressure has a limited impact on the vascular flow velocity of the transplanted kidney. RAKT is a safe and effective surgical method under appropriate pneumoperitoneum pressure, and choosing a lower pneumoperitoneum pressure is more conducive to the early recovery of renal function postoperatively.
9.Progress in the study of anti-inflammatory active components with anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms in Caragana Fabr.
Yu-mei MA ; Ju-yuan LUO ; Tao CHEN ; Hong-mei LI ; Cheng SHEN ; Shuo WANG ; Zhi-bo SONG ; Yu-lin LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):58-71
The plants of the genus
10.Quantitative research on general practitioner policies in China from 1997 to 2023
Xinru MA ; Yanxin ZHOU ; Mengyu YAN ; Jing LI ; Shujie SONG ; Mei SUN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):4-10
ObjectiveTo understand the development stages and use of policy tools of general practitioner policies in China since it was first proposed, to summarize the experience and explore the shortcomings, so as to provide references for the adjustment and optimization of China’s general practitioner policies. MethodsContent analysis and mathematical statistics analysis were used to conduct a quantitative research on 111 policy documents with 422 policy items involving general practitioners at the national level from 1997 to 2023, through a three-dimensional analysis framework integrating policy tools, human capital process and policy development stages. ResultsCapacity‑building policy tools were most frequently used in general practitioner policies, and the policy tools gradually shifted from mandate to inducement. The general practitioner policies paid less attention to the career selection link, but paid full attention to every segment of human capital links, with a comprehensive application of policy tools observed in the integrated development stage, despite the existence of unbalanced internal distribution. ConclusionIt is suggested to promote the use of incentive policy tools and to explore multiple approaches based on incentive theory; pay attention to the career selection link for guiding the employment of general practitioners; take the appropriateness between the policy tools and human capital process into comprehensive consideration, striking a dynamic balance of the internal structure of general practitioner policies.

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