1.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
2.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
3.Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of Asundexian derivatives
Jie WU ; Huachao ZHU ; Xinhao WANG ; Ping GONG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(2):196-205
Coagulation factor XIa (FXIa) plays a crucial role in thrombus formation; therefore, the development of potent and safe FXIa inhibitors is of great significance. In this study, compound F22, previously discovered by our group, was selected as the lead compound. Based on the principles of bioisosterism and fragment-based drug design, four series comprising 14 novel Asundexian derivatives not previously reported in the literature were designed and synthesized. The structures of the target compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR and HRMS, and their inhibitory activities against FXIa were evaluated using chromogenic substrate assay. Results showed that compound FD-1 exhibited the most potent activity, with an IC50 value of 2.8 nmol/L, which was superior to that of the lead compound F22 (IC50 = 4.5 nmol/L) and the reference drug Asundexian (IC50 = 5.0 nmol/L). Furthermore, in the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assay, compound FD-1 demonstrated excellent anticoagulant activity, outperforming Asundexian, showing no significant effect on prothrombin time (PT). These findings provide valuable insights for further structural optimization and rational design of small-molecule FXIa inhibitors.
4.A study on the correlation between family nurturing care environment and children with autism spectrum disorder or at high risk
Yaqiong ZHU ; Lei XU ; Linqing WU ; Jianmei GONG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(6):463-467
ObjectiveTo analyze the correlation between family nurturing care environment and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or at high risk, and to provide scientific evidence for the tertiary prevention of ASD in children at high risk. MethodsA case-control study, enrolling 30 children with ASD or at high risk for ASD as the case group, and 113 normal children who underwent routine physical examinations at the community health service centers and district maternal and child health care hospital during the same period as the control group, was conducted. The information for maternal pregnancy and childbirth, children, and family nurturing care was collected through the child healthcare system and a self-designed questionnaire survey. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the relevant factors for ASD or high-risk status in children. ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analyses showed that among maternal and child factors, maternal adverse conditions during the3 months before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy (OR=6.026, 95%CI: 1.575‒23.062), and male gender (OR=4.064, 95%CI: 1.046‒15.784) were positively correlated with ASD or high risk status in children (P<0.05). Among family nurturing care factors, unbalanced dietary structure (OR=7.281, 95%CI: 1.819‒29.148) was positively correlated with ASD or high-risk status in children (P<0.05), while paternal companionship >2 h·d-1 (OR=0.025, 95%CI: 0.001‒0.426) and parent-child interaction with responsive care (OR=0.824, 95%CI: 0.704‒0.963) were negatively correlated with ASD or high-risk status in children (P<0.05). ConclusionFactors positively correlated with ASD or high-risk status in children include maternal adverse conditions during the 3 months before pregnancy and throughout pregnancy, male gender, and unbalanced dietary structure. Factors negatively correlated with it include paternal companionship and parent-child interaction with responsive care. Clinically, comprehensively management of maternal pre-pregnancy and prenatal health, children’s diet and family nurturing care, along with focused developmental monitoring of boys, and efforts toward early detection, early diagnosis and early intervention should be strengthened.
5.Stability of the molluscicidal activity of the fermentation broth of Bacillus indicus F19
Liyun ZHU ; Lei LIN ; Ning XU ; Ping LONG ; Xinran YANG ; Yu ZHOU ; Yanfeng GONG ; Qingwu JIANG ; Yibiao ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(3):304-308
Objective To assess the stability of the molluscicidal activity of the fermentation broth supernatant of Bacillus indicus F19, so as to provide insights into development of novel molluscicides derived from this isolate. Methods Healthy Oncomelania hupensis snails free from Schistosoma japonicum infections and acclimated in the laboratory for 7 days were selected. The fermentation broth supernatant of B. indicus F19 was prepared. For each treatment condition, four experimental groups and one control group were established, with 10 mL of the fermentation broth supernatant each group. O. hupensis snails were exposed to different pH values (3, 6, 9 and 12), temperatures (40, 60, 80 °C and 100 °C), and ultraviolet (UV) exposure durations (1, 2, 3 h and 4 h). Then, the supernatant was diluted with dechlorinated water to concentrations of 50%, 10%, and 5% (v/v), and 10 mL of each dilution solution was added to three separate tubes, with an equal volume of dechlorinated water as a blank control. Twenty O. hupensis snails were transferred to each tube, immersed for 48 h and 72 h, and collected for viability assessment using the shell-tapping method. The mortality of O. hupensis snails was calculated and compared among dilution groups and the blank control group to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of the fermentation broth supernatant of B. indicus F19. Results There was a significant difference in the mortality of O. hupensis snails immersed in 5% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 for 48 h at various pH levels (χ2 = 11.556, P < 0.05), and the mortality reduced to 13.33% (8/60) in the experimental groups at a pH value of 12, which was significantly lower than in the blank control group [33.33% (20/60)] (χ2 = 6.708, P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the mortality of O. hupensis snails immersed in 10% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 for 72 h at various pH levels (χ2 = 31.691, P < 0.001), and the mortality reduced to 71.67% (43/60) and 65.00% (39/60) in the experimental group at pH values of 9 and 12, which was significantly lower than in the blank control group [100.00% (60/60)] (χ2 = 8.571 and 12.110, both P values < 0.01). The mortality of O. hupensis snails both reduced to 23.33% (14/60) following immersion in 5% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 heated in a water bath at 80 °C and 100 °C for 48 h, which was lower than that of unheated O. hupensis snails [33.33% (20/60)] and snails heated in a water bath at 40 °C [35.00% (21/60)] and 60 °C [33.33% (20/60)], and there was no significant difference in the mortality of O. hupensis snails among groups (χ2 = 3.898, P > 0.05). The mortality of O. hupensis snails was 68.33% (41/60), 66.67% (40/60), 65.00% (39/60), and 68.33% (41/60) following immersion in fermentation broth supernatants heated in a water bath at 40, 60, 80 °C and 100 °C for 72 h, which was all lower than that of snails in the control group [71.70% (43/60)]; however, there was no significant difference seen in the snail mortality among groups (χ2 = 0.674, P > 0.05). The mortality of O. hupensis snails was 73.33% (44/60), 71.67% (43/60), 71.67% (43/60), and 75.00% (45/60) following 48 h immersion in 10% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 irradiated by UV for 1, 2, 3 h and 4 h, 33.33% (20/60), 31.67% (19/60), 35.00% (21/60), and 33.33% (20/60) following 48 h immersion in 10% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 irradiated by UV for 1, 2, 3 h and 4 h, and 71.67% (43/60) and 33.33% (20/60) following 48 h immersion in 10% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 without UV irradiation, and no significant differences were found among groups (χ2 = 0.229 and 0.150, both P values > 0.05). In addition, the mortality of O. hupensis snails was 76.67% (46/60), 71.67% (43/60), 70.00% (42/60), and 76.67% (46/60) following 72 h immersion in 5% fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 irradiated by UV for 1, 2, 3 h and 4 h, and 71.67% (43/60) in the control group, and there was no significant difference in the snail mortality among groups (χ2 = 1.193, P > 0.05). Conclusion The molluscicidal action of the fermentation broth supernatants of B. indicus F19 is tolerant to high temperature and UV irradiation; however, the activity is attenuated under alkaline conditions.
6.Analysis of Pharmacodynamic Material Basis, Mechanisms, and Efficacy-related Quality Markers of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix with Different Therapeutic Effect
Xiaowei MENG ; Zhenzhen YANG ; Wenting WU ; Ronghua LIU ; Yongmei GUAN ; Hui OUYANG ; Liping HUANG ; Yaqi WANG ; Qiong LI ; Huanhuan DONG ; Jianping GONG ; Weifeng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):269-281
Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix are the dried roots of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria thomsonii of the Leguminosae family, respectively. Since their separate inclusion in the 2005 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the two herbs have been individually recorded. Although they share the same functions and indications, the required content of puerarin differs by a factor of up to eightfold between them. The current quality standard relies solely on a single indicator, puerarin, which fails to reflect the correlation between chemical constituents and core therapeutic effects. This has resulted in prominent issues of mixed use in clinical practice and production, thereby constraining the high-quality development of the industry. Modern research has demonstrated that Puerariae Lobatae Radix contains a comprehensive range and higher content of isoflavonoid constituents, while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix is rich in starch and polysaccharides. Puerariae Lobatae Radix exhibits stronger effects in antipyresis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, and central analgesia, while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix demonstrates greater advantages in anti-inflammation, hypoglycemia, and peripheral analgesia. Based on this, the chemical material bases of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix at both the macromolecule and micromolecule levels were systematically reviewed and compared. The pharmacodynamic material bases and mechanisms of action underlying their three core therapeutic effects, namely "relieving exterior syndrome and clearing heat", "promoting fluid production to quench thirst", and "dredging channels and activating collaterals", were summarized. The most highly correlated common metabolic pathway shared by both herbs for these three therapeutic effects is the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, and their common core target is prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). This review provided clinical application recommendations based on the therapeutic differences between the two herbs, elucidated the scientific connotation of their "same origin but different effects", and, grounded in the quality marker (Q-Marker), proposed the concept of efficacy-related Q-Marker based on "substance-efficacy-syndrome" association, as well as a novel strategy for efficacy-oriented quality evaluation. Preliminary screening of quality markers associated with different therapeutic effects was also conducted. This study aims to provide critical scientific evidence for the precise clinical application of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, the improvement of quality standards, and the high-quality development of the industry.
7.Epidemiological investigation on a case of acute flaccid paralysis with detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus
TANG Xuewen ; BAI Yiran ; SU Ying ; GONG Liming ; YAN Rui ; ZHU Yao ; HE Hanqing
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):178-180,188
Abstract
In April 2021, type Ⅰ vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) was detected from two fecal samples of a male infant with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in Zhejiang Province when he was admitted to the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai, with 12 and 14 nucleotide mutations in the VP1 region, respectively. The case had a history of immunization with three doses of poliovirus vaccines, and grade Ⅲ proximal muscle strength and grade Ⅱ distal muscle strength of the right lower limb. After symptomatic treatment, the activity of the right lower limb and the muscle strength was significantly restored, thus he was discharged. VDPV was not detected from subsequent (the 8th to 12th) fecal samples of the case and fecal samples of close contacts. No similar cases were found in medical institutions in the county, surrounding areas, neighboring villages or towns. Since the case did not exhibit clinical symptoms of poliomyelitis caused by VDPV, poliomyelitis was excluded, and the case was diagnosed with hemophilia type A based on the epidemiological investigation, laboratory tests, and the history of poliomyelitis vaccination. This event involved cross-provincial (municipal) cooperation and was responsed promptly, preventing further spread of the virus. It suggested that the sensitivity of the AFP case surveillance system should be maintained, environmental monitoring methods should be increased, and the poliomyelitis vaccination should be promoted to prevent the spread of the virus.
8.Exon Sequencing of HNF1β in Chinese Patients with Early-Onset Diabetes
Siqian GONG ; Hong LIAN ; Yating LI ; Xiaoling CAI ; Wei LIU ; Yingying LUO ; Meng LI ; Si-min ZHANG ; Rui ZHANG ; Lingli ZHOU ; Yu ZHU ; Qian REN ; Xiuying ZHANG ; Jing CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xianghai ZHOU ; Xirui WANG ; Xueyao HAN ; Linong JI
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(2):321-330
Background:
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) due to variants of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1-beta (HNF1β) (MODY5) has not been well studied in the Chinese population. This study aimed to estimate its prevalence and evaluate the application of a clinical screening method (Faguer score) in Chinese early-onset diabetes (EOD) patients.
Methods:
Among 679 EOD patients clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (age at diagnosis ≤40 years), the exons of HNF1β were sequenced. Functional impact of rare variants was evaluated using a dual-luciferase reporter system. Faguer scores ≥8 prompted multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for large deletions. Pathogenicity of HNF1β variants was assessed following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.
Results:
Two rare HNF1β missense mutations (E105K and G454R) were identified by sequencing in five patients, showing functional impact in vitro. Another patient was found to have a whole-gene deletion by MLPA in 22 patients with the Faguer score above 8. Following ACMG guidelines, six patients carrying pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant were diagnosed with MODY5. The estimated prevalence of MODY5 in Chinese EOD patients was approximately 0.9% or higher.
Conclusion
MODY5 is not uncommon in China. The Faguer score is helpful in deciding whether to perform MLPA analysis on patients with negative sequencing results.
9.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Shengmai Jiuxin Decoction in Treating Chronic Heart Failure with Qi and Yin Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, and Blood Stasis
Yiming YAO ; Hongjun ZHU ; Yang ZHAO ; Man SHI ; Yujin GONG ; Yuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):151-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of Shengmai Jiuxin decoction in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of Qi and Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, and blood stasis. MethodsA total of 68 patients diagnosed with ADHF of Qi and Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, and blood stasis type were randomly assigned to an observation group (34 cases) and a control group (34 cases). Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment, while the observation group was additionally administered Shengmai Jiuxin decoction. Parameters compared before and after treatment included: TCM syndrome score, TCM syndrome efficacy, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), six-minute walk distance (6MWD), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), Caspase-3, and the number of rehospitalizations for heart failure within one month after discharge. ResultsThere were no significant differences in sex, age, vital signs, or underlying diseases between the two groups. Compared with baseline, both groups exhibited significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores, NT-proBNP, and HIF-1α levels (P<0.01), as well as significant increases in 6MWD, LVEF, VEGF-A, and Caspase-3 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the observation group showed significantly greater reductions in TCM syndrome score, NT-proBNP, HIF-1α, and Caspase-3 levels compared with the control group (P<0.05) and significantly greater increases in 6MWD, TCM syndrome efficacy, and VEGF-A levels (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups in NYHA functional classification, LVEF, or the number of rehospitalizations for heart failure within one month after discharge. No drug-related adverse events were reported in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionShengmai Jiuxin decoction can improve cardiac function and clinical symptoms in patients with ADHF of Qi and Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, and blood stasis type. Its mechanisms may be related to the regulation of the HIF-1 signaling pathway by modulating targets such as HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and Caspase-3.
10.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Shengmai Jiuxin Decoction in Treating Chronic Heart Failure with Qi and Yin Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, and Blood Stasis
Yiming YAO ; Hongjun ZHU ; Yang ZHAO ; Man SHI ; Yujin GONG ; Yuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(17):151-158
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy and potential mechanism of Shengmai Jiuxin decoction in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern of Qi and Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, and blood stasis. MethodsA total of 68 patients diagnosed with ADHF of Qi and Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, and blood stasis type were randomly assigned to an observation group (34 cases) and a control group (34 cases). Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment, while the observation group was additionally administered Shengmai Jiuxin decoction. Parameters compared before and after treatment included: TCM syndrome score, TCM syndrome efficacy, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), six-minute walk distance (6MWD), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), Caspase-3, and the number of rehospitalizations for heart failure within one month after discharge. ResultsThere were no significant differences in sex, age, vital signs, or underlying diseases between the two groups. Compared with baseline, both groups exhibited significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores, NT-proBNP, and HIF-1α levels (P<0.01), as well as significant increases in 6MWD, LVEF, VEGF-A, and Caspase-3 levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the observation group showed significantly greater reductions in TCM syndrome score, NT-proBNP, HIF-1α, and Caspase-3 levels compared with the control group (P<0.05) and significantly greater increases in 6MWD, TCM syndrome efficacy, and VEGF-A levels (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups in NYHA functional classification, LVEF, or the number of rehospitalizations for heart failure within one month after discharge. No drug-related adverse events were reported in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionShengmai Jiuxin decoction can improve cardiac function and clinical symptoms in patients with ADHF of Qi and Yin deficiency, Yang deficiency, and blood stasis type. Its mechanisms may be related to the regulation of the HIF-1 signaling pathway by modulating targets such as HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and Caspase-3.


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