1.Analysis of influencing factors for successful detoxification in patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy
Guodong MO ; Yue LIN ; Yinghui CHEN ; Lichuang ZHUANG ; Leisheng ZHENG ; Baoguo WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):210-214
OBJECTIVE To explore the influencing factors for successful detoxification in patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy. METHODS A retrospective selection of 161 methadone maintenance therapy patients from the South Branch of Zhongshan Second People’s Hospital (including methadone maintenance treatment sites in Shiqi District, Xiqu District, Development Zone of Zhongshan City) from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2025, was conducted as the study object. Data collected included patients’ sociodemographic information, drug abuse history, laboratory test results, medication records, etc. Patients were divided into the unsuccessful detoxification group and the successful detoxification group based on whether methadone detoxification was achieved. Univariate, univariate Cox regression, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were used for influencing factor analysis, and the Kaplan-Meier method was employed for survival analysis. RESULTS Among the 161 methadone maintenance therapy patients, 96 were in the successful detoxification group and 65 in the unsuccessful detoxification group, yielding a successful detoxification rate of 59.63%. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that age, registered residence status, age at first drug use, and duration of drug abuse were key influencing factors for successful detoxification in methadone maintenance therapy patients (P<0.05). Specifically, the successful detoxification rate for patients with Zhongshan local registered residence was 8.364 times higher than that for patients with non-local registered residence; for every 1-year increase in patient age, the successful detoxification rate decreased by 22.7%; for every 1-year increase in age at first drug use, the successful detoxification rate rose by 33.4%; and for every 1-year increase in duration of drug abuse, the successful detoxification rate increased by 33.5%. Survival analysis showed that the successful detoxification rate in the methadone low-dose group (≤30.8 mg) was significantly higher than that in the methadone high-dose group (>30.8 mg) (P=0.015), and the successful detoxification rate in the population with Zhongshan local registered residence was significantly higher than that in those with non-local registered residence (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Age, registered residence status, age at first drug use, and duration of drug abuse are key influencing factors for successful detoxification in patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy, and the last methadone dose may be associated with successful detoxification.
2.Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on the mechanism of myopia-related factors secreted by human scleral fibroblasts
Rongrong CHAO ; Zhixiang DING ; Jing FAN ; Liu ZHENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(2):198-205
AIM: To investigate the effects of insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1)on the secretion of transforming growth factor β2(TGF-β2), matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)in human scleral fibroblasts(HSF)and their mechanism.METHODS: The cells were cultured with IGF-1 and PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor LY294002, respectively. CCK-8 method was used to detect cell viability and determine the optimal concentration and time of drug action. Cell migration activity was observed by cell scratch method. To determine the effects of IGF-1 on HSF cells and the regulatory role of PI3K/AKT pathway, HSF cells were divided into control group(without drugs), IGF-1(80 μg/L)group, IGF-1+LY294002(80 μg/L+5 mmol/L)group, and LY294002(5 mmol/L)group, and were cultured for 24 h; the protein expression levels of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT were detected by Western blot; the fluorescence expression of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α was detected by cellular immunofluorescence.RESULTS: The results of CCK-8 showed that the cell viability of the 80 μg/L IGF-1 group cultured with different concentrations of IGF-1 was the highest(all P<0.05), and the cell viability of the 80 μg/L IGF-1 group at 24 h was the highest under different culture times. Therefore, the concentration of IGF-1 was selected as 80 μg/L for 24 h. The viability of cells cultured with different concentrations of LY294002 gradually decreased from 6 h(all P<0.05). According to the IC50 value, therefore, the concentration of LY294002 was selected as 5 mmol/L for 24 h. The cell scratch results showed that compared with the control group, the cell mobility of 40 μg/L and 80 μg/L IGF-1 groups was increased(all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, cell mobility in the 2.5 and 5 mmol/L LY294002 groups was decreased(all P<0.05). Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the protein expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT in the IGF-1 group were increased, while those in the LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the IGF-1 group, the expression levels of TGF-β2, MMP-2, HIF-1α, PI3K and AKT in the IGF-1+LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). The results of cell immunofluorescence showed that compared with the control group, the fluorescence expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in the IGF-1 group were increased, while those in the LY294002 group were decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the IGF-1 group, the fluorescence expressions of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in the IGF-1+LY294002 group were significantly decreased(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: IGF-1 promoted the proliferation and migration of human HSF. IGF-1 may up-regulate the expression of TGF-β2, MMP-2 and HIF-1α in HSF through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and participate in the occurrence and development of myopia.
3.Role of alkaloid compounds in regulating chronic liver diseases
Yihui ZHENG ; Jiahui WANG ; Tiejian ZHAO ; Xuelin DUAN ; Lei WANG ; Yang ZHENG ; Shiquan YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):375-382
Chronic liver diseases with common causes including viral infections, alcohol abuse, and autoimmune diseases. Alkaloids, as a class of plant-derived compounds, have shown significant potential in regulating chronic liver diseases. Recent studies have shown that alkaloids are able to exert a therapeutic effect on chronic liver diseases through multiple pathways. These compounds have a regulatory effect on key pathological processes such as liver fibrosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, and they also regulate the metabolic homeostasis of hepatocytes by modulating multiple signaling pathways, thereby playing a role in regulating chronic liver diseases. This article reviews the role and mechanism of alkaloids in the treatment of chronic liver diseases, in order to provide new ideas and directions for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
4.LIU Fengbin's Experience in Treating Autoimmune Liver Disease with the Method of Nourishing Yin and Removing Stasis Based on Stage
Xiling YANG ; Qiuhong YONG ; Chaoyuan HUANG ; Lina ZHAO ; Yiyuan ZHENG ; Chong PENG ; Kunhai ZHUANG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):674-679
This paper summarizes Professor LIU Fengbin's clinical experience in treating autoimmune liver disease (AILD) using the method of nourishing yin and removing stasis based on stage differentiation. He believes that the pathogenesis of AILD generally involves both deficiency in essence and excess in manifestation, with essence deficiency often presenting as liver and kidney yin deficiency, which may progress to spleen deficiency and yang deficiency over time. The excess manifestation commonly includes qi stagnation, blood stasis, damp-heat, and phlegm toxicity. Clinically, he advocates for the treatment principle of nourishing yin and removing stasis. On the foundation of nourishing liver and kidney yin, different pathological factors causing stasis are eliminated according to their nature. Treatment is also tailored to different stages of AILD. In the early and asymptomatic stages, liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency are prominent, warranting a therapeutic approach of soothing the liver, regulating qi and strengthening the spleen. The modified Chaishao Qizhi Decoction (柴芍气滞汤) is used. During the symptomatic stage, pathogenic factors become more pronounced, often accompanied by a significant deficiency of vital qi, with damp-heat, water retention, and phlegm toxicity as key pathological features. The treatment should focus on strengthening the spleen and dispelling dampness, using modified Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) combined with Yinchen Wuling Powder (茵陈五苓散). In the liver function decompensation stage, vital qi is severely deficient while pathogenic factors persist, with damp-heat, phlegm toxicity, and blood stasis obstructing the liver collaterals. Treatment should focus on nourishing blood, softening the liver, strengthening the spleen, and resolving stasis, using the modified Ruangan Yangxue Decoction (软肝养血汤). Throughout the treatment process, emphasis is placed on tonifying the liver and kidneys while protecting yin fluids.
5.Analysis of risk factors for piracetam-associated thrombocytopenia and the establishment of risk prediction model
Tianmin HUANG ; Xingming LU ; Mei ZHENG ; Guizong GUO ; Xin LU ; Yilin LUO ; Yingxia YANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1226-1231
OBJECTIVE To analyze the risk factors contributing to piracetam-associated thrombocytopenia and develop a predictive model for risk prediction. METHODS The electronic medical record information of inpatients treated with piracetam was collected retrospectively from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2021 to December 2023, including gender, age, underlying diseases, combined medication, and laboratory data, etc. Patients were divided into the occurrence group and the non-occurrence group according to whether thrombocytopenia occurred, and the differences in clinical data between the two groups were compared. The independent risk factors were determined through univariate/multivariate Logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was drawn to visually present the independent risk factors, and a risk prediction model was constructed. The predictive efficacy of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Bootstrap internal validation and calibration curve. RESULTS A total of 224 patients were included, among which 196 cases were in the non- occurrence group and 28 cases in the occurrence group. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was 12.50%. The results of the univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the proportion of patients using three or more combined antibiotics and the level of serum creatinine in the occurrence group were significantly higher than those in the non-occurrence group, while the level of hemoglobin was significantly lower (P<0.05). The results of the multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of three or more combined antibiotics, low hemoglobin level and high serum creatinine level were independent risk factors for piracetam-associated thrombocytopenia (P<0.05). The constructed risk prediction model was LogitP= -1.114+1.256×three or more combined antibiotics-0.017×hemoglobin level+0.009×serum creatinine level. The AUC of the ROC curve of this model was 0.757, and the optimal cut-off value was 0.474; the AUC of the ROC curve of the Bootstrap internal validation was 0.733; the apparent curve and the bias-corrected curve were close to the ideal curve. CONCLUSIONS The use of three or more antibiotics, along with low hemoglobin level and high serum creatinine level, are identified as independent risk factors for piracetam-associated thrombocytopenia. The developed risk prediction model demonstrates good predictive value.
6.Monotropein resists atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells
Hongliang LI ; Bingqian YE ; Jiping TIAN ; Bofan WANG ; Yiwen ZHA ; Shuying ZHENG ; Tan MA ; Wenwen ZHUANG ; Won Sun PARK ; Jingyan LIANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):245-255
Monotropein is a compound classified into iridoid which is found in herbaceous plants Morindae officinalis. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-osteoarthritic activities. Previous study indicates that monotropein may have the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, although the related mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed the model of atherosclerosis by oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells and LDLR –/–mice given high-fat diet to investigate the effects of monotropein on atherosclerosis.Our results showed that monotropein treatment significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaques and necrotic cores in mice, inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and reduced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which in turn alleviated atherosclerosis. In addition, we found that monotropein reduced the expression levels of P-NF-κB and P-AP-1. In conclusion, our data suggest that monotropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by mediating the activity of NF-κB, AP-1, reducing the level of inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus resisting the development of atherosclerosis. These findings demonstrate the efficacious therapeutic impact of monotropein on atherosclerosis and elucidate its specific target.
7.Monotropein resists atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells
Hongliang LI ; Bingqian YE ; Jiping TIAN ; Bofan WANG ; Yiwen ZHA ; Shuying ZHENG ; Tan MA ; Wenwen ZHUANG ; Won Sun PARK ; Jingyan LIANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):245-255
Monotropein is a compound classified into iridoid which is found in herbaceous plants Morindae officinalis. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-osteoarthritic activities. Previous study indicates that monotropein may have the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, although the related mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed the model of atherosclerosis by oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells and LDLR –/–mice given high-fat diet to investigate the effects of monotropein on atherosclerosis.Our results showed that monotropein treatment significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaques and necrotic cores in mice, inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and reduced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which in turn alleviated atherosclerosis. In addition, we found that monotropein reduced the expression levels of P-NF-κB and P-AP-1. In conclusion, our data suggest that monotropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by mediating the activity of NF-κB, AP-1, reducing the level of inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus resisting the development of atherosclerosis. These findings demonstrate the efficacious therapeutic impact of monotropein on atherosclerosis and elucidate its specific target.
8.Monotropein resists atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells
Hongliang LI ; Bingqian YE ; Jiping TIAN ; Bofan WANG ; Yiwen ZHA ; Shuying ZHENG ; Tan MA ; Wenwen ZHUANG ; Won Sun PARK ; Jingyan LIANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):245-255
Monotropein is a compound classified into iridoid which is found in herbaceous plants Morindae officinalis. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-osteoarthritic activities. Previous study indicates that monotropein may have the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, although the related mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed the model of atherosclerosis by oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells and LDLR –/–mice given high-fat diet to investigate the effects of monotropein on atherosclerosis.Our results showed that monotropein treatment significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaques and necrotic cores in mice, inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and reduced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which in turn alleviated atherosclerosis. In addition, we found that monotropein reduced the expression levels of P-NF-κB and P-AP-1. In conclusion, our data suggest that monotropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by mediating the activity of NF-κB, AP-1, reducing the level of inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus resisting the development of atherosclerosis. These findings demonstrate the efficacious therapeutic impact of monotropein on atherosclerosis and elucidate its specific target.
9.Monotropein resists atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells
Hongliang LI ; Bingqian YE ; Jiping TIAN ; Bofan WANG ; Yiwen ZHA ; Shuying ZHENG ; Tan MA ; Wenwen ZHUANG ; Won Sun PARK ; Jingyan LIANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):245-255
Monotropein is a compound classified into iridoid which is found in herbaceous plants Morindae officinalis. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-osteoarthritic activities. Previous study indicates that monotropein may have the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, although the related mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed the model of atherosclerosis by oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells and LDLR –/–mice given high-fat diet to investigate the effects of monotropein on atherosclerosis.Our results showed that monotropein treatment significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaques and necrotic cores in mice, inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and reduced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which in turn alleviated atherosclerosis. In addition, we found that monotropein reduced the expression levels of P-NF-κB and P-AP-1. In conclusion, our data suggest that monotropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by mediating the activity of NF-κB, AP-1, reducing the level of inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus resisting the development of atherosclerosis. These findings demonstrate the efficacious therapeutic impact of monotropein on atherosclerosis and elucidate its specific target.
10.Monotropein resists atherosclerosis by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells
Hongliang LI ; Bingqian YE ; Jiping TIAN ; Bofan WANG ; Yiwen ZHA ; Shuying ZHENG ; Tan MA ; Wenwen ZHUANG ; Won Sun PARK ; Jingyan LIANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):245-255
Monotropein is a compound classified into iridoid which is found in herbaceous plants Morindae officinalis. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-osteoarthritic activities. Previous study indicates that monotropein may have the potential to combat cardiovascular disease, although the related mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed the model of atherosclerosis by oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cells and LDLR –/–mice given high-fat diet to investigate the effects of monotropein on atherosclerosis.Our results showed that monotropein treatment significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaques and necrotic cores in mice, inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, and reduced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which in turn alleviated atherosclerosis. In addition, we found that monotropein reduced the expression levels of P-NF-κB and P-AP-1. In conclusion, our data suggest that monotropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells by mediating the activity of NF-κB, AP-1, reducing the level of inflammation and oxidative stress, and thus resisting the development of atherosclerosis. These findings demonstrate the efficacious therapeutic impact of monotropein on atherosclerosis and elucidate its specific target.

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