1.Acute medical emergency preparedness and associated factors in community pharmacies in Metro Manila, Philippines.
Rogie Royce Carandang ; Rev Angel Nañ ; asca ; Pia Noreen Tuazon ; Carl Lewis Hipolito ; Mark Palabay ; Azel Joshua Getape
Acta Medica Philippina 2026;60(4):35-43
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Community pharmacies are among the most accessible healthcare facilities and play a critical role during medical emergencies. While many countries have implemented structured emergency preparedness systems in pharmacies, such practices remain limited and under-researched in the Philippines. The lack of empirical data on pharmacy-based emergency readiness hampers efforts to strengthen their role in crisis response and inform context-specific policies and training programs. This study aimed to assess the level of medical emergency preparedness and its associated factors among community pharmacies in Metro Manila, Philippines.
METHODSA community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 533 Filipino community pharmacy staff, consisting of 38.8% pharmacy assistants/technicians, 36.8% branch/staff pharmacists, and 24.4% managers/ supervisors. Data was collected using a modified survey questionnaire administered online and face-to-face across various cities in Metro Manila. Self-efficacy and collective efficacy scales were utilized to assess medical emergency preparedness and linear regression models were employed to identify factors associated with preparedness in acute medical emergencies.
RESULTSCommunity pharmacies in Metro Manila are moderately prepared (overall mean scores: self-efficacy 3.65, collective efficacy 3.69 on a 1-5 scale) to respond to acute medical emergencies. Regression analysis shows that age, position, and training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and basic life support (BLS) are positively associated with self-efficacy. Conversely, the number of emergency equipment, pharmacy staff, and training experience are positively associated with collective efficacy.
CONCLUSIONSThe study’s findings highlight key factors influencing the preparedness of community pharmacies in Metro Manila. Pharmacies with staff trained in first aid and CPR/BLS, as well as those equipped with adequate emergency supplies, demonstrated significantly higher levels of preparedness for medical emergencies. These results emphasize the critical role of ongoing, comprehensive training for pharmacy personnel. Ensuring that all staff are properly trained to manage acute medical situations can greatly enhance emergency response and improve patient outcomes.
Human ; Collective Efficacy ; Pharmacies ; Community Pharmacies ; Civil Defense ; Emergency Preparedness
2.Nanopackaged Astaxanthin Improves Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Model Mice by Scavenging Excessive Endogenous Formaldehyde
Wan-Jia LÜ ; Xin ZENG ; Zhi-Qian TONG ; Yang XING ; Xu YANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Ping MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):442-457
ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS); however, its underlying neurological pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Endogenous formaldehyde (FA), a metabolic byproduct of methylation-demethylation cycles, has recently been implicated in neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether excessive FA contributes to myelin sheath demyelination in mice and to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of two FA-elimination strategies: sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a classical FA scavenger, and polyethylene glycol-modified astaxanthin nanoparticles (PEG-ATX@NPs), a brain-targeted nano-antioxidant formulation. MethodsA chronic demyelination model was established by feeding female C57BL/6J mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) for four weeks, followed by a two-week intervention period. Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: NS (normal saline), CPZ+NS, CPZ+NaHSO3, and CPZ+PEG-ATX@NPs. Behavioral tests, including open-field, Y-maze, and pole-climbing assays, were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, and working memory. FA levels in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were measured using an Na-FA fluorescent probe and quantified via in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Neuroinflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA, while oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity. Demyelination was examined via Luxol fast blue staining, and microglial activation was analyzed by Iba1 immunofluorescence. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships among FA levels, inflammatory cytokines, ROS intensity, and behavioral parameters. ResultsCompared with the NS group, mice in the CPZ+NS group exhibited significant weight loss, impaired motor coordination and memory, and markedly reduced myelin regeneration (P<0.05). FA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord (P<0.05). FA-associated fluorescence in brain and spinal tissues, as well as ROS intensity across all tissues examined, also increased substantially (P<0.05). CPZ treatment induced pronounced microglial activation and severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (P<0.01). Both NaHSO3 and PEG-ATX@NPs effectively reduced FA accumulation in the brain and spinal cord, attenuated demyelination, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved motor and cognitive performance. These results confirm that CPZ induced severe demyelination accompanied by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal FA accumulation. Following intervention with either NaHSO3 or PEG-ATX@NPs, endogenous FA levels in the CNS were substantially reduced. Both treatments alleviated demyelination and significantly decreased the number of activated microglia. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were downregulated. Behavioral performance improved significantly, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity, better coordination, and improved memory function. These findings indicate that both FA-scavenging agents mitigate CPZ-induced biochemical and behavioral abnormalities. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excessive endogenous FA is closely associated with cognitive impairment, inflammatory dysregulation, and demyelination in a CPZ-induced chronic demyelination mouse model. Clearing abnormally elevated FA effectively reduces neuroinflammation, suppresses microglial overactivation, decreases oxidative stress, and alleviates demyelination, ultimately improving motor and cognitive outcomes in mice. These results suggest that targeting endogenous FA represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS and other demyelinating disorders. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term safety, dosage optimization, and molecular pathways involved in FA-mediated neurotoxicity.
3.Nanopackaged Astaxanthin Improves Demyelination in Multiple Sclerosis Model Mice by Scavenging Excessive Endogenous Formaldehyde
Wan-Jia LÜ ; Xin ZENG ; Zhi-Qian TONG ; Yang XING ; Xu YANG ; Mei-Na WU ; Ping MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):442-457
ObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS); however, its underlying neurological pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Endogenous formaldehyde (FA), a metabolic byproduct of methylation-demethylation cycles, has recently been implicated in neurotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to investigate whether excessive FA contributes to myelin sheath demyelination in mice and to evaluate the protective effects and mechanisms of two FA-elimination strategies: sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3), a classical FA scavenger, and polyethylene glycol-modified astaxanthin nanoparticles (PEG-ATX@NPs), a brain-targeted nano-antioxidant formulation. MethodsA chronic demyelination model was established by feeding female C57BL/6J mice a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone (CPZ) for four weeks, followed by a two-week intervention period. Eighty mice were randomly assigned to four groups: NS (normal saline), CPZ+NS, CPZ+NaHSO3, and CPZ+PEG-ATX@NPs. Behavioral tests, including open-field, Y-maze, and pole-climbing assays, were conducted to assess locomotor activity, motor coordination, and working memory. FA levels in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were measured using an Na-FA fluorescent probe and quantified via in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Neuroinflammatory responses were evaluated by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA, while oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) fluorescence intensity. Demyelination was examined via Luxol fast blue staining, and microglial activation was analyzed by Iba1 immunofluorescence. Correlation analyses were performed to explore relationships among FA levels, inflammatory cytokines, ROS intensity, and behavioral parameters. ResultsCompared with the NS group, mice in the CPZ+NS group exhibited significant weight loss, impaired motor coordination and memory, and markedly reduced myelin regeneration (P<0.05). FA levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly elevated in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord (P<0.05). FA-associated fluorescence in brain and spinal tissues, as well as ROS intensity across all tissues examined, also increased substantially (P<0.05). CPZ treatment induced pronounced microglial activation and severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (P<0.01). Both NaHSO3 and PEG-ATX@NPs effectively reduced FA accumulation in the brain and spinal cord, attenuated demyelination, suppressed microglial activation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels, and improved motor and cognitive performance. These results confirm that CPZ induced severe demyelination accompanied by oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and abnormal FA accumulation. Following intervention with either NaHSO3 or PEG-ATX@NPs, endogenous FA levels in the CNS were substantially reduced. Both treatments alleviated demyelination and significantly decreased the number of activated microglia. Levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in serum, corpus callosum, and spinal cord were downregulated. Behavioral performance improved significantly, as evidenced by enhanced locomotor activity, better coordination, and improved memory function. These findings indicate that both FA-scavenging agents mitigate CPZ-induced biochemical and behavioral abnormalities. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that excessive endogenous FA is closely associated with cognitive impairment, inflammatory dysregulation, and demyelination in a CPZ-induced chronic demyelination mouse model. Clearing abnormally elevated FA effectively reduces neuroinflammation, suppresses microglial overactivation, decreases oxidative stress, and alleviates demyelination, ultimately improving motor and cognitive outcomes in mice. These results suggest that targeting endogenous FA represents a promising therapeutic strategy for MS and other demyelinating disorders. Further investigations are warranted to explore the long-term safety, dosage optimization, and molecular pathways involved in FA-mediated neurotoxicity.
4.Predictive model for perioperative blood transfusion risk in patients with scarred uterus during pregnancy undergoing cesarean section
Yurong CHEN ; Yan XING ; Na WANG ; Xia QI ; Yining ZHANG ; Ying CUI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):501-505
Objective: To investigate factors influencing perioperative blood transfusion in patients with scarred uterus during pregnancy undergoing cesarean section, construct and validate a transfusion risk prediction model, and provide evidence for preoperative assessment and blood management. Methods: Clinical data of 405 patients undergoing cesarean section for scarred uterus during pregnancy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2020 to December 2024 were retrospectively collected. The dataset was randomly divided into a training set (n=284) and a validation set (n=121) at a 7∶3 ratio. Within the training set, Firth-penalized logistic regression was employed for multivariate analysis to identify independent factors influencing perioperative blood transfusion and construct a predictive model. Model performance was evaluated in the validation set. Results: Multivariate Firth regression analysis showed that severe placenta previa (OR=75.566, 95%CI: 8.603-9979.174) and placenta accreta (OR=4.591, 95%CI: 1.120-19.416) were independent risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion, while preoperative red blood cell count (OR=0.189, 95%CI: 0.083-0.405) and fibrinogen levels (OR=0.588, 95%CI: 0.395-0.855) were protective factors. The predictive model constructed based on these four variables demonstrated good discriminatory performance, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.803 (95%CI: 0.740-0.867) and 0.753 (95%CI: 0.644-0.862) in the training and validation sets, respectively. Conclusion: For patients with scarred uterus during pregnancy undergoing cesarean section, severe placenta previa and placenta accreta significantly increase the risk of transfusion, while higher preoperative red blood cell count and fibrinogen levels exert a protective effect. The predictive model established in this study facilitates the identification of patients requiring transfusion, thereby enabling preoperative blood preparation and optimized blood management.
5.Non-correction in APTT correction test due to high-titer FⅧ inhibitors: a case report and literature review
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):552-556
Objective: To investigate the causes of patients with large-area bruising and hematoma on the left chest wall after fracture accompanied by significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), clarify the interference mechanism of high-titer factor Ⅷ (FⅧ) inhibitors on the APTT correction test, and provide references for clinicians to interpret test results and avoid misjudgment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of a patient with large-area bruising and hematoma on the left chest wall after fracture. Tests including APTT, prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen (FIB), FⅧ activity, and inhibitor titers were completed. The results of the APTT correction test were analyzed, and the interference characteristics were discussed along with a literature review. Results: On admission, the patient's APTT was 94.0 s, while PT and FIB were normal; the Rosner indices for APTT immediately and after 2 hours incubation at 37℃ were 55.11 and 53.21, respectively; FⅧ activity was 0.64%, and the inhibitor titers were 3 379 BU·mL
, confirming that the high-titer FⅧ inhibitors caused a 'pseudo' failure to correct in the APTT correction test. Conclusion: High-titer FⅧ inhibitors can lead to a 'pseudo' failure to correct in the APTT correction test. Clinicians need to complete relevant tests in a timely manner and make a comprehensive judgment based on symptoms to avoid missed diagnoses and misdiagnosis.
6.Signal mining for bleeding risk associated with the concomitant use of direct oral anticoagulants and triazole antifungals
Ziyang WU ; Ying ZHU ; Menghua ZHANG ; Na HE ; Qiong QIN ; Cheng XIE
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1185-1189
OBJECTIVE To assess the bleeding risk signals associated with the concomitant use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and triazole antifungals, and to provide pharmacovigilance evidence for the safety evaluation and monitoring of combined clinical use. METHODS Adverse event reports involving the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals were extracted from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2025. Nine bleeding-related preferred terms (PTs) were selected. The Ω shrinkage measure, additive model, multiplicative model, and combined risk ratio method were employed to detect drug-drug interaction signals. The strength of positive signals was further analyzed based on the Ω shrinkage measure. RESULTS A total of 790 adverse event reports involving the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals were included, among which 229 reports involved nine bleeding-related PTs. A total of 13 signals were consistently identified as posit ive by all four methods. These signals involved six drug combinations: apixaban-fluconazole, apixaban-posaconazole, rivaroxaban-itraconazole, dabigatran etexilate-fluconazole, apixaban-voriconazole, and dabigatran etexilate-itraconazole. The Ω shrinkage measure showed that the apixaban-posaconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for bleeding ( Ω =2.73, Ω 025 =2.05) and hemoptysis ( Ω =2.17, Ω 025 =0.83); the apixaban-fluconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for hematoma ( Ω =2.30, Ω 025 =1.47) and hematuria ( Ω =1.71, Ω 025 =0.74); the rivaroxaban-itraconazole combination exhibited stronger signals for epistaxis ( Ω =2.01, Ω 025 =0.90) and hematoma ( Ω =1.93, Ω 025 =0.42); no positive Ω signals were observed for intracranial hemorrhage or upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. CONCLUSION S This study suggests that the concomitant use of DOACs and triazole antifungals may increase the risk of bleeding-related events, with differences in signal strength and signal distribution across various drug combinations. In clinical practice, particular attention should be paid to the concomitant use of apixaban or rivaroxaban with strong cytochrome P450 3A4 or P-glycoprotein inhibitors such as posaconazole and itraconazole. For other DOAC-triazole antifungal combinations, close monitoring for bleeding-related manifestations and timely adjustment of anticoagulation or antifungal regimens are also warranted.
7.Nutritional insufficiency and appropriate catch-up growth in extremely preterm infants within 24 months of corrected age: a retrospective cohort study
Xiaoli QU ; Chunjin PENG ; Yixue ZHAO ; Yulan YANG ; Na LUO ; Ping WANG
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2026;64(1):68-76
Objective:To assess the status of undernutrition and appropriate catch-up growth in extremely preterm infants within 24 months of corrected age (CA).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 422 extremely preterm infants born at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Women and Children's Medical Center, Southern Medical University from January 2017 to December 2022 and followed up until 24 months of CA were enrolled. The extremely preterm infants were grouped by gestational age at birth (<25, 25-26, 27 weeks), birth weight (<500, 500-749, 750-999,≥1 000 g), weight for gestational age (large for gestational age (LGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA)) and sex. Weight data within 24 months of CA were collected every 3 months. Nutritional insufficiency, growth rate, and achievement of adequate catch-up growth were analyzed during the period from 0 to 24 months of CA. Z-score method was used to analyze data. Fenton 2013 preterm growth charts (Fenton 2013) were used before 40 weeks of corrected gestational age, and World Health Organization child growth standards (2009) fitted Z-scores were applied from 40 weeks of CA. Changes in weight Z-scores of extremely preterm infants from 0 to 24 months of CA were observed and compared, the occurrence of moderate to severe malnutrition and growth retardation was determined, nutritional insufficiency was assessed, and growth rate as well as the achievement of appropriate catch-up growth were analyzed. The Lambda-mu-sigma method combined with the Z-score fitting model was used to fit and analyze the distribution characteristics of weight percentiles in extremely preterm infants. The Chi-square test was used to compare differences among groups.Results:A total of 422 extremely preterm infants were included, with a gestational age at birth of 26.3(25.4, 27.2) weeks and a birth weight of (880±177) g. Among them, 238 were males and 184 were females; 36 cases (8.5%) were LGA, and 16 cases (3.8%) were SGA. During follow-up within 24 month of CA, 89 cases (21.1%) developed moderate to severe malnutrition. When compared separately among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups, there had both statistically differences in the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition ( χ2=42.94 and 9.17, both P<0.05). The incidence was the highest in the birth weight of CA<500 g group and the <25 weeks gestational age at birth group, while it was the lowest in the birth weight of CA≥1 000 g group and the 27 weeks gestational age at birth group in their respective groups. Growth retardation occurred in 5.2% (22/422). However, there had statistically differences in the incidence of growth retardation among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups, in each grouped time interval ( χ2=21.61 and 4.30, both P<0.05). The proportions of rapid growth were relatively high in the 0-3 months and 3-6 months of CA groups, which were 96 cases (27.4%) and 98 cases (26.6%), respectively. Overall, appropriate catch-up growth was achieved in 341 cases (80.8%) from 0 to 24 months of CA. There had statistically differences in the completion rate of appropriate catch-up growth among different birth weight and gestational age at birth groups ( χ2=23.65 and 7.08, both P<0.05). The completion rate was the highest in the birth weight of CA<500 g group and the <25 weeks of gestational age at birth group, while it was the lowest in the birth weight of CA≥1 000 g group and the 27 weeks of gestational age at birth group. Conclusions:The lower the birth weight and gestational age of extremely preterm infants, the higher the incidence of moderate to severe malnutrition and the lower the achievement rate of adequate catch-up growth within 24 months of CA. The period of 0-6 months of CA is the critical window for catch-up in extremely preterm infants.
8.Efficacy Connotation and Mechanisms of Shudi Qiangjin Pills Against Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head Based on "Disease-Syndrome-Formula" Association Network
Zhijian CHEN ; Suya ZHANG ; Longlong DING ; Guixin ZHANG ; Bo LIU ; Baohong MI ; Yanqiong ZHANG ; Na LIN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Chunzhu GONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):88-99
ObjectiveTo elucidate the efficacy connotation of Shudi Qiangjin pills (SQP) against liver and kidney deficiency in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (SONFH) from the perspective of the "disease-syndrome-formula" association and to clarify the underlying mechanisms based on in vivo and in vitro experiment validation. MethodsThe chemical components and the corresponding putative targets of SQP were collected from the Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) v2.0, and HERB databases. The SONFH-related genes were identified based on the differential expression profiles of peripheral blood of patients with SONFH compared to the healthy volunteers, and the disease phenotype-related targets were collected from the TCMIP v2.0 database. Then, the interaction network of "SONFH-related genes and candidate targets of SQP" was constructed based on "gene-gene interaction information", and the major network targets were screened by calculating the topological characteristic values of the network followed by the functional mining according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and the SoFDA database. After that, the SONFH rat model was prepared by lipopolysaccharide combined with methylprednisolone injection, and 2.5, 5, 7.5 g·kg-1 SQP (once per day, equivalent to 1, 2, and 3 times the clinical equivalent dose, respectively) or 7.3×10-3 g·kg-1 of alendronate sodium (ALS, once per week, equivalent to the clinical equivalent dose) was given for 8 weeks. The effect characteristics of SQP and ALS in the treatment of SONFH were evaluated by micro-computed tomography scanning, hematoxylin and eosin staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)staining, and a comparative efficacy analysis was conducted with ALS. In addition, SONFH cell models were prepared by dexamethasone stimulation of osteoblasts, and the intervention was carried out with the medicated serum of SQP at the aforementioned three doses. Cell counting kit-8, ALP staining, ALP activity assay, alizarin red staining, and flow cytometry were employed to investigate the regulatory effect of SQP on osteoblasts. The expression levels of osteogenesis-related proteins and key factors of the target signaling axis were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. ResultsThe network analysis results demonstrated that the candidate targets of SQP primarily exerted their therapeutic effects through key signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt), lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, prolactin, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors pathways. These pathways were significantly involved in critical biological processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the regulation of the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network, thereby addressing both modern medical symptoms (e.g., delayed skeletal maturation and recurrent fractures) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms (e.g., fatigue, aversion to cold, cold limbs, and pain in the limbs and joints in patients with SONFH characterized by liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. Among these pathways, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway exhibited the highest degree of enrichment. The in vivo experimental results demonstrated that starting from the 4th week after modeling, the modeling group exhibited a significant reduction in body weight compared to the control group (P<0.05). After six weeks of treatment, all dosage groups of SQP showed significantly higher body weights compared to the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significant decreases in bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), osteocalcin (OCN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in femoral head tissue, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) (P<0.01), along with significant increases in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), empty lacunae rate in tissue, and apoptosis rate (P<0.01). In comparison to the model group, the SQP intervention groups showed significant improvements in BMD, BV/TV and Tb.N (P<0.01), significant reductions in Tb.Sp, empty lacunae rate and apoptosis rate (P<0.05), and significant increases in protein levels of OCN and ALP as well as BALP content (P<0.05). The in vitro experimental results revealed that all dosage groups of SQP medicated serum showed no toxic effects on osteoblast. Compared with the normal group, the model group displayed significant suppression of osteoblast proliferation activity, ALP activity, and calcified nodule formation rate (P<0.01), significant decreases in mRNA transcription levels of OCN and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) (P<0.01), significant reductions in protein content of osteopontin (OPN), typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ)A1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), PI3K, and phosphorylated (p)-Akt (P<0.01), and a significant increase in apoptosis rate (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SQP medicated serum intervention groups exhibited significant increases in proliferation activity, ALP activity, calcified nodule formation rate, mRNA transcription levels of OCN and RUNX2, and protein content of OPN, ColⅠA1, Bcl-2, PI3K, and p-Akt (P<0.05), along with a significant decrease in apoptosis rate (P<0.01). ConclusionSQP can effectively reduce the disease severity of SONFH with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome and improve bone microstructure, with the therapeutic effects exhibiting a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism may be related to its regulation of key processes such as muscle and bone metabolism and the correction of imbalances in the "neuro-endocrine-immune" network, thereby promoting osteoblast differentiation and inhibiting osteoblast apoptosis. The PI3K/Akt signaling axis is likely one of the key pathways through which this formula exerts its effects.
9.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
10.Research progress on the mechanisms of oxidative stress in retinopathy of prematurity
Na LI ; Yirong QIN ; Yi ZHU ; Ribo PENG
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):45-49
Retinopathy of prematurity(ROP)is a leading cause of childhood blindness, with extremely preterm and very-low-birth-weight infants now constituting the main high-risk group. ROP progresses in two stages: early retinal microvascular degeneration and progressive vascular arrest, followed by abnormal neovascularization in the avascular area. Early oxidative and nitrosative stress—amplified by oxygen fluctuations and immature antioxidant defenses—drives the two-phase pathogenesis via hypoxia-inducible factor/vascular endothelial growth factor(HIF/VEGF), NOX/STAT3, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2(Nrf2)-antioxidant response element(ARE)pathways, mediating apoptosis of endothelial cells, damage to barrier and pathological angiogenesis. This review systematically analyzes different oxygen-induced retinopathy(OIR)models, elucidates key signaling pathways including Notch, Wnt in physiological and pathological vascularization, with particular emphasis on the biphasic effects of Nrf2 and the differential roles of NOX signaling between phases. We also discuss the limitations of anti-VEGF therapy and oxygen management principles. Reactive oxygen species(ROS)play context-dependent roles across vaso-obliteration and neovascularization phases. Based on mechanistic insights, we propose future directions including combined/sequential interventions, ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation targeting, nano-delivery systems for enhanced bioavailability, and perinatal safety assessment strategies, aiming to provide translatable mechanistic basis for reducing pathological neovascularization while promoting physiological vascular development.


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