1.Mechanistic study of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside in improving nephrotic syndrome via regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 pathway
Yifan TAO ; Chundong SONG ; Xu WANG ; Chong ZHANG ; Ying SU ; Xidong JIA ; Haoran JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):602-606
OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside (TWM) on nephrotic syndrome in rats. METHODS The nephrotic syndrome model was established by intravenous injection of adriamycin via the tail vein. The modeling rats were randomly divided into the model group (distilled water), prednisone group (10 mg/kg), and TWM high- and low-dose groups (10 and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Additionally, blank group (distilled water) without model induction was established. Each group consisted of 9 rats. Rats in each group were administered the corresponding drugs or distilled water by gavage, once a day, for 6 consecutive weeks. The histopathological morphology of kidney tissues in rats was observed; the levels of 24-hour urinary protein (24 h-UTP) and serum biochemical indicators [albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), cholesterol (CHOL), and triglyceride (TG)] in rats were determined; the levels of oxidative stress indicators [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA)] in kidney tissue of rats were determined; expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/microRNA-155-5p (miR-155-5p)/nuclear factor erythriod 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-related mRNA and protein in the renal tissues of rats were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the rats in the model group exhibited disordered renal tissue structure, with a small amount of glomerular necrosis and edema of the renal tubular epithelial cells. 24 h-UTP, serum levels of SCr, BUN, CHOL and TG, MDA content, mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α and Keap1 as well as the expression of miR-155-5p in renal tissues were increased significantly ( P <0.05). Serum level of ALB, SOD level in renal tissue as well as mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2 were decreased significantly ( P <0.05). Compared with the model group, TWM high-dose and low-dose groups exhibited significant improvements in renal injury, with notable reversals in the levels of the above quantitative indicators ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS TWM can alleviate oxidative stress-induced damage and thereby improve nephrotic syndrome in rats by regulating the HIF-1α/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 signaling pathway.
2.Efficient Loading and Targeted Delivery of Plant Exosomes
Meng XU ; Long-Jiao ZHU ; Jie LI ; Chong-Bin LEI ; Yang-Zi ZHANG ; Hong-Tao TIAN ; Wen-Tao XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1597-1608
Plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) are nanoscale extracellular vesicles secreted by plant cells, characterized by a lipid bilayer structure. These vesicles carry a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, and play essential roles in intercellular communication and physiological regulation in plants. Compared to animal-derived extracellular vesicles, PDEVs offer several advantages, such as a broad range of sources, high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and low production costs. Furthermore, PDEVs have demonstrated remarkable potential as natural nanocarriers for drug delivery, due to their ability to efficiently traverse biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, making them promising candidates for drug delivery systems. This review systematically elaborates on the complex composition of PDEVs, which consists of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, the typical structural characteristics of their lipid bilayers ranging from 30 to 150 nm, and their versatile loading capabilities as drug carriers, efficiently encapsulating various types of therapeutic agents such as hydrophilic small molecules, hydrophobic drugs, nucleic acids, and proteins. We systematically summarize the recent advancements in strategies for enhancing the loading efficiency of PDEVs, which include methods such as co-incubation, ultrasound-assisted loading, electroporation, freeze-thaw cycles, and microfluidic technology. These techniques are evaluated based on their underlying principles, suitable drug types, and their respective advantages. In addition to loading strategies, we focus on the engineered approaches to achieve targeted delivery using PDEVs, such as genetic engineering modifications, chemical ligand conjugation, membrane fusion technology, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. We discuss the mechanisms of these strategies in enhancing targeting efficiency, prolonging in vivo circulation time, and improving therapeutic efficacy. Further, this review highlights the application of PDEVs in various disease models, including tumor, skin inflammation, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, showcasing their therapeutic potential as multifunctional delivery platforms. The ability of PDEVs to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents and target specific tissues or cells opens up new avenues for the treatment of complex diseases, offering advantages over conventional drug delivery systems. However, despite the promising applications of PDEVs, several challenges remain in their development and clinical translation. These challenges include variability in source materials, standardization of preparation processes, quality control, scalability of production, and the need for clinical validation. To overcome these obstacles, the integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence-assisted design and multi-omics analysis is proposed as a way to facilitate the precise development of PDEVs. These emerging technologies hold the potential to further enhance the precision and effectiveness of plant-based drug delivery systems, ultimately advancing the field of precision medicine. In conclusion, the use of PDEVs as a platform for drug delivery represents a promising area of research with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies. Their ability to encapsulate and deliver a wide variety of bioactive molecules, along with their inherent advantages in biocompatibility and versatility, makes them a valuable tool in the development of more efficient and targeted therapeutic interventions. Continued research and innovation in this field will pave the way for the clinical implementation of PDEVs in the treatment of various diseases, offering new hope for more effective and sustainable therapeutic options.
3.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
4.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
5.Intelligent handheld ultrasound improving the ability of non-expert general practitioners in carotid examinations for community populations: a prospective and parallel controlled trial
Pei SUN ; Hong HAN ; Yi-Kang SUN ; Xi WANG ; Xiao-Chuan LIU ; Bo-Yang ZHOU ; Li-Fan WANG ; Ya-Qin ZHANG ; Zhi-Gang PAN ; Bei-Jian HUANG ; Hui-Xiong XU ; Chong-Ke ZHAO
Ultrasonography 2025;44(2):112-123
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations.
Methods:
This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits.
Results:
Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01).
Conclusion
Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.
6.Determination of Trace N-nitrosopropranolol in Propranolol Hydrochloride Sustained Release Tablets by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS
Changchuan GUO ; Songsong WEN ; Dengyi LYU ; Weijian WANG ; Shujuan YANG ; Chong NIU ; Yuwen XU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(4):628-633
Objective To establish a ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Orbitrap HRMS)method for the determination of the genotoxic impurity N-nitroso propranolol(NPPN)in propranolol hydrochloride sustained-release tablets.Methods The test sample was ultrasonically extracted using methanol as the solvent,then centrifuged and filtered before injection analysis.Chromatographic separation was performed using a 2.7 μm particle size C18 UHPLC column with a mobile phase of 0.1%formic acid(A)in water and 0.1%formic acid(B)in acetonitrile,using gradient elution.Mass spectrometry was conducted with an HESI ion source in positive ion parallel reaction monitoring(PRM)scan mode,monitoring the NPPN fragment ion at m/z 72.080 8,and quantification was performed using the standard curve method.Results The calibration curve was in good linearity in the range of 0.51-20.30 ng·mL-1 with excellent correlation coefficient(r)of 0.9999.The recoveries of NPPN at three levels(low,medium,and high)were in the range of 95.4%~98.3%,while the RSDs were from 2.5%to 4.2%.The limit of detection(LOD)was 0.20 ng·mL-1 while the limit of quantitfication(LOQ)was 0.51 ng·mL-1.This analytical method was used to determine NPPN in six batches of propranolol hydrochloride sustained release tablet samples.NPPN was detected in all six samples,among which the detection amount of 3 batches have exceeded the acceptable limit.Conclusion This method is sensitive,accurate,and fast,making it useful for pharmaceutical companies in controlling production processes and providing robust technical support for regulatory authorities.
7.Application of cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection in treating small colorectal polyps
Fei DING ; Hao GUO ; Chong-bin QI ; Shao-jun XU ; Feng LI ; Ping WU ; Qing DONG
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(4):333-337
Objective To investigate the application effect of cold snare endoscopic mucosal resection(CS-EMR)in the treatment of 6 to 9 mm colorectal small polyps.Methods A total of 82 patients with small colonic polyps in our hospital from March 2022 to August 2023 were collected and divided into the observation group(45 cases received CS-EMR)and the control group[37 cases received hot snare endoscopic mucosal resection(HS-EMR)]according to different surgical methods.The clinical efficacy,polyp resection status,complete polyp resection rate,perioperative indicators and occurrence of complications were compared between the two groups.Results Follow-up for 1 month after operation,the effective rate of treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the polyp resection status or perioperative indicators between the two groups(P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the complete polyp resection rates of patients with different pathological types or total complete resection rate between the two groups(P>0.05).The incidence of delayed bleeding and endoscopic hemostasis rate in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The complete resection rate of 6~9 mm colorectal polyps through CS-EMR was comparable to that of HS-EMR,and CS-EMR has a better efficacy and lower risk of perioperative bleeding,along with higher safety.
8.Urinary continence and short-term oncologic efficacy of total prostatic urethral preservation(TPUP)technique in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Xiangrong YING ; Ke GAO ; Zibin XU ; Haojie ZHANG ; Chong SHEN ; Yu REN ; Zhengang LUO ; Gangfeng WU
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(10):764-768
Objective:To explore the short-term oncological efficacy of the total prostatic urethra preservation(TPUP)technique in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and its impact on postoperative urinary continence rate.Methods:The clinical data of 17 prostate cancer patients admitted to Shaoxing People’s Hospital from July 2023 to July 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The age was(70.5 ± 6.5)years,the body mass index was(23.6 ± 2.5)kg/m 2,and the prostate-specific antigen(PSA)level was(7.845 ± 3.929)ng/ml. The preoperative biopsy pathological Gleason score were 6 in 8 cases,and 7 in 9 cases. All patients underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy,and the TPUP technique was used during the operation. The integrity of the preserved urethra was improved by preserving the prostatic surgical capsule closely attached to the corpus spongiosum of the urethra. During the operation,the urethra was completely preserved in 2 cases,nearly completely preserved in 14 cases,and partially preserved in 1 case. The recovery of urinary continence on the day of catheter removal and at 1 and 3 months after the operation was recorded. Recovery of urinary continence was defined as pad within 24 hours. PSA was re - examined at 6 weeks and 3 months after the operation. Results:All 17 operations in this study were successfully completed. The operation time was(143.6 ± 31.6)minutes,and the intraoperative blood loss was 50.0(20.0,50.0)ml. None of the cases was converted to open surgery,and no Clavien - Dindo grade ≥ 2 complications such as blood transfusion or intestinal injury occurred during the peri-operative period. The PSA levels at 6 weeks and 3 months after the operation were 0.054(0.008,0.215)ng/ml and 0.008(0.005,0.037)ng/ml,respectively. The indwelling catheter time after the operation was(13.4 ± 2.1)days. The number of cases with recovered urinary continence on the day of catheter removal and at 1 and 3 months after the operation was 10,15,and 17,respectively.Conclusions:The TPUP technique in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy leads to good recovery of postoperative urinary continence,and there is a slowly PSA decrease in the short term.
9.Analysis of the clinical efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis complicated with asthma
Hongmei ZOU ; Yumeng ZHAO ; Hehua HUANG ; Chong XU ; Xinzhuo WANG ; Wenchao GUAN ; Ruonan CHAI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(6):825-833
Objective:To investigate clinical efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) complicated with asthma.Methods:A self-controlled study before and after treatment was conducted to retrospectively analyze 45 patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis combined with asthma who received dupilumab in the respiratory allergy clinic of North Theater Command General Hospital from January 2021 to May 2024, which age ≥12 years, including 27 males, 18 females. The treatment period was 4 to 12 months. All patients were treated with dupilumab combined with inhaled glucocorticoids and long-acting beta2-receptor agonists, as well as symptomatic drugs for atopic dermatitis. Analyze the clinical data of the patients before and after treatment, including lung function, asthma and AD-related assessment scales. Generalized estimation equation was used to analyze the simple effect of time on the repeated measurement data following non-normal distribution, and Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the differences of each observation index before and after treatment.Results:Among 45 patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis complicated with asthma, after treatment with dupilumab, the FEV 1 increased from 2.39 (1.87, 2.83) L at baseline to 2.50 (1.84, 2.97) L 3 months after treatment ( Z=2.417, P=0.016), 2.60 (1.95, 3.14) L 6 months after treatment ( Z=2.896, P=0.004); the FEV 1pred% increased from 74.10% (67.70%, 78.75%) at baseline to 77.09% (68.40%, 80.24%) at 3 months after treatment ( Z=2.574, P=0.010), and 77.20% (71.10%, 80.72%) at 6 months after treatment ( Z=2.861, P=0.004). Meanwhile, there were statistically significant differences in the ACT and Mini-AQLQ scales at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment compared with those before treatment (ACT score Z=3.170, 4.216, 5.723; Mini-AQLQ score Z=3.231, 4.133, 5.826; all P<0.05). The EASI scale decreased from baseline 25.90 (18.95, 33.45) to 6.20 (1.15, 8.35) at 4 months after treatment ( Z=5.842, P<0.05) and 4.90 (2.75, 8.35) at 6 months after treatment ( Z=5.841, P<0.05), 4.00 (3.15, 5.05) at 12 months after treatment ( Z=5.841, P<0.05); The scores of each scale of IGA, NRS and DLQI decreased significantly compared with the baseline after 4 months, 6 months and 12 months of treatment, and this trend became more obvious with the extension of treatment time. The differences were statistically significant (IGA score Z=6.247, 6.070, 5.946; NRS score Z=5.960, 5.893, 5.879; DLQI score Z=5.880, 5.850, 5.848; all P<0.05). During treatment, 1 patient had local adverse reactions at the injection site and 1 patient had conjunctivitis. Conclusion:Dupilumab may have a positive effect on improving the clinical efficacy of patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis complicated with asthma. During the 12-month observation period, this biological agent generally demonstrated good safety characteristics.
10.Validation of the effectiveness of leaf position data for the linear accelerator log file
Chenlu LIU ; Xiaotong WANG ; Long SUN ; Chong XU ; Bo XUE ; Xiaohua YANG ; Guoping SHAN
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology 2025;34(8):796-803
Objective:To validate the effectiveness of the leaf position data of multi-leaf collimator (MLC) recorded in the Infinity medical linear accelerator log file (LF).Methods:In this study, the establishment of the film dose calibration curve involved two steps. Initially, the pixel values obtained from scanning the film were converted into net optical density values. Subsequently, a sixth-order polynomial fit was performed on the net optical density and dose data. The picket fence (PF) tests were performed on the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and film, and the corresponding acquired PF test images were analyzed using the relative leaf travel distance, relative leaf position, relative leaf pair full-width half -maximum (FWHM), and relative leaf pair neighbor region width analysis index, and compared with the relevant results in LF. In addition, to investigate the effect of gravity on the recorded leaf position data by the Infinity medical linear accelerator LF, the above PF tests were executed at 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270° gantry angles, respectively. Intergroup differences were assessed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.Results:The film dose calibration curve demonstrated high goodness-of-fit, with a correlation coefficient ( R2) of 0.9994. Across all gantry angles, the dispersion of overall leaf position data for EBT3 film, EPID, and LF followed a consistent pattern based on four analysis metrics: EBT3 film > EPID > LF. Moreover, for each analysis metric, inter-tool differences in standard deviations of results were consistently below 0.1 mm, and this pattern was invariant to gantry angle. Conclusions:The leaf position data recorded in the Infinity medical linear accelerator LF have a high degree of accuracy, and can be used as reference for the actual position of the MLC leaf. Furthermore, gravitational forces exhibit negligible impact on leaf position data acquired via LF.

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