1.Huangqi Jianzhongtang Regulates Polarization of Macrophages M1/M2 and Improves Fat Consumption in Cancer Cachexia Mice
Zhiyan FANG ; Haiyan ZHU ; Wenying HUAI ; Cong HUANG ; Ruocong YANG ; Haiyan YU ; Tiane ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):61-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huangqi Jianzhongtang (HQJZ) on macrophage polarization and fat consumption in cancer cachexia (CC) mice. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to control the quality of HQJZ. (1) In vitro experiment: HQJZ-containing serum was prepared, and the optimal concentration was determined by cytotoxicity assay. Mouse monocyte-derived macrophages (RAW264.7) were cultured and randomly divided into six groups, including a blank group, a classically activated macrophages (M1) group, an alternatively activated macrophages (M2) group, a HQJZ + blank group, a HQJZ+M1 group, and a HQJZ + M2 group. The relative expression of macrophage marker genes CD86, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg1) was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR ). (2) In vivo experiment: Thirty-two BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) group, and a HQJZ group. Except for the control group, the other mice were injected with CT-26 colon cancer cells to establish a CC model. Mice in the MPA and HQJZ groups were given MPA (0.13 g·kg-1·d-1) or HQJZ (13.13 g·kg-1·d-1) by gavage, respectively, while mice in the control and model groups were given an equal volume of saline by gavage, with interventions continued for 10 d. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of macrophage markers (iNOS, Arg1, CD86, CD206) and fat browning-related genes uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in epididymal adipose tissue. Western blot (WB) was used to detect protein expression levels of UCP1 and PPARγ. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to measure residual fat volume, and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to assess fat browning and calculate pathological scores. ResultsIn vitro, the dominant effective concentration of HQJZ-containing serum was 12.5%. Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the blank group, Arg1 expression decreased in the HQJZ+blank group (P<0.05), CD206 showed a downward trend without statistical significance, while iNOS and CD86 expression were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the M1 group, Arg1 and CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M1 group (P<0.05). Compared with the M2 group, CD206 expression decreased in the HQJZ+M2 group (P<0.05), CD86 expression increased significantly (P<0.01). In vivo, Real-time PCR results showed that, compared with the control group, CD86 and CD206 expression levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, CD206 expression in the MPA group was significantly decreased (P<0.01). In the HQJZ group, CD206 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the model group, protein expression of UCP1 and PPARγ was significantly reduced in the HQJZ group (P<0.05, P<0.01). micro-CT results showed that the total white fat volume in the HQJZ group was greater than that in the model group (P<0.05). HE staining results showed that pathological scores in the HQJZ group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionHQJZ may inhibit white adipose tissue browning by promoting macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing M2 polarization, thereby delaying fat consumption in CC mice.
2.Trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021
MA Rongjiao ; HUANG Hanyan ; ZHU Manyu ; LIU Rui ; SHI Fang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):89-92
Objective:
To investigate the trend in disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco in China from 1990 to 2021, so as to provide the basis for improving intervention measures of asthma.
Methods:
Data on asthma-related mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) attributable to tobacco among adults aged ≥30 years in China from 1990 to 2021 were collected from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate were calculated using the GBD world standard population structure to analyze the tobacco-attributable asthma burden. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was employed to evaluate temporal trends in the age-standardized mortality and DALY rate from 1990 to 2021.
Results:
In China, the age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco decreased from 0.73/100 000 and 22.20/100 000 in 1990 to 0.17/100 000 and 6.64/100 000 in 2021, showing downward trends (AAPC=-4.603% and -3.888%, both P<0.05). Among males, the tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate declined from 1.44/100 000 and 41.05/100 000 in 1990 to 0.36/100 000 and 12.79/100 000 in 2021 (AAPC=-4.369% and -3.810%, both P<0.05). Among females, the corresponding rates decreased from 0.21/105 and 5.37/105 to 0.03/105 and 1.08/105 (AAPC=-6.074% and -5.074%, both P<0.05). In 2021, males had higher tobacco-attributable age-standardized mortality and age-standardized DALY rate for asthma than females. Both the mortality and DALY rate of asthma attributable to tobacco increased with age, peaking in the age group ≥80 years at 7.84/100 000 and 112.07/100 000, respectively.
Conclusion
From 1990 to 2021, the disease burden of asthma attributable to tobacco showed a declining trend in China, with males and elderly population aged ≥80 years bearing a relatively heavier disease burden.
3.Advancements in the diagnosis and treatment strategies for molar-incisor hypomineralization
ZHAO Fang ; WANG Xin ; HUANG Jinwei ; LIU Jingping ; XU He
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):292-301
Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental defect of enamel that is characterized primarily by abnormal enamel mineralization affecting the first permanent molars and permanent incisors. Due to insufficient mineralization, teeth affected by MIH are prone to post-eruptive breakdown and caries, potentially leading to sequelae such as tooth sensitivity and occlusal problems. The diagnosis of MIH is primarily based on relevant perinatal and infantile medical history, the characteristic distribution of affected teeth, and the morphological features of the enamel defects. Based on the extent and severity of the enamel defect, MIH is classified as mild or severe. Diagnosis and treatment strategies emphasize early screening, diagnosis, and intervention, prioritizing prevention, providing symptomatic care, and implementing regular recall assessments. Mild MIH predominantly manifests as demineralized enamel opacities or discoloration, typically without significant enamel breakdown. Treatment focuses on caries prevention and aesthetic restoration, employing techniques such as remineralization, micro-abrasion, resin infiltration, bleaching, fluoride application, and fissure sealants. Severe MIH typically presents with extensive enamel opacities accompanied by substantial enamel breakdown and may be complicated by caries and tooth sensitivity. Management primarily involves restoring the structural defects or, for teeth that cannot be preserved, extraction followed by orthodontic treatment. Comprehensive management often requires a multimodal approach integrating various therapeutic modalities to restore both the function and aesthetics of the affected teeth and overall dentition. This article provides a review of advancements in diagnosis and the treatment strategies for MIH, offering a reference for clinical practice.
4.Prognostic Factors of Liposarcoma in Head and Neck
Shuo DING ; Zhigang HUANG ; Jugao FANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Lizhen HOU ; Wei GUO ; Gaofei YIN ; Qi ZHONG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(1):31-35
Objective To explore the pathogenesis and prognostic factors of liposarcoma in the head and neck region, and simultaneously analyze the efficacy of different treatment regimens. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with primary untreated head and neck liposarcoma who were diagnosed and underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from January 2008 to January 2024. All patients were monitored during follow-up, and their prognoses were analyzed using SPSS software. Results A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Liposarcoma accounted for up to 60% of the cases in the orbit, while the remaining liposarcomas were primarily located in various interspaces of the neck. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common type, comprising 33%, while myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma was the rarest at 4%. The tumor pathological type (P<0.001) and Ki67 (P=0.014) significantly affected the tumor control rate. However, an analysis of disease-specific survival rates revealed no significant differences across various factors (all P>0.05). Conclusion The prognosis of head and neck liposarcoma is better compared to that of liposarcomas in other parts of the body. However, myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, pleomorphic fat sarcoma, and high Ki67 levels are indicators of poor prognosis. Additionally, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy does not significantly enhance disease-specific survival rates.
5.Study on relationships of MS4A1 gene polymorphism with blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Feng SHI ; Tao LIU ; He HUANG ; Caifu FANG ; Shaoxing GUAN ; Zhang ZHANG ; Zhao WANG ; Xiaojie FANG ; Zhuojia CHEN ; Shu LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1641-1647
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of CD20 coding gene (MS4A1) polymorphism on the blood concentration and efficacy of rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted on 160 newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients who received the R-CHOP regimen at the Sun Yat Sen University Cancer Center from January 2016 to December 2020, with a minimum follow-up period of approximately 5 years. The blood concentration of rituximab was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MS4A1 tagSNPs were selected by Haploview4.2 software, including rs1051461, rs17155034, rs4939364, and rs10501385. The genotype of MS4A1 was detected by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Univariate linear regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between various factors(demographic, clinical, and genotypic variables) in patients and the steady-state trough concentration of rituximab during the first course of treatment, followed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Using MS4A1 genotype and tumor stage as independent variables, Cox regression model was employed to evaluate the factors influencing patient prognosis. RESULTS The blood concentration of rituximab in MS4A1 rs10501385 CC carriers was 15.20 μg/mL,which was significantly lower than 21.95 μg/mL in AA+AC carriers (P<0.05). The multivariate linear regression model incorporating tumor stage and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism explained 7.3% of the interindividual variability in rituximab concentrations. Compared with MS4A1 rs1051461 CC carriers, CT+TT carriers had significantly prolonged PFS and OS (P<0.05). The Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the MS4A1 rs1051461 CC genotype (HR=4.406, 95%CI:1.743-11.137, P<0.05) and tumor Ⅲ&Ⅳ (HR=3.233, 95%CI: 1.413-7.399, P<0.05) were independent risk factors for PFS. CONCLUSIONS The tumor staging and MS4A1 rs10501385 polymorphism are key influencing factors for blood concentration of rituximab, and MS4A1 rs1051461 polymorphism significantly affects PFS in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.
6.Therapeutic effect and mechanism of hordenine on ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis in rats
Junyan LI ; Tao LIU ; Fang SUN ; Jiahui HUANG ; Shuzhen MAO ; Jing YAO
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2025;56(1):80-90
To investigate the therapeutic effect and related mechanisms of hordenine on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis (AR) in rats, HE and AB-PAS staining were used to detect the improvement of pathological damage to the nasal mucosa induced by hordenine. ELISA was employed to detect the effect of hordenine on OVA-sIgE in serum and IL-4 in the nasal mucosa supernatant of rats. IHC and Western blot experiments were undertaken to examine the effect of hordenine on Th1/Th2 cell balance. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict pathways, which were verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. The experimental results showed that hordenine could alleviate the behavioral manifestations of OVA-induced AR rats, alleviate nasal mucosal pathological damage caused by AR, and reduce the secretion of OVA-sIgE and IL-4. In addition, hordenine could regulate the Th1/Th2 balance. Bioinformatics analysis results showed that the potential pathway of action of hordenine on AR was the phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway. The in vivo experimental results showed that the expression of PI3K and p-Akt proteins in the nasal mucosa of the model group rats was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and that the protein expression level was significantly decreased after the administration of hordenine, which was also confirmed by an in vitro experiment. This study suggests that hordenine may regulate Th1/Th2 cell balance through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby exerting an alleviating effect on OVA-induced AR.
7.Efficacy of pudendal nerve modulation in the treatment of female pudendal neuralgia
Ziqin ZHOU ; Xin SONG ; Yinjun GU ; Tingting LYU ; Weilin FANG ; Jin HUANG ; Jianwei LYU ; Zhikang CAI ; Zhong WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(5):395-399
Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of pudendal nerve modulation (PNM) in the treatment of female pudendal neuralgia (PN),so as to promote the clinical application of this technique. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 female PN patients who failed conservative treatment at Gongli Hospital during Nov.2020 and Oct.2023.All patients underwent simultaneous PNM and sacral nerve modulation (SNM) with the assistance of 3D printing navigation.Dual-stage test electrodes for PNM and SNM were implanted,followed by alternate therapeutic trial for each modality.Secondary conversion rates and longitudinal outcomes,including visual analogue score (VAS),patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9),and quality of life (QoL) scores were compared preoperatively,post-stage Ⅰ,and at 3,6,and 12 months post-stage Ⅱ. Results: All operations were successful.After the trial phase,the secondary conversion rate for PNM was significantly higher than that for SNM; 16 patients (16/20,80%) chose the second-phase PNM implantation surgery,3 (3/20,15%) chose second-phase SNM implantation,and 1 (1/20,5%) had electrodes removed due to ineffective results from both trials.Further assessment revealed that the improvements in VAS,PHQ-9,and QoL scores for PNM patients were significantly better than those for SNM patients after the first phase of surgery and at 3,6 and 12 months after the second-phase conversion (P<0.05).No complications such as electrode migration or infection were observed during the follow-up of 12-15 months. Conclusion: PNM provides more effective relief of pain symptoms and improvements in depressive states for female PN patients compared to SNM.With the assistance of 3D printing navigation,the operation is simple and safe,and offers stable therapeutic effects.It is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
8.Mechanism of Shenqi guben formula in improving cancer-related fatigue by regulating IL-17 signaling pathway
Xin LI ; Chongkai FANG ; Yue HUANG ; Yaoxuan LI ; Haifu HUANG ; Xianlin WU ; Zhesheng CHEN ; Meng LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1722-1729
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Shenqi guben formula (SQGB) in improving cancer-related fatigue (CRF) based on network pharmacology and cellular experiments. METHODS Active components of SQGB and CRF-related targets were identified on the basis of databases such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology platform. An in vitro CRF cell model was established by inducing A549 cells with interleukin-17 (IL-17). Cells were treated with low (1.0 mg/mL) or high (1.5 mg/mL) concentrations of SQGB. The effects on cell viability, migration, apoptosis, inflammatory factors, mRNA expression, apoptosis-related proteins and key proteins 011) of IL-17 signaling pathway were evaluated using scratch assay, flow cytometry, ELISA, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS SQGB contained 84 active components acting on 209 potential CRF targets. Among E-these, quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin were identified as the core components of the compound. Core targets included tumor protein p53, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). IL-17, TNF and phosphatidylinositol-3- kinase-serine/threonine protein kinase (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways were identified as crucial pathways. Compared with IL-17 intervention group, the cell migration rate, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein expression, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the supernatant, mRNA expression of IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA), TNF-α, and IL-6, as well as the protein expression of IL-17RA and nuclear factor kappa-B p65 subunit (p65), and phosphorylated (p)-p65/p65 ratio in IL-17+SQGB low- and high- quality concentration groups were all significantly decreased or down-regulation (P<0.05); the apoptosis rate, expression levels of Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3 protein, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, the expression level of p-p38 protein, and the p- p38/p38 ratio were all significantly increased or up-regulated (P<0.05). Moreover, the improvement effects of these indicators were mostly better in the high-quality concentration groups compared to the low-quality concentration groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS SQGB ameliorates CRF by regulating the IL-17 signaling pathway, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors, and activating p38 MAPK-dependent apoptosis pathway.
9.Integration and innovation of wet granulation and continuous manufacturing technology: a review of on-line detection, modeling, and process scale-up.
Guang-di YANG ; Ge AO ; Yang CHEN ; Yu-Fang HUANG ; Shu CHEN ; Dong-Xun LI ; Wen-Liu ZHANG ; Tian-Tian WANG ; Guo-Song ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1484-1495
Continuous manufacturing, as an innovative pharmaceutical production model, offers advantages such as high production efficiency and ease of control compared to traditional batch production, aligning with the future trend of drug production moving toward greater efficiency and intelligence. However, the development of continuous manufacturing technology in wet granulation has been slow. On one hand, this is closely related to its high technical complexity, substantial equipment investment costs, and stringent process control requirements. On the other hand, the long-term use of the traditional batch production model has created strong path dependence, and the lack of mature standardized processes further increases the difficulty of technological transformation. To promote the deep integration of wet granulation technology with continuous manufacturing, this review systematically outlines the current application of wet granulation in continuous manufacturing. It focuses on the development of key technologies such as online detection, process modeling, and process scale-up, with the aim of providing a reference for process innovation and application in wet granulation.
Drug Compounding/instrumentation*
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Technology, Pharmaceutical/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Models, Theoretical
10.Medication rules and mechanisms of treating chronic renal failure by Jinling medical school based on data mining, network pharmacology, and experimental validation.
Jin-Long WANG ; Wei WU ; Yi-Gang WAN ; Qi-Jun FANG ; Yu WANG ; Ya-Jing LI ; Fee-Lan CHONG ; Sen-Lin MU ; Chu-Bo HUANG ; Huang HUANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(6):1637-1649
This study aims to explore the medication rules and mechanisms of treating chronic renal failure(CRF) by Jinling medical school based on data mining, network pharmacology, and experimental validation systematically and deeply. Firstly, the study selected the papers published by the inherited clinicians in Jinling medical school in Chinese journals using the subject headings named "traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) + chronic renal failure", "TCM + chronic renal inefficiency", or "TCM + consumptive disease" in China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database and screened TCM formulas for treating CRF according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study analyzed the frequency of use of single TCM and the four properties, five tastes, channel tropism, and efficacy of TCM used with high frequency and performed association rule and clustering analysis, respectively. As a result, a total of 215 TCM formulas and 235 different single TCM were screened, respectively. The TCM used with high frequency included Astragali Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Poria, and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(top 5). The single TCM characterized by "cold properties, sweet flavor, and restoring spleen channel" and the TCM with the efficacy of tonifying deficiency had the highest frequency of use, respectively. Then, the TCM with the rules of "blood-activating and stasis-removing" and "diuretic and dampness-penetrating" appeared. In addition, the core combination of TCM [(Hexin Formula, HXF)] included "Astragali Radix, Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Poria, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, and Angelicae Sinensis Radix". The network pharmacology analysis showed that HXF had 91 active compounds and 250 corresponding protein targets including prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2), PTGS1, sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 5(SCN5A), cholinergic receptor muscarinic 1(CHRM1), and heat shock protein 90 alpha family class A member 1(HSP90AA1)(top 5). Gene Ontology(GO) function analysis revealed that the core targets of HXF predominantly affected biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions such as positive regulation of transcription by ribonucleic acid polymerase Ⅱ and DNA template transcription, formation of cytosol, nucleus, and plasma membrane, and identical protein binding and enzyme binding. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) analysis revealed that CRF-related genes were involved in a variety of signaling pathways and cellular metabolic pathways, primarily involving "phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)-protein kinase B(Akt) pathway" and "advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products". Molecular docking results showed that the active components in HXF such as isomucronulatol 7-O-glucoside, betulinic acid, sitosterol, and przewaquinone B might be crucial in the treatment of CRF. Finally, a modified rat model with renal failure induced by adenine was used, and the in vivo experimental confirmation was performed based on the above-mentioned predictions. The results verify that HXF can regulate mitochondrial autophagy in the kidneys and the PI3K-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) signaling pathway activation at upstream, so as to alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and then delay the progression of CRF.
Data Mining
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Network Pharmacology
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Humans
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Kidney Failure, Chronic/metabolism*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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China


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