1.Analysis of Pharmacodynamic Material Basis, Mechanisms, and Efficacy-related Quality Markers of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix with Different Therapeutic Effect
Xiaowei MENG ; Zhenzhen YANG ; Wenting WU ; Ronghua LIU ; Yongmei GUAN ; Hui OUYANG ; Liping HUANG ; Yaqi WANG ; Qiong LI ; Huanhuan DONG ; Jianping GONG ; Weifeng ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(18):269-281
Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix are the dried roots of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria thomsonii of the Leguminosae family, respectively. Since their separate inclusion in the 2005 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the two herbs have been individually recorded. Although they share the same functions and indications, the required content of puerarin differs by a factor of up to eightfold between them. The current quality standard relies solely on a single indicator, puerarin, which fails to reflect the correlation between chemical constituents and core therapeutic effects. This has resulted in prominent issues of mixed use in clinical practice and production, thereby constraining the high-quality development of the industry. Modern research has demonstrated that Puerariae Lobatae Radix contains a comprehensive range and higher content of isoflavonoid constituents, while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix is rich in starch and polysaccharides. Puerariae Lobatae Radix exhibits stronger effects in antipyresis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, and central analgesia, while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix demonstrates greater advantages in anti-inflammation, hypoglycemia, and peripheral analgesia. Based on this, the chemical material bases of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix at both the macromolecule and micromolecule levels were systematically reviewed and compared. The pharmacodynamic material bases and mechanisms of action underlying their three core therapeutic effects, namely "relieving exterior syndrome and clearing heat", "promoting fluid production to quench thirst", and "dredging channels and activating collaterals", were summarized. The most highly correlated common metabolic pathway shared by both herbs for these three therapeutic effects is the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, and their common core target is prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2). This review provided clinical application recommendations based on the therapeutic differences between the two herbs, elucidated the scientific connotation of their "same origin but different effects", and, grounded in the quality marker (Q-Marker), proposed the concept of efficacy-related Q-Marker based on "substance-efficacy-syndrome" association, as well as a novel strategy for efficacy-oriented quality evaluation. Preliminary screening of quality markers associated with different therapeutic effects was also conducted. This study aims to provide critical scientific evidence for the precise clinical application of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix, the improvement of quality standards, and the high-quality development of the industry.
2.Efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops for preventing dry eye after FS-LASIK
International Eye Science 2026;26(7):1152-1162
AIM: To explore the efficacy of 0.05% cyclosporine A(CsA)eye drops for preventing dry eye after femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK).METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled study, a total of 80 patients(80 eyes)who underwent FS-LASIK surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2025 to September 2025 were enrolled, and only the data from the right eye were included for analysis. Before surgery, these patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated sequence to a control group or an experimental group. All patients received standard postoperative treatment starting from postoperative day 1, including 0.5% levofloxacin eye drops, 0.1% fluorometholone eye drops, and 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops(four times daily for 3 mo). The experimental group additionally received 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops in addition to the standard treatment. The following parameters were compared between the two groups preoperatively and at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively: ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, numerical rating scale(NRS)for ocular symptoms, lipid layer thickness(LLT), meibomian gland dropout score, Schirmer's Ⅰ test(SⅠt), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score, non-invasive tear breakup time(NIBUT), and tear meniscus height(TMH). Confocal microscopy was employed to evaluate corneal nerve parameters, including corneal nerve fiber density(CNFD), corneal nerve branch density(CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length(CNFL), and corneal total branch density(CTBD), and to count Langerhans cell density(DCD). In addition, levels of interferon-gamma(IFN-γ), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9)in the tear were measured using liquid chip technology.RESULTS: A total of 72 patients completed the final follow-up, including 37 patients(15 males, 22 females, mean age 24.05±4.00 y)in the experimental group, 35 patients(16 males, 19 females, mean age 23.77±3.71 y)in the control group. At 1 and 3 mo postoperatively, the experimental group showed significantly lower OSDI scores, NRS eye pain scores, and CFS scores(all P<0.01), and significantly higher NIBUT and TMH values, compared with the control group. Confocal microscopy revealed that DCD was significantly lower in the experimental group at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively, whereas CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, and CTBD were significantly higher at 3 mo postoperatively(all P<0.01). Analysis of tear inflammatory cytokines showed that the levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-9 were significantly lower in the experimental group at 1 and 3 mo postoperatively compared with the control group(all P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that OSDI and NRS scores were negatively correlated with NIBUT, corneal nerve parameters(CNFD, CNBD, CNFL, CTBD), and corneal sensitivity(all P<0.01), and positively correlated with CFS scores, tear inflammatory cytokines(IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-9), and DCD(all P<0.01). Tear inflammatory cytokines were negatively correlated with corneal nerve parameters, NIBUT, and corneal sensitivity(all P<0.01), and positively correlated with CFS scores and DCD(all P<0.01). No significant correlations were observed among the remaining parameters(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Prophylactic use of 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops significantly improves dry eye symptoms and signs, suppresses ocular surface inflammation, and promotes the restoration of tear film stability in patients after FS-LASIK. Through its dual anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative effects, cyclosporine A constitutes an effective adjuvant therapy for reestablishing ocular surface microenvironment homeostasis after refractive surgery.
3.Initial experience with 30 cases of transurethral blue laser vaporization of prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia in a primary hospital
Fushen WANG ; Mingqiang HOU ; Binbin MAO ; Huanhuan CAI ; Qibo CAI
Journal of Modern Urology 2026;31(6):542-546
Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of transurethral blue laser vaporization of prostate (BVP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and to explore the feasibility of its promotion in primary hospitals. Methods Clinical data of 30 BPH patients undergoing BVP in our hospital during Sep. and Dec. 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The preoperative prostate volume, decrease in hemoglobin level 2 hours after operation, operation time, postoperative bladder irrigation time, catheter indwelling time, and intra-/postoperative complications were recorded. The changes of international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) were compared before operation and 6 months after operation. Results The mean prostate volume was (46.9±15.7) mL. BVP was successfully completed in 28 patients. The 2 unsuccessful cases (6.7%) converted to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) due to intraoperative bleeding. For the 28 successful cases, the median postoperative 2-hour hemoglobin decrease was 4 (2, 11) g/L, mean operation time (59.8±13.2) min, median postoperative bladder irrigation time 21 (18, 23) h, median postoperative catheter indwelling time 5 (5, 5) d, and median postoperative hospital stay 6 (5, 6) d. After catheter removal, urinary retention with infection occurred in 1 case (3.6%), and hemorrhage in 1 case (3.6%). No severe complications occurred during the perioperative period. At 6 months postoperatively, the 28 patients showed significant improvement compared to preoperative values in IPSS[11 (10, 11) vs. 22 (21, 26), P<0.001], QoL score[2 (2, 3) vs. 5 (5, 6), P<0.001], and Qmax[ (17.2±5.6) mL/s vs. (7.8±1.4) mL/s, P<0.001]. Conclusion BVP is a safe and effective treatment for BPH, offering advantages such as minimal blood loss, short operation time, and few complications. It effectively improves patients' lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life, and is recommended for promotion in primary hospitals.
4.Mechanisms of sesamin on the prevention and treatment of fatty liv-er disease in hypertensive rats with dyslipidemia based on mRNA-seq
Yundong WANG ; Xuening LI ; Moxuan LI ; Wenjing CAO ; Hao RONG ; Chen YANG ; Xue-rui ZHU ; Xinyu XU ; Ye WANG ; Ya ZHANG ; Huanhuan JIN ; Zongyuan HONG ; Junxiu ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025;30(7):876-888
AIM:To investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of sesamin(SES)on fatty liver disease in rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,and to explore the potential mecha-nisms based on mRNA-seq.METHODS:Spontane-ously hypertensive rats(SHRs)were fed a high-fat,high-cholesterol diet to establish a rat model of hy-pertension combined with dyslipidemia,and then treated with SES for 16 weeks continuously.The ex-periment was divided into four groups:WKY,SHR,Model,and Model+SES(160 mg·kg-1·d-1).Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method.Body weight was monitored,and body mass index was calculated.Liver morphology was detected by ultrasound,and liver thickness was measured.Liver wet weight was weighed,and liver index was calcu-lated.Liver volume was detected by the water dis-placement method.Serum triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate amino-transferase(AST),and total bile acids(TBA)were de-tected by ELISA.Liver sequencing analysis was per-formed using mRNA-seq.Liver histomorphological changes were observed by HE staining.The degree of hepatic steatosis was observed by Oil Red O stain-ing,and the degree of hepatic fibrosis was observed by MASSON staining.The mRNA expression of Al-dh1a7,Nnmt,Irs2,Pltp,and Scd was detected by q-PCR.The protein expression of Scd,Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ was detected by Western blotting.RESULTS:After 16 weeks of continuous SES administration to rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,blood pressure was significantly reduced(P<0.01),and body weight was decreased.Serum TG,TC,and LDL-C levels were decreased,while HDL-C levels were increased.Serum ALT and AST levels were decreased.Liver weight,organ in-dex,liver thickness,and liver volume were de-creased.The degree of hepatic steatosis and hepat-ic fibrosis was improved.A total of 545 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified in the livers of rats in each group,of which 278 were upregulated and 267 were downregulated.Among the 27 com-monly differentially expressed mRNAs,five mRNAs related to lipid metabolism were screened,namely Aldh1a7,Nnmt,Irs2,Pltp,and Scd.KEGG enrich-ment analysis showed that the enriched pathways were AMPK and PPAR.Further validation revealed that in the SES-treated group,the mRNA expression of Scd in the liver was decreased,while the mRNA expression of Nnmt was increased.The protein ex-pression of Scd was decreased,while the protein ex-pression of Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ was increased.CONCLUSION:SES has preven-tive and therapeutic effects on fatty liver disease in rats with hypertension combined with dyslipidemia,and its mechanism of action may be related to the reduction of Scd expression levels in the liver and the increase in the expression of Nnmt,AMPK,p-AMPK,PPARα,and PPARγ.
5.Effect of minimally invasive interbody fusion device height on lumbar biomechanics in patients with adolescent lumbar disc herniation
Ruofan ZHANG ; Huanhuan GUAN ; Zhuoqun HE ; Yunfeng ZHANG ; Feng JIN ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Jianzhong WANG ; Xiaohe LI ; Yong ZHU ; Haiyan WANG ; Kai ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(21):4421-4429
BACKGROUND:Adolescent lumbar disc herniation is the main cause of low back pain in adolescents. At present,most of them are treated by conservativetreatment. When long-term non-surgical treatment attempts,surgery may be necessary to prevent further injury when the patient's symptoms are notsufficiently relieved or when the patient has symptoms of single nerve paralysis or compression of the cauda equina,it is very important to choose a suitable interbody fusion device for the surgical treatment of the patients.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of minimally invasive interbody fusion with different heights on lumbar biomechanics in patients with adolescent lumbar disc herniation.METHODS:CT scans of a 17-year-old male patient with adolescent lumbar disc herniation (L4-5 segment herniation) were collected. After the three-dimensional reconstruction of MIMICS,the interbody fusion device equal to and 3 mm higher than the intervertebral space was selected for analysis,so two expandablemixed material interbody fusion devices were designed and reconstructed. Fusion device L:11 mm high front,9 mm high posterior,9 mm wide,28 mmlong,and fusion device H:14 mm high front,11 mm high posterior,11 mm wide,28 mm long and the lumbar fusion device was modeled. The fusion deviceand lumbar spine model were optimized,inversely modeled,and then imported into ABAQUS,and finally the 3D model of lumbar fusion was obtained.The physiological activities of the human body were simulated,such as lumbar extension,forward bending,right bending,and left bending,to obtain thecorresponding stress contours. The biomechanical characteristics of the L4-5 vertebra under seven different working conditions were observed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The maximum stress of the two kinds of fuses was in the condition of forward bending and backward extension,the stress value of H fuses was (18.27±3.80) Mpa and (15.02±3.24) Mpa;the stress value of L fuses was (9.16±0.05) Mpa and (9.17±1.83) Mpa. The stress values of the end plate of the H-fusion in the extension station were (19.11±4.03) Mpa and (16.32±3.72) Mpa respectively. The stress values of the L-fusion end plate were (9.13±0.01) Mpa and (4.92±1.01) Mpa respectively. (2) The stress of H-type fusing end plate was higher than that of L-type fusing end plate except for L-5 end plate at neutral position (P<0.05). (3) Choosing an interbody fusion device with a height of more than 3 mm in the same intervertebral space has a more stable biomechanics.
6.Neuroinflammation-related mechanism of puerarin in improving cognitive impairment induced by alcohol exposure/withdrawal in female mice
Changlan WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Huanhuan BIAN ; Dan ZOU
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(11):988-994
Objective To investigate how puerarin affects cognitive behavior and pro-inflammatory factors in the hippocampal formation of 52%(v/v)alcohol exposure/withdrawal in mice and reveal the underlying neuroimmunological mechanism by which puerarin improves alcohol-induced cognitive dysfunction.Methods A total of 120 adult female mice were randomly divided into control,52%alcohol,puerarin+52%alcohol,and normal saline(NS)+52%alcohol groups.The cognitive function of the animals was assessed using the Morris water maze,and the expression of target proteins in the hippocampal formation was detected using Western blotting and immunohistochemi-stry.Results The cognitive ability of mice in the puerarin+52%alcohol group was significantly higher than that of mice in the 52%alcohol and NS+52%alcohol groups.At the 20th hour after alcohol withdrawal,IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β expressions in the hippocampal formation of the puerarin+52%alcohol group were higher than those of the 52%and NS+52%alcohol groups.However,no significant difference could be observed in the expression levels of these cytokines between the puerarin+52%alcohol and control groups.Con-clusion In a female mouse model chronically exposed to 52%alcohol,puerarin can improve cognitive dysfunction during acute alcohol withdrawal,potentially related to the involvement of puerarin in regulating pro-inflammatory factor expressions in murine hippocampus formation.
7.Effects of intrauterine perfusion of dexamethasone on endometrial fibrosis and inflammation after intrauterine adhesion decomposition
Jianhua FU ; Mengxue WU ; Xiuying LIN ; Xuguang MI ; Xue WANG ; Huanhuan ZANG ; Wenqi ZHANG ; Yanqiu FANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(10):2324-2328
Objective:To investigate improvement of dexamethasone(DM)treatment after intrauterine adhesion decomposition on uterine fibrosis and inflammatory factors.Methods:A total of 60 patients with moderate to severe intrauterine adhesions admitted to The Reproductive Medicine Center of Jilin Provincial People's Hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were selected,and divided into experimental group and control group according to random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.Control group under-went simple hysteroscopic adhesion decomposition,and experimental group underwent intrauterine infusion treatment with DM injec-tion after intrauterine adhesion decomposition.Improvement of clinical symptoms in the two groups was observed.RT-qPCR was used to detect changes in mRNA levels of intimal receptivity-related factors ER,EGFR,LIF,ITGB3,HOXA10,HOXA11,fibrosis-related factors TGF-β1,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Smad,and inflammatory related factors IL-8,IL-2 and CD138 in two groups.Western blot was used to detect changes in expression levels of inflammatory related proteins IL-8,IL-2 and CD138.Results:Compared with before treatment,endometrial thickness,mRNA levels of ER,EGFR,LIF,ITGB3,HOXA10,HOXA11 and E-cadherin were significantly increased,while mRNA levels of TGF-β1,N-cadherin,Smad,IL-8,IL-2 and CD138,protein levels of IL-8,IL-2 and CD138,and endometrial blood flow parameters PI,RI and adhesion were significantly decreased.Eendometrial thickness,mRNA levels of ER,EGFR,LIF,ITGB3,HOXA10,HOXA11 and E-cadherin in experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group,while mRNA levels of IL-8,IL-2,TGF-β1,N-cadherin,Smad,CD138,IL-8,IL-2 and CD138,and endometrial blood flow parameters PI,RI and adhesion were lower than those in control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Treatment of DM after intrauterine adhe-sion decomposition can improve intrauterine adhesion,blood flow parameters and endometrial receptivity,and prevent the recurrence of intrauterine adhesion,which mechanism may be related to up-regulation of E-cadherin expression and down-regulation of IL-8,IL-2,CD138,TGF-β1,N-cadherin and Smad expressions.
8.The Impact of Changes in Volute Cross-Sectional Area on Flow Characteristics and Hemolytic Performance of Centrifugal Blood Pumps
Zhanshuo CAO ; Huanhuan DUAN ; Qilong LIAN ; Yiping XIAO ; Guomin CUI ; Jinyang WANG
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(1):41-48
Objective To investigate the impact of variations in volute cross-sectional area on the flow characteristics and hemolytic performance of centrifugal blood pumps by designing six volute structures.Methods Computational fluid dynamics and the Lagrangian method were used to analyze flow characteristics and predict hemolysis in blood pumps with different volute designs.Results The annular volute pump showed the poorest hydraulic performance,while the hydraulic performance of the S-shaped volute was the best,which was improved by 35.29%compared to that of the annular volute.Some volutes experienced stagnation zones at the helical inlet(0°-90°)and significant backflow at the outlet(270°-360°).The downward concave-shaped volute had the highest hemolysis index(HI),i.e.,9.59×10-4.Meanwhile,the HI of the annular volute was the lowest,which was 71.85%less than the concave-shaped volute.Conclusions Reducing the gradient of the area variation at the helical inlet and outlet can prevent flow stagnation and backflow.A higher HI arises due to the prolonged exposure of red blood cells to high shear stress.This study provides a theoretical basis for designing and optimizing volute structures of centrifugal blood pumps.
9.The impact and potential mechanisms of Sorbs2 on the progression of ventricular arrhythmias in mice
Xiaolu ZHANG ; Fan YANG ; Huanhuan LIU ; Tianpeng WEI ; Yufei DAI ; Lei ZHANG ; Lingling QIAN ; Ruxing WANG
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(8):922-930
Objective:To investigate the impact and potential mechanisms of Sorbin and SH3 domain-containing protein 2 (Sorbs2) on ventricular arrhythmias in mice.Methods:In the animal experiments, mating was performed using six 8-week-old Sorbs2 +/- mice (3 males and 3 females) weighing 20-22 g. Wild-type (Sorbs2 +/+, n=8) and homozygous (Sorbs2 -/-, n=6) offspring were selected as experimental subjects through genotyping. Echocardiography was performed at 16 weeks of age to record cardiac function parameters in both groups. Resting-state and caffeine-dobutamine-induced electrocardiograms were also conducted. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Sorbs2 messenger RNA expression in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, small intestine, and skeletal muscle tissues of wild-type mice. Western blotting was employed to measure the protein expression levels of Sorbs2 and voltage-dependent sodium channel alpha subunit 1.5 (Na v1.5) in myocardial tissues from both groups. In the cell experiments, H9C2 cells were transfected with Sorbs2 small interfering RNA as the si-Sorbs2 group, with a corresponding si-negative control group established. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression levels of Sorbs2 and Na v1.5 in both groups. Results:Sorbs2 was abundantly expressed in cardiac tissue. Compared with wild-type mice, homozygous mice exhibited larger left ventricular end-systolic diameter, along with lower left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening ( P all<0.05). Resting-state electrocardiograms revealed no spontaneous arrhythmias in either group; however, homozygous mice showed shorter RR intervals but longer QRS and QTc intervals versus wild-type mice ( P all<0.05). Following caffeine and dobutamine induction, homozygous mice demonstrated a higher incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, longer arrhythmia duration, and higher ventricular arrhythmia scores than wild-type mice ( P all<0.05). Western blot analysis revealed that Na v1.5 protein expression was markedly lower in myocardial tissues of homozygous mice compared to wild-type mice. Similarly, si-Sorbs2-transfected H9C2 cells exhibited lower Na v1.5 protein levels compared to the si-negative control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Sorbs2 plays a critical role in maintaining normal cardiac electrophysiological function. Deficiency of Sorbs2 may lead to impaired cardiac function and increased susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias in mice, which could be associated with reduced expression of Na v1.5 protein.
10.Current status analysis of production and quality control of opioids and their compound oral preparations
Ruifeng HAO ; Chao LI ; Qiuping HUANG ; Huiyue CHENG ; Qin FENG ; Huanhuan YU ; Linggao ZENG ; Jianhua WANG ; Zhu CHEN
Drug Standards of China 2025;26(4):371-379
Opium is obtained by air-drying the milky latex extracted from the unripe capsules of the opium poppy(Papaver somniferum).This latex is rich in benzylisoquinoline alkaloids(BIA),with major active compounds in-cluding morphine,codeine,thebaine,papaverine,and noscapine.Compound licorice oral solution and compound licorice tablets are derivative drugs containing opium.Initially classified as over-the-counter(OTC)medications,both formulations were later reclassified as prescription drugs by the National Medical Products Administration(NMPA),restricting their purchase without proper authorization.Although the national pharmacopeia standards specify the morphine content in the opium raw materials used for compound licorice oral solution and tablets,they lack mandatory requirements for the detection and quantification of the other four major alkaloids.Given the unique nature of opium raw materials and the stringent regulatory requirements for such drugs,it is imperative to enhance and refine simultaneous detection and control methods for all alkaloid components in these products.Furthermore,the establishment of scientific and reasonable detection and control standards for preservatives in compound licorice formulations is crucial to improving overall product quality management and ensuring drug safety and efficacy.This study analyzes and discusses the quality standards,detection methods,and research progress for opium and com-pound licorice preparations,aiming to explore the potential for technological innovation and ensure the safe use of these medications.

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