1.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
2.Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Jian LIU ; SHIPEIRU ; Shuang LI ; Jinzhao ZHAO ; Naijun CAO ; Mingxiu JIN ; Jing YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):346-354
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.
3.Genetic disease diagnosis and treatment in Shanghai: Survey and countermeasures for clinical genetics specialist training.
Xiaoju HUANG ; Lin HAN ; Li CAO ; Taosheng HUANG ; Duan MA ; Jian WANG ; Wenjuan QIU ; Fanyi ZENG ; Luming SUN ; Chenming XU ; Songchang CHEN ; Xinyu KUANG ; Hong TIAN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):241-247
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the current status of clinical genetics specialization development and the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for hereditary diseases across medical institutions in Shanghai, and to assess the necessity and feasibility of establishing training bases for clinical genetics specialists.
METHODS:
By employing a cross-sectional survey design, the Clinical Genetics Committee of Shanghai Medical Association has conducted questionnaire surveys from March to April 2025 across 54 healthcare institutions in Shanghai (including 33 tertiary hospitals and 21 secondary hospitals). The survey involved administrative departments and medical personnel from 15 clinical specialties. The survey has covered current genetic disease diagnosis and treatment practices, relevant and specialised disease types, genetic department establishment, testing capabilities, personnel teams, and training requirements.
RESULTS:
The results revealed that 78.0% of clinical departments surveyed had treated patients with hereditary disorders. Shanghai possesses diagnostic and therapeutic expertise for over 95% of hereditary diseases listed in its rare disease catalogue, reflecting both the practical clinical demand for such conditions and the city's overall diagnostic and therapeutic strengths in this field. Nevertheless, significant disparities exist in the development of genetics departments across different tiers of healthcare institutions. Resources for genetic testing capabilities (including molecular, cellular, and biochemical testing) are also unevenly distributed across different tiers of hospitals. The survey further revealed that only 26.0% of departments believe that their current physician structure fully meets the diagnostic and treatment demands. Over 90% of departments consider standard training for clinical genetic specialists necessary, with 74.0% expressing willingness to participate in establishing training bases. Based on above findings and thorough deliberation, the Clinical Genetics Committee of the Shanghai Medical Association proposes advancing specialist training and discipline development through establishing a standard training system. The committee has drafted a three-year training protocol featuring a "joint training"-centered model, recommending a pilot-first, dynamically optimized strategy for steadily advancing training base development.
CONCLUSION
Shanghai faces substantial demand for genetic disease diagnosis and treatment, yet exhibits shortcomings in clinical genetics specialization development, resource allocation, and talent pipeline cultivation. To establish a standard training system holds significant practical importance and is underpinned by a broad demand.
Humans
;
China
;
Surveys and Questionnaires
;
Genetic Diseases, Inborn/genetics*
;
Cross-Sectional Studies
;
Genetics, Medical/education*
;
Genetic Testing
4.Biomechanical comparison of posterior short-segment fixation with or without intermediate screws for thoracolumbar burst fractures under normal and osteoporotic conditions: a finite element analysis
Cheng XU ; XiangMing ZHANG ; Hong Jian CAO ; Chao SHEN ; Feng GE ; Xuedong BAI ; Chao ZHANG
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(2):223-231
Methods:
Six finite element models of T12 burst fractures were developed to simulate short-segment stabilization under normal or osteoporotic bone conditions, with/without augmentation screws at the fractured vertebra. Spinal stiffness, implant stresses, and axial displacement/micromotion of the bony defect were measured and compared under mechanical loading.
Results:
Osteoporotic models exhibited a greater range of motion (ROM) than normal bone. All six-screw constructs reduced ROM across all motions compared with traditional four-screw models. Osteoporotic fracture models gained greater benefit from intermediate screw augmentation at the fracture vertebra, which also lowered axial displacement/micromotion. In six-screw models, rod stress increased while pedicle screw stress decreased. Intermediate screws at fractured vertebrae produced similar changes in stress distribution across all fixation models, regardless of bone quality.
Conclusions
Our findings may facilitate implant selection for osteoporotic burst fractures, supporting the use of more rigid fixation sixscrew constructs to reduce the risk of mechanical failure and postoperative re-collapse.
5.An exploratory study on the effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae
Shuqing JIN ; Xinyi CAI ; Heyi WEN ; Jian FAN ; Hui CAO ; Tianyu SHA ; Hongxia LIU ; Yuan FANG ; Qiang GAO
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(7):550-555
ObjectiveTo evaluate the larvicidal effect of ultrasonic waves against Aedes albopictus larvae at various exposure parameters (distance and time), and to preliminarily investigate the effects of different containers (water volume and depth) and ultrasonic devices on the larvicidal efficacy, so as to provide experimental evidence for the application of ultrasound-based mosquito control technology. MethodsUnder controlled laboratory conditions, two commercially available ultrasonic devices [40 kHz/300 W and (50±5) kHz/70 W] were used to systematically examine the effects of exposure distance (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 cm), exposure duration (1, 3, 6, 15 and 60 min), larval instar(Ⅰ‒Ⅱ and Ⅲ‒Ⅳ), and container type on the immediate mortality of Aedes albopictus larvae collected from urban areas of Shanghai. Statistical analysis of the mortality rates of larvae among different experimental groups was performed using the chi-square test. ResultsUltrasonic exposure exerted a detectable larvicidal effect against Aedes albopictus larvae of all instars. For early-instar larvae, exposure time significantly affected mortality at all tested distances (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm), with χ² values ranging from 25.57 to 32.74 ( all P<0.001). No significant distance effect was observed in the first and second instar larvae after short-term exposure (1 and 3 min; P>0.05). However, a distance-dependent effect emerged from 6 min onward (P<0.05). During short-term exposure (1 min and 3 min) at close range (20 cm and 40 cm), the immediate mortality of the third and fourth instar larvae was higher than that of the first and second instar larvae. Conversely, during prolonged exposure (15 min and 60 min), the first and second instar larvae exhibited significantly higher mortality than that of the third and fourth instar larvae. These results indicated that larval mortality was jointly influenced by exposure duration and distance. Preliminary experiments indicated that larvicidal efficacy in shallow water was lower than that in deep water. No significant difference in larvicidal effect was observed between the two ultrasonic devices with different frequencies and power outputs. ConclusionUnder laboratory conditions, ultrasound can effectively kill Aedes albopictus larvae, and the larvicidal effect is jointly influenced by larval instar, exposure distance, and aquatic environment. Compact ultrasonic devices show potential for field application in biological mosquito control.
6.Study on the correlation between cardiac implantable electronic device electrode leads and tricuspid regurgitation
Yu-yang JIN ; Jian-hua WANG ; Jian XU ; Shu-feng LI ; Wei CAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2025;33(3):141-149
Objective To investigate the effect of operation mode,thickness,and number of implanted electrode leads on tricuspid regurgitation.Methods This was a single-center retrospective study.Patients who received their first cardiac implantable electronic device at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2019 to January 2024 and were followed up within(10±4)months were continuously enrolled.General clinical data,preoperative and outpatient follow-up echocardiography,and other indicators were collected.According to the different operation modes,patients were divided into delivery sheath group,support wire group,and delivery sheath combined support wire group.Under the premise of only one electrode wire crossing the tricuspid valve,according to the different thicknesses of the electrode wire,they were divided into 3830 69 group(4.1 F),5076 58/Solia S60 group(7 F),and 6935M-65cm defibrillator group(9 F).The number of electrode wires was divided into 3830 69 subgroup and 6935M-65cm defibrillator subgroup under the premise of balanced operation mode and electrode material.The changes in tricuspid valve regurgitation were compared in each group.Results A total of 219 patients,aged(65.92±12.04)years,were enrolled.There was no difference in tricuspid valve regurgitation in the 6935M-65cm defibrillator subgroup before implantation(all P>0.05).In the 3830 69 subgroup,there was a higher proportion of severe regurgitation in the two-electrode group before implantation(P=0.013).In comparison with the change in tricuspid valve regurgitation before electrode wire implantation and during follow-up,the regurgitation of the tricuspid valve in the 6935M-65cm defibrillator subgroup with≥2 electrodes was unexpectedly improved compared to that in the group with one electrode,and the regurgitation of the valve in the group with one electrode was more severe than that in the group with ≥ 2 electrodes implantation(P=0.019).Conclusions The operation mode and thickness of the implanted electrode lead did not cause significant differences in tricuspid valve regurgitation.Single implantation of a 6935M-65cm defibrillator electrode will lead to increased tricuspid regurgitation,and the effect brought by combination with physiological pacing will offset the adverse effects of electrode leads on the valve,providing directional evidence for future implantation strategy selection.
7.Curcumol promotes apoptosis in XL413-induced senescent Hep3B cells
Song-yan TIE ; Tian-hao TONG ; Xin LI ; Jian-zhong CAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(8):1470-1478
Aim To investigate the effect of curcumol(Cur)on apoptosis in senescent Hep3B cells induced by XL413.Methods XL413 induced a senescence model in Hep3B cells.Cur intervention was adminis-tered.CCK-8 and Incucyte? assays were used to eval-uate cell proliferation.Senescence-associated beta-gal-actosidase(SA-β-gal)staining was performed to assess cellular senescence.Flow cytometry was employed to detect apoptosis.RT-qPCR was conducted to measure the mRNA expression levels of senescence-associated secretory phenotype(SASP)factors IL-6,IL-8,and CXCL10.Western blot was performed to assess the ex-pression levels of p16,PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-AKT,Bax,and Bcl-2.The ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,and Bcl-2/Bax were calculated.Results Fol-lowing XL413 intervention,the proportion of SA-β-gal-positive cells and the expression of p16 protein signifi-cantly increased compared to the control group(P<0.05),suggesting the successful establishment of the cell senescence model.CCK-8 assay showed that the IC50 values of Cur intervention in Hep3B cells at 24 h,48 h,and 72 h were 106.40 μmol·L-1,54.67 μmol·L-1,and 31.87 μmol·L-1,respectively.Incucy-te? cell proliferation assay demonstrated that the cell proliferation rate was significantly lower in the XL413 group compared to that in the control group(P<0.05),and further decreased after Cur intervention(P<0.05)in a concentration-dependent manner.The proportion of apoptotic cells in the Cur group was sig-nificantly higher than that in the XL413 group(P<0.05),also exhibiting concentration dependence.Cur intervention led to a significant reduction in IL-6,IL-8,CXCL10 mRNA expression levels,as well as p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT ratios compared to the XL413 group(P<0.05),with a concentration-de-pendent effect.The expression of Bax protein increased(P<0.05),while Bcl-2 protein expression decreased and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased(P<0.05)in the Cur group,showing a dose-dependent effect.Conclu-sions Cur has been shown to clear XL413-induced senescent Hep3B cells,reduce their SASP expression and promote apoptosis.The underlying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
8.Comparative study on the short-term efficacy of transanal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery in left-sided colon cancer
Tingting FU ; Jingwen CHANG ; Yibo CAO ; Tiantian BAO ; Tianbao XIAO ; Jiang CHEN ; Jian PENG
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(7):1-10
Objective To compare the short-term efficacy and safety of transanal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery(Ta-NOSES)and conventional laparoscopic surgery in left-sided colon cancer.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 35 patients with left-sided colon cancer admitted to the anorectal department of the hospital from January 2018 to December 2019.According to the different surgical methods,the patients were divided into experimental group(15 cases)and control group(20 cases).The observation group underwent Ta-NOSES,and the control group underwent conventional laparoscopic surgery.The perioperative related indicators,postoperative complications,postoperative pain scores,postoperative defecation control,short-term postoperative quality of life scores and 5-year postoperative follow-up of the two groups of patients were compared.Results There was no statistically significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss,stoma status and the number of lymph node dissections between the two groups of patients(P>0.05).Moreover,no permanent stoma occurred in either group of patients.The operation time of the experimental group was longer than that of the control group,the first time to get out of bed and move around,the time of the first anal exhaust,the time of the first diet intake and the hospital stay were shorter than those of the control group,the hospitalization cost was significantly lower than that of the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).On 1 and 3 days after operation,the VAS scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group.At 3 days after operation,the VAS scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those at 1 day after operation,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative Kirwan anal function grading between two groups of patients(P<0.05),with the experimental group having a better grading(higher proportion of grade Ⅰ),the control group had poor grading(with a higher proportion of grades Ⅱ,Ⅲ,and Ⅳ).There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups of patients(P>0.05).The scores of each item on the Short Form-36(SF-36)in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group at 10 and 20 days after surgery(P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the scores of each item on the SF-36 between the two groups at 30 days after surgery(P>0.05).The distant recurrence rate after surgery in the experimental group was 26.7%,compared with 25.0%in the control group,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).There were no tumor recurrence cases with the original incision site,rectal and intestinal cavity,pelvic cavity and other specimen removal routes in both groups.The 5-year survival rate of the experimental group was 73.3%,which was not statistically significantly different from that of the control group(70.0%)(P>0.05).Conclusion Ta-NOSES in the treatment of left-sided colon cancer can alleviate postoperative pain compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery,promote the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function,improve the utilization rate of medical resources,reduce the economic burden of patients,improve the short-term quality of life after surgery,and does not increase the risks of postoperative complications and tumor metastasis and recurrence.It is worthy of clinical promotion and application.
9.Effects of high-altitude hypoxia exposure on brain injury in rats based on oxidative stress and aquaporins
Xin-jue ZHANG ; Wang-jie CAO ; Yun SU ; Hong-xia GONG ; Yong HUANG ; Yong-qi LIU ; Jian-zheng HE ; Jia-wang GUO ; Neng-xian ZHANG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(1):81-85
Objective To explore the brain damage of SD rats under different time points of hypobaric hypoxia exposure.Methods A rat high-altitube cerebral edema(HACE)model was constructed by simulating an altitude of 6 000 m in a hypobaric hypoxia animal experimental chamber.Thirty-six SD male rats were randomly divided into the control group and the hypobaric hypoxia exposure 3,7 and 14 d groups,with 9 rats in each group.Except for the control group,the rats in each group were continuously exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 3,7,and 14 d.At the end of the modeling period,serum was collected by blood sampling via the abdominal aorta,and brain tissue samples were taken.The wet-to-dry ratio(W/D)of brain tissue was calculated,and the levels of relevant oxidative enzymes in serum and brain tissue were measured.The expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and aquaporin 4(AQP4)mRNAs in brain tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Results The W/D of brain tissues in the control group and the group exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for 3,7 and 14 d were 4.46±0.12,4.98±0.16,5.07±0.18 and 4.95±0.07;the superoxide dismutase contents were(111.86±2.45),(90.73±1.48),(79.64±2.56)and(55.33±1.45)U·g-1;the glutathione contents were(126.91±5.18),(125.26±1.53),(56.20±2.17)and(122.73±1.78)μg·mL-1;the malondialdehyde contents were(230.94±2.00),(362.65±3.28),(407.34±3.47)and(237.50±1.59)nmol·g-1;the relative expression levels of HIF-1 α mRNA were 1.00±0,2.99±0.49,4.72±0.49 and 1.91±0.28;the relative expression levels of AQP4 mRNA were 1.00±0,2.62±0.34,8.38±0.84 and 5.27±0.42,respectively.Statistically significant differences were found between the above indexes in the 3,7 and 14 d of hypobaric hypoxia exposure group compared with the control group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Different time of hypobaric hypoxia exposure can up-regulate the expression of AQPs proteins in HACE rats and cause the disruption of the blood-brain barrier,and the HACE model constructed in the hypobaric hypoxia chamber with 6 000 m intervention for 7 d was more stable.
10.Study on mechanism of Vaccarin improving EMT in renal fibrosis model mice through regulating STAT3
Meng-jiao CUI ; Qi-ming XU ; Yu CAO ; Ye-nan FAN ; Yi-qing YANG ; Guang-bo GE ; Wen-rui LIU ; Jian-rao LU ; Jing HU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):745-752
Aim To investigate the protective effect of Vaccarin(Va)on epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)in renal fibrosis model mice through regulating STAT3,and the underlying mechanism.Methods Left ureter ligation was used to establish a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction(UUO);human kid-ney tubular epithelial(HK2)cells were induced to differentiate by transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)in vitro.HE and Masson staining were used to observe the morphological changes of renal tissue;kits were used to detect the levels of BUN,Cr,IL-1β and IL-7 in mouse serum;CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of Va on the viability of HK2 cells;RT-PCR was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in HK2 cells;Western blot was used to detect the expression of STAT3,p-STAT3,E-cadherin,and α-SMA proteins in renal tissue and HK2 cells;to further investigate the regulation of Va on STAT3,JAK/STAT3 pathway acti-vator RO8191 was used to treat TGF-β-induced HK2 cells,and functional loss was detected.Results Va improved the pathological damage in UUO mice,inhibi-ted the levels of BUN,Cr and inflammatory factors;Va inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3,upregulated E-cadherin,and downregulated α-SMA protein expres-sion;RO8191 counteracted the inhibitory effect of Va on the phosphorylation of STAT3.Conclusions Va inhibits the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the release of inflammatory factors,improves EMT,thus exerting an anti-renal fibrosis effect.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail