1.Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety total glucosides of paeonia in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Xiangyan HAO ; Jiahui LENG ; Zhengqi LIU ; Xinchang WANG ; Cong HUANG ; Xiaopeng LI ; Yi LING
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):232-237
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of total glucosides of paeonia (TGP) in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Randomized controlled trial (RCT) about TGP combined with western medicine versus western medicine alone for SLE treatment were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and CBM. The search period spanned from the inception of each database to June 1, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies, Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Fifteen RCTs, involving 1 318 patients, were included. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with western medicine alone, TGP combined with western medicine significantly improved clinical efficacy [OR=4.96, 95%CI(3.41, 7.23), P<0.000 01], complement 3 [MD=0.18, 95%CI (0.13, 0.23), P<0.000 01] and complement 4[MD=0.08, 般021) 95%CI (0.04, 0.11), P<0.000 01], and reduced the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) [MD=-3.10, 95%CI (-3.59,-2.62), P<0.000 01], IgA [MD=-0.68, 95%CI (-0.78, -0.58), P<0.000 01], IgM [MD=-0.43, 95%CI (-0.53,-0.34), P<0.000 01], systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) [MD=-1.59, 95%CI (-2.20, -0.99), P<0.000 01], recurrence rate [OR=0.23, 95%CI (0.13, 0.42), P<0.000 01] and the incidence of adverse drug reactions [OR= 0.54, 95%CI (0.36, 0.82), P=0.004]. CONCLUSIONS TGP therapy can improve clinical efficacy of SLE patients, promote the restoration of immunoglobulins and complements, reduce SLEDAI and recurrence rate and has good safety.
2.Mechanism of Shenmai Injection to Improve Cisplatin Resistance in NSCLC Based on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Through PERK/ATF4/CHOP Signaling Pathway
Shengnan GUO ; Hao CAO ; Dan WANG ; Wenjun LIU ; Jianguang WANG ; Jialu LYU ; Chun WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):70-78
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Shenmai injection in improving cisplatin resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on the endoplasmic reticulum stress through protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway. MethodsBALB/c nude mice bearing cisplatin-resistant human lung cancer cell line (A549/cisplatin) were randomly divided into four groups: Blank control group (0.9% sodium chloride), cisplatin group (5 µg·g-1cisplatin), Shenmai injection group (5.2 mg·g-1 Shenmai injection), and combination therapy group (5.2 mg·g-1 Shenmai injection +5 µg·g-1cisplatin). The drug intervention lasted for 4 weeks, and the changes in body weight and tumor volume were monitored. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe tumor tissue pathology. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to assess the morphology of the endoplasmic reticulum. Immunohistochemical assay was conducted to measure the positive expressions of PERK, ATF4, and CHOP in tumor tissues. Western blot quantified the protein expression of immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BIP), PERK, phosphorylated PERK (p-PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), phosphorylated eIF2α (p-eIF2α), ATF4, CHOP, B-cell lymphoma -2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2 Associated X protein (Bax). A549/cis cells were divided into blank group: Blank control group (normal culture medium), cisplatin group (23.3 µmol·L-1 cisplatin), Shenmai Injection group (20 g·L-1 Shenmai injection), and combination therapy group (20 g·L-1 Shenmai injection+23.3 µmol·L-1 cisplatin). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method was used to detect cell viability, TEM was used to observe the morphology of endoplasmic reticulum, and Western blot was used to detect endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the cisplatin group, the combination therapy group showed increased body weight (P<0.05), decreased tumor volume (P<0.05), and expanded endoplasmic reticulum in tumor cells. The positive expressions of PERK, ATF4, and CHOP increased (P<0.05). Western blot revealed elevated protein expression levels of BIP, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, and Bax (P<0.05), while Bcl-2 expression decreased (P<0.05). As shown in the in vitro experiment, compared with the cisplatin group, the combination therapy group exhibited a reduced cell survival rate (P<0.05). TEM revealed increased endoplasmic reticulum dilation and vesicular degeneration. Western blotting showed increased protein levels of BIP, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP and Bax (P<0.05), with decreased Bcl-2 expression (P<0.05). ConclusionShenmai injection combined with cisplatin has a synergistic antitumor effect in NSCLC, which may be attributed to the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress response mediated by the PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis.
3.Perioperative immune dynamics and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery
Zhiyuan CHENG ; Xinyi LIAO ; Juan WU ; Ping YANG ; Tingting WANG ; Qinjuan WU ; Wentong MENG ; Zongcheng TANG ; Jiayi SUN ; Jia TAN ; Jing LIN ; Dan LUO ; Hao WANG ; Chaonan LIU ; Jiyue XIONG ; Liqin LING ; Jing ZHOU ; Lei DU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):31-43
Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10
/L vs preoperative 3.07×10
/L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10
/L vs preoperative 3.05×10
/L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10
/L vs preoperative 2.99×10
/L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Longan Arillus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):300-309
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the name, origin, harvesting and others of Longan Arillus by referring to the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a foundation for developing famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it indicated that Longan Arillus was first recorded under the name of longan in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Longan Arillus gradually replaced longan as the standard name recorded in the materia medica, with additional aliases including Yizhi, Lizhinu and Yuanyan. The source of Longan Arillus used in the past dynasties was the arillus of the Sapindaceae plant Dimocarpus longan. The production regions recorded in the past dynasties were mainly Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and others. Since the Qing dynasty, Longan Arillus produced in Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi have been regarded as the finest and authentic varieties, with Fujian, Guangxi, and Guangdong remaining the primary authentic production areas today. In ancient times, the fruits were primarily harvested in August of the lunar calendar. However, modern longan cultivation typically involves harvesting ripe fruits during summer and autumn. Post-harvest processing involves removing moisture through sun-drying or baking before drying for medicinal use. Throughout history, processing methods have primarily focused on raw product, though techniques such as wine soaking and powdering have also been employed. Since modern times, it has been concluded that its quality is the best one with thick flesh, sweet taste, brownish-yellow color and tender texture. Longan Arillus possesses a sweet and warm nature, entering the heart and spleen meridians. Its primary functions are tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing the blood and calming the spirit, which is consistent in ancient and modern times. Based on the textual research, it is suggested to use the arillus of D. longan when developing the famous classical formulas containing Longan Arillus. Processing methods should be selected according to the formula requirements, where no specific processing is indicated, the raw products is recommended for medicinal use.
5.Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating ATF3 to inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Xingyu* WAN ; Yujia LIU ; Ruiyan WANG ; Hao WANG ; Yi ZHAO ; Lu GUO ; Zhihua YANG ; Xinghua LÜ
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(2):275-286
Objective To investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hucMSC-Exo) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Methods hucMSC-Exos were isolated and characterized. A mouse renal IRI model was established and the animals were divided into Sham, IRI, IRI+hucMSC-Exo, IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Sham+JY-2 groups. Serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate renal histopathology. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay was performed to determine serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteineyl aspartate specific proteinase (Caspase)-1 p20 and Gasdermin D(GSDMD). Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was employed to measure ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB messenger RNA (mRNA). Immunohistochemistry was conducted to examine NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD. An in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model was established in HK-2 cells and divided into Control, H/R, H/R+hucMSC-Exo, H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 and Control+JY-2 groups. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 mRNA. Results HucMSC-Exos were successfully isolated and identified. Compared with the Sham group, the IRI group exhibited elevated Scr and BUN, higher tubular injury scores, increased protein expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD, and raised mRNA expression levels of ATF3, TLR4, NF-κB. Compared with the IRI group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group showed decreased Scr and BUN, lower tubular injury scores, up-regulated ATF3 protein and mRNA, down-regulated TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20 and GSDMD protein, and declined TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA. Compared with the IRI+hucMSC-Exo group, the IRI+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group exhibited increased Scr and BUN levels, elevated renal tubular injury scores, decreased ATF3 protein expression levels, elevated protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and GSDMD, decreased ATF3 mRNA expression levels, and elevated mRNA expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB. (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Control group, the expression levels of ATF3, TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased in the H/R group, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased. Compared with the H/R group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was increased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were decreased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were decreased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group. Compared with the H/R+hucMSC-Exo group, the expression level of ATF3 protein was decreased, the expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins were increased, and the expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA were increased in the H/R+hucMSC-Exo+JY-2 group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions HucMSC-Exos alleviate renal IRI by up-regulating ATF3, thereby negatively regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and subsequently inhibiting pyroptosis.
6.Introduction and enlightenment of the Recommendations and Expert Consensus for Plasma and Platelet Transfusion Strategies in Critically Ill Children Following Severe Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and/or Intracranial Hemorrhage: From the Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding
Zhenzhen JIANG ; Rong GUI ; Rong HUANG ; Junhua ZHANG ; Jiaohui ZENG ; Hao TANG ; Zhi LIN ; Dan WAN ; Mingyi ZHAO ; Minghua YANG ; Lan GU ; Haiting LIU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(2):285-293
Transfusion and Anemia Expertise Initiative-Control/Avoidance of Bleeding developed a strategy for platelet and plasma infusion management in critically ill children based on systematic reviews and consensus meetings of international multidisciplinary experts. One good practice statement and six expert consensus statements were proposed for plasma and platelet transfusions in critically ill children following severe trauma, traumatic brain injury, and/or intracranial hemorrhage. This article introduces the specific methods and basis for the formation of recommendations in this part of the guide.
7.Optimization of osmotic pressure swelling method in the process of hemoglobin extraction from red blood cells
Honghui ZHANG ; Wentao ZHOU ; Shasha HAO ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Chengmin YANG ; Shen LI ; Fengjuan LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):91-96
[Objective] To extract hemoglobin (Hb) from red blood cells using osmotic pressure swelling method, expected to achieve a hemoglobin dissolution rate of ≥80% and a cell membrane integrity rate of ≥70%. [Methods] Human umbilical cord blood red blood cells were used as raw materials and phosphate buffer solution was used as the swelling solution for red blood cells. A three factor three-level orthogonal experiment (n=3) was conducted to determine the optimal matching conditions for selecting the osmolality molar concentration of phosphate buffer solution, pH value of hypotonic phosphate buffer solution and volume ratio of hypotonic phosphate buffer solution to washed red blood cells. Red blood cell swelling solution samples (n=6) were prepared by the optimal matching conditions and the original process conditions. The hemoglobin dissolution rate and cell membrane integrity rate were checked. In the expanded comparative experiment, red blood cell swelling solution samples (n=6) were prepared by the optimal matching conditions and the original process conditions, which was filtered by ultrafiltration membranes. The filtration time and hemoglobin yield were checked. [Results] The optimal matching conditions for preparing red blood cell swelling solution were obtained through orthogonal experiment as follows: osmotic pressure molar concentration was 30 mOsmol/Kg, pH was 7.8, and phosphate buffer to red blood cell volume ratio was 6∶1. On the basis of the above conditions, the red blood cell swelling solution sample was compared with the original process sample: the hemoglobin dissolution rate was (82.4±1.8)% vs (78.6±3.0)% (P<0.05), and the cell membrane integrity rate was (65.8±4.0)% vs (28.7±2.3)% (P<0.05). In the expanded comparative experiment, the optimal matching conditions were compared with the original process conditions: filtration time(s) (327±9) vs (434±13) (P<0.05), and hemoglobin yield was (72.3±1.2)% vs (66.0±1.4)% (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Compared with the original preparation process, the hemoglobin extraction process which optimized through orthogonal experiments greatly reduces the cell membrane fragmentation rate and minimizes the entry of cell membrane matrix into the target solution, ensuring a slightly higher hemoglobin dissolution rate, and reducing the preparation difficulty for the subsequent cell membrane separation and further purification.
9.An Amphibians-Derived Protein Provides Novel Biotherapeutics for Various Wounds Treatment
Hao-Ran CHEN ; Nan ZHOU ; Yu-Da LIU ; Li-Hua PENG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):399-407
Acute burns and chronic wounds frequently fail to heal owing to various reasons. Most drugs currently used for wound therapy in clinical practice have notable drawbacks, making their application a substantial concern. For instance, anti-inflammatory drugs can exert multisystem toxicity, and cellular therapies are costly and difficult to retain. In recent years, natural functional proteins derived from animals and plants have gained increasing attention owing to their unique biological activities, low cost, and broad application prospects in wound therapy. Herein, we isolated a new protein (JH015Y) from amphibians and demonstrated its excellent wound repair and regeneration properties compared with those of epidermal growth factor, both in vitro and in vivo. JH015 protein increased the proliferative ability of human keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts by 47.73 and 41.40%, respectively. In vivo, the medium-dose (0.5 mg/dose) groups of JH015Y protein demonstrated accelerated wound healing from day 4, with wound healing rates 1.26, 1.27, and 1.14 times that of the blank group in acute wounds, burn wounds, and diabetic ulcer, respectively. Histological analysis of Masson-stained sections indicated that the JH015Y protein contributed to collagen deposition on the wound surface, markedly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and exhibited low biological toxicity. Accordingly, the JH015Y protein is a promising biotherapeutic agent for accelerated wound repair and regeneration.
10.Combination Therapy of Pyrotinib and Metronomic Vinorelbine in HER2+ Advanced Breast Cancer after Trastuzumab Failure (PROVE): A Prospective Phase 2 Study
Chunfang HAO ; Xu WANG ; Yehui SHI ; Zhongsheng TONG ; Shufen LI ; Xiaodong LIU ; Lan ZHANG ; Jie ZHANG ; Wenjing MENG ; Li ZHANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):434-442
Purpose:
Approximately 50%-74% of patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive breast cancer do not respond to trastuzumab, with 75% of treated patients experiencing disease progression within a year. The combination of pyrotinib and capecitabine has showed efficacy in these patients. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib combined with metronomic vinorelbine for trastuzumab-pretreated HER2-positive advanced breast cancer patients.
Materials and Methods:
In this phase 2 trial, patients aged 18-75 years with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer who had previously failed trastuzumab treatment were enrolled to receive pyrotinib 400 mg daily in combination with vinorelbine 40mg thrice weekly. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), while secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and safety.
Results:
From October 21, 2019, to January 21, 2022, 36 patients were enrolled and received at least one dose of study treatment. At the cutoff date, 20 experienced disease progression or death. With a median follow-up duration of 35 months, the median PFS was 13.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3 to 18.5). With all patients evaluated, an ORR of 38.9% (95% CI, 23.1 to 56.5) and a DCR of 83.3% (95% CI, 67.2 to 93.6) were achieved. The median OS was not reached. Grade 3 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 17 patients, with diarrhea being the most common (27.8%), followed by vomiting (8.3%) and stomachache (5.6%). There were no grade 4/5 AEs.
Conclusion
Pyrotinib combined with metronomic vinorelbine showed promising efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in HER2-positive advanced breast cancer patients after trastuzumab failure.

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