1.Targeting Interleukin-6 Pathway in the Treatment of Immune-mediated Inflammatory Diseases: from Bench to Clinic
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):721-729
Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are a broad category of chronic inflammatory disorders caused by abnormal activation of immune system, characterized by an imbalance between excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines and insufficient anti-inflammatory regulatory signals. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic cytokine, serves as a "molecular bridge" connecting innate immunity and adaptive immunity due to its unique "trinity" signaling mechanism (classical signaling, trans-signaling, and trans-presenting pathway). The IL-6 signaling pathway drives acute-phase inflammatory responses and participates in the activation of innate immunity and the regulation of adaptive immunity through multiple mechanisms, which is the key pathway that leads to the inflammatory responses and multi-organ damage of IMIDs.Therapeutic agents targeting the IL-6 pathway, which inhibit aberrant signaling by blocking IL-6/IL-6 receptor/gp130 signaling axis, have been widely used in the clinical practice for treating various IMIDs such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis/ adult-onset Still's disease, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu’s arteritis and Castleman's disease. Currently approved medications in this class include tocilizumab, satralizumab, sarilumab, and siltuximab. However, IL-6 inhibitors also encounter various safety challenges in clinical applications, including increased infection risk, metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risks, hypofibrinogenemia, and DRESS syndrome. This review systematically elaborates on the molecular mechanism of the IL-6 signaling pathway and its pathogenic role in IMIDs, the progress in the development of targeted drugs, and the safety issues in clinical applications, aiming to promote the transformation of IL-6 targeted therapy from bench to clinic, provide a "mechanism-guided individualized" framework for optimizing treatment decisions, and point out the direction for the establishment of a long-term safety management system.
2.Suanzaoren Decoction Alleviates Anxiety- and Depression-Like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Restraint Stress via Regulating Pyramidal Neuron Activity in Basolateral Amygdala of Mice.
Chang-Feng CHEN ; Yin-Huan GAO ; Qin FANG ; Yong-Feng ZHOU ; Yong LIU ; Jian WU ; Hao CHEN ; Lie-Cheng WANG ; Lei CHEN
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(11):982-990
OBJECTIVE:
To elucidate the modulation mechanism of Suanzaoren Decoction (SZRD) on basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuronal activity to alleviate chronic restraint stress (CRS)-related behavioral deficits.
METHODS:
The male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 4 groups using the complete randomization method, including control (CON, n=19), CRS (n=19), SZRD (n=21), and fluoxetine (Flu, n=22) groups. Mice were restrained for 6 h per day, over a 21-d period to establish CRS models. The CON group remained in their cages without food or water during the 6-h matching period. SZRD and Flu groups received intragastric administration of SZRD (4.68 g/kg) and Flu (20 mg/kg) daily, respectively, 30 min before restraint for 21 consecutive days. The therapeutic effects of SZRD were evaluated using behavioral tests including the tail suspension test, elevated plus maze test, and forced swimming test. The cellular Fletcher B. Judson murine osteosarcoma proto-oncogene (c-Fos) expression in the BLA was measured using immunofluorescence, while action potential (AP) firing and synaptic transmission in BLA pyramidal neurons were evaluated using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings.
RESULTS:
SZRD administration significantly increased time spent in the open arms and open-arm entries while reducing immobility time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). It downregulated CRS-induced c-Fos expression and AP firing of pyramidal neurons in the BLA (P<0.01). Additionally, SZRD selectively attenuated excitatory (P<0.01), but not inhibitory, synaptic transmission onto BLA pyramidal neurons.
CONCLUSION
SZRD alleviated CRS-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice by modulating the excitability and synaptic transmission of BLA pyramidal neurons.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Depression/complications*
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Pyramidal Cells/pathology*
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Male
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Basolateral Nuclear Complex/pathology*
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Restraint, Physical
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Anxiety/complications*
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Behavior, Animal/drug effects*
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Stress, Psychological/physiopathology*
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Mice
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism*
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Action Potentials/drug effects*
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Synaptic Transmission/drug effects*
3.Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy with Blood Stasis, Collateral Obstruction, and Qi and Yin Deficiency Syndrome with Tongluo Mingmu Capsules: A Randomized, Double-blind, and Multi-center Phase Ⅲ Clinical Trial
Junxia REN ; Yongzheng WANG ; Xiaofei LIU ; Li SUN ; Libo YANG ; Lie WU ; Fengmei LIAN ; Qiping WEI ; Lijuan WEI ; Jingsheng YU ; Jianke HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):170-178
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Tongluo Mingmu capsules in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy with blood stasis, collateral obstruction, and Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome. MethodA randomized, double-blind, positive-control, and multi-center clinical trial design method was used. 416 patients with diabetic retinopathy with blood stasis, collateral obstruction, and Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome in four test centers were included (the ratio of the treatment group to the control group was 3∶1). On the basis of standardized hypoglycemic treatment, the treatment group was given both four Tongluo Mingmu capsules and two Calcium Dobesilate capsule agents three times a day, while the control group were given both two Calcium Dobesilate capsules and four Tongluo Mingmu capsule agents three times a day. The course of treatment was 12 weeks. The curative effect of Tongluo Mingmu capsules was evaluated by comparing the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome score, corrected visual acuity, fundus changes, fundus fluorescence angiography, and other curative effect indexes before and after treatment in the two groups. At the same time, general examination, laboratory examination, and adverse events were performed to evaluate the safety of the drug. ResultThe baseline demographic data and disease characteristics of the treatment group and the control group were balanced and comparable, with the difference not statistically significant. After 12 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate of the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy in the treatment group (61.0%, 189/310) was better than that in the control group (44.1%, 45/102), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=8.880, P<0.01). The total effective rate of TCM syndromes in the treatment group (88.4%, 259/293) was better than that in the control group (69.9%, 65/93), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=17.927, P<0.01). The disappearance rate of dry eyes (χ2=8.305), dull complexion (χ2=4.053), lassitude (χ2=10.267), shortness of breath (χ2=8.494), and dry stool (χ2=8.657) in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P<0.05, P<0.01). In terms of improving corrected visual acuity (χ2=8.382), fundus changes (χ2=6.026) , the treatment group was significantly better than the control group (P<0.05). During the trial, the incidence of adverse events in the treatment group and the control group was 1.3% and 2.9%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. In addition, there were no serious adverse events and adverse events leading to withdrawal in both groups. ConclusionTongluo Mingmu capsules can improve the comprehensive curative effect of diabetic retinopathy and enhance the efficacy of TCM syndromes, visual acuity, fundus changes, and fundus fluorescein angiography, with great safety. Therefore, it can provide a new alternative therapeutic drug for patients with diabetic retinopathy.
4.GSDMD-mediated Pyroptosis of Synovial Vascular Endothelial Cells Promotes Joint Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Tao WU ; Xuepei ZHANG ; Ye LU ; Yaowei ZOU ; Zhiming OUYANG ; Jianda MA ; Lie DAI
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):709-718
[Objective]To explore the occurrence of gasdermin D(GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis and its effect on cell proliferation,migration and tubular formation abilities of synovial vascular endothelial cells(VEC)in rheumatoid arthritis(RA).[Methods]Synovium tissues from knee joints of 22 RA patients and 18 orthopaedic arthropathies(Orth.A)patients were collected.The level of activated GSDMD-NT segment in synovium was detected by Western blot.The clinical characteristics of RA patients were compared between high and low synovial GSDMD-NT groups.The cell localization of GSDMD in RA synovium was detected by immunofluorescence staining.RA synovial fluid was added to the culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC)in vitro,and the level of apoptosis and expression of pyroptosis pathway proteins were detected.The effects of GSDMD on apoptosis,proliferation,migration and tubule formation of HUVEC cells were analyzed.[Results]GSDMD expression in RA synovium was significantly higher than that in Orth.A,and more severe joint destruction and higher microvascular count score were found in RA patients with high GSDMD-NT expression.Synovial VEC had positive expression of GSDMD.Stimulation with RA synovial fluid could induce GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in HUVEC,increased the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and their abilities of proliferation,migration and tubule formation.Knockdown of GSDMD could reverse the above effects.[Conclusion]GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis of partial synovial VEC aggravates RA joint destruction through VEGF secretion that promotes proliferation,migration and angiogenesis of the remaining VEC,which may be a new target to block neovascularization and inhibit joint destruction in RA.
5.Clinical effects of hypoglycemic drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and depression
Hao YUAN ; Chuyu ZHONG ; Qiong WU ; Li WANG ; Qianqian WANG ; Lie FENG
Chinese Journal of Diabetes 2024;32(3):192-196
Objective To explore the clinical effects of hypoglycemic drugs on depression degree in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 160 newly diagnosed T2DM patients or T2DM patients who have not used hypoglycemic drugs in the past 3 months with mild to moderate depressive episodes and visited our outpatient department were enrolled in this study from January to December 2022.All the participants HbA1c were ranged from 7%to 9%.They were randomly divided into four groups:Metformin treatment group(Met,n=40),Met combined with sulfonylurea treatment group(Met+SUs,n=40),Met combined with DPP-4i treatment group(Met+DPP-4i,n=40),and Met combined with GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment group(Met+GLP-1RA,n=40).All the patients were scored with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)in each group.Results The Met+DPP-4i and Met+GLP-1RA groups showed the most significant decrease in HAMD and HAMA scores after treatment(P<0.05),while the proportion of moderate depression and significant anxiety in HAMD decreased(P<0.05).Pearson correlation analysis showed that?HAMD,?HAMA were positively correlated with ?HbA1c in the Met+GLP-1RA group(P<0.05).Conclusion The combination of Met with DPP-4i and GLP-1RA has the most significant effect on improving the degree of depression in patients with T2DM and depression.
6.Platelet/lymphocyte ratio predicts the failure of non-surgical treatment in patients with small bowel obstruction treated with intestinal obstruction catheter
Zhi-Bing HOU ; Yang HE ; Hu ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Lie WANG ; Xin Zai WU
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2024;31(4):233-238
Objective:To investigate the predictive value of platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for conversion surgery in patients with small bowel obstruction treated with intestinal obstruction catheter. Methods:The clinical data of patients with intestinal obstruction treated by intestinal obstruction catheter in the 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support the Force were retrospectively collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of conversion surgery. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves assessed the dose-response relationship between PLR and conversion surgery. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the validity of the predictive model. Results:A total of 73 patients with small bowel obstruction treated conservatively with intestinal obstruction catheter were included and 25 (34.2%) patients were referred for surgical intervention after poor outcome of conservative treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PLR was an independent predictor of conversion surgery (P=0.032). The RCS analysis showed a non-linear correlation between a progressively higher risk of conversion surgery as the PLR increased. The ROC curves show that the incorporation of PLR into the prediction model significantly enhances its predictive efficacy (All P<0.05). Conclusion:PLR was found to be significantly associated with conversion surgery in small bowel obstruction patients treated with intestinal obstruction catheter,with a non-linear correlation. Incorporating PLR into the prediction model can significantly enhance the predictive efficacy,thus providing reference value for clinicians' decision-making.
7.Evaluation of Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid on Improving Sciatic Neuronal Apoptosis in Type 2 Diabetic Model Mice
Fei HUANG ; Jiaxiang TONG ; Wei LIU ; Mengqiu LIU ; Ting CHEN ; Yuanjun LIU ; Mingying ZHANG ; Yuchen WU ; Wei WEI ; Yuting ZHAO ; Lie TIAN ; Yue ZHU
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;40(9):932-940
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ameliorative effect of Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid on sciatic neuronal apoptosis in Type 2 diabetic model mice.METHODS The Type 2 diabetes mouse model was established by feeding with high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ).The mice were treated with metformin(200 mg·kg-1·d-1),low dose(3.9 g·kg-1·d-1)and high dose(7.8 g·kg-1·d-1)Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid for 35 days.The latency of response to thermal stimu-lation was detected by hot plate,and the values of blood glucose insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin were determined.Biochemical kits were used to detect the expression of serum total cholesterol(T-CHO),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and oxidation product malondialdehyde(MDA).The expression of tumor cytokine α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and IL-10 in serum of mice were detected by ELISA method;the injury of sciatic nerve of model mice was detected by HE staining;the apoptosis of sciatic nerve was detected by TUNEL method;and the expression of neurofilament protein NF-L,apoptosis(cleaved Caspase-3,Caspase-3)and oxidative stress(Nrf2,HO-1)signal pathway proteins in sciatic nerve of model mice were detected by Western blot method.RESULTS High-dose Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid shortened the latent period of heat pain response in model mice(P<0.01);downregulated fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin(P<0.01),and upregulated fasting plasma insulin in model mice(P<0.01);downregulated serum T-CHO,TG,and LDL-C levels(P<0.01),upregulated HDL-C levels(P<0.01);downregulated serum pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 levels(P<0.05),upregulated the anti-inflammatory cyto-kine IL-10 level(P<0.01);inhibited sciatic nerve structural damage and apoptosis(P<0.05);downregulated the ratio of cleaved Caspase-3 to Caspase-3 in the apoptosis pathway(P<0.01);upregulated the expression of neurofilament proteins NF-L and NF-H in sciatic nerve tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01);and upregulated the expression of antioxidant stress proteins Nrf2 and HO-1(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid can improve sciatic neuronal apoptosis of Type 2 diabetic mice,which may be related to its effect on improving oxidative stress and inflammatory stress.
8.Research Progress in the Prevention and Treatment of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Lower Limb Fracture
Chu-Rong ZHENG ; Peng GU ; Wen-Zheng WU ; Neng-Xian TAN ; Lie-Liang LUO ; Chong-Zhi OUYANG ; Xiao-Hui ZHENG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(6):1647-1652
Deep vein thrombosis(DVT)is a common complication after surgery for lower limb fracture.It has the features of high morbidity,high disability rate and high mortality.At present,the measures for clinical prevention and treatment of post-operative DVT in lower limb fracture mainly include perioperative nursing,intervention with medical auxiliary instruments,western medicine prevention and treatment,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)intervention,and patients'self-cooperation.The patients'self-cooperation is the basis for the smooth implementation of other measures for prevention and treatment,and the patients'active cooperation is the premise of achieving the efficacy of prevention and treatment.Perioperative nursing is helpful for the patients to understand the risk factors of postoperative DVT and the possible risks after the occurrence of DVT,guides the patients to choose the food,assists the patients to do postoperative exercises,improves the level of patients'hemorheological indexes,and reduce the incidence of postoperative DVT.Medical devices are helpful for assisting patients to do postoperative rehabilitation exercises,improving the levels of hemodynamic indicators,promoting patients'rehabilitation and reducing the incidence of postoperative DVT.Western medicines such as low molecular weight heparin,Rivaroxaban,Enoxaparin and other anticoagulant drugs can reduce the aggregation of coagulation factors and blood viscosity,and reduce the incidence of postoperative DVT.TCM interventions mainly include oral administration of Chinese medicine and external treatment such as acupuncture,moxibustion and massage.Oral administration of Chinese medicine is helpful for improving blood flow status.Acupuncture,moxibustion and massage are beneficial to the activation of the function of zang-fu organs,and can stimulate the healthy qi to improve the qi-blood state of the whole body.Each method of prevention and treatment has its advantages and disadvantages.In clinical application,reasonable prevention and treatment methods should be selected according to the specific conditions and individual conditions of the patients.TCM intervention of DVT can be performed in patients with lower limb fracture before and after surgery,and has the advantages of low cost and definite efficacy,which is worthy of continuous research and inheritance and innovation.
9.Comparison of Jinzhen oral liquid and ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol hydrochloride oral solution in the treatment of acute bronchitis in children: A multicenter, non-inferiority, prospective, randomized controlled trial.
Qinhua FAN ; Chongming WU ; Yawei DU ; Boyang WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Zeling ZHANG ; Wenquan SU ; Zizhuo WANG ; Changchang XU ; Xueke LI ; Ying DING ; Xinjiang AN ; Jing CHEN ; Yunying XIAO ; Rong YU ; Nan LI ; Juan WANG ; Yiqun TENG ; Hongfen LV ; Nian YANG ; Yuling WEN ; Xiaoli HUANG ; Wei PAN ; Yufeng LIU ; Xueqin XI ; Qianye ZHAO ; Changshan LIU ; Jian XU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Lie ZHUO ; Qiangquan RONG ; Yu XIA ; Qin SHEN ; Shao LI ; Junhong WANG ; Shengxian WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(12):5186-5200
The comparison between traditional Chinese medicine Jinzhen oral liquid (JZOL) and Western medicine in treating children with acute bronchitis (AB) showed encouraging outcomes. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the JZOL for improving cough and expectoration in children with AB. 480 children were randomly assigned to take JZOL or ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol hydrochloride oral solution for 7 days. The primary outcome was time-to-cough resolution. The median time-to-cough resolution in both groups was 5.0 days and the antitussive onset median time was only 1 day. This randomized controlled trial showed that JZOL was not inferior to cough suppressant and phlegm resolving western medicine in treating cough and sputum and could comprehensively treat respiratory and systemic discomfort symptoms. Combined with clinical trials, the mechanism of JZOL against AB was uncovered by network target analysis, it was found that the pathways in TRP channels like IL-1β/IL1R/TRPV1/TRPA1, NGF/TrkA/TRPV1/TRPA1, and PGE2/EP/PKA/TRPV1/TRPA1 might play important roles. Animal experiments further confirmed that inflammation and the immune regulatory effect of JZOL in the treatment of AB were of vital importance and TRP channels were the key mechanism of action.
10.Bioequivalence Study of Clobazam Tablet in Chinese Healthy Subjects
Xuenong ZHANG ; Yanyan WANG ; Lie LI ; Min ZHANG ; Liping SONG ; Mengjuan YI ; Xiandi WU ; Hui YOU
Herald of Medicine 2023;42(12):1785-1790
Objective To study the pharmacokinetic characteristics of clobazam tablet in Chinese healthy subjects and evaluate the bioequivalence of test preparation(T)and reference preparation(R)under fasting or fed conditions.Methods A randomized,open-label,single-dose,two-period,two-way crossover bioequivalence trial was performed.34 healthy subjects were enrolled in fasting study and 30 in fed study.Each subjects received a single dose of T 20 mg or R 20 mg with a washout period of 28 days.Plasma concentrations of clobazam and its active metabolite,N-desmethylclobazam were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS).The pharmacokinetic parameters of clobazam and N-desmethylclobazam were calculated by non-compartment model.Geometric mean values for the T/R ratios of clobazam's main pharmacokinetic parameters and their corresponding 90 percent confidence intervals(CI)were evaluated to assess bioequivalence of the two preparations.Results In fasting study,the 90 percent CI of the geometric mean values for the T/R ratios were 94.46 to 103.82 percent for Cmax,99.64 to 103.62 percent for AUC0-tand 99.39 to 103.51 percent for AUC0-∞,respectively.In fed study,the 90 percent CI of the geometric mean values for the T/R ratios of were 93.86 to 106.02 percent for Cmax,100.37 to 104.51 percent for AUC0-tand 100.71 to 104.63 percent for AUC0-∞,respectively.Conclusion In this study,the 90 percent CI of the geometric mean values of Cmax,AUC0-tand AUC0-∞ for T/R ratios were all within the acceptable bioequivalence limits of 80 to 125 percent for clobazam.Therefore two formulations were considered bioequivalent.

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