1.Active Ingredients of Bupleuri Radix in Treatment of Central Nervous System: A Review
Shuhuan YANG ; Xin JIANG ; Runda YUAN ; Fang LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):325-334
Diseases of the central nervous system have become a growing global health concern. At present, there are many adverse reactions in the treatment with Western medicine. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine has shown unique efficacy and rich clinical practice accumulation in diseases of the central nervous system. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Bupleuri Radix has played an important role in the treatment of neurological diseases through multi-target regulation, multi-pathway intervention, and multi-pathway mechanism of action. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the pharmacological effects of Bupleuri Radix, it has been found that the active ingredients such as saikosaponin, baicalin, quercetin, and kaempferol in Bupleuri Radix can be used as the main material basis for the treatment of neurological diseases. The results of this study showed that in neurodegenerative diseases, active ingredients of Bupleuri Radix can inhibit β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein (Tau protein) in Alzheimer's disease, regulate the nuclear factor-κB/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (NF-κB/Nrf2) pathway to play the anti-inflammatory role, and alleviate α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation and mitochondrial damage in Parkinson's disease. In epilepsy, depression, and cerebral ischemia, they can improve symptoms by regulating neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, and apoptosis pathways, and inhibit brain glioma proliferation. However, the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, and the complexity of compound components and poor blood-brain barrier penetration limit their clinical application. In the future, it is necessary to integrate multi-omics, network pharmacology, and nano-delivery technologies, focus on the optimization of active ingredient group compounds and the precise guidance of biomarkers, accelerate the development of innovative therapies for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases for laying a solid theoretical foundation for further development and application and inspiring new research ideas.
2.Technology optimization and in vitro anti-tumor effect evaluation of reactive oxygen species-responsive metho-trexate-modified paclitaxel/icariin micelles
Naijian ZOU ; Liang KONG ; Lei CHANG ; Pengbo WAN ; Xiaolin JIANG ; Mingdian YUAN ; Yingqiang LU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):285-292
OBJECTIVE To prepare reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive methotrexate (MTX)-modified paclitaxel (PTX)/icariin (ICA) micelles (MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA), and perform technology optimization and in vitro anti-tumor effect evaluation. METHODS Synergistic toxicity concentration range of PTX and ICA was screened by synergistic toxicity test. The micelles were prepared by thin film hydration method, and their technology was optimized by response surface methodology. The fundamental characteristics of the micelles prepared by the optimal technology were evaluated. The micelles’ cytotoxicity, targeting ability to renal carcinoma RENCA cells of mice, and their inhibitory effects on invasion and migration were assessed. RESULTS Results of synergistic toxicity experiments demonstrated that the strongest synergistic effect occurred when PTX concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 10 μmol/L and ICA concentrations ranged from 5 to 15 μmol/L. The optimal technology of MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ ICA was determined to include 80 mg Soluplus®, Soluplus® and TPGS1000 mass ratio of 4∶1 (mg/mg), 2 mg DSPE-PEG2000-TK- PEG5000, 2 mg DSPE-PEG2000-MTX, 1 mg PTX, and 1.5 mg ICA, with a hydration temperature of 35 ℃ and a formulation volume of 5 mL. Under the optimal conditions, average encapsulation efficiency of PTX and ICA in 3 batches of MTX-oxi- Ms@PTX/ICA reached 92.75%, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) was 0.007 9 mg/mL, the particle size was (62.09±1.68) nm, the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.046±0.032, and the Zeta potential was (-2.47±0.15) mV. Within 30 days of placement, there was no significant change E-mail:yingqiang_1126@163.com in particle size and polydispersity index of micelle. In vitro release experiments showed that MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA released drugs more rapidly in oxidative environments. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA against RENCA cells was (5.170±0.036) μmol/L. In vitro cellular uptake experiments indicated that compared with unmodified micelles, MTX modified micelles had stronger targeting effects on cancer cells, and also significantly enhanced the inhibitory ability of invasion and migration of RENCA cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS MTX-oxi-Ms@PTX/ICA micelles are successfully prepared, which exhibit high encapsulation efficiency, low critical micelle concentration, and good stability. These micelles demonstrate significant cytotoxicity against RENCA cells and effectively inhibit cancer cell invasion and migration.
3.Application of Huangkui Capsules in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review
Jia LUO ; Beile JIANG ; Qiuxiang HE ; Shilong LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):314-324
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a kidney disease caused by hyperglycemia,which is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. Due to the high incidence of diabetes,the incidence of DKD has also increased year by year,and DKD has become a global public health problem. The pathogenesis of DKD is related to mechanisms such as oxidative stress,inflammation,renal fibrosis,and decreased mitophagy activity,which are developed under a variety of complex mechanisms. In traditional Chinese medicine,it is believed that the incidence of DKD is closely related to damp heat. Therefore,it is necessary to grasp the treatment method of clearing heat and removing dampness in clinical medication. Huangkui Capsules (HKC) have the effect of clearing damp heat,detoxifying, and detumescence. Because of its unique curative effect on DKD,HKC is often used in the treatment of DKD. HKC plays a role in the treatment of DKD with a variety of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. In many laboratory studies,it has been found that the specific mechanisms of HKC in the treatment of DKD include increasing mitophagy,reducing mitochondrial damage,reducing renal fibrosis,controlling inflammatory response,and inhibiting oxidative stress,which can achieve the purpose of reducing renal damage and promoting renal function. Some clinical studies have also verified that the application of HKC alone can exert renal protective function through anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative stress,anti-renal fibrosis effects,as well as reduction of urinary protein. Since DKD is not a single injury of renal function,it is often accompanied by problems in blood pressure,blood lipids,blood circulation,body immunity, and other aspects. Therefore,the combination of HKC with other drugs can often achieve more comprehensive results,improve the advantages of various drugs,and improve the therapeutic effect. The combination of drugs such as antihypertensive,lipid-lowering, vascular circulation improvement,immunity inhibition,and anti-oxidative stress with HKC has achieved good results. In addition,HKC is often used in combination with other Chinese patent medicines in clinics. The application of HKC in the treatment of DKD has made some progress,but there are still many places worthy of further study,and the research on the mechanism of HKC is not comprehensive enough. The research on its long-term effect and safety in clinical application is relatively lacking,and the drug variety is relatively single when combined with certain drugs. These problems deserve further attention. Finally,it is necessary to pay attention to the promotion and application of HKC in clinical practice so that HKC can be better applied in clinical practice and better solve practical problems for patients.
4.Application of Huangkui Capsules in Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Review
Jia LUO ; Beile JIANG ; Qiuxiang HE ; Shilong LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):314-324
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a kidney disease caused by hyperglycemia,which is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. Due to the high incidence of diabetes,the incidence of DKD has also increased year by year,and DKD has become a global public health problem. The pathogenesis of DKD is related to mechanisms such as oxidative stress,inflammation,renal fibrosis,and decreased mitophagy activity,which are developed under a variety of complex mechanisms. In traditional Chinese medicine,it is believed that the incidence of DKD is closely related to damp heat. Therefore,it is necessary to grasp the treatment method of clearing heat and removing dampness in clinical medication. Huangkui Capsules (HKC) have the effect of clearing damp heat,detoxifying, and detumescence. Because of its unique curative effect on DKD,HKC is often used in the treatment of DKD. HKC plays a role in the treatment of DKD with a variety of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. In many laboratory studies,it has been found that the specific mechanisms of HKC in the treatment of DKD include increasing mitophagy,reducing mitochondrial damage,reducing renal fibrosis,controlling inflammatory response,and inhibiting oxidative stress,which can achieve the purpose of reducing renal damage and promoting renal function. Some clinical studies have also verified that the application of HKC alone can exert renal protective function through anti-inflammatory,anti-oxidative stress,anti-renal fibrosis effects,as well as reduction of urinary protein. Since DKD is not a single injury of renal function,it is often accompanied by problems in blood pressure,blood lipids,blood circulation,body immunity, and other aspects. Therefore,the combination of HKC with other drugs can often achieve more comprehensive results,improve the advantages of various drugs,and improve the therapeutic effect. The combination of drugs such as antihypertensive,lipid-lowering, vascular circulation improvement,immunity inhibition,and anti-oxidative stress with HKC has achieved good results. In addition,HKC is often used in combination with other Chinese patent medicines in clinics. The application of HKC in the treatment of DKD has made some progress,but there are still many places worthy of further study,and the research on the mechanism of HKC is not comprehensive enough. The research on its long-term effect and safety in clinical application is relatively lacking,and the drug variety is relatively single when combined with certain drugs. These problems deserve further attention. Finally,it is necessary to pay attention to the promotion and application of HKC in clinical practice so that HKC can be better applied in clinical practice and better solve practical problems for patients.
5.Working practices in eliminating the public health crisis caused by viral hepatitis in Hainan Province of China
Weihua LI ; Changfu XIONG ; Taifan CHEN ; Bin HE ; Dapeng YIN ; Xuexia ZENG ; Feng LIN ; Biyu CHEN ; Xiaomei ZENG ; Biao WU ; Juan JIANG ; Lu ZHONG ; Yuhui ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):228-233
In 2022, Hainan provincial government launched the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis with the goals of a hepatitis B screening rate of 90%, a diagnostic rate of 90%, and a treatment rate of 80% among people aged 18 years and above by the year 2025, and the main intervention measures include population-based prevention, case screening, antiviral therapy, and health management. As of December 31, 2024, a total of 6.875 million individuals in the general population had been screened for hepatitis B, with a screening rate of 95.6%. A total of 184 710 individuals with positive HBsAg were identified, among whom 156 772 were diagnosed through serological reexamination, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 84.9%. A total of 50 742 patients with chronic hepatitis B were identified, among whom 42 921 had hepatitis B-specific health records established for health management, with a file establishment rate of 84.6%. A total of 31 553 individuals received antiviral therapy, with a treatment rate of 62.2%. A total of 2.503 million individuals at a high risk of hepatitis C were screened, among whom 4 870 tested positive for HCV antibody and 3 858 underwent HCV RNA testing, resulting in a diagnostic rate of 79.2%, and 1 824 individuals with positive HCV RNA were identified, among whom 1 194 received antiviral therapy, with a treatment rate of 65.5%. In addition, 159 301 individuals with negative HBsAg and anti-HBs and an age of 20 — 40 years were inoculated with hepatitis B vaccine free of charge. Through the implementation of the project for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, a large number of hepatitis patients have been identified, treated, and managed in the province within a short period of time, which significantly accelerates the efforts to eliminate the crisis of viral hepatitis.
6.Guidelines of ethics review for clinical application of medical technology
Jiyin ZHOU ; Mingjie ZI ; Qi LU ; Hui JIANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(1):15-22
Access to the clinical application of medical technology is one of the core institutional contents of medical quality management, involving medical quality assurance, the achievement of patient safety goals, and medical service satisfaction. Medical technology is only permitted for clinical use after its safety and effectiveness have been verified through clinical research, as well as evaluated and reviewed by the medical technology clinical application management committee and ethics committee of this medical and health institution. Based on the relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles, combined with the experience of ethical review in the clinical application of medical technology from some medical and health institutions, a thematic discussion was held to formulate ethical review guidelines for the clinical application of medical technology for references. These guidelines elaborated on the management system for access to the clinical application of medical technology in medical and health institutions, the system of ethics committees and the requirements of review norms, technical plans and their review points, key points for the implementation of informed consent, technical teams and conditions, and other aspects.
7.Fufang Kangjiaolv Capsules Treat Anxiety in Rat Model of Chronic Restraint Stress via Microbiota-gut-brain Axis
Wenxin FAN ; Tingyue JIANG ; Yu WANG ; Ge ZHANG ; Yifan LU ; Mengmeng LIU ; Jiayuan LI ; Renzhi MA ; Jinli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):95-107
ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules on anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of chronic restraint stress (CRS) and explore the mechanism underlying the anti-anxiety effect via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. MethodsRats were assigned into blank, model, positive drug (diazepam, 1 mg·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (0.75, 1.5, 3 g·kg-1, respectively) Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules groups. After 14 days of administration, the elevated plus maze test, open field test, light and dark box test, and marble burying test were performed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon of rats, and Nissl staining was conducted to observe the damage of hippocampal neurons. The gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin in the colon of rats. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the colon, serum, and hippocampus were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ZO-1, occludin, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) in the colon tissue and NF-κB p65 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed reductions in the time and frequency ratio of rats entering the elevated plus maze, the time and frequency of rats entering the central area of the open field, the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark box, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules ameliorated the anxiety of the model rats to varying degrees, and the high-dose group had the best effect, with increases in the proportions of time and frequency of rats entering the open arm in the elevated plus maze (P<0.05), the number of rats entering the central area in the open field (P<0.05), the time of entering the open box, the times of passing through the light and dark boxes, and the number of unburied beads (P<0.01). Moreover, the high-dose group showed alleviated pathological damage of hippocampal neurons and colon. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the model group had increased relative abundance of Firmicutes, Deferribacterota, Romboutsia, and Phascolarctobacterium, while it had decreased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota and Lactobacillus. The drug administration groups showed increased relative abundance of Bavcteroidota, Bacteroides, norank f norank o Clostridia UCG-014, and Blautia and decreased relative abundance of Firmicutes and Deferribacterota. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), elevated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.01), and down-regulated protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, high-dose Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules up-regulated the mRNA levels of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon (P<0.01), lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the colon, serum, and hippocampus (P<0.01), up-regulated the protein levels of ZO-1 (P<0.01) and occludin (P<0.05) in the colon, down-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 in the colon and hippocampus (P<0.05), and up-regulated the protein level of BDNF in the hippocampus. ConclusionFufang Kangjiaolv capsules can reduce the anxiety-like behaviors in the rat model of CRS by regulating the gut microbiota disturbance, up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins in the colon, repairing intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier, and down-regulating NF-κB/BDNF signaling pathway, thereby reducing peripheral and central inflammation. This study proves the hypothesis that Fufang Kangjiaolv capsules play an anti-anxiety role via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, providing a new idea for further research.
8.Research on interview outline design and quality control methods based on grounded theory for physician prescribing behavior
Liyuan TAO ; Li WANG ; Xinli XIANG ; Lu YANG ; Songleng DUAN ; Dechun JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):524-528
OBJECTIVE To establish a interview outline design process and quality control evaluation method based on grounded theory, providing ideas for qualitative research interview outline design in medical fields. METHODS A literature review was conducted to understand the current research status; a preliminary interview outline was developed around the research content. The triangulation method, group evaluation, expert review and pre-interview were adopted to execute the interview outline and conduct quality control. The evaluation indicators and target values were formulated (an average score for the overall quality evaluation of all indicators ≥4.5, and an average score for individual indicators ≥4.00) to evaluate the effect of the interview outline. Taking the research on the mechanism of physicians’ prescribing behavior under the background of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) payment as an example, the methodological contents of above interview outline were applied in practical research. RESULTS The interview outline included basic information and interview questions. The interview questions were divided into three parts:influencing factors survey, promoting and hindering factors of standardizing physician prescription behavior, and communication, with a total of 12 questions. After being reviewed by members of the research group, experts review and pre- interview, a total of 9 people participated in the quality control evaluation of the interview outline. The overall evaluation score was 4.94 (>4.50), and the average score of each indicator was greater than 4.00, indicating that the quality of the outline met the requirements for the interview and could be used for the formal interview. CONCLUSIONS The established interview outline design and quality control method based on grounded theory provides ideas for the qualitative research interview outline design in the medical field, and lays the foundation for further using grounded theory to study the influencing factors and mechanisms of physician prescription behavior under the DRG background.
9.Effect of surface treatment on dentin rebonding after laser non-destructive removal of zirconia prosthesis
LI Xiaoting ; JIANG Lei ; LU Zhicen ; CAI Chunyan ; YU Hao
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2025;33(3):195-202
Objective:
To investigate the changes of dentin surface and the effects of different surface treatments on the rebonding effect following non-destructive restoration removal by an Er:YAG laser and to provide reference for oral clinical operation
Methods:
This study was approved by the ethics review committee of the unit. Using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, 102 zirconia specimens (4 mm × 4 mm × 1.5 mm) were fabricated. In total, 110 impacted third molar teeth were extracted, and 102 dentine blocks (4 mm × 4 mm × 2 mm) were prepared. The zirconia specimen and dentin blocks were bonded with resin cement before removal with an Er: YAG laser. Three disassembled dentin blocks were randomly selected, and the components of dentin surface elements were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The removed dentin blocks were randomly divided into three groups (n = 33) based on the different surface treatments: control group (no treatment), sandblasting group (50 μm, Al2O3 sandblasting), and laser irradiation group (Er: YAG laser irradiation, parameters were set to 10 Hz, 60 mJ, 0.6 W). Three dentin blocks were randomly selected in each group for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, and the residual resin on dentin surface of remaining 30 dentin blocks in each group were observed under an optical microscope at 20 times magnification. Scores were obtained using the adhesive remnant index (ARI) method. Three groups of dentin blocks (n = 30) that underwent different surface treatments were rebonded with resin cement according to standard procedures and then divided into two subgroups for aging (n = 15). One subgroup was subjected to a 37 ℃ water bath for 24 h, and the other subgroup was subjected to 5 000 thermal cycles after a 37 ℃ water bath for 24 h, and the micro-shear bonding strength of each group was measured. The microshear bonding strength of each group was measured, and fracture modes were analyzed. The differences of dentine surface ARI between the three groups, as well as the inter-group differences in fracture mode, and bonding strength, and the intra-group differences before and after aging were compared between the three groups.
Results:
When zirconia was removed by Er: YAG laser, there was no obvious damage on the dentin surface, but C and Si elements in dentin increased significantly. After different surface treatments, the ARI scores of the sandblasting and laser irradiation groups were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05), while ARI was not significantly different between the sandblasting and laser irradiation groups (P>0.05). The dentin surface morphology was also different. There was a large amount of residual resin on the dentin surface of the control group. In the sandblasting group, the residual resin was lower, the dentin surface was rough, and the dentin tubules were visible. A large amount of residual resin was observed on the dentin surface of the laser irradiation group. After 24 h of water bath at 37 ℃, the bonding strengths of the control group, sandblasting group, and laser irradiation group were (6.13 ± 2.40) MPa, (9.39 ± 2.00) MPa, and (5.85 ± 1.44) MPa, respectively, and the bonding strength of the sandblasting group was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (P<0.05). After being subjected to 24 h of water bath at 37 ℃ and 5 000 thermal cycles, the bonding strengths of the control group, sandblasting group, and laser irradiation group were (5.39 ± 0.83) MPa, (8.45 ± 1.20) MPa and (4.84 ± 1.43) MPa, respectively. The bonding strength of the sandblasting group was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the control group, sandblasting group, and laser irradiation group before and after 5 000 thermal cycles following 24 h of water bath at 37 ℃ (P>0.05). In the control group, sandblasting group, and laser irradiation group, cohesive fracture was not observed. The fracture mode was mainly adhesive fracture. Before and after 5 000 thermal cycles, the frequency of mixed fracture in the sandblasting group was significantly higher than that in the other two groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Er: YAG laser removal of zirconia does not damage dentin, but a large amount of resin remains on the dentin surface after removal. The sandblasting process can effectively remove these residual resins, thereby improving the dentine rebonding effect.
10.Research progress of natural bioactive products in resisting loss of skin collagen
Chu-juan HU ; Lu-lu WANG ; Jian-dong JIANG ; Rui LI
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):269-279
As the biggest tissue of human body, skin is the first barrier of resisting external aggression. Collagen is one of important parts of the skin, which could not only affect the aesthetics of skin, but also influence the health and normal function of skin. It is the great significance to find ways that could inhibit the loss of collagen. The mechanisms of the collagen degradation in skin are complex and multifaceted. Natural bioactive products have unique advantages in treating the loss of collagen, which have multi-targets and mechanisms. In this review, the mechanisms of skin collagen degradation are discussed, and the research progress of natural bioactive products in resisting skin aging through promoting collagen synthesis are reviewed, in order to provide references for futural research.


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