1.Spectrum-effect Relationship of Bupleuri Radix Processed with Trionyx sinensis Blood for Yin Deficiency Based on Saponins
Mengyu HOU ; Xia ZHAO ; Zhiyu GUO ; Ting LIU ; Yuexing MA ; Yaohui YE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):147-155
ObjectiveTo analyze the pharmacodynamic activity of Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood in the treatment of Yin deficiency and study the spectrum-effect relationship of this medicine. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography was employed to establish the fingerprints of 15 batches of Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood, and the similarity was evaluated according to the SOP of Similarity Evaluation System of Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM (version 2012). A mouse model of Yin deficiency induced by thyroxine was established. The relationship between the active components and the effect on Yin deficiency was explored by grey correlation analysis and partial least squares method based on the changes in the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cyclic adenosine phosphate (cAMP), and cyclic guanosine phosphate (cGMP). The components screened out based on the spectrum-effect relationship were used for retrieval of the targets from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and Analysis Database (TCMSP), The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP). Furthermore, the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), GeneCards, TTD, DisGeNET, and Drugbank were employed to establish the active component-target against Yin deficiency network of Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out for the core targets. Real-time PCR was conducted to verify the predicted key pathways and mechanisms. ResultsThe fingerprints of the 15 batches of Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood showed the similarities of 0.976-0.999 with the control fingerprint. Compared with the model group, the drug administration group showed elevated levels of T3 and T4 and lowered levels of cAMP, cGMP and cAMP/cGMP. The results of grey correlation analysis showed that active components in terms of the correlations followed the trend of saikosaponin B1 > saikosaponin B2 > saikosaponin C > saikosaponin D > saikosaponin A. The partial least squares analysis showed that saikosaponins A, D, B1, and B2 had higher VIP values. Network pharmacology predicted a total of 30 common targets, which were enriched in 276 GO terns and 115 KEGG pathways. The results of Real-time PCR showed that the model group had lower mRNA levels of Caspase-9, kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and higher mRNA level of mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) than the blank group and the drug administration group. ConclusionBupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood has therapeutic effect on Yin deficiency syndrome, which provides a new idea for studying Bupleuri Radix processed with Trionyx sinensis blood.
2."Integrated Internal and External Treatment with Harmonization of Body and Mind" for Tinnitus Caused by Constraint Syndrome
Wenli WU ; Ying ZHANG ; Daxin LIU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Mengyu YIN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(12):1281-1285
Based on the theories of "pathogenesis caused by constraint emotions" and "visceral orifices", it is believed that the pathogenesis of tinnitus caused by constraint syndrome follows the evolution pattern of "qi constraint (liver qi constraint) → fire disturbance (liver constraint transforming into fire) → deficiency impairment (liver constraint with spleen deficiency) → blood stasis (liver constraint leading to blood stasis)". The treatment is guided by the principle of integrated internal and external therapy with harmonization of both body and mind. Internally, the treatment focuses on rectifying zang-fu imbalances, primarily using the Xiaoyao Powder (逍遥散), with modifications based on syndrome differentiation. External therapies aim to unblock the meridians and orifices, commonly using auricular acupressure and Chinese herbal hot compresses. Additionally, traditional Chinese five-tone music therapy is applied to regulate emotional and mental disturbances. By integrating these three approaches, a comprehensive treatment strategy is formed that harmonizes both body and mind for managing tinnitus associated with constraint syndrome.
3.Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of finerenone combined with standard regimen in the treatment of heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction
Runan XIA ; Xu WANG ; Huijuan CHEN ; Mengyu JIANG ; Panpan DI ; Mengmeng ZHAO ; Li LIU ; Hai LIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1770-1774
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of finerenone combined with standard of care (SoC) in the treatment of heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) or preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). METHODS Based on a phase Ⅲ clinical trial, a Markov model was constructed from the perspective of China’s healthcare system to compare the treatment outcomes of finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone in the treatment of different cardiac functional statuses of HFmrEF/HFpEF. Using quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as the health output index, 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2023 as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold, a simulation was conducted with a 3-month cycle length and a 10- year time horizon, incorporating an annual discount rate of 5%. The dynamic changes across various stages of HFmrEF/HFpEF treated with finerenone combined with SoC versus SoC alone were simulated to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and costs of the two treatment strategies. Additionally, one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed, to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the finerenone combined with SoC regimen versus SoC regimen alone was 179 504.75 yuan/QALY, which was below the WTP threshold set in this study, indicating that the finerenone combined with SoC regimen possessed certain economic advantages. The results of one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utility value of NYHA Ⅱ status, the drug price of finerenone, the discount rate, and the probability of hospital transfer for both groups had a great influence on ICER, but did not affect the robustness of the model. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis also confirmed the robustness of the model. CONCLUSIONS Under the WTP threshold set in this study, finerenone combined with SoC is cost-effective in the treatment of HFmrEF/HFpEF, compared with the SoC regimen.
4.Relationship between stressors and job burnout: Moderating role of job well-being
Jie WU ; Fengmin CHENG ; Ruotong YI ; Weiqian YU ; Chunyan LIU ; Mengyu OU
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(7):833-839
Background Enhancing the sense of honor and belonging among medical staff is a key component of establishing a modern hospital management system. Compared to medical staff at general hospitals, medical staff at oncology hospitals are more prone to job burnout, yet few studies in China have focused on job burnout among employees in oncology hospitals. Objective To propose a hypothetical model in which job well-being moderates the relationship between stressors and occupational burnout, to explore how stressors influence burnout and potential moderating role of job well-being, and to provide better understanding of job burnout and motivate employees based on the double-edge sword effect of stressors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2022 at a tertiary oncology specialty hospital in Chongqing, China. A total of 1 898 medical staff were recruited. Data were collectedthrough four scales including a general information questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey, Work Stressor Scale, and Occupational Well-being Scale for Medical Staff. Independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used for univariate comparisons of job burnout. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between job burnout, stressors, and job well-being. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted to identify factors influencing job burnout and to examine potential moderating role of job well-being in the relationship between stressors and job burnout. Results A total of 2 123 questionnaires were distributed, with 1 898 valid responses, yielding an effective response rate of 89.4%. The prevalence of job burnout was 60.1%. The correlation coefficient was 0.717 (P<0.001) between stressors and burnout, −0.784 (P<0.05) between job well-being and burnout, and −0.744 (P<0.001) between stressors and job well-being. The quadratic stressors showed a statistically significant effect on burnout (β=0.404, P<0.01). Job well-being positively moderated the relationship between the linear stressors and burnout (β=1.289, P<0.001) and negatively moderated the relationship between the quadratic stressors and job burnout (β=−0.571, P<0.01), explaining 7.1% of the variance. Conclusion Job burnout prevalence is relatively high among employees in oncology hospitals. There is a curvilinear relationship between stressors and job burnout, with job well-being moderating this relationship. From a practical perspective, it is recommended to establish a tiered stress alert system to monitor employees’ stress levels and prevent prolonged exposure to high-pressure conditions. Additionally, improving employees’ job well-being through institutional incentives and developmental support can enhance its moderating role in mitigating the adverse effects of stressors on job burnout. Meanwhile, fostering coordinated responses between organizations and individuals is crucial for strengthening mental health management systems, thereby supporting a healthy, stable, and sustainable development of the healthcare workforce.
5.Mechanism of Mingshi Prescription in Regulating Opn4-dopamine Axis to Inhibit Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Delay Myopia Progression
Baohua LI ; Zefeng KANG ; Lulu WANG ; Xin YAN ; Jianquan WANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Bobiao NING ; Shanshan YE ; Mengyu LIU ; Yipeng SHI ; Danyu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):58-67
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Mingshi prescription regulates the retinal melanopsin-dopamine (Opn4-DA) axis in myopic mice to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the retina and sclera, thereby delaying axial elongation associated with myopia. MethodsSixty 4-week-old male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a form-deprived myopia group (FDM group), an intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells ablation group (ipRGCs group), a Mingshi Prescription group (MSF group, 5.2 g·kg-1), and an ipRGCs + MSF group (5.2 g·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups underwent FDM modeling. Additionally, the ipRGCs and ipRGCs + MSF groups received retinal ipRGC ablation. Three weeks after modeling, the MSF and ipRGCs + MSF groups were administered Mingshi prescription via continuous gavage for six weeks. After refraction and axial length were measured in all mice, eyeballs were collected along with retinal and scleral tissues. Pathological and morphological changes in the retina, choroid, and sclera were observed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Western blot was employed to detect the relative protein expression levels of dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Real-time PCR was used to detect the relative mRNA expression of Opn4, CHOP, and GRP78 in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Immunofluorescence staining (IF) was performed to detect the expression of Opn4 and DRD1 in retinal tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the FDM group showed a significant myopic shift in refraction (P<0.05) and a significant increase in axial length (P<0.05). The retinal layers were thinner, the number of ganglion cells was reduced, and collagen fibers in the sclera were loosely arranged with evident gaps. Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retinal and scleral tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the ipRGCs group exhibited further increases in myopic refraction and axial length (P<0.05), more pronounced thinning and looseness in the retinal, choroidal, and scleral layers, lower expression of Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA in the retina (P<0.05), and higher expression of CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA in the retina and sclera (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the MSF group showed significantly reduced refractive error and axial length (P<0.05), with improved cellular number, arrangement, and thickness in ocular tissues, increased Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina (P<0.05), and reduced CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retina and sclera (P<0.05). Similarly, the ipRGCs + MSF group showed significant improvements in terms of the above items compared with the ipRGCs group (P<0.05). ConclusionMingshi Prescription delays myopic axial elongation and refractive progression by regulating the Opn4-DA axis in the retina of myopic mice, thereby inhibiting ER stress in the retina and sclera. This intervention promotes Qi and blood nourishment of the eyes, softens the fascia, and restores ocular rhythm.
6.Zingiberis Rhizoma Alleviates Inflammatory Bowel Disease Through Regulating TLR4/MAPK Signaling Pathway in Ly6Chi Monocytes/Macrophages
Yalan LI ; Chonghao ZHANG ; Huachen LIU ; Jialong SU ; Na LI ; Mengyu ZHOU ; Guiying PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):66-75
ObjectiveTo investigate the potential mechanisms of Zingiberis Rhizoma in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by integrating network pharmacology with in vitro and in vivo experiments. MethodsTraditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database And Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database (TCMID) Database were used to obtain the active component targets of Zingiberis Rhizoma. GeneCards was used to obtain the IBD targets. DAVID was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses on core targets. Cytoscape 3.10.2 was used to establish the "active component-disease target-signaling pathway" interaction network. Mice were randomly assigned to control, model, and Zingiberis Rhizoma (400 mg·kg-1) groups. An IBD model was induced via dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The colonic tissue was collected post-treatment to assess histology, expression of Ly6C+ monocytes/macrophages, and mRNA levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and inflammatory cytokines. The effect of Zingiberis Rhizoma aqueous extract on RAW264.7 cell viability was evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of the extract at 100, 10, and 1 mg·L-1 on LPS-induced differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into Ly6Chi monocytes/macrophages, mRNA levels of TLR4 and inflammatory cytokines, and protein levels of factors in the TLR4/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. ResultsA total of 241 targets were identified for Zingiberis Rhizoma and 6 787 for IBD, with 122 shared targets among Zingiberis Rhizoma, ulcerative colitis (UC), and Crohn's disease (CD). The enrichment analyses yielded 297 GO terms and 88 KEGG pathways. Associations were noted between Zingiberis Rhizoma's active component targets and IBD targets. In vivo experiments: Compared with the control group, the model group showed decreased body weight and disease activity index (DAI)(P<0.01), shortened colon length, damaged mucosal epithelium with inflammatory cell infiltration, raised pathological scores (P<0.05), increased Ly6Chi and Ly6Clo monocytes/macrophages (P<0.05), and up-regulated mRNA levels of TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05) and protein levels of TLR4, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK) (P<0.05). Zingiberis Rhizoma intervention reversed these changes and reduced Ly6Chi monocytes/macrophages (P<0.01). In vitro experiments: compared with the control, LPS increased the proportion and number of Ly6Chi monocytes/macrophages and mRNA levels of TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.01) and enhanced the expression of TLR4, p-ERK1/2, and p-p38 MAPK (P<0.05). Zingiberis Rhizoma reduced Ly6Chi monocytes/macrophages (P<0.05), down-regulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines (P<0.05), and suppressed the TLR4/MAPK pathway (P<0.05). ConclusionZingiberis Rhizoma alleviates IBD by suppressing the TLR4/ERK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway and reducing inflammatory cytokine levels in Ly6Chi monocytes/macrophages.
7.Evidence-based Optimization of Acupuncture Timing Strategies for Ischemic Stroke
Gezhi ZHANG ; An LI ; Weixuan BAI ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):144-152
ObjectiveTo investigate the impacts of three types of acupuncture timing factors, including intervention initiation time, needle retention duration, and treatment intervals, on the treatment efficacy of ischemic stroke (IS) and provide evidence-based support for optimizing acupuncture timing strategies. MethodsA systematic search was conducted in both Chinese and English databases, including CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. The randomized controlled trials involving multiple acupuncture intervention time groups were included to reduce inter-study heterogeneity. A network meta-analysis model was constructed to compare the effects of different intervention initiation time, needle retention duration, and treatment intervals on primary IS outcomes, including total clinical response rate, neurological and limb function scores, quality of life score, and hemorheological parameters. Adverse events were also assessed. ResultsA total of 32 studies were included. The results showed that early acupuncture intervention (1-3 days and 4-7 days after onset) outperformed late intervention (>14 days) in terms of response rate, neurological function improvement, and quality of life (P<0.05, P<0.01). Extending needle retention time to 40-60 min was associated with improved response rates and hemorheological parameters (P<0.01). No significant differences were observed among different treatment intervals. The evidence of key outcomes showed high overall certainty, with low heterogeneity and inconsistency. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments indicated the stability of the main results and a low risk of publication bias. No significant adverse reaction was reported. ConclusionDifferent timing factors significantly influence the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for IS. Early intervention and appropriately extended needle retention time result in better clinical outcomes, while treatment interval has no significant effect on efficacy. The inclusion of studies with multiple acupuncture timing groups helps control methodological heterogeneity and enhances the robustness of the analysis, providing evidence-based guidance for optimizing acupuncture timing strategies in IS management.
8.Preliminary Construction of Comprehensive Evaluation System for TCM Clinical Practice Guidelines Based on Bibliometric Analysis and Core Element Extraction
Xue CHEN ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Danping ZHENG ; Fangqi LIU ; An LI ; Junjie JIANG ; Nannan SHI ; Wei YANG ; Xinghua XIANG ; Mengyu LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):209-219
ObjectiveTo construct a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for clinical practice guidelines of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is scientific, systematic, and reflects the characteristics of TCM. MethodsA systematic search was conducted in Chinese and English databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, to include literature on domestic and international guideline evaluation tools and TCM-related research. Document analysis and CiteSpace were utilized for keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis. ResultsA total of 65 relevant studies were included, from which seven core thematic domains were identified. Based on the research objectives, a two-step construction strategy was adopted: first, an external evaluation framework was established by referencing international tools to cover methodological rigor and procedural standardization; second, an internal evaluation framework was developed to reflect the distinctive features of TCM clinical practice, including syndrome differentiation and efficacy feedback. Through expert consensus, the indicator system was refined, resulting in a dual-layered structure comprising 8 primary indicators, 22 secondary indicators, and 62 evaluation criteria. ConclusionThe comprehensive evaluation system for TCM clinical practice guidelines, based on bibliometric analysis and core element extraction, integrates both theoretical integrity and practical applicability. This study provides a preliminary research foundation for further optimization, validation, and development of a refined comprehensive evaluation system.
9.Relationship between serum IL-1β,CAR,and HBP levels and secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection during chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer
Jingjing SONG ; Fukun WANG ; Huifeng ZHANG ; Ye LIU ; Mengyu JIANG ; Liyun AN
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2024;45(20):2456-2460
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum interleukin-1β(IL-1β),C-reactive pro-tein to albumin ratio(CAR)and heparin-binding protein(HBP)levels and secondary pulmonary Candida albi-cans infection during chemotherapy in patients with lung cancer.Methods A total of 175 patients with lung cancer admitted to this hospital from January 2018 to April 2022 were selected,and all patients were treated with chemotherapy.According to whether they had secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection,they were divided into infection group(37 cases)and non-infection group(138 cases).The clinical data,serum levels of IL-1β,HBP and CAR were compared between the two groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection in patients with lung cancer during chemotherapy.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the pre-dictive value of serum IL-1β,CAR and HBP for secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection during chemo-therapy,and the prognosis of lung cancer patients with different serum IL-1β,HBP levels and CAR were com-pared.Results There were significant differences in smoking,pathological stage,diabetes mellitus,chemo-therapy cycle,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and anatomical location between the infection group and the non-infection group(P<0.05).The serum levels of IL-1β,HBP and CAR in the infection group were higher than those in the non-infection group(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking,diabetes,anatomical site,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,pathological stage,chemotherapy cycle and serum IL-1β,HBP,CAR were the influencing factors of secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infec-tion in patients with lung cancer during chemotherapy(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of serumIL-1β,CAR and HBP in predicting pulmonary Candida albicans infection was 0.779,0.732 and 0.796,respec-tively.The AUC of the combination of the three was 0.931,and the sensitivity and specificity were 86.49%and 90.58%,respectively.The survival rate of lung cancer patients with high levels of IL-1β,CAR and HBP was sig-nificantly lower than that of patients with low levels of Il-1β,CAR and HBP(P<0.05).Conclusion The in-crease of serum IL-1β,CAR and HBP levels in patients with lung cancer is related to secondary pulmonary Candida albicans infection during chemotherapy.Detection of these serum Il-1β,CAR and HBP levels is helpful to predict the risk of pulmonary Candida albicans infection and death.
10.Application of role-playing teaching method in Medical Immunology teaching
Meng GUO ; Yanfang LIU ; Juan LIU ; Cheng QIAN ; Mengyu LU ; Zhenhong GUO
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2024;40(11):2399-2403,中插1-中插2,2407
Within traditional teaching models,students frequently assume a passive role in acquiring knowledge,potentially resulting in diminished motivation and limited engagement,particularly within the realm of Medical Immunology education.The inte-gration of role-playing,informed by constructivist learning theory,situated learning theory,and multiple intelligences theory,has demonstrated encouraging outcomes within clinical medical education settings.However,the extent to which this approach has been explored within the context of Immunology instruction remains insufficiently examined.This study investigates the utilization of role-playing as a pedagogical approach in Medical Immunology education,wherein students are assigned specific scenarios to simulate the functions of various immune components.The primary objective is to augment interactivity and the overall appeal of the learning pro-cess.Efficacy of this instructional method was evaluated through in-class quizzes,surveys,and performance analysis.The findings demonstrate that role-playing substantially enhances student engagement,comprehension,knowledge retention,and examination per-formance.In practical application,the integration of role-playing with ideological and political elements has the potential to enhance learning outcomes and foster students'enthusiasm for engaging in cutting-edge literature and immunological research.This approach also necessitates greater proficiency in teachers'professional competencies and organizational skills,as well as increased allocation of class time and spatial resources.Future research should investigate the applicability of role-playing across various educational levels and examine its potential integration with classroom ideological and political education.

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