1.Tension hydrocele: report of 2 cases and literature review
Xun ZHAO ; Shumin WANG ; Min QIU ; Chuxiao XU ; Guoliang WANG ; Shudong ZHANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):69-72
[Objective] To explore the diagnosis and treatment experience of tension hydrocele. [Methods] The clinical data of 2 patients with tension hydrocele treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Relevant literature was retrieved to analyze the clinical characteristics of this disease. [Results] Case 1 was diagnosed due to swelling and pain of the left scrotum after trauma for more than one month, which worsened for one day.Physical examination showed high tension in the left scrotum and positive light transmission test.Ultrasound examination revealed that the blood flow signal in the left testis disappeared.Emergency left scrotal exploration and hydrocelectomy were performed.There was no sign of testis torsion during the operation.Case 2 was diagnosed mainly due to hydrocele of the right testis for 1 year, which worsened for 1 week and complicated with testis distension and pain.Physical examination showed high tension in the right scrotum and positive light transmission test.Ultrasound examination revealed that the blood flow signal in the right testis decreased.After 40ml of fluid was extracted under ultrasound monitoring, the blood flow signal in the right testis recovered.Hydrocelectomy was performed the next day.During the follow-up of 8 months, there was no recurrence of hydrocele.A search of domestic and foreign literature showed that there were no reports in domestic literature, while a total of 11 cases were reported in foreign literature. [Conclusion] Tension hydrocele of the testis is a rare emergency of the scrotum.Surgery or decompression should be performed as soon as possible to restore testicular blood supply, and hydrocelectomy should be performed simultaneously or in stages to prevent recurrence.
2.Effect of Berberine-Baicalin Combination on Fecal Microbiota Transplantation-induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Due to Internal Accumulation of Dampness-heat in Mice from Perspectives of Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics
Mengjie CHEN ; Yimin LIU ; Yun ZHOU ; Keming YU ; Min XIA ; Hongning LIU ; Yanhua JI ; Zhijun ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):52-64
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which the combination of berberine (BBR) and baicalin (BAI) ameliorates type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat from the perspectives of gut microbiota and metabolomics. MethodsAntibiotics were used to induce pseudo-sterile mice. Thirty pseudo-sterile mice were randomized into a normal fecal microbiota transplantation group (n=10) and a T2DM (syndrome of internal accumulation of dampness-heat) fecal microbiota transplantation group (n=20). The mice were then administrated with suspensions of fecal microbiota from healthy volunteers and a patient with T2DM due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat by gavage, respectively. Each mouse received 200 µL suspension every other day for a total of 15 times to reshape the gut microbiota. The T2DM model mice were then assigned into a model group (n=8) and a BBR-BAI group (n=11). BBR was administrated at a dose of 200 mg·kg-1, and BAI was administrated in a ratio of BBR-BAI 10∶1 based on preliminary research findings. The administration lasted for 8 consecutive weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin (INS), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured to evaluate the effects of the BBR-BAI combination on glucose and lipid metabolism and liver function in T2DM mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe pathological changes in the colon tissue. The expression of claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and occludin in the colon tissue was determined by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) was employed to assess the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the colon tissue. The fecal microbiota composition and differential metabolites were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), respectively. ResultsThe BBR-BAI combination lowered the FBG, HbA1c, and INS levels (P<0.05, P<0.01) and alleviated insulin resistance (P<0.01) in T2DM mice. Additionally, BBR-BAI elevated the levels of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 (P<0.05, P<0.01) and down-regulated the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the colon (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that BBR-BAI increased the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Phascolarctobacterium, and Akkermansia (P<0.05), while significantly decreasing the relative abundance of Alistipes, Odoribacter, and Colidextribacter (P<0.05). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS identified 28 differential metabolites, which were primarily involved in arachidonic acid metabolism and α-linolenic acid metabolism. ConclusionBBR-BAI can ameliorate T2DM due to internal accumulation of dampness-heat by modulating the relative abundance of various bacterial genera in the gut microbiota and the expression of fecal metabolites.
3.Effect of neferine on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease cells
Cuiqing CHEN ; Chenchen TAN ; Diancui WANG ; Min JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):197-202
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of neferine (NEF) on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease (PD) cells by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway, and explore the mechanism of this drug to improve PD. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 100 μmol/L 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) for 24 h to construct a PD cell model. PD model cells were divided into model group (PD group), NEF low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (NEF-L, NEF-M, NEF-H group, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L), and high concentration of NEF+AMPK inhibitor group (NEF-H+Compound C group, 10.0 μmol/L NEF+50 μmol/L Compound C). The cells treated without MPP+ and NEF were used as the control group. The ultrastructure of the cells in each group was observed; the amount of autophagosomes, survival rate, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the protein expressions of Caspase-3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1, as well as the phosphorylation levels of mTOR, AMPK and ULK1 were detected. RESULTS Compared with PD group, the amount of autophagosomes in NEF-L, NEF-M and NEF-H groups was increased, and membrane potential was increased; survival rate, LC3- Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, protein expression of Beclin-1, and protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1 were significantly increased or up-regulated; the apoptotic rate, protein expressions of Caspase-3 and p62, and protein phosphorylation level of mTOR were significantly decreased or down-regulated, and the above improvements were in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the above improvement effect of high concentration of NEF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS NEF can promote mitophagy and inhibit apoptosis of PD model cells by up-regulating protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1, and down-regulating protein phosphorylation level of mTOR, thus playing a protective role in nerve cells.
4.Pharmaceutical care for a patient with empagliflozin-induced euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis
Lili YANG ; Qi LI ; Hui WANG ; Ruilong GAO ; Min MAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):214-218
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for the pharmaceutical care of a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) who developed euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) after taking empagliflozin. METHODS Clinical pharmacists provided pharmaceutical care for a patient with T2DM and LGMD who developed euDKA after taking empagliflozin. According to the patient’s recent use of medications and his conditions, clinical pharmacists assessed the correlation between euDKA and empagliflozin as “very likely”. As to euDKA, clinical pharmacists suggested discontinuing empagliflozin and metformin, and giving intravenous infusion of 10% Glucose injection instead of 5% Glucose injection for fluid resuscitation. Clinical pharmacists monitored the patient’s laboratory indicators such as arterial blood gas analysis, blood/urine ketones and electrolytes. They assisted physicians to decide when to stop intravenous supplements of liquid and insulin. Clinical pharmacists also assisted physicians to adjust the antidiabetic drugs and educated the patient to avoid empagliflozin or other sodium- glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). RESULTS Physicians adopted the suggestions of clinical pharmacists. After treatment, the patient’s condition improved, and he was allowed to be discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS euDKA is a relatively rare and serious adverse reaction associated with SGLT2i, and the patients with LGMD are susceptible to euDKA. Clinical pharmacists assist physicians in developing personalized medication plans by evaluating the association between euDKA and empagliflozin, adjusting medication regimens,conducting pharmaceutical monitoring,and other pharmaceutical services. Meanwhile, they provide medication education to patients to ensure their medication safety.
5.Prognostic correlation analysis of multiple myeloma based on HALP score of peripheral blood before chemotherapy
Min CHEN ; Liying AN ; Xiaojing LIN ; Pan ZHAO ; Xingli ZOU ; Jin WEI ; Xun NI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):61-67
[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.
6.Analysis of the management status and project undertaking of drug clinical trial institutions in Jiangxi Province after the implementation of the filing system
Min JIANG ; Li LIN ; Chenxi GAN ; Wenxiong SUN ; Qingsong XU ; Xiuli ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(3):275-279
OBJECTIVE To investigate and analyze the current management of drug clinical trial institutions in Jiangxi Province and the situation of undertaking drug clinical trials after the implementation of the filing system. METHODS A survey was conducted on 38 new institutions (obtained qualifications during the implementation of the filing system) and old institutions (obtained qualifications during the implementation of the recognition system) that had completed drug clinical trial institution qualification filing for more than one year in Jiangxi Province. The survey focused on the basic information of the institutions, the number of registered principal investigator (PI), institutional hardware and information construction, personnel allocation and training, and drug registration clinical trials undertaken by the institutions. RESULTS Of 38 institutions surveyed, there were 22 general hospitals and 16 specialized hospitals; there were 24 old institutions and 14 new institutions. Whether in general hospitals or specialized hospitals, the old institutions were better than the new institutions in the number of approved beds, the number of outpatients, the number of inpatients, the number of specialties, and the number of PI; both old and new institutions had separate offices; all new institutions were set up with GCP pharmacy. The adoption of clinical trial management system in new institutions is significantly less than in old institutions. In the general hospital, both the number of full-time managers and the number of quality controllers in old institutions were significantly more than in the new institutions, while the opposite was true at the level of specialized hospitals. In terms of centralized training on GCP, new institutions were all better than the old ones. Whether in general hospitals or specialized hospitals, the number of drug registration clinical trial projects undertaken by new institutions was significantly less than that of old ones. CONCLUSIONS The new institutions are worse than the old institutions in comprehensive strength and information construction of hospitals, and the number of clinical trials undertaken by new institutions is also less than old institutions.
7.Effect of neferine on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease cells
Cuiqing CHEN ; Chenchen TAN ; Diancui WANG ; Min JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):197-202
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of neferine (NEF) on mitophagy in Parkinson’s disease (PD) cells by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway, and explore the mechanism of this drug to improve PD. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 100 μmol/L 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) for 24 h to construct a PD cell model. PD model cells were divided into model group (PD group), NEF low-, medium- and high-concentration groups (NEF-L, NEF-M, NEF-H group, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 μmol/L), and high concentration of NEF+AMPK inhibitor group (NEF-H+Compound C group, 10.0 μmol/L NEF+50 μmol/L Compound C). The cells treated without MPP+ and NEF were used as the control group. The ultrastructure of the cells in each group was observed; the amount of autophagosomes, survival rate, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the protein expressions of Caspase-3, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin-1, as well as the phosphorylation levels of mTOR, AMPK and ULK1 were detected. RESULTS Compared with PD group, the amount of autophagosomes in NEF-L, NEF-M and NEF-H groups was increased, and membrane potential was increased; survival rate, LC3- Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ, protein expression of Beclin-1, and protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1 were significantly increased or up-regulated; the apoptotic rate, protein expressions of Caspase-3 and p62, and protein phosphorylation level of mTOR were significantly decreased or down-regulated, and the above improvements were in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Compound C could significantly reverse the above improvement effect of high concentration of NEF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS NEF can promote mitophagy and inhibit apoptosis of PD model cells by up-regulating protein phosphorylation levels of AMPK and ULK1, and down-regulating protein phosphorylation level of mTOR, thus playing a protective role in nerve cells.
8.Pharmaceutical care for a patient with empagliflozin-induced euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis
Lili YANG ; Qi LI ; Hui WANG ; Ruilong GAO ; Min MAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):214-218
OBJECTIVE To provide a reference for the pharmaceutical care of a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) who developed euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) after taking empagliflozin. METHODS Clinical pharmacists provided pharmaceutical care for a patient with T2DM and LGMD who developed euDKA after taking empagliflozin. According to the patient’s recent use of medications and his conditions, clinical pharmacists assessed the correlation between euDKA and empagliflozin as “very likely”. As to euDKA, clinical pharmacists suggested discontinuing empagliflozin and metformin, and giving intravenous infusion of 10% Glucose injection instead of 5% Glucose injection for fluid resuscitation. Clinical pharmacists monitored the patient’s laboratory indicators such as arterial blood gas analysis, blood/urine ketones and electrolytes. They assisted physicians to decide when to stop intravenous supplements of liquid and insulin. Clinical pharmacists also assisted physicians to adjust the antidiabetic drugs and educated the patient to avoid empagliflozin or other sodium- glucose linked transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). RESULTS Physicians adopted the suggestions of clinical pharmacists. After treatment, the patient’s condition improved, and he was allowed to be discharged with medication. CONCLUSIONS euDKA is a relatively rare and serious adverse reaction associated with SGLT2i, and the patients with LGMD are susceptible to euDKA. Clinical pharmacists assist physicians in developing personalized medication plans by evaluating the association between euDKA and empagliflozin, adjusting medication regimens,conducting pharmaceutical monitoring,and other pharmaceutical services. Meanwhile, they provide medication education to patients to ensure their medication safety.
9.Mechanism of Action of Kaixinsan in Ameliorating Alzheimer's Disease
Xiaoming HE ; Xiaotong WANG ; Dongyu MIN ; Xinxin WANG ; Meijia CHENG ; Yongming LIU ; Yetao JU ; Yali YANG ; Changbin YUAN ; Changyang YU ; Li ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):20-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Kaixinsan in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and animal experimental validation. MethodsThe Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM) databases were used to obtain the active ingredients and targets of Kaixinsan. GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), TTD, PharmGKB, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the relevant targets of AD. The intersection (common targets) of the active ingredient targets of Kaixinsan and the relevant targets of AD was taken, and the network interaction analysis of the common targets was carried out in the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network. The CytoNCA plugin within Cytoscape was used to screen out the core targets, and the Metascape platform was used to perform gene ontology(GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The “drug-active ingredient-target” interaction network was constructed with the help of Cytoscape 3.8.2, and AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking. Scopolamine (SCOP) was utilized for modeling and injected intraperitoneally once daily. Thirty-two male C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank control (CON) group (0.9% NaCl, n=8), model (SCOP) group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1, n=8), positive control group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of Donepezil, n=8), and Kaixinsan group (3 mg·kg-1·d-1 of SCOP+6.5 g·kg-1·d-1 of Kaixinsan, n=8). Mice in each group were administered with 0.9% NaCl, Kaixinsan, or Donepezil by gavage twice a day for 14 days. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the learning memory ability of mice. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining method was used to observe the pathological changes in the CA1 area of the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to determine the serum acetylcholine (ACh) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) contents of mice. Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and nuclear transcription factor(NF)-κB p65 in the hippocampus of mice. ResultsA total of 73 active ingredients of Kaixinsan were obtained, and 578 potential targets (common targets) of Kaixinsan for the treatment of AD were screened out. Key active ingredients included kaempferol, gijugliflozin, etc.. Potential core targets were STAT3, NF-κB p65, et al. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 3 124 biological functions, 254 cellular building blocks, and 461 molecular functions. KEGG pathway enrichment obtained 248 pathways, mainly involving cancer-related pathways, TRP pathway, cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP) pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Molecular docking showed that the binding of the key active ingredients to the target targets was more stable. Morris water maze experiment indicated that Kaixinsan could improve the learning memory ability of SCOP-induced mice. HE staining and ELISA results showed that Kaixinsan had an ameliorating effect on central nerve injury in mice. Western blot test indicated that Kaixinsan had a down-regulating effect on the levels of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation in the hippocampal tissue of mice in the SCOP model. ConclusionKaixinsan can improve the cognitive impairment function in SCOP model mice and may reduce hippocampal neuronal damage and thus play a therapeutic role in the treatment of AD by regulating NF-κB p65, STAT3, and other targets involved in the NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Role and research progress of gut microbiota in uveitis
Yingcheng LIN ; Qiuming HU ; Min ZHOU ; Jinqing LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):64-69
Uveitis is a blinding inflammatory disease that affects multiple structures within the eye, posing significant risks to patients' vision and mental health. Current treatments mainly involve glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, which are associated with significant side effects, high relapse rates, and substantial costs. Recent research suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in the development of uveitis through the gut-eye axis, with related metabolites also influencing disease progression. Modulating the gut microbiota or its metabolites could offer new therapeutic avenues for uveitis. This review explores the relationship between gut microbiota and various uveitis-associated diseases, such as systemic sarcoidosis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome, Behcet's disease, multiple sclerosis, and birdshot chorioretinopathy. It also discusses advancements in microbiota-related therapies, including probiotics and prebiotics, antibiotics, immunomodulators, phage therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation. The aim is to provide a reference for the development of new therapies targeting specific microbial communities and genetic markers associated with uveitis, thereby promoting the realization of precision medicine.

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