1.Correlation between plasma concentration of voriconazole and polymorphisms in CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and CYP3A5 genes in children
Mingzhu GUI ; Jing LI ; Zhiling LI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(2):76-79
Objective To explore the effects of CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and CYP3A5 genotypes on the plasma concentration of voriconazole in children. Methods Collected blood samples from 50 hospitalized children with invasive fungal infections who received intravenous voriconazole from January 2020 to December 2020. High performance liquid chromatography was used to detect the blood trough concentration of voriconazole, and the time-of-flight mass spectrometry detection system was used to detect the genotypes of CYP2C19, CYP2C9 and CYP3A5, and the effects of children’s genotyping on the plasma concentration, efficacy and adverse reactions of voriconazole were analyzed. Results The total effective rate of 50 children with IFI was 84% (42/50 cases) after voriconazole treatment. The incidence of adverse reactions was 20% (10/50 cases). The measured plasma concentration of voriconazole ranged from 0.56~7.62 μg/ml. Combined with the different mutation types of CYP2C19 gene loci, three metabolic activities were produced: fast, medium and slow, and the test results showed that there were 16 cases of fast metabolism, 27 cases of intermediate metabolism and 7 cases of slow metabolism. There was a significant difference in plasma concentrations among the three groups (F=15.359, P<0.001), and the drug concentrations in the fast metabolic group were significantly lower than those in the intermediate metabolic and slow metabolic groups. The mutations of CYP2C9 and CYP3A5 had no significant effect on the plasma concentrations of the drugs, which were (F=2.213, P=0.086 and F=0.757, P=0.475). Conclusion Voriconazole had significant efficacy in the treatment of invasive fungal infections in children, and the adverse reactions were mild. CYP2C19 genotype was significantly related to the rate of drug metabolism and was an important factor affecting blood drug concentration, the detection of drug concentration and genotype of voriconazole was helpful to adjust the effective drug dose clinically and would achieve more scientific and individualized treatment.
2.Epidemiologic Burden of Colorectal Cancer in Xishan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, 2018—2020
Mingzhu GAO ; Ruiqi CAI ; Sile LI ; Yuying PANG ; Yanyan YANG ; Weilin ZHANG ; Min ZHAO
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2026;53(2):142-151
Objective To analyze the epidemiologic burden of colorectal cancer in Xishan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province from 2018 to 2020. Methods Indicators of epidemiologic burden were calculated, including incidence rate, mortality rate, age-specific incidence/mortality rates, potential years of life lost (PYLL), and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) based on the National Disease Control and Prevention Center’s "Cancer Information Registration and Reporting System" and "Cause of Death Registration System". Results From 2018 to 2020, the ASR (China) for the incidence of colorectal cancer in Xishan District, Kunming City increased from 25.27/105 to 26.29/105, while the ASR (China) for mortality decreased from 17.11/105 to 16.03/105. The PYLL in 2018–2020 were
3.Advances in the Application of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Acute and Maintenance Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(2):321-329
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by high rates of prevalence and recurrence. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been widely utilized in the acute phase treatment of MDD and has shown potential in maintenance therapy. However, the factors influencing the efficacy of rTMS during the acute phase and the sustainability of its long-term therapeutic effects remain incompletely understood. Additionally, a consensus on the optimal maintenance treatment protocol has yet to be established. This article reviews recent evidence on the application of rTMS in both acute and maintenance treatment of MDD, aiming to summarize current research progress and provide insights for the further promotion and application of rTMS in clinical practice.
4.Protective Effect of Bushen Zhuyun Prescription on Abortion Rats with Kidney Deficiency-Corpus Luteum Inhibition Syndrome via ERα/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathwa
Changyue SONG ; Siyu LI ; Fengyu HUANG ; Mingzhu QI ; Daiyue DING ; Shuangfei DENG ; Heqiao LI ; Jinghong XIE ; Guohua WANG ; Chen ZANG ; Hong XU ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):107-116
ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Bushen Zhuyun prescription (BSZY) on abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome. MethodsAn abortion rat model with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome was constructed. Pregnant mice aged 8-10 weeks were randomly divided into a control group (Control), a model group (Model), low-dose BSZY (BSZY-L), medium-dose BSZY (BSZY-M), and high-dose BSZY (BSZY-H) groups (2.57, 5.14, 10.28 g·kg-¹), and a Zishen Yutai Pill (ZSYT) group (1.575 g·kg-¹). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate histopathological changes in ovarian and decidual tissue of rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure levels of estrogen (E₂), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum. The candidate targets of BSZY were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Platform (TCMSP) and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCMIP) v2.0 databases, while disease targets for recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) were retrieved from GeneCards, DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). The intersection targets were identified by the Venny 2.1.0 platform. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted based on the Metascape database to predict the potential mechanisms of BSZY. Additionally. Western blot was used to verify the effects of BSZY on the expression of estrogen receptor (ERα), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) and explore its protective mechanism on RSA rats. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights (P<0.05, P<0.01), with an abortion rate of 57.18%. The ovarian tissue showed varying degrees of reduction in primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea, along with a large number of atretic follicles. The endometrium was thinner, and decidual tissue exhibited cellular edema and disorganized arrangement. In contrast, compared with the model group, the BSZY groups at all doses and the ZSYT group demonstrated increased uterine, ovarian, and embryonic wet weights, along with a reduced abortion rate. The number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, mature follicles, and corpora lutea increased, while atretic follicles decreased. The endometrium thickened, and decidual tissue displayed normal cellular structure with tight arrangement. Additionally, the model group showed significantly decreased levels of E₂, P, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01), along with a decreasing trend in LH level. In contrast, the BSZY groups at all doses exhibited significantly elevated levels of E₂, P, LH, PRL, and FSH in serum (P<0.05, P<0.01). Network pharmacology predictions suggested that BSZY may exert protective effects against abortion in rats by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blot results confirmed that BSZY significantly upregulated the expression of ERα, PI3K, and p-Akt proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBSZY has a protective effect on the abortion rats with kidney deficiency-corpus luteum inhibition syndrome, possibly by activating the ERα/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to reduce ovarian apoptosis and regulate endocrine function, thereby lowering the abortion rate.
5.Divergent activation patterns of BRS3 revealed by two Chinese herb-derived agonists.
Jie LI ; Changyao LI ; Qingtong ZHOU ; Wei HAN ; Mingzhu FANG ; Youwei XU ; Yiting MAI ; Yao ZHANG ; Jiahua CUI ; H Eric XU ; Yan ZHANG ; Wanchao YIN ; Ming-Wei WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(10):5231-5243
Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3) is an orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays critical roles in energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism, and insulin secretion. Recent structural studies have elucidated BRS3 signaling mechanisms using synthetic ligands, including BA1 and MK-5046. However, the molecular basis of BRS3 activation by bioactive natural compounds and their derivatives, particularly those derived from traditional Chinese medicine, remains unclear. Here, we present high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human BRS3-Gq complex in both unliganded and active states bound by two herb-derived compounds (DSO-5a and oridonin), at resolutions of 2.9, 2.8, and 2.9 Å, respectively. These structures display distinct ligand recognition patterns between DSO-5a and oridonin. Although both compounds bind to the orthosteric pocket, they differentially engage the interaction network of BRS3, as demonstrated by mutagenesis studies assessing calcium mobilization and inositol phosphate 1 (IP1) accumulation. These findings enhance our understanding of BRS3 activation and provide valuable insights into the development of small-molecule BRS3 modulators with therapeutic potential.
6.Taohong Tongluo granules improve coronary microvascular dysfunction by inhibiting NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 pathway
Ying ZHANG ; Jingjing FA ; Mingzhu WANG ; Xunjie ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Shuyan HUANG ; Ke WU ; Aoli CHEN ; Deyu FU
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2025;46(10):1363-1370
Objective To investigate the cardiac protective effect of Taohong Tongluo granules on coronary microvascular dysfunction(CMD)rats.Methods SD rats were randomly assigned to sham-operated group,CMD group,nicorandil group(5 mg/kg),or Taohong Tongluo granule group(50 mg/kg).Animals were administered corresponding drugs for 7 d according to the grouping,and the CMD model was prepared 2 h after the last administration.The rat CMD model was induced by injecting embolization microspheres(diameter 40-120 μm,approximately 1 000 microspheres)into the left ventricular cavity.Twenty-four hours after modeling,echocardiography was performed to measure the left ventricular ejection fraction(EF),fractional shortening(FS),and end-diastolic volume(EDV).The damaged myocardial area was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining.Myocardial morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(H-E)staining.The protein expression levels of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing protein 3(NLRP3),apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC),and cysteine aspartic acid specific protease(caspase)-1 in rat myocardial tissue were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting.Results Echocardiography showed that the EF and FS values in the Taohong Tongluo granule group,CMD group,and nicorandil group were significantly lower than those in the sham-operated group(all P<0.001).The EF and FS values in the Taohong Tongluo granule group and nicorandil group were significantly higher than those in the CMD group(all P<0.01).However,there were no significant differences in EDV among the groups(all P>0.05).H-E staining showed no abnormalities in the myocardium in the sham-operated group.The CMD group exhibited microsphere embolism in the myocardium,myocardial cell dissolution and rupture,and inflammatory infiltration.The lesions in the nicorandil group and the Taohong Tongluo granule group were relatively milder,and the number of thrombi in both groups was lower than that in the CMD group(both P<0.01).The results of TTC staining indicated that the areas of damaged myocardial regions in both the nicorandil group and the Taohong Tongluo granule group were smaller than that in the CMD group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Moreover,the area in the Taohong Tongluo granule group was smaller than that in the nicorandil group(P<0.05).The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that in the CMD model,the expression of ASC and caspase-1 proteins,as well as the number of positive cells for these proteins,was increased and was distributed in myocardial and interstitial cells.The numbers of ASC and caspase-1 positive cells in the Taohong Tongluo granule group were lower than that in the CMD group(both P<0.01).The Western blotting showed that the expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,and caspase-1 proteins in the Taohong Tongluo granule group were all lower than those in the CMD group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Taohong Tongluo granules can improve cardiac function,ameliorate hemodynamic parameters,and reduce myocardial infarction area in rats with CMD induced by microsphere embolism.The mechanism is related to the inhibition of myocardial inflammasome activation,thereby attenuating the myocardial injuries.
7.Research progress of active components and compounds of traditional Chinese medicine improving liver fibrosis by regulating JAK/STAT signaling pathway
Siming DENG ; Lijian LIU ; Liqun LI ; Chengning YANG ; Jinxiu WEI ; Jianfeng LI ; Mingzhu HUANG ; Lili XIE
China Pharmacy 2024;35(15):1923-1927
Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological process of chronic liver injury. Without timely intervention and treatment, liver fibrosis may eventually lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is closely associated with the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. Based on this, this paper summarized and analyzed the mechanism and effects of active ingredients and compounds of traditional Chinese medicine improving liver fibrosis based on JAK/STAT signaling pathway. It is found that the active ingredients and compounds of traditional Chinese medicine that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis (ingredients such as ethanol extract of Euonymus alatus and paclitaxel, as well as compounds such as Ershiwuwei songshi pill and Ganfukang), clear away heat and toxic material (ingredients such as betulinic acid, total flavonoids from Persicaria perfoliata, as well as compounds such as Pianzaihuang and Kehuang capsules), and sooth the liver and promote qi circulation (ingredients such as fraxetin and cucurbitacin B, as well as compounds such as Chaihu shugan powder and Xiaochaihu decoction) can all relieve liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activity of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, reducing inflammatory reactions, and inhibiting the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells.
8.Mechanism of Total Glucosides of Paeony in Attenuating Neurotoxicity of Aqueous Extract of Strychni Semen via GRIN2A/PLCB1/PRKCG Signaling Pathway
Siyu LI ; Kun YANG ; Changyue SONG ; Peiping CHEN ; Xinzhuo ZHANG ; Mingzhu QI ; Xiaohui SU ; Xiangying KONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):56-63
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) on neurotoxicity induced by aqueous extract of Strychni Semen (SA) in mice and to explore its mechanism. MethodThirty-two male KM mice were randomly divided into normal group,SA group (19.5 mg·kg-1),TGP group (225 mg·kg-1),and SA+TGP group (SA 19.5 mg·kg-1+TGP 225 mg·kg-1). The open field test and beam walking test were used to observe the behavioral changes in mice. Pathological changes in the Nissl bodies of the cerebral cortex were assessed through Nissl staining. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA),glutamate (Glu) in the mouse brain tissue,and serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptome sequencing was employed to analyze gene expression profiles in the brain tissue. Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underwent gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. The mRNA expression levels of key targets were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the normal group,the SA group exhibited significant increases in side-to-side distance and average speed in the open field test,as well as increased walking time on the balance beam. The axons of cortical neurons were absent,and the levels of Glu and MDA in the brain tissue were significantly elevated (P<0.05,P<0.01),along with a notable increase in serum 5-HT levels (P<0.05). In contrast to the SA group,the SA+TGP group significantly reduced the side-to-side distance,average speed,and balance beam walking time (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The neuronal axons were clearly visible,and levels of 5-HT,Glu,and MDA were decreased (P<0.05,P<0.01). Transcriptome analysis indicated that TGP could regulate the glutamate receptor,ionotropic,N-methyl-D-aspartate 2a (GRIN2A)/phospholipase C β1 (PLCB1)/protein kinase C,gamma (PRKCG) signaling pathway. Compared with the normal group,SA significantly decreased the expression of GRIN2A,PLCB1,and PRKCG genes in the mouse brain (P<0.01),while the mRNA levels of GRIN2A and PRKCG significantly increased after TGP administration (P<0.05,P<0.01). ConclusionSA induces significant neurotoxicity in the mouse brain,and TGP significantly alleviates SA-induced neurological damage,potentially through the GRIN2A/PLCB1/PRKCG signaling pathway.
9.Identification of Pharmacodynamic Material Basis of Ruyi Zhenbaowan by Multidimensional Correlation Model of "Pharmacodynamic-target-component-pharmacokinetic"
Mingzhu XU ; Huaiping LI ; Zhaochen MA ; Tao LI ; Yudong LIU ; Ziqing XIAO ; Chu ZHANG ; Kedian CHEN ; Weihua MA ; Feng HUANG ; Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):68-77
ObjectiveTo identify the pharmacodynamic material basis of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in relieving neuropathic pain by integrating the calculation of biological network proximity and pharmacokinetic characterization. MethodThe interaction network of "drug candidate target-related gene of disease" was constructed by Cytoscape 3.8.2, and the average shortest path value of each drug putative target acting on neuropathic pain-related genes in this network was calculated by Pesca 3.8.0 tool so as to evaluate the network proximity between them, and screen prescription candidate targets with strong intervention efficiency and their corresponding potential effect components. After that, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from rats after administration of Ruyi Zhenbaowan at set time points, and the contents of potential effect components in samples was quantified by ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TRAP/MS), and drug concentration-time curves were plotted, then the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.1.1. ResultBy evaluating the network proximity between candidate targets and neuropathic pain-related genes in the interaction network, a total of 40 putative targets of Ruyi Zhenbaowan with strong intervention effects on neuropathic pain-related genes, such as estrogen receptor 1(ESR1), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha(PRKACA) and protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and 10 corresponding potential effect components, such as glycyrrhizic acid and betulinic acid, were obtained. Pharmacokinetic characterization showed that among the 10 potential effect components, gallic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, glycyrrhizic acid and apigenin were well absorbed and metabolized in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, with long onset time and good bioavailability. ConclusionFrom the perspective of efficacy-target-constituent-pharmacokinetic, this study analyzes the main effective materials of Ruyi Zhenbaowan, such as glycyrrhizic acid, gallic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide and apigenin, which have a high exposure in plasma or cerebrospinal fluid and have a strong intervention effect on neuropathic pain. The related results provide reliable experimental evidences for clarifying the material basis and developing quality standards of Ruyi Zhenbaowan.
10.Identification of in Vitro and in vivo Chemical Constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan Based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS
Kedian CHEN ; Zhaochen MA ; Bingbing CAI ; Ying LIU ; Yudong LIU ; Tao LI ; Mingzhu XU ; Haiping WANG ; Na LIN ; Yanqiong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):78-84
ObjectiveTo identify the chemical constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in vitro and in vivo. MethodThe chemical constituents of Ruyi Zhenbaowan were identified based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. A total of 12 male SD rats were randomized into two groups: control (pure water) and Ruyi Zhenbaowan (1.8 g·kg-1). The rats were administrated with the suspension of Ruyi Zhenbaowan or pure water by gavage. After 1.5 h, the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were collected. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 150 mm, 1.7 μm) with a mixture of 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phase. Gradient elution was carried out according to the procedure of 0~15 min,97%~80%A;15~30 min ,80%~60%A;30~40 min,60%~30%A;40~45 min,30%~5%A. The ion source was electrospray ionization, and scan range was m/z 100-1 500. The prototype components and the components in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed qualitatively by scanning in positive and negative ion modes and identified by comparison with the data in published literature and the information of standard substances. ResultA total of 126 chemical constituents were identified from the 80% methanol solution of Ruyi Zhenbaowan, and 14 and 7 prototype constituents were detected in the plasma and the cerebrospinal fluid, respectively. In addition, the fragmentation rules of apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, galangin, liquiritin, piperine, glycyrrhizic acid, eugenol, gallic acid, and cholic acid were deduced. ConclusionThis study achieved rapid multicomponent characterization and identification of Ruyi Zhenbaowan in vitro and in vivo, providing theoretical support for exploring active substances and performing quality control.l.

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