1.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Granules (补肾活血颗粒) on the Nrf2/NLRP3 Inflammasome Axis in the Brain Substantia Nigra of Parkinson's Disease Model Mice
Qi CHEN ; Peng WANG ; Yingfan CHEN ; Shaodan LI ; Minghui YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):390-398
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of action of Bushen Huoxue Granules (补肾活血颗粒, BHG) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) through the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. MethodsA total of 84 male C57/BL 6 mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Madopar group, dimethyl fumarate group, and low-, medium, and high-dose BHG group, with 12 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, all groups were induced into PD models by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at a concentration of 30 mg/ml for 7 consecutive days. The blank group received an equal volume of saline. After model establishment, the low-, medium, and high-dose BHG groups were treated with 1.5, 3, and 6 g/(kg·d) of the BHG by gavage, respectively. The Madopar group was given 0.113 g/(kg·d) of Madopar tablets by gavage, and the dimethyl fumarate group was given 50 mg/(kg·d) of dimethyl fumarate solution. The blank group and the model group were given 10 ml/(kg·d) of distilled water by gavage. Gavage was administered once daily for 14 days. Behavioral changes were evaluated using the open field test (total distance, central area distance, and average speed), rotarod test (time on the rod), and climbing pole test (climbing time). Serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the brain substantia nigra. Immunofluorescence was used to detect α-synuclein (α-syn) expression. Western Blot was used to detect Nrf2, NLRP3, Caspase-1, and α-syn protein levels in the brain substantia nigra. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 in the brain substantia nigra. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased total distance, central area distance, and average speed, reduced time on the rotarod, prolonged climbing time, reduced TH expression, increased α-syn expression, decreased Nrf2 protein and mRNA expression, increased NLRP3 and Caspase-1 protein and mRNA expression, and elevated serum IL-1β, IL-18, and MPO levels (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug interventions significantly improved the above indicators (P<0.05). There was no significant differences in all indicators between the high-dose BHG group and the Madopar group (P>0.05). Compared with the dimethyl fumarate group, the medium and high-dose BHG groups showed increased Nrf2 mRNA expression in the brain substantia nigra (P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose BHG group, the low-dose group showed decreased total distance, central area distance, and average speed, reduced serum IL-18 levels, decreased α-syn, Nrf2, NLRP3, and Caspase-1 protein levels, and lower Nrf2 mRNA expression (P<0.05). ConclusionThe mechanism by which BHG treat PD may involve activating the Nrf2/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in the brain substantia nigra, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and α-syn aggregation. The high-dose group showed the best effects.
2.Investigation and analysis of the current situation of occupational stress of radiation workers in China
Qi ZHANG ; Jianfei LU ; Peng TONG ; Haoran SUN ; Shanshan KOU ; Xiaolan ZHOU ; ·Yusufu AIKEBAIER ; Weiguo ZHU ; Changsong HOU
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(1):46-54
Objective To investigate and analyze the occupational stress levels and influencing factors among radiation workers in China, and provide a reference for alleviating occupational stress and promoting mental health. Methods Using the general situation questionnaire, Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, and radiation protection knowledge questionnaire, a convenience sampling method was adopted to investigate the occupational stress of 243 radiation workers in Liaoning, Fujian, Guangdong, and Xinjiang provinces. The independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors. Results The average score of Effort-Reward Imbalance was 0.97 ± 0.22, and 100 (41.15%) radiation workers had occupational stress. There were significant differences in the detection rate of occupational stress among radiation workers of different ages, working years in radiation positions, monthly incomes, daily sleep durations, and daily working hours (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified daily working hours as a factor contributing to occupational stress. Conclusion The occupational stress among radiation workers in China is relatively severe. It is recommended to pay attention to the associated risks and implement targeted intervention measures to reduce the impact of occupational stress.
3.Correlation Between Quality of Life and Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis
Yibin ZHANG ; Qi LU ; Baitong WANG ; Yixun QI ; Hanying XU ; Peng XU ; Meijin SONG ; Peixi ZHAO ; Zhiguo LYU ; Jian WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):275-281
ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the correlation between the quality of life (QOL) and different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), identifying potential influencing factors to provide new insights for clinical interventions and improving the QOL of patients with MG. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on 93 adults with MG who visited the Department of Neurology at the Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine from March 2023 to January 2024. Statistical analysis was performed on the clinical data collected using SPSS 24.0 software. ResultsAmong the 93 patients with MG, the average score for myasthenia gravis quality of life-15 (MGQOL-15) was 17.65±6.27, and that for the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) was (106.13±11.83) scores. The QOL was rated as good for 16 patients and moderate for 77 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in the scores of MGQOL-15, SF-36, and their individual scales by gender or education level. Age showed statistically significant differences in MGQOL-15 and the role physical (RP) scale (P<0.05), and occupational type showed significant differences in the vitality (VT) scale (P<0.01). The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification had statistical significance on the total SF-36 score (P<0.01), VT scale (P<0.01), role emotional (RE) scale (P<0.05), social functioning (SF) scale (P<0.05), and physical functioning (PF) scale (P<0.01). Among patients with different TCM syndromes, there were significant differences in MGQOL-15 scores (F=4.919, P<0.01). Moreover, significant differences were observed in SF-36 scores (P<0.01), VT scale (P<0.01), RE scale (P<0.05), mental health (MH) scale (P<0.01), and SF scale (P<0.05). ConclusionFactors affecting the QOL of patients with MG include age, occupational type, and clinical classification of MG. Specifically, a greater impact on the QOL of older patients is observed, while physical laborers have a poorer QOL compared to non-physical laborers. Patients classified as MGFA type Ⅱ and higher have a poorer QOL. Additionally, there is a potential correlation between the QOL and TCM syndromes, with patients presenting with spleen and kidney Qi deficiency having a lower QOL than those with spleen and stomach Qi deficiency or Qi and Yin deficiency, which is particularly evident in the VT, RE, MH, and SF scales.
4.Influence of occupational hazard factors on incidence of hypertension in calcium carbide plant: Historical cohort study
Meng LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Qi ZHUANG ; Xingyu PENG ; Jinling LIU ; Tiantian CHEN ; Hongmei GU ; Shu GUO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(5):565-570
Background The high work intensity and possible subsequently increased susceptibility to occupational hazards of calcium carbide plants may lead to hypertension in workers, but there are few studies on the relationship between occupational hazard exposure and hypertension in workers involving the production process of calcium carbide. Objective To explore the influence of occupational hazards on the incidence of hypertension in calcium carbide plants. Methods Using historical cohort design, the employees of a calcium carbide factory in the western part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region were selected as research subjects. According to the pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study population comprised an exposure group of 377 employees (including furnace workers, inspection workers, and maintenance workers) exposed to dust, noise & carbon monoxide, and a control group of 388 employees (including central control workers, electricians, and administrative personnel) without above-mentioned exposure. The total sample size was 765 participants. The follow-up period was from April 2011 to October 2022, and the study endpoint was defined as the conclusion of the follow-up period or diagnosed hypertension in annual occupational health examination. Information on general demographic characteristics, living habits, and work status was collected from all study subjects. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association between occupational hazard exposure and the risk of hypertension among the calcium carbide plant employees. Results The average age, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, proportion of males, smoking rate, and alcohol consumption rate in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared to baseline, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels increased in the exposure group and the control group at the end of the follow-up (P<0.05). At the end of the follow-up, the average differences between systolic/ diastolic blood pressure and baseline values in the exposure group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, a total of 223 cases of hypertension occurred, with a total follow-up of
5.Immunotherapy for Lung Cancer
Pei-Yang LI ; Feng-Qi LI ; Xiao-Jun HOU ; Xue-Ren LI ; Xin MU ; Hui-Min LIU ; Shou-Chun PENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(8):1998-2017
Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumor worldwide, ranking first in both incidence and mortality rates. According to the latest statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), approximately 2.5 million new cases and around 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer occurred in 2022, placing a tremendous burden on global healthcare systems. The high mortality rate of lung cancer is closely linked to its subtle early symptoms, which often lead to diagnosis at advanced stages. This not only complicates treatment but also results in substantial economic losses. Current treatment options for lung cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Among these, immunotherapy has emerged as the most groundbreaking advancement in recent years, owing to its unique antitumor mechanisms and impressive clinical benefits. Unlike traditional therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapy activates or enhances the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. It offers advantages such as more durable therapeutic effects and relatively fewer toxic side effects. The main approaches to lung cancer immunotherapy include immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies, adoptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, and oncolytic virus therapies. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors and tumor-specific antigen-targeted therapies have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use in lung cancer, significantly improving outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Although other immunotherapy strategies are still in clinical trials, they show great potential in improving treatment precision and efficacy. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress in lung cancer immunotherapy, including the development of novel immune checkpoint molecules, optimization of treatment strategies, identification of predictive biomarkers, and findings from recent clinical trials. It also discusses the current challenges in the field and outlines future directions, such as the development of next-generation immunotherapeutic agents, exploration of more effective combination regimens, and the establishment of precise efficacy prediction systems. The aim is to provide a valuable reference for the continued advancement of lung cancer immunotherapy.
6.Advances in the application of polysaccharide microneedle systems in the treatment of corneal diseases
Qi CHEN ; Junmiao HUANG ; Li PENG
International Eye Science 2025;25(11):1785-1790
Polysaccharide microneedle systems(PSMNs), as an emerging drug delivery technology, have demonstrated significant promise in recent years for treating corneal diseases. These systems overcome the limitations of traditional therapies, such as low bioavailability and poor patient compliance. This article systematically reviews the core research advances in PSMNs. First, microneedles are fabricated using natural polysaccharides like chitosan and hyaluronic acid, using precise manufacturing techniques such as mold casting and 3D printing. Second, drug release depends on microchannels formed by mechanical insertion of microneedles, enhancing drug permeation; moreover, chemically responsive materials are employed to control sustained-release kinetics. These materials synergize with the degradation mechanisms of polysaccharides to prolong the duration of therapeutic effect. Furthermore, PSMNs have been clinically applied for anti-inflammatory repair in dry eye disease, targeted antibacterial treatment of keratitis, and precise gene delivery. Research elucidates that PSMNs significantly enhance drug bioavailability by over ten-fold through a three-pronged mechanism involving efficient delivery, tissue repair, and immune regulation, while leveraging the inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability of polysaccharides to reduce side effects. This review provides a theoretical foundation for developing minimally invasive treatments for corneal diseases, propelling diagnostics and therapy towards more precise approaches.
7.Surveillance of schistosomiasis and snail status in Jiaxing City from 2001 to 2024
GU Weiling ; PENG Hanqi ; LÜ ; Dabing ; FU Xiaofei ; QI Yunpeng ; XIE liang ; XIANG Zelin
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(9):897-902
Objective:
To analyze the surveillance data of schistosomiasis and snail status in Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province from 2001 to 2024, so as to provide the reference for prevention and control of schistosomiasis in jiaxing City.
Methods:
Data on schistosomiasis and snail surveillance in Jiaxing City from 2001 to 2024 were collected through schistosomiasis control work reports and the Zhejiang Provincial Schistosomiasis (Parasitic Diseases) Control Information Management System. These data included serological testing results, stool etiological examination (stool examination) results, area surveyed for snails, snail-infested areas, number of snail-positive frames, and number of live snails. Indicators, including the positive rate of serological testing, the positive rate of stool examinations, the rate of snail-positive frames, and the density of live snails were analyzed. The Prophet time series model was employed to forecast the schistosomiasis epidemic in Jiaxing City from 2025 to 2029.
Results:
A total of 636 493 serological testing were conducted in Jiaxing City from 2001 to 2024, with a positive rate of 1.532%, showing a decreasing trend (P<0.05). Among 7 582 stool examinations, positive cases were all imported, resulting in a positivity rate of 0.066%. During the same period, snail surveys covered a cumulative area of 30 545.999 hm2, with snail-infested areas totaling 69.355 hm2; no significant trend was observed (P>0.05). All snail habitats were identified as recurrent foci within hydrographic network regions, primarily distributed across Xiuzhou District, Nanhu District, Pinghu City, Jiashan County, and Tongxiang City, with snail-infested areas of 39.588, 12.538, 10.728, 4.315, and 2.186 hm2, respectively. From 2009 to 2024, a total of 35 692 134 frames of snails were surveyed, of which 16 543 were snail-positive, yielding a snail-positive frame rate of 0.046%. A total of 33 175 live snails were collected, with a mean density of 0.000 98 snails per frame. No infected Oncomelania snails were detected. The projection results indicated that from 2025 to 2029, the positive rate of serological testing rate in Jiaxing City would range between 0.253% to 0.389%, the snail-infested areas would range from 0.025 to 1.818 hm2, and the density of live snails would vary from 0.001 56 to 0.001 66 snails per frame. None of these indicators showed a significant trend (all P>0.05).
Conclusions
From 2001 to 2024, the positive rate of serological testing rate of schistosomiasis in Jiaxing City showed a declining trend, with no new autochthonous cases or infected Oncomelania snails detected. However, imported cases were still reported. All identified snail habitats were recurrent foci within hydrographic network regions. It is recommended to enhance schistosomiasis and snail status surveillance in high-risk areas.
8.Mechanism of Qizhu Kang'ai Prescription for Inhibiting Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming via PCK1/Akt/p21 Signal Axis
Xin ZHONG ; Rui HU ; Jing LI ; Lanfen PENG ; Xingning LIU ; Qi HUANG ; Jialing SUN ; Xinfeng SUN ; Jianping CHEN ; Benqiang CAI ; Xiaozhou ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):26-36
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Qizhu Kang'ai prescription (QZAP) on the gluconeogenesis enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) in the liver of mouse model of liver cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) combined with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and Huh7 cells of human liver cancer, so as to explore the mechanism on regulating metabolic reprogramming and inhibiting cell proliferation of liver cancer cells. MethodDEN combined with CCl4 was used to construct a mouse model of liver cancer via intraperitoneal injection. A normal group, a model group, and a QZAP group were set up, in which QZAP (3.51 g·kg-1) or an equal volume of normal saline was administered daily by gavage, respectively. Serum and liver samples were collected after eight weeks of intervention. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in mice were detected to evaluate liver function changes of mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe pathological changes in liver tissue. In the cell experiment, Huh7 cells were divided into blank group, QZAP low, medium, and high dose groups and/or PCK1 inhibitor (SKF-34288 hydrochloride) group, and Sorafenib group. The corresponding drug-containing serum and drug treatment were given, respectively. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method, colony formation experiment, Edu fluorescent labeling detection, intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content detection, and cell cycle flow cytometry detection were used to evaluate the proliferation ability, energy metabolism changes, and change in the cell cycle of Huh7 cells in each group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of PCK1, serine/threonine kinase (Akt), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and cell cycle-dependent protein kinase inhibitor 1A (p21). ResultCompared with the model group, the pathological changes such as cell atypia, necrosis, and collagen fiber deposition in liver cancer tissue of mice in the QZAP group were alleviated, and the number of liver tumors was reduced (P<0.01). The serum ALT, AST, γ-GT, and AFP levels were reduced (P<0.01). At the cell level, compared with the blank group, low, medium, and high-dose groups of QZAP-containing serum and the Sorafenib group could significantly reduce the survival rate of Huh7 cells (P<0.01) and the number of positive cells with Edu labeling (P<0.01) and inhibit clonal proliferation ability (P<0.01). The QZAP groups could also reduce the intracellular ATP content (P<0.05) and increase the distribution ratio of the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the model group and blank group, PCK1 and p21 protein levels of mouse liver cancer tissue and Huh7 cells in the QZAP groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the p-Akt protein level was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the ATP content and cell survival rate of Huh7 cells in the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group were significantly increased (P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference in the ratio of Edu-positive cells and the proportion of G0/G1 phase distribution. Compared with the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group, the QZAP combined with the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group significantly reduced the ATP content, cell survival rate, and Edu-positive cell ratio of Huh7 cells (P<0.05) and significantly increased the G0/G1 phase distribution proportion (P<0.05). ConclusionQZAP may induce the metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer cells by activating PCK1 to promote Akt/p21-mediated tumor suppression, thereby exerting an anti-hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation mechanism.
9.PENG Qinghua's Clinical Experience in Treating Dry Eye by the Therapeutic Method of “Maintaining with the Sweet and Restoring the Body Fluids”
Jiangwei LI ; Xiaolie YAO ; Jie DENG ; Tongfei QI ; Jun PENG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(1):31-34
This paper summarized PENG Qinghua's clinical experience in treating dry eye by applying therapeutic method of maintaining with sweet medicinals and restoring the body fluids. It is believed that the spleen earth insufficiency and fluids damage transforming into dryness are the main pathogenesis of the disease, and the basic therapeutic principle is maintaining with the sweet and restoring the body fluids by mainly using sweet medicines. It is advocated to use mild-sweet herbs, such as Baibiandou (Lablab purpureus subsp. purpureus), Fuling (Smilax glabra Roxb.), and Yiyiren (Coix lacryma-jobi L.), to transport spleen earth, so that qi is restored and body fluids are recovered; moderate-sweet herbs, such as Dangshen (Codonopsis pilosula [Franch.] Nannf.), Taizishen (Pseudostellaria heterophylla [Miq.] Pax), Shanyao (Dioscorea oppositifolia L.) and Zhigancao (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) are suggested to cultivate earth and generate metal, so as to move qi and circulate fluid; sweet-cool herbs, such as Nanshashen (Adenophora triphylla [Thunb.] A.DC.), Beishashen (Glehnia littoralis [A.Gray] F.Schmidt ex Miq.), Yuzhu (Polygonatum odoratum [Mill.] Druce), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.) are suggested to nourish yin and increase body fluids, so as to promote fluid production to moisten dryness. In this way, when the source of fluid is restored and the fluid is circulated, the fluid can be produced continuously, which provides new ideas for the treatment of dry eyes with traditional Chinese medicine.
10.Discussion of the methodology and implementation steps for assessing the causality of adverse event
Hong FANG ; Shuo-Peng JIA ; Hai-Xue WANG ; Xiao-Jing PEI ; Min LIU ; An-Qi YU ; Ling-Yun ZHOU ; Fang-Fang SHI ; Shu-Jie LU ; Shu-Hang WANG ; Yue YU ; Dan-Dan CUI ; Yu TANG ; Ning LI ; Ze-Huai WEN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(2):299-304
The assessment of adverse drug events is an important basis for clinical safety evaluation and post-marketing risk control of drugs,and its causality assessment is gaining increasing attention.The existing methods for assessing the causal relationship between drugs and the occurrence of adverse reactions can be broadly classified into three categories:global introspective methods,standardized methods,and probabilistic methods.At present,there is no systematic introduction of the operational details of the various methods in the domestic literature.This paper compares representative causality assessment methods in terms of definition and concept,methodological steps,industry evaluation and advantages and disadvantages,clarifies the basic process of determining the causality of adverse drug reactions,and discusses how to further improve the adverse drug reaction monitoring and evaluation system,with a view to providing a reference for drug development and pharmacovigilance work in China.


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