1.New trends and new strategies of drug repurposing: 2020–2024
Fangsu CHEN ; Junjie YANG ; Jiayu DU ; Shimiao HUANG ; Yuxuan ZHANG ; Qidong YOU ; Lei WANG ; Qiuyue ZHANG
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(1):11-18
The research and development of innovative drug have progressed remarkably, but the long development circle and high failure rate have become the bottleneck. Drug repurposing, discovering new indications of approved drugs, is a strategy to overcome these obstacles. By exploring new indications for approved drugs, rapid progress has been made in basic research and clinical translation in recent years. Rich resources of drugs, proven security, efficient development workflow and reduced cost are core advantages of this strategy, making the strategy a crucial direction of optimizing the pipeline of drug research and development. This review systematically summarizes drug repurposing cases that have received clinical approval over the past five years, and proposes core strategies for drug repurposing, including approaches based on targets, pathways, drug similarity, post-treatment phenotypes, and clinical side effects, aiming to provide some strategic guidance for drug repurposing efforts.
2.Mechanism of Icariin in Regulating TGF-β1/Smad Pathway to Induce Autophagy in Human Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Yaqi ZHANG ; Yankun JIANG ; Guoyuan SUN ; Bo LI ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Weiguo WANG ; Qidong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):123-130
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of icariin (ICA) on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and the effect on autophagy in BMECs. MethodsBMECs were isolated and cultured, and the cell types were identified by immunofluorescence. Cells were divided into the control group, model group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone), ICA group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA), and TGF-β inhibitor group (0.1 g·L-1 methyl prednisolone +1×10-5 mol·L-1 ICA +1×10-5 mol·L-1 LY2157299). Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure and autophagosome number of BMECs. Autophagy double-standard adenovirus was used to monitor the confocal autophagy flow generation of each cell. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the gene and protein expression of autophagy in the TGF-β1/ Smad pathway. ResultsAfter cell separation culture, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) and von willebrand factor (vWF) immunofluorescence identified BMECs. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cell membrane was damaged, and the nucleus was pyknotic and broken in the model group. Compared with the model group, the ICA group had complete cell membranes, clear structures, with autophagy-lysosome sparsely distributed. The confocal photo showed that BMECs had autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes, and the autophagy expression of the ICA group was similar to that of the blank group. Compared with the blank group, in the model group and the LY2157299 group, autophagosomes and autophagy-lysosomes were barely seen in the autophagy flow. Compared with the blank group, the mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy effector protein 1 (Beclin1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those of ubiquitin-binding protein (p62) were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad homolog 2 (Smad2), and Smad homolog 3 (Smad3) decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The protein expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with those of the model group, the mRNA and protein expression of Beclin1 and LC3B in BMECs of the ICA group increased (P<0.01), and those of p62 significantly reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, and Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 increased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Beclin1, LC3B, and p62 in the inhibitor group were not statistically significant. The expression of key genes and proteins of the TGF-β1 pathway in the inhibitor group was not statistically significant. ConclusionICA can promote glucocorticoid-induced autophagy expression of BMECs, and its mechanism may be related to activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.
3.Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head via Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Yaqi ZHANG ; Bo LI ; Jiancheng TANG ; Ran DING ; Cheng HUANG ; Yaping XU ; Qidong ZHANG ; Weiguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):141-149
Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a severe musculoskeletal disorder often induced by the prolonged or excessive use of glucocorticoids. Characterized by ischemia of bone cells, necrosis, and trabecular fractures, SONFH is accompanied by pain, femoral head collapse, and joint dysfunction, which can lead to disability in severe cases. The pathogenesis of SONFH involves hormone-induced osteoblast apoptosis, bone microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of the disease. Modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can promote Akt phosphorylation, thereby stimulating the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts, promoting angiogenesis in BMECs, and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. The research on the treatment of SONFH with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained increasing attention. Recent studies have shown that TCM monomers and compounds have potential therapeutic effect on SONFH by intervening in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. These studies not only provide a scientific basis for the application of TCM in the treatment of SONFH but also offer new ideas for the development of new therapeutic strategies. This review summarized the progress in Chinese and international research on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in SONFH over the past five years. It involved the composition and transmission mechanisms of the signaling pathway, as well as its regulatory effects on osteoblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoclasts, BMECs, and other cells. Additionally, the review explored the TCM understanding of SONFH and the application of TCM monomers and compounds in the intervention of the PI3K/Akt pathway. By systematically analyzing and organizing these research findings, this article aimed to provide references and point out directions for the clinical prevention and treatment of SONFH and promote further development of TCM in this field. With in-depth research on the PI3K/Akt pathway and the modern application of TCM, it is expected to bring safer and more effective treatment options for patients with SONFH.
4.Effects of relaxation training combined with basic psychological intervention on attention deficit factor scores in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Hongning XU ; Linyang LU ; Xiaoyun CHEN ; Hongxia KAI ; Yi WANG ; Qidong ZHU ; Yuanyuan HUANG
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(4):522-526
Objective To evaluate the effect of relaxation training combined with basic psychological intervention on attention deficit factor score in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Methods A total of 320 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were enrolled in Anhui Children's Hospital affiliated to Anhui Medical University from April 2022 to April 2024.The children were divided into 2 groups by random number table method with 160 cases in each.The control group received basic psychological intervention and the observation group received relaxation training combined with psychological intervention.Attention deficit factor score,hyperac-tivity factor score,oppositional defiant factor score,Weiss Functional Deficit Scale(parent version)score and satis-faction were compared between the two groups.Results The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score of the observation group was higher(17.35±1.42)than that of the control group(P<0.05).The scores of Attention Defi-cit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-Parent Version(SNAP-Ⅳ)in observation group were lower than those in control group(P<0.05),including attention deficit factor(14.25±1.58),hyperactivity factor(12.01±1.33)and oppositional defiant factor(9.79±1.27).There was no difference in Weiss functional deficit Scale(parent version)between the two groups before intervention,and Weiss functional deficit scale(parent version)score of the obser-vation group was higher than that of the control group after intervention(P<0.05).The satisfaction of observation group was higher than that of control group(P<0.05).Conclusions The effect of relaxation training combined with psychological intervention is obvious in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,and the symptoms of attention deficit are significantly improved.
5.Research on the construction of a medical education metaverse based on cloudytization technique
Chen CHEN ; Wenli ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Xue SUN ; Qidong LI ; Kun SHA
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(1):138-142
Objective:To construct a medical education metaverse based on cloudytization virtual reality (VR) technique,so as to resolve various issues encountered with conventional VR devices in use process,and enhance the user's experience and teaching effect of virtual space education. Methods:The technical architecture of the medical education metaverse was conducted from the perspectives included the underlying technique layer,learning interface layer,teaching activity space and knowledge layer. The medical education mateverse,which based on cloudytization VR technique,was constructed,and the system performance and user's experience were optimized from a supporting environment included the content layer,platform layer,cloud computing layer,network layer and terminal layer. Results:The medical students could conduct practical operation in virtual environment at any time and any place by the deployment approach on cloudy terminal and lightweight devices. The efficient and convenient cross-disciplinary collaborative learning was convenient for students to acquire knowledge from multiple perspectives,to better response complex medical environments. The real-time interactive remote medical approach expanded the boundaries of medical education,and ensured equity and inclusivity in medical education. Conclusion:The application of medical education metaverse based on cloudytization VR technique in medical teaching can effectively reduce the application threshold of medical education metaverse,and expand the coverage of educational resources of high quality,and enhance the use experience of teaching of the virtual space of medical education based on VR,and meet the demands of medical teaching for diverse application scenarios.
6.Research on the construction of a medical education metaverse based on cloudytization technique
Chen CHEN ; Wenli ZHANG ; Yue WANG ; Xue SUN ; Qidong LI ; Kun SHA
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(1):138-142
Objective:To construct a medical education metaverse based on cloudytization virtual reality (VR) technique,so as to resolve various issues encountered with conventional VR devices in use process,and enhance the user's experience and teaching effect of virtual space education. Methods:The technical architecture of the medical education metaverse was conducted from the perspectives included the underlying technique layer,learning interface layer,teaching activity space and knowledge layer. The medical education mateverse,which based on cloudytization VR technique,was constructed,and the system performance and user's experience were optimized from a supporting environment included the content layer,platform layer,cloud computing layer,network layer and terminal layer. Results:The medical students could conduct practical operation in virtual environment at any time and any place by the deployment approach on cloudy terminal and lightweight devices. The efficient and convenient cross-disciplinary collaborative learning was convenient for students to acquire knowledge from multiple perspectives,to better response complex medical environments. The real-time interactive remote medical approach expanded the boundaries of medical education,and ensured equity and inclusivity in medical education. Conclusion:The application of medical education metaverse based on cloudytization VR technique in medical teaching can effectively reduce the application threshold of medical education metaverse,and expand the coverage of educational resources of high quality,and enhance the use experience of teaching of the virtual space of medical education based on VR,and meet the demands of medical teaching for diverse application scenarios.
7.Comparison of Jinzhen oral liquid and ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol hydrochloride oral solution in the treatment of acute bronchitis in children: A multicenter, non-inferiority, prospective, randomized controlled trial.
Qinhua FAN ; Chongming WU ; Yawei DU ; Boyang WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Zeling ZHANG ; Wenquan SU ; Zizhuo WANG ; Changchang XU ; Xueke LI ; Ying DING ; Xinjiang AN ; Jing CHEN ; Yunying XIAO ; Rong YU ; Nan LI ; Juan WANG ; Yiqun TENG ; Hongfen LV ; Nian YANG ; Yuling WEN ; Xiaoli HUANG ; Wei PAN ; Yufeng LIU ; Xueqin XI ; Qianye ZHAO ; Changshan LIU ; Jian XU ; Haitao ZHANG ; Lie ZHUO ; Qiangquan RONG ; Yu XIA ; Qin SHEN ; Shao LI ; Junhong WANG ; Shengxian WU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2024;14(12):5186-5200
The comparison between traditional Chinese medicine Jinzhen oral liquid (JZOL) and Western medicine in treating children with acute bronchitis (AB) showed encouraging outcomes. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of the JZOL for improving cough and expectoration in children with AB. 480 children were randomly assigned to take JZOL or ambroxol hydrochloride and clenbuterol hydrochloride oral solution for 7 days. The primary outcome was time-to-cough resolution. The median time-to-cough resolution in both groups was 5.0 days and the antitussive onset median time was only 1 day. This randomized controlled trial showed that JZOL was not inferior to cough suppressant and phlegm resolving western medicine in treating cough and sputum and could comprehensively treat respiratory and systemic discomfort symptoms. Combined with clinical trials, the mechanism of JZOL against AB was uncovered by network target analysis, it was found that the pathways in TRP channels like IL-1β/IL1R/TRPV1/TRPA1, NGF/TrkA/TRPV1/TRPA1, and PGE2/EP/PKA/TRPV1/TRPA1 might play important roles. Animal experiments further confirmed that inflammation and the immune regulatory effect of JZOL in the treatment of AB were of vital importance and TRP channels were the key mechanism of action.
8.Trends of heart disease death and prediction of life expectancy without cause of death in Qidong City in 1990-2019
Lulu DING ; Yonghui ZHANG ; Yuanyou XYU ; Yongsheng CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Jian ZHU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(2):30-33
Objective To analyze the trend of heart disease death and the life expectancy without cause of death in Qidong City, Jiangsu Province from 1990 to 2019, and to provide reference for the prevention and control of heart disease. Methods Data on heart disease deaths among residents in Qidong City from 1990 to 2019 were collected through the Qidong City Death Registration and Monitoring System. The crude mortality rate (CR) and Chinese age-standardized mortality rate (CASR), potential years of life loss (PYLL), average years of life loss (AYLL), potential life loss years rate (PYLLR), life expectancy, and life expectancy without cause of death were calculated, and the annual percentage change (APC) was used to analyze the trend of heart disease death. Using SAS9.2 software, the death trend prediction was conducted by the ARIMA model in time series analysis. Results From 1990 to 2019, 27,762 residents died of heart disease in Qidong City, with a CR of 81.20/100 000 and an APC of 3.734%. There were 12 358 deaths of heart disease in men, with a CR of 73.24/100 000 and an APC of 3.86%, while there were 15 404 deaths of heart disease in women, with a CR of 88.95/100 000 and an APC of 3.63%. CR showed an upward trend (all P < 0.001). The PYLL for heart disease was 66 192.00 person-years, the AYLL was 13.23 person-years, and the PYLLR was 2.16‰. The life expectancy loss from heart disease was gradually increasing: 0.89 years in 1990 to 1.85 years in 2019, with an APC of 0.405% (P<0.001, a statistically significant trend). The prediction results showed that in 2029, the life expectancy after heart disease would reach 88.17 years. Conclusion From 1990 to 2019, the crude mortality rate of heart disease in Qidong City has showed an increasing trend, leading to an increasing loss of life due to heart disease year by year. The mortality rate and life loss of heart disease in women are higher than those in men. Targeted intervention measures should be further adopted to reduce the mortality rate of heart disease among residents in Qidong.
9.Role of Wnt signaling Pathway in Diabetic Osteoporosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention: A Review
Yaqi ZHANG ; Weiguo WANG ; Qidong ZHANG ; Huizhong BAI ; Lingling QIN ; Feng GAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):283-292
Diabetic osteoporosis (DOP) is a kind of bone complication caused by diabetes, which is characterized by the decrease of bone mineral density, the change of bone microstructure and the increase of bone fragility. The process of DOP is closely related to high glucose, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and other mechanisms. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating insulin resistance and bone metabolic balance in diabetes. Regulation of Wnt signal transduction promotes the expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β)phosphorylation and improves glucose and lipid metabolism. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is also an important way regulating osteocyte-driven bone remodeling, which not only plays an important regulatory role in the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts and improve bone metabolic homeostasis, but also promotes the expression of osteopontin, osteocalcin and type Ⅰ collagen, and improves bone proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Wnt pathway. In recent years, the research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the prevention and treatment of DOP has gradually increased, and the exploration of TCM to interfere with the Wnt pathway to improve DOP has made some progress. This paper collects and summarizes the studies on the Wnt signaling pathway in glucose metabolism, bone metabolism and DOP worldwide in the past decade, as well as the related literature on the intervention of DOP by TCM compounds (classical and other compounds), single Chinese medicine and TCM monomers based on the Wnt pathway, in order to provide a reference and direction for the development of new drugs for clinical prevention and treatment of DOP.
10.Analysis of prognostic factors and competing risks in 14, 805 cases with tonsil squamous cell carcinoma from the SEER database
Hui SHI ; Jian FAN ; Wei WANG ; Kaijian WANG ; Xiaodong NI ; Chunsun FAN
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2024;28(23):42-46
Objective To evaluate factors associated with prognosis of tonsil squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) patients and analyze the competing risks of death in TSCC patients. Methods Data tonsil malignant tumors cases diagnosed between 1975 and 2020 were obtained from the SEER database, and records confirmed as squamous cell carcinoma were selected. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to investigate the relationships of gender, race, age, marital status, year of diagnosis, lesion location, pathological evidence, treatment regimen with overall survival rate as well as cause-specific mortality outcomes. The competing risks of cause-specific death outcomes among TSCC patients with different clinical characteristics were assessed. Results This study included 14, 805 TSCC patients, including 11, 650 males, accounting for 78.69%. 93.99% of TSCC cases were diagnosed after the age of 45, with the highest incidence occurring in 45 to 64 age group. Radiotherapy was the most commonly used treatment modality (81.78%), compared to surgery (49.47%) and chemotherapy (47.10%). By the end of the follow-up period, 8, 003 (54.06%) TSCC patients had died, with a median survival time of 2.33 years. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the HR (95%CI) for TSCC-related deaths among patients not receiving surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were 2.101 (1.972 to 2.239), 1.829 (1.702 to 1.966) and 1.023(0.951 to 1.100), respectively, compared to those who did receive these treatments; the HR (95%CI) for deaths due to other causes were 1.630 (1.513 to 1.756), 1.438 (1.318 to 1.570) and 1.328 (1.212 to 1.456), respectively. Compared to patients < 45 years old, the HR (95%CI) for TSCC-related deaths among patients ≥65 years old were 2.218 (1.933 to 2.545), and for deaths due to other causes were 6.178 (5.133 to 7.436). Conclusion Radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy all contribute to improving the prognosis of TSCC patients. For elderly TSCC patients, particular attention should be paid to non-TSCC-related death risks.


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