1.Research progress on the mechanism and clinical application of the effective ingredients from Sijunzi decoction in the treatment of gastric cancer
Hongwei ZHANG ; Wenfei DANG ; Xin SUO ; Ru ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Ziming JIN ; Xia DOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):624-629
Gastric cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract and can be classified as “fullness of the stomach”, “epigastric pain”, “noise” and other categories in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. Sijunzi decoction is composed of Panax ginseng, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, and honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and it has the effect of tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen. This article summarizes the active ingredients, mechanism of action, and clinical application research progress of Sijunzi decoction in treating gastric cancer. The results show that the main active ingredients of Sijunzi decoction include ginsenosides, atractylenolide, pachymic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, etc.; Sijunzi decoction and its effective ingredients can play an anti-gastric cancer role by inhibiting the proliferation of gastric cancer cell, inducing apoptosis of gastric cancer cell, enhancing gastric cancer cell chemotherapy sensitivity, and inhibiting invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cell. In addition, Sijunzi decoction can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs, strengthen the immune function of the body and lower serum cancer marker levels during the clinical treatment of gastric cancer.
2.Research progress on the mechanism of action of rosmarinic acid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Ke CAI ; Sheng-ru HUANG ; Fang-fang GAO ; Xiu-juan PENG ; Sheng GUO ; Feng LIU ; Jin-ao DUAN ; Shu-lan SU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):12-21
With the rapid development of social economy and the continuous improvement of human living standard, the incidence, fatality and recurrence rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are increasing year by year, which seriously affects people's life and health. Conventional therapeutic drugs have limited improvement on the disability rate, so the search for new therapeutic drugs and action targets has become one of the hotspots of current research. In recent years, the therapeutic role of the natural compound rosmarinic acid (RA) in CVD has attracted much attention, which is capable of preventing CVD by modulating multiple signalling pathways and exerting physiological activities such as antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, as well as anti-coagulation and endothelial function protection. In this paper, the role of RA in the prevention of CVD is systematically sorted out, and its mechanism of action is summarised and analysed, with a view to providing a scientific basis and important support for the in-depth exploration of the prevention value of RA in CVD and its further development as a prevention drug.
3.Interplay Between Interferon Stimulatory Pathways and Organellar Dynamics
Jin-Ru LI ; Yu DUAN ; Xin-Gui DAI ; Yong-Ming YAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(7):1708-1727
Interferon stimulating factor STING, a transmembrane protein residing in the endoplasmic reticulum, is extensively involved in the sensing and transduction of intracellular signals and serves as a crucial component of the innate immune system. STING is capable of directly or indirectly responding to abnormal DNA originating from diverse sources within the cytoplasm, thereby fulfilling its classical antiviral and antitumor functions. Structurally, STING is composed of 4 transmembrane helices, a cytoplasmic ligand binding domain (LBD), and a C terminal tail structure (CTT). The transmembrane domain (TM), which is formed by the transmembrane helical structures, anchors STING to the endoplasmic reticulum, while the LBD is in charge of binding to cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs). The classical second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate (cGAMP), represents a key upstream molecule for STING activation. Once cGAMP binds to LBD, STING experiences conformational alterations, which subsequently lead to the recruitment of Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) via the CTT domain. This, in turn, mediates interferon secretion and promotes the activation and migration of dendritic cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. Additionally, STING is able to activate nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), thereby initiating the synthesis and release of inflammatory factors and augmenting the body’s immune response. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have disclosed the non-classical functions of STING. It has been found that STING plays a significant role in organelle regulation. STING is not only implicated in the quality control systems of organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum but also modulates the functions of these organelles. For instance, STING can influence key aspects of organelle quality control, including mitochondrial fission and fusion, mitophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. This regulatory effect is not unidirectional; rather, it is subject to organelle feedback regulation, thereby forming a complex interaction network. STING also exerts a monitoring function on the nucleus and ribosomes, which further enhances the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in infection-related immunity. The interaction mechanism between STING and organelles is highly intricate, which, within a certain range, enhances the cells’ capacity to respond to external stimuli and survival pressure. However, once the balance of this interaction is disrupted, it may result in the occurrence and development of inflammatory diseases, such as aseptic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Excessive activation or malfunction of STING may trigger an over-exuberant inflammatory response, which subsequently leads to tissue damage and pathological states. This review recapitulates the recent interactions between STING and diverse organelles, encompassing its multifarious functions in antiviral, antitumor, organelle regulation, and immune regulation. These investigations not only deepen the comprehension of molecular mechanisms underlying STING but also offer novel concepts for the exploration of human disease pathogenesis and the development of potential treatment strategies. In the future, with further probing into STING function and its regulatory mechanisms, it is anticipated to pioneer new approaches for the treatment of complex diseases such as inflammatory diseases and tumors.
4.The inhibitory effect of artesunate on hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating expression of GADD45A and NACC1
Guan-Tong SHEN ; Jin-Yao DONG ; Jing FENG ; Nan QIN ; Gen-Lai DU ; Fei ZHU ; Ke LIAN ; Xin-Yu LIU ; Qing-Liang LI ; Xun-Wei ZHANG ; Ru-Yi SHI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(6):1089-1097
Aim To explore the effect and mechanism of the artesunate(ART)on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The cell lines MHCC-97H and HCC-LM3 were used to be detected.MTT and clone formation were used to determine the cell proliferation;Wound healing was used to detect the cell migration;Transwell was used to test the cell invasion.Flow-cy-tometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and cell cy-cle.RNA-seq and qRT-PCR was used to detect the genes expression.Results The proliferation,migra-tion and invasion of treated cells were obviously inhibi-ted(P<0.01).Moreover,the apoptosis rate in-creased significantly,so did the proportion of G2/M cells.Transcriptomic analysis identified GADD45A as a potential target of ART through RNA-sequencing da-ta,and suggested that ART might induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest through regulating the expression of GADD45A.In addition,the results of mechanism studies and signaling analysis suggested that GADD45A had interaction with its upstream gene NACC1(nucle-us accumbens associated 1).Moreover,after ART treatment,the expressions of GADD45A and NACC1 were changed significantly.Conclusion ART may be a potential drug to resist HCC by affecting the expres-sion of GADD45A and its upstream gene NACC1,which provides a new drug,a new direction and a new method for the clinical treatment of HCC.
5.Effects of Duhuo Jisheng Decoction on TNF-α-induced proliferation,apoptosis and inflammation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis
Jing-Ruo WU ; Ya-Nan BU ; Jin-Ru YUE ; Jia CHEN ; Gui-Yu WANG ; Yu-Min ZHANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1665-1673
Aim To explore the effect of serum contai-ning Duhuo Jisheng Decoction on the proliferation,ap-optosis and inflammation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLS)induced by tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)and to reveal the under-lying mechanism.Methods The MH7A cells were divided into five groups:normal group(10%blank se-rum),model group(10 μg·L-1 TNF-α+10%blank serum),Duhuo Jisheng Decoction low(10 μg·L-1 TNF-α+2.5%drug-containing serum+7.5%blank serum),medium(10 pg·L-1 TNF-α+5%drug-con-taining serum+5%blank serum),high(10 μg·L-1 TNF-α+10%drug-containing serum)dose group.The concentration of serum containing Duhuo Jisheng Decoction was screened by MTT method.Cell prolifer-ation was detected using EdU staining.The expression of proliferation marker Ki67 was detected using immu-nofluorescence staining.The apoptosis rate was meas-ured by flow cytometry.The contents of IFN-γ,IL-4,IL-6 and IL-10 in each group were detected by ELISA.The mRNA and protein expression of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the normal group,the cell prolifera-tion activity of the model group significantly increased,and the level of apoptosis decreased.The content of IFN-γ and IL-6 increased,and the content of IL-4 and IL-10 decreased.The TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated.After the intervention of low,medium and high dose groups of serum containing Du-huo Jisheng Decoction,it could effectively improve the abnormal proliferation of cells and enhance apoptosis.At the same time,it inhibited the inflammatory re-sponse and the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB sig-naling pathway.Conclusions The serum containing Duhuo Jisheng Decoction can inhibit the abnormal pro-liferation of RA-FLS induced by TNF-α and the secre-tion of pro-inflammatory factors,and enhance apoptosis and anti-inflammatory levels.The mechanism may be related to the regulation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB sig-naling pathway.
6.Molecular epidemiological analysis of plague at the border area of Yunnan Province
Feng-Yi YANG ; Rong YANG ; Si-Ru LI ; Jin-Jiao KONG ; Hong-Li TAN ; Hai-Peng ZHANG ; Peng WANG ; You-Hong ZHONG ; Li-Yuan SHI ; Zhi-Zhong SONG
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(5):401-407
This study was aimed at exploring the epidemiological characteristics of plague,and the evolutionary relation-ships among the isolated plague strains in the Yunnan border area,to provide clues for further studying epidemic causes and ep-idemiological patterns.Plague epidemic data in the border area during the second epidemic period(1982-2007)were collected and analyzed with descriptive epidemiological methods.Whole genome sequences of 262 strains of Yersinia pestis in the border area were obtained for phylogenetic analysis.Plague outbreaks occurred in 17 counties(cities)among 25 border counties(cit-ies);a total of 552 epidemic foci and 123 human cases were identified.The 1.ORI2,1.ORI3,1.IN3,2.ANT and 2.MED geno-types were identified among Yersinia pestis isolated from the Yunnan border area,among which the 1.ORI2 population was dominant.A total of 258 strains of Yersinia pestis from the 1.OR12 population belonged to four subclusters.The Myanmar and Vietnam clade was embedded within the Yunnan clade in the overall phylogeny.The above results indicated that during the sec-ond period of the epidemic,the intensity of plague epidemics in Yunnan's border areas was high,showing a trend of devel-opment from west to south and east.Our findings indicated a risk of cross-border transmission of plague between Yunnan and neighboring countries;therefore,the surveillance,pre-vention,and control of plague in border areas should be strengthened.
7.Effects of Down-Regulation of PAK1 on Differentiation and Apop-tosis of MPN Cells with MPLW515L Gene Mutation and Survival of 6133/MPL Mice
Qi-Gang ZHANG ; Shu-Jin WANG ; Xiang-Ru YU ; Li-Wei ZHANG ; Kai-Lin XU ; Chun-Ling FU
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(5):1472-1478
Objective:To investigate the effects of down-regulation of p21 activated kinase 1(PAK1)on the proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis of myeloproliferative neoplasm(MPN)cells(6133/MPL)with thrombopoietin receptor MPL mutation at codon 515(MPLW515L)and survival of 6133/MPL mice.Methods:Interference with the protein level of PAK1 in 6133/MPL cells was assessed using lentivirus-mediated shRNA transfection technology.CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of down-regulation of PAK1 on the proliferation viability of 6133/MPL cells,and colony-forming ability was measured by cell counting.Flow cytometry was used to detect the PAK1 kinase activity on the ability of polyploid DNA formation and cell apoptosis in 6133/MPL cells.The expression of cyclin D1,cyclin D3 and apoptosis-related protein Bax was detected by Western blot.The infiltration of tumor cells in spleen and bone marrow of 6133/MPL mice were detected by HE staining.Results:Down-regulation of PAK1 inhibited the proliferation and reduced the ability of cell colony formation of 6133/MPL cells.After knocking down PAK1,the content of polyploid DNA in 6133/MPL cells increased from 31.8 to 57.5%and 48.0%,and the proportion of apoptosis increased approximately to 10.8%.Down-regulation of PAK1 led to a reduction of infiltration of tumor cells in liver and bone marrow of 6133/MPL mice,thereby prolonging survival time.Conclusion:Down-regulation of PAK1 can significantly inhibit the growth of 6133/MPL cells,promote the formation of polyploid DNA,induce 6133/MPL cell apoptosis,and prolong the survival time of 6133/MPL mice.
8.Pharmacokinetic Study of Coagulation Factor Ⅷ in Adults with Severe Hemophilia A
Ying ZHANG ; Zhi-Fang GUO ; Jing-Jing WANG ; Wen-Liang LU ; Jin-Yu HAO ; Xin WANG ; Zhi-Juan PAN ; Yan-Ru GUO ; Xin-Lei GUO ; Jia-Jia SUN ; Bo JIANG ; Zhi LI ; Zhi-Ping GUO
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(5):1509-1517
Objective:To detect the pharmacokinetic(PK)parameters of coagulation factor Ⅷ(FⅧ)in adult patients with severe hemophilia A,identify the potential factors influencing FⅧ PK,and optimize the use of FⅧ in individual prophylaxis regimens.Methods:PK characteristics of FⅧ were studied in a total of 23 severe hemophilia A adults.The correlation of patients'characteristics including age,von Willebrand factor antigen(vWF:Ag),blood group,weight,body mass index(BMI)and FⅧ genotype,with FⅧ PK were evaluated.Individual prophylaxis regimens were given based on FⅧ PK parameters.Results:The mean terminal half-life(t1/2)of FⅧ was 20.6±9.3 h,ranged from 11.47 h to 30.12 h.The age(r=0.580)and vWF:Ag(r=0.814)were significantly positively correlated with t1/2 of FⅧ.The mean area under the plasma concentration curve(AUC)of FⅧ was 913±399(328-1 878)IU h/dl,and the AUC of FⅧ was positively correlated with age(r=0.557)and vWF:Ag(r=0.784).The mean residence time(MRT)of FⅧ was 24.7±12.4(13.2-62.2)h,and the MRT of FⅧ was positively correlated with age(r=0.664)and vWF:Ag(r=0.868).The mean in vivo recovery(IVR)of FⅧ was 2.59±0.888(1.5-4.29)IU/dl per IU/kg,the mean clearance(CL)of FⅧ was 3±1.58(0.97-7.18)ml/(kg·h),and there was no significant correlation of IVR and CL with age and vWF:Ag.According to the individual PK parameters,ultra low-dose,low-dose and moderate-dose FⅧ were applied to 15,6,2 adults patients with severe hemophilia A for prophylaxis,respectively.Conclusion:There are significant individual differences in the FⅧ half-life of adult patients with severe hemophilia A.The older the patient,the higher the vWF:Ag level,and the longer the FⅧ half-life.Individual administration is required based on the FⅧ PK parameters to optimize prophylaxis treatment.
9.Comparing Outcomes of Banana-Shaped and Straight Cages in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Lumbar Degenerative Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Guang-Xun LIN ; Li-Ru HE ; Jin-Niang NAN ; Wen-Bin XU ; Keyi XIAO ; Zhiqiang QUE ; Shang-Wun JHANG ; Chien-Min CHEN ; Ming-Tao ZHU ; Gang RUI
Neurospine 2024;21(1):261-272
Objective:
This meta-analysis aims to refine the understanding of the optimal choice between different cage shapes in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) by systematically comparing perioperative data, radiological outcomes, clinical results, and complications associated with banana-shaped and straight bullet cages.
Methods:
A meticulous literature search encompassing PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, China Knowledge Network, and Wanfang Data was executed up to October 5, 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies comparing banana-shaped and straight bullet cages in TLIF. The quality of included studies was assessed using appropriate tools such as the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for nonrandomized studies. Rigorous evaluations were performed for radiographic outcomes, including disc height (DH), segmental lordosis (SL), lumbar lordosis (LL), subsidence, and fusion rates. Clinical outcomes were meticulously evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and complications.
Results:
The analysis incorporated 7 studies, involving 573 patients (297 with banana-shaped cages, 276 with straight cages), all with NOS ratings exceeding 5 stars. No statistically significant differences were observed in operative time, blood loss, or hospitalization between the 2 cage shapes. Banana-shaped cages exhibited greater changes in DH (p = 0.001), SL (p = 0.02), and LL (p = 0.01). Despite statistically higher changes in ODI for straight cages (26.33, p < 0.0001), the actual value remained similar to banana-shaped cages (26.15). Both cage types demonstrated similar efficacy in VAS, complication rates, subsidence, and fusion rates.
Conclusion
Although banana-shaped cages can excel in restoring DH, SL, and LL, straight bullet cages can provide comparable functional improvements, pain relief, and complication rates.
10.Clinical Manifestations and Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Cardiovascular Symptoms after mRNA Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccines
William D. KIM ; Min Jae CHA ; Subin KIM ; Dong-Gil KIM ; Jae-Jin KWAK ; Sung Woo CHO ; Joon Hyung DOH ; Sung Uk KWON ; June NAMGUNG ; Sung Yun LEE ; Jiwon SEO ; Geu-ru HONG ; Ji-won HWANG ; Iksung CHO
Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(11):629-635
Purpose:
The number of patients presenting with vaccination-related cardiovascular symptoms after receiving mRNA vaccines (mRNA-VRCS) is increasing. We investigated the incidence of vaccine-related adverse events (VAEs), including myocarditis and pericarditis, in patients with mRNA-VRCS after receiving BNT162b2-Pfizer-BioNTech and mRNA-1273-Moderna vaccines.
Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively collected data on patients presenting with mRNA-VRCS who visited the outpatient clinic of two tertiary medical centers. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, echocardiographic findings, and electrocardiographic findings were evaluated. VAE was defined as myocarditis or pericarditis in patients after mRNA vaccination. Clinical outcomes during short-term follow-up, including emergency room (ER) visit, hospitalization, or death, were also assessed among the patients.
Results:
A total of 952 patients presenting with mRNA-VRCS were included in this study, with 89.7% receiving Pfizer-BioNTech and 10.3% receiving Moderna vaccines. The mean duration from vaccination to symptom was 5.6±7.5 days. VAEs, including acute myocarditis and acute pericarditis, were confirmed in 11 (1.2%) and 10 (1.1%) patients, respectively. The VAE group showed higher rates of dyspnea, echocardiography changes, and ST-T segment changes. During the short-term follow-up period of 3 months, the VAE group showed a higher hospitalization rate compared to the control group; there was no significant difference in ER visit (p=0.320) or mortality rates (p>0.999).
Conclusion
Amongst the patients who experienced mRNA-VRCS, the total incidence of VAEs, including acute myocarditis and pericarditis, was 2.2%. Patients with VAEs showed higher rates of dyspnea, echocardiographic changes, and ST-T segment changes compared to those without VAEs. With or without the cardiovascular events, the prognosis in patients with mRNA-VRCS was favorable.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail