1.Effect of Wei's Huoxue Tongluo Formula(韦氏活血通络方)on Visual Function and Fundus Blood Flow in Treating Atrophic-Stage Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis
Yan WANG ; Linlin CAO ; Meiling HAO ; Xiaoding SHUI ; Simin SONG ; Kun DING ; Rilong ZHOU ; Yu LUO ; Yize HUANG ; Xiaoyu LIANG ; Liang LIAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(10):1062-1070
ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and possible mechanism of Wei's Huoxue Tongluo Formula (韦氏活血通络方,WHTF) in treating atrophic-stage non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with qi deficiency and blood stasis. MethodsA total of 82 atrophic-stage NAION patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 41 cases in each group. The treatment group was given oral administration of WHTF twice a day plus acupoint injection of distilled water 2 ml at Taiyang (EX-HN5) once daily, while the control group received injection of compound anisodine injection 2 ml at Taiyang (EX-HN5) once daily and oral administration of WHTF placebo twice a day. Both groups received treatment for a course of 14 days. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optic disc perfusion density (PD), flux index (FI), macular superficial PD, vascular density (VD), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were compared between groups before treatment and on day 7 and day 14 of treatment. Additionally, mean defect (MD) and mean sensitivity (MS) of visual fields were measured before treatment and on day 14, along with safety evaluation. ResultsAfter treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in BCVA, visual field MD and MS, and TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05 or P<0.01). On day 14 of treatment, the TCM syndrome score in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant improvement in optic disc PD and FI, and macular superficial PD and VD after treatment in either group (P>0.05) except that on day 7 the macular superficial foveal PD in the control group was significantly better than that in the treatment group (P<0.05). During the treatment period, no serious adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionWHTF can improve the visual function indicators including visual acuity and visual field, as well as TCM syndrome scores in atrophic-stage NAION patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis. It shows clinical safety, although it does not appear to have a significant effect on optic disc or macular blood flow.
2.Research on the protective effects and influencing factors of hearing protection device in different industries
Shibiao SU ; Xi ZHONG ; Qifan HUANG ; Qinyu OU ; Yingyin ZHANG ; Zepeng LI ; Xi LUO ; Simin CHEN ; Zhaoying HUANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(7):508-512
Objective:To evaluate the current situation of the protective effect of hearing protection device (HPD) worn by manufacturing workers and discuss their possible influencing factors.Methods:A total of 3634 noisy workers were surveyed and tested. The study conducted surveys of workers on the use of HPD. The 3M TM E-A-R Fit TM binaural verification system was used to measure the personal attenuation device (PAR) of workers wearing HPD. Results:The M ( Q1, Q3) of baseline PAR obtained by 3634 workers was 12 (2, 19) dB. There was a statistically significant difference in baseline PAR among the three types of HPDs ( H=336.39, P<0.01) . After pairwise comparison, it was found that the baseline PAR of workers wearing foam earplugs and earmuffs was higher than that of pre-molded earplugs ( P<0.01) . There were differences in baseline PAR among workers in different industries ( Z=359.73, P<0.01) . Education level, age of using HPD, types of HPDs, noise exposure intensity, with or without knowledge of correct methods, and comfort evaluation were the main factors affecting baseline PAR ( P<0.05) . There were 1536 workers (43.4%) failed the baseline PAR test. After the intervention, the median PAR increased significantly from 1 (0, 6) dB (baseline) to 18 (14, 22) dB (after the intervention) ( P<0.01) . The follow-up test found that the follow-up PAR of 328 workers was higher than the baseline PAR of the initial test, and the follow-up PAR was higher than the post-intervention PAR of the initial test ( P<0.01) . Conclusion:Under the conditions of this study, the protective effect of HPD was affected by factors such as incorrect understanding of wearing methods, exposure to high-intensity noise, low education level, a short period of time of HPD use and low comfort of hearing protectors. The protective effect could be improved through training, optimizing the wearing of hearing protector models, and follow-up interventions. Enterprises should use suitability verification to ensure the correct selection and wearing of noisy workers.
3.Optimization of Processing Technology of Honey Bran-fried Rosae Laevigatae Fructus and Analysis of Its Mechanism in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Bin LIU ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Hongbing LUO ; Qi DENG ; Fuyu XU ; Simin ZHONG ; Ying ZHOU ; Xide YE ; Feipeng GONG ; Yuncheng GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):216-224
ObjectiveTo optimize the processing technology of honey bran-fried Rosae Laevigatae Fructus(h-RLF), formulate relevant quality standards, and explore its improving effect and mechanism on mice with ulcerative colitis(UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate(DSS). MethodsTaking the content of polysaccharides and water-soluble extract as the indexes, L9(34) orthogonal test was used to optimize parameters of the amount of honey bran, frying time and frying temperature. The quality of 15 batches of h-RLF decoction pieces was evaluated according to the optimized process, and the inspection limit standard was preliminarily drawn up. Eighty SPF male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 8 groups, including the blank group, model group, mesalazine group(0.13 g·kg-1), RLF group(3.77 g·kg-1), bran-fried RLF group(3.77 g·kg-1), h-RLF low, medium and high dose groups(1.89, 3.77, 7.54 g·kg-1), with 10 mice in each group. The mice in the blank group were free to drink pure water, and the other groups were free to drink 3% DSS solution for 7 days to prepare UC mouse model. Each treatment group was given corresponding drugs by intragastric administration, and the blank and model groups were given equal volume of normal saline. The body weight of mice was recorded daily and the disease activity index(DAI) was calculated. After the administration, the colon tissues of mice were collected to observe the pathological changes by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in the colon of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of phosphorylation nuclear transcription factor-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65), Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4), p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-p38 MAPK), p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK) and p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase(p-JNK) proteins in colon tissues. ResultsThe optimum processing technology of h-RLF was 20 g honey bran per 100 g RLF, and stir-frying at 200 ℃ for 8 min. The limit standard under the examination of h-RLF was preliminarily formulated as follows:the polysaccharide content should not be less than 25% based on anhydrous glucose(C6H12O6), the content of water-soluble extract should not be less than 38%, the moisture content should not be more than 12.0%, the total ash content should not be more than 5.0%, and the acid-insoluble ash content should not be more than 1.0%. The cluster heat map analysis showed that the quality of RLF from Huanggang, Hubei province was better. Animal experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the DAI score of the model group was significantly increased, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the colon tissue were significantly increased, the IL-10 level was significantly decreased, the colonic mucosa was seriously damaged, accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue congestion and a significant reduction in glands, and the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK proteins were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, each administration group could alleviate the symptoms of colonic ulcer, the structure of colonic crypt was basically intact, and the glands were arranged in an orderly manner. Among them, the high-dose group of h-RLF had a better effect, which could significantly reduce the DAI score and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in colon tissue(P<0.01), and significantly increase the level of IL-10(P<0.01), alleviate the colonic mucosal injury, and effectively inhibit the expression levels of p-NF-κB p65, TLR4, p-p38 MAPK, p-ERK and p-JNK proteins(P<0.01). ConclusionThe key parameters of the processing technology of h-RLF are determined, and the optimized technology is stable and feasible. The established quality standard is simple and reliable, and can be used for the quality control. h-RLF can effectively alleviate DSS-induced UC, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of NF-κB/TLR4/MAPK pathway.
4.Drug target discovery for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis via druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization
Xueyang LIN ; Simin LANG ; Yufeng YANG ; Chen YANG ; Ziqi CUI ; Yuan LUO ; Yongan WANG
Military Medical Sciences 2025;49(5):356-363
Objective To identify potential drug target genes associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)and predict therapeutic candidates using a two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR)approach across the druggable genome.Methods Druggable genome data from the DGIdb database and Finan were integrated to identify overlapping genes.A two-sample MR analysis was performed to infer causal relationships between genes and IPF.Functional enrichment analyses,including Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG),were conducted to explore biological pathways.Drug-target interactions were predicted via DSigDB database screening,followed by molecular docking simulations to evaluate binding affinities.Results Among the 2588 overlapping druggable genes,thirty exhibited significant causal associations with IPF(P<0.05).Four hub genes(NOD2,LATS2,LTA,and TCF7L2)were enriched in IPF-related pathways,notably Hippo and TNF signaling.Six potential therapeutics were identified:oxyphenbutazone,moexipril,α-galactosylceramide,GSK429286A,CGP74514A,and JW-7-24-1.Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between these drugs and their targets.Conclusion This study has identified thirty druggable gene targets and six candidate drugs for IPF.The enrichment of hub genes in key pathways and validated drug-target interactions provide insights into IPF therapies.
5.Influencing Factors of Polymyxin B Exposure and the Correlation Between PK/PD Index and Efficacy in Patients with Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacterial Infections
Simin ZHOU ; Xuemei LUO ; Weihong GE
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):428-434
Objective To investigate the factors affecting the exposure of polymyxin B and the correlation between pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic(PK/PD)indexes and efficacy in patients with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial(MDR-GNB)infections.Methods This prospective study was conducted in patients who received polymyxin B to treat MDR-GNB infections in the intensive care unit of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,Medical College,Nanjing University from January 2021 to December 2023.Plasma concentrations of polymyxin B were analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,and the influencing factors of exposure were investigated.The predictive value of area under the concentration-time curve(AUC24h)and AUC24hto minimum inhibitory concentration ratio for efficacy was determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results The median of AUC24h was 76.11(56.06,96.94)μg·mL-1·h in 96 patients with MDR-GNB infections.Patients in the high-dose group(≥ 150 mg·d-1)were more likely to have higher exposure of polymyxin B than those in the low-dose group(<150 mg·d-1)(P<0.05).The exposure in patients with renal replacement therapy was significantly de-creased(P<0.01).However,increasing the dose in patients receiving renal replacement therapy had no significant difference on exposure.The ROC curve showed AUC24h/MIC was closely correlated with clinical efficacy in patients with MDR-GNB infections(AUCROC=0.724,P<0.01)and the optimal cut-off value of AUC24h/MIC was 62.1.Subgroup analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values of AUC24h/MIC in patients with and without pulmonary infection were 70.8 and 61.5,respectively.The clinical effi-cacy rate was significantly higher in AUC24 h/MIC≥62.1 group,compared with those in AUC24 h/MIC<62.1 group(72.88%vs.32.43%,P<0.01).After treatment,the decreasing trend of inflammation indicators in AUC24 h/MIC≥ 62.1 group was superior to those in AUC24h/MIC<62.1 group.Conclusion The dose and renal replacement therapy are the significant factors influencing the exposure of polymyxin B.AUC24 h/MIC with the target of 62.1 was the optimal exposure index to predict the efficacy in the treatment of MDR-GNB infections and the optimal threshold of AUC24h/MIC was higher in patients with pulmonary infections than in non-pulmonary patients,so therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended to adjust the AUC24h/MIC index to achieve individual-ized medication.
6.Influencing Factors of Polymyxin B Exposure and the Correlation Between PK/PD Index and Efficacy in Patients with Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacterial Infections
Simin ZHOU ; Xuemei LUO ; Weihong GE
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(3):428-434
Objective To investigate the factors affecting the exposure of polymyxin B and the correlation between pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic(PK/PD)indexes and efficacy in patients with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial(MDR-GNB)infections.Methods This prospective study was conducted in patients who received polymyxin B to treat MDR-GNB infections in the intensive care unit of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital,Medical College,Nanjing University from January 2021 to December 2023.Plasma concentrations of polymyxin B were analyzed using a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,and the influencing factors of exposure were investigated.The predictive value of area under the concentration-time curve(AUC24h)and AUC24hto minimum inhibitory concentration ratio for efficacy was determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve.Results The median of AUC24h was 76.11(56.06,96.94)μg·mL-1·h in 96 patients with MDR-GNB infections.Patients in the high-dose group(≥ 150 mg·d-1)were more likely to have higher exposure of polymyxin B than those in the low-dose group(<150 mg·d-1)(P<0.05).The exposure in patients with renal replacement therapy was significantly de-creased(P<0.01).However,increasing the dose in patients receiving renal replacement therapy had no significant difference on exposure.The ROC curve showed AUC24h/MIC was closely correlated with clinical efficacy in patients with MDR-GNB infections(AUCROC=0.724,P<0.01)and the optimal cut-off value of AUC24h/MIC was 62.1.Subgroup analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values of AUC24h/MIC in patients with and without pulmonary infection were 70.8 and 61.5,respectively.The clinical effi-cacy rate was significantly higher in AUC24 h/MIC≥62.1 group,compared with those in AUC24 h/MIC<62.1 group(72.88%vs.32.43%,P<0.01).After treatment,the decreasing trend of inflammation indicators in AUC24 h/MIC≥ 62.1 group was superior to those in AUC24h/MIC<62.1 group.Conclusion The dose and renal replacement therapy are the significant factors influencing the exposure of polymyxin B.AUC24 h/MIC with the target of 62.1 was the optimal exposure index to predict the efficacy in the treatment of MDR-GNB infections and the optimal threshold of AUC24h/MIC was higher in patients with pulmonary infections than in non-pulmonary patients,so therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended to adjust the AUC24h/MIC index to achieve individual-ized medication.
7.Research on the protective effects and influencing factors of hearing protection device in different industries
Shibiao SU ; Xi ZHONG ; Qifan HUANG ; Qinyu OU ; Yingyin ZHANG ; Zepeng LI ; Xi LUO ; Simin CHEN ; Zhaoying HUANG
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(7):508-512
Objective:To evaluate the current situation of the protective effect of hearing protection device (HPD) worn by manufacturing workers and discuss their possible influencing factors.Methods:A total of 3634 noisy workers were surveyed and tested. The study conducted surveys of workers on the use of HPD. The 3M TM E-A-R Fit TM binaural verification system was used to measure the personal attenuation device (PAR) of workers wearing HPD. Results:The M ( Q1, Q3) of baseline PAR obtained by 3634 workers was 12 (2, 19) dB. There was a statistically significant difference in baseline PAR among the three types of HPDs ( H=336.39, P<0.01) . After pairwise comparison, it was found that the baseline PAR of workers wearing foam earplugs and earmuffs was higher than that of pre-molded earplugs ( P<0.01) . There were differences in baseline PAR among workers in different industries ( Z=359.73, P<0.01) . Education level, age of using HPD, types of HPDs, noise exposure intensity, with or without knowledge of correct methods, and comfort evaluation were the main factors affecting baseline PAR ( P<0.05) . There were 1536 workers (43.4%) failed the baseline PAR test. After the intervention, the median PAR increased significantly from 1 (0, 6) dB (baseline) to 18 (14, 22) dB (after the intervention) ( P<0.01) . The follow-up test found that the follow-up PAR of 328 workers was higher than the baseline PAR of the initial test, and the follow-up PAR was higher than the post-intervention PAR of the initial test ( P<0.01) . Conclusion:Under the conditions of this study, the protective effect of HPD was affected by factors such as incorrect understanding of wearing methods, exposure to high-intensity noise, low education level, a short period of time of HPD use and low comfort of hearing protectors. The protective effect could be improved through training, optimizing the wearing of hearing protector models, and follow-up interventions. Enterprises should use suitability verification to ensure the correct selection and wearing of noisy workers.
8.Origin,Processing Method and Quality Standard of Fermentum Rubrum: A Review
Fuyu XU ; Hongbing LUO ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Songhong YANG ; Qi DENG ; Bin LIU ; Simin ZHONG ; Ying ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(17):267-274
Fermentum Rubrum(FR) is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine with dual-use functions of medicine and food, which has been used for more than 1 000 years. By referring to the ancient herbal classics and modern laws and regulations, the author sorted out the origin of FR, sorted out the development of processing, and analyzed the problems existing in the quality standard, aiming to provide a basis for further research and development of FR. There are many theories about the origin of FR. After summarizing and sorting out the relevant literature, three viewpoints are mainly drawn, including Han dynasty origin theory, Wei and Jin origin theory and Tang dynasty origin theory. After synthesizing the views of various schools, it is believed that the origin of FR should be no later than the Eastern Han dynasty. FR is made from rice by fermentation, which has the effect of strengthening the spleen, eliminating food, promoting blood circulation and removing stasis after fermentation. Although the natural fermentation in ancient times has been able to pay attention to the influence of temperature, humidity and strain on the quality of FR, due to the low level of science and technology, there are still problems such as complicated and cumbersome process, large workload and high labor cost. To the pure fermentation in modern times, the fermentation processing method of FR has been evolved, gradually improved and perfected. However, due to the lack of standardized research, there is no unified standard for the fermentation process of FR in various regions, and the quality standard lags behind seriously, which leads to the unstable product quality on the market. Among the 15 specifications for the preparation of FR, only 6 have been published in the past 5 years, and most of them have not been revised in a timely manner, and some of them have not been included in the updated version. Based on this, it is recommended to carry out a systematic study on processing technology of FR, and the best process is selected to accelerate the revision and improvement of its standardization, so as to improve the quality of FR sold in the market and promote its stable and sustainable development.
9.Paeoniflorin ameliorates chronic colitis via the DR3 signaling pathway in group 3 innate lymphoid cells
Huang SHAOWEI ; Xie XUEQIAN ; Xu BO ; Pan ZENGFENG ; Liang JUNJIE ; Zhang MEILING ; Pan SIMIN ; Wang XIAOJING ; Zhao MENG ; Wang QING ; Chen JINYAN ; Li YANYANG ; Zhou LIAN ; Luo XIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(6):889-901
Inhibiting the death receptor 3(DR3)signaling pathway in group 3 innate lymphoid cells(ILC3s)pre-sents a promising approach for promoting mucosal repair in individuals with ulcerative colitis(UC).Paeoniflorin,a prominent component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.,has demonstrated the ability to restore barrier function in UC mice,but the precise mechanism remains unclear.In this study,we aimed to delve into whether paeoniflorin may promote intestinal mucosal repair in chronic colitis by inhibiting DR3 signaling in ILC3s.C57BL/6 mice were subjected to random allocation into 7 distinct groups,namely the control group,the 2%dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)group,the paeoniflorin groups(25,50,and 100 mg/kg),the anti-tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A(anti-TL1A)antibody group,and the IgG group.We detected the expression of DR3 signaling pathway proteins and the proportion of ILC3s in the mouse colon using Western blot and flow cytometry,respectively.Meanwhile,DR3-overexpressing MNK-3 cells and 2% DSS-induced Rag1-/-mice were used for verification.The results showed that paeoniflorin alleviated DSS-induced chronic colitis and repaired the intestinal mucosal barrier.Simultaneously,paeoniflorin inhibited the DR3 signaling pathway in ILC3s and regulated the content of cytokines(interleukin-17A,granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor,and interleukin-22).Alternatively,paeoniflorin directly inhibited the DR3 signaling pathway in ILC3s to repair mucosal damage indepen-dently of the adaptive immune system.We additionally confirmed that paeoniflorin-conditioned me-dium(CM)restored the expression of tight junctions in Caco-2 cells via coculture.In conclusion,paeoniflorin ameliorates chronic colitis by enhancing the intestinal barrier in an ILC3-dependent manner,and its mechanism is associated with the inhibition of the DR3 signaling pathway.
10.Research Progress of Renal Transporters in Polymyxin-induced Nephrotoxicity
Simin ZHOU ; Xuemei LUO ; Shuo CHENG ; Weihong GE
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(9):1451-1456
Polymyxins are the first-line drugs used in multidrug resistance(MDR)Gram-negative infections.Polymyxin-induced nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting factor hindering its clinical use.It has been suggested that the mechanism of polymyxin-associated nephrotoxicity is related to its accumulation in the kidney upon extensive reabsorption from renal proximal tubular cells,and one or more renal transporters may mediate the process that polymyxins enter the renal tubular cells across cytomembrane.This review aimed to describe the roles of renal transporters in polymyxins reabsorption into the renal tubular cells and provide reference for reducing the nephrotoxicity of polymyxin.

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