1.Ameliorative effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction and its active fractions on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Jinbiao YANG ; Xingtong CHEN ; Yunyue ZHOU ; Ruihong YANG ; Qiao WANG ; Shuang XUE ; Yukun ZHANG ; Wenying NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):299-304
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction (BYHWD) and its active fractions in ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS BYHWD and its effective fractions obtained through ethanol precipitation, as well as 30% ethanol, 50% ethanol, and 75% ethanol fractions (namely, the CC effective fraction, 30YC effective fraction, 50YC effective fraction, and 75YC effective fraction), were prepared. These preparations were administered to rats via intragastric administration to prepare corresponding drug-containing serum (blank serum and simvastatin-containing serum were prepared using the same protocol). Human L02 hepatocytes were divided into control group, model group, simvastatin-containing serum group, BYHWD-containing serum group, CC-containing serum group, 30YC-containing serum group, 50YC-containing serum group, and 75YC-containing serum group. Except for the control group, other groups were given 0.2 mol/L oleic acid for 24 h to induce a lipid accumulation model, and then intervened with 20% drug-containing serum/blank serum for 24 h. The lipid deposition in cells was observed, and the proportion of lipid droplet area was calculated; the levels of triglycerides (TG) and indicators of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD)] as well as liver function [alanine amino- transferase (ALT), aspartate amino-transferase (AST)] in cells were detected; protein and mRNA expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1)/glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) signaling pathway were also measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group, cells in the model group exhibited severe cellular steatosis, with a significantly increased proportion of lipid droplet area, as well as the elevated levels of TG, ALT, AST, and MDA in cells, along with significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1 and GPAT (P<0.05). The level of SOD, mRNA expression of AMPK, as well as the protein phosphorylation level of AMPK were decreased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, cellular steatosis was alleviated in all drug-containing serum groups, and the levels of most of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were significantly reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS BYHWD and its active fractions can exert a therapeutic effect on improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the AMPK/SREBP-1/GPAT signaling pathway, inhibiting oxidative stress responses, and reducing lipid deposition.
2.Treatment of Glaucoma Based on "Jueyin (厥阴) as the Closing Phase" from the Perspective of Spatiotemporal Theory
Xue WU ; Shuang CHEN ; Lixia ZHANG ; Piao JIANG ; Zhiyi ZHOU ; Wenying SUN ; Aixiang JIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1400-1404
This paper explores the therapeutic approach for glaucoma based on the concept of "jueyin (厥阴) as the closing phase" from the perspectives of time and space. In traditional Chinese medicine, jueyin governs inward, converging aspect of qi, representing the crucial turning point between the end of yin and the emergence of yang, as well as the transformation between yin and yang. When the closing and descending function of jueyin operates smoothly, it promotes the inward convergence and smooth descent of qi, enabling the internal retention of blood, spirit, and emotions, which nourishes the internal organs and moistens the meridian-sinews. Conversely, dysfunction of this "closing" mechanism results in a disturbance of yin and yang, a mixture of cold and heat, and disharmony of qi and blood. It is proposed that "failure of jueyin to properly close and descend" is a core pathomechanism of glaucoma. From the perspective of spatiotemporal theory, clinical treatment should focus on "regulating the closing function of jueyin and harmonizing yin and yang". The modified Wumei Pill (乌梅丸) is recommended to adjust the ascending-descending and entering-exiting dynamics of jueyin qi transformation, thereby restoring its free flow, achieving yin and yang balance, and ensuring nourishment to the ocular system.
3.Effects of acupoint catgut embedding on gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids in Parkinson's disease patients with constipation.
Xiaomei ZHANG ; Jie JIANG ; Wenying LI ; Juping CHEN ; Yin HUANG ; Wei REN ; Yafang SONG ; Jianhua SUN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(11):1533-1540
OBJECTIVE:
To observe the effects of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) on gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with constipation.
METHODS:
A total of 80 PD patients with constipation were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. Additionally, 40 healthy individuals were recruited as a healthy control group. The control group received conventional Western medical treatment for PD combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG), once daily for eight weeks. The observation group received additional ACE treatment at bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), and Shangjuxu (ST37), once every two weeks for eight weeks. The healthy control group received no intervention. The spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) per week and patient assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) scores were assessed at baseline and after treatment in the two groups. Fecal samples were collected at the end of treatment for the observation and the control groups and at baseline for the healthy control group. Gut microbiota composition and diversity were analyzed using 16S rRNA method, and SCFA levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
RESULTS:
Compared before treatment, the observation group showed a significant increase in SBMs (P<0.01), and PAC-QOL scores including physical discomfort, psychosocial discomfort, worry and concern, and total score were significantly reduced (P<0.01) after treatment; the control group also showed a reduction in PAC-QOL total score after treatment (P<0.01). After treatment, the observation group had significantly more SBMs (P<0.01), and lower PAC-QOL physical discomfort, psychosocial discomfort, worry and concern scores, and total score (P<0.01), and higher PAC-QOL satisfaction score (P<0.01) than the control group. Compared with the healthy control group, the control group showed decreased Chao1 and Ace indices (P<0.01). Compared with the healthy control group, the relative abundance of Prevotella and Roseburia was increased (P<0.05), while that of Enterobacter and Ruminococcus torques (six species in total) was decreased (P<0.05) in the control group. Compared with the control group, the observation group had increased relative abundance of Dialister, Parabacteroides, and Ruminococcus torques (P<0.05), and decreased relative abundance of Prevotella and Eubacterium ruminantium (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy control group, the control group had increased fecal SCFA levels (P<0.05); compared with the control group, the observation group had reduced fecal SCFA levels (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy control group, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid levels were elevated in the control group (P<0.05); compared with the control group, acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid levels were decreased in the observation group (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
ACE could increase spontaneous bowel movements and improve the quality of life in PD patients with constipation, which may be related to the regulation of gut microbiota composition and SCFA levels.
Humans
;
Constipation/metabolism*
;
Male
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Parkinson Disease/complications*
;
Aged
;
Fatty Acids, Volatile/metabolism*
;
Catgut
;
Feces/microbiology*
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Quality of Life
;
Adult
4.Determining the mechanism of Shuxuening injection against liver cirrhosis through network pharmacology and animal experiments
Qiyao Liu ; Tingyu Zhang ; Yongan Ye ; Xin Sun ; Huan Xia ; Xu Cao ; Xiaoke Li ; Wenying Qi ; Yue Chen ; Xiaobin Zao
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences 2025;2025(1):112-124
Objective:
To screen and identify the key active molecules, signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets of Shuxuening (SXN) injection for treating liver cirrhosis (LC) and to evaluate its therapeutic potential using a mouse model.
Methods:
Target genes of SXN and LC were retrieved from public databases, and enrichment analysis was performed. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING), and hub genes were identified using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE). LC was induced in rats and mice via intraperitoneal injections of diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 12 weeks. Starting at week 7, SXN was administered intraperitoneally to the mice in the treatment group. Serum and liver tissues of the mice were collected for the detection of indicators, pathological staining, and expression analysis of hub targets using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results:
We identified 368 overlapping genes (OLGs) between SXN and LC targets. These OLGs were subsequently used to build a PPI network and to screen for hub genes. Enrichment analysis showed that these genes were associated with cancer-related pathways, including phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and various cellular processes, such as responses to chemicals and metabolic regulation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that SXN treatment significantly improved liver function and pathology in CCl4-induced LC mice by reducing inflammation and collagen deposition. Furthermore, qRT-PCR demonstrated that SXN regulated the expression of MAPK8, AR and CASP3 in the livers of LC mice.
Conclusion
This study highlighted the therapeutic effects of SXN in alleviating LC using both bioinformatics and experimental methods. The observed effect was associated with modulation of hub gene expression, particularly MAPK8, and CASP3.
5.Stenting for the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension complicated by different types of venous sinus stenosis:a comparative study
Zhen XU ; Wenying BAO ; Yingge XU ; Chen WANG ; Song ZHANG ; Ming ZHU ; Yinyin WU ; Lei YAN ; Shaofeng SHUI
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2025;34(7):697-703
Objective To compare the efficacy of stenting in the treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension(IIH)complicated by different types of venous sinus stenosis(VSS).Methods The clinical data of 48 patients with IIH complicated by VSS,who received stenting therapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University of China from January 2019 to September 2023,were retrospectively analyzed.According to the type of VSS,the patients were divided into intrinsic stenosis group(n=20)and the extrinsic stenosis group(n=28).The improvement of symptoms,Frisén grade of papilledema,lumbar puncture opening pressure(LPOP),trans-stenosis pressure gradient(△P)of VSS,and surgery-related complications were compared between the two groups.Results The mean age of the patients in the intrinsic stenosis group was greater than that of the patients in the extrinsic stenosis group(41.60 years vs.35.25 years,P=0.049).The length of the narrowed segment in the extrinsic stenosis group was 22.5 mm,which was significantly longer than 19.0 mm in the intrinsic stenosis group(P=0.007).The postoperative Frisén grade of papilledema in the extrinsic stenosis group was obviously lower than that in the intrinsic stenosis group(P=0.037).No statistically significant differences in the other clinical data existed between the two groups(all P>0.05).After stenting,all of the median △P,mean LPOP,and median Frisén grade of papilledema were decreased significantly when compared with their preoperative values(all P<0.001),and the postoperative 3-day median Frisén grade of papilledema in the extrinsic stenosis group was much lower(P=0.037).The patients were followed up for one year,the clinical symptoms of the patients in both groups were improved to varying degrees.At the time of discharge,the proportion of patients having no symptoms of papilledema in the extrinsic stenosis group was 57.1%,which was higher than 22.2%in the intrinsic stenosis group(P=0.049),and no statistically significant differences in the improvements of other symptoms existed between the two groups(all P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups(P=0.563).Conclusion Venous sinus stenting can effectively treat patients with IIH complicated by different types of VSS.
6.Effect of Buyang huanwu decoction on red blood cells in hyperlipidemia model mice
Yunyue ZHOU ; Jinbiao YANG ; Xintong CHEN ; Ruihong YANG ; Hongbin XIAO ; Wenying NIU
China Pharmacy 2024;35(22):2716-2720
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Buyang huanwu decoction on red blood cells in hyperlipidemia model mice. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet to prepare a hyperlipidemia model. Successfully modeled mice were randomly assigned to the model group, atorvastatin calcium group (0.26 g/kg), fenofibrate group (1.3 mg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low- dose groups of Buyang huanwu decoction (18.6, 9.3, 4.6 g/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Additionally, 10 mice fed with regular chow served as the normal group. Each group of mice received intragastric administration with the corresponding drug or normal saline once daily for 21 consecutive days. After the last administration, the body weight of the mice in each group was measured, and blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TAG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured. Red blood cell morphology changes were observed, and the expression levels of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1), erythrocyte membrane protein band 4.2 (protein 4.2), caveolin-1, and flotillin-1 in erythrocyte membrane were determined. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the body weight and levels of TC, TAG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and the expression levels of GLUT1, caveolin-1 and flotillin-1 in the Buyang huanwu decoction groups were significantly decreased, while blood glucose levels and the expression levels of protein 4.2 were significantly increased (P<0.05). The red blood cell morphology in the low- and medium-dose groups of Buyang huanwu decoction was significantly promoted. CONCLUSIONS Buyang huanwu decoction can reduce blood lipid levels in hyperlipidemia model mice and strengthen the morphology and function of red blood cells in a hyperlipidemic environment, which has the potential to be used for preventing hyperlipidemia complications such as atherosclerosis.
7.Investigation and analysis of pharmaceutical management in compact medical consortium of Guangdong province
Xiaodan ZHU ; Xiao CHEN ; Weiling CAO ; Yuan ZENG ; Zuojing LU ; Xuejun LI ; Wenying CHEN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(4):390-394
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current situation of pharmaceutical management in compact medical consortium of Guangdong province, and to provide decision-making basis for promoting the high-quality construction and sustainable development of the provincial medical consortium. METHODS A self-designed questionnaire was used to select 50 compact medical consortiums in Guangdong province. The survey was answered by the heads of the pharmacy department of the general hospitals. The survey covered the basic scale of the consortium, the appointment of chief pharmacists, the implementation of pharmaceutical management and pharmaceutical care homogenization within the consortium, the difficulties in promoting the homogenization, and the expected provincial support. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the survey results. RESULTS A total of 50 questionnaires were collected, and the effective recovery rate was 100%. There were 16 chief pharmacists (32.00%) in charge of the pharmacy department of the general hospital in the medical consortium. Thirty-seven medical consortiums (74.00%) had established a drug supply support system within the consortium, 35 medical consortiums (70.00%) had carried out pharmaceutical management and coordination work within the medical consortium, 23 medical consortiums (46.00%) had established a clinical medication guidance system, 25 medical consortiums chenwenying2016@163.com (50.00%) had established a bidirectional communication mechanism, and only 8 medical consortiums (16.00%) had developed new models of pharmaceutical care. At present, the difficulties in promoting the homogenization of pharmaceutical management and pharmaceutical care within the medical consortium were mainly found in three aspects: the wide gap in management level of each member unit, the lack and uneven level of pharmaceutical personnel, and insufficient policy support and implementation. Most medical consortiums hoped that relevant departments could promote the homogenization of pharmaceutical work by holding special training courses or special supervision. CONCLUSIONS At present, the compact medical consortium in Guangdong province has achieved initial results in the implementation of the chief pharmacist system, the homogenization of pharmaceutical management and pharmaceutical care. However, it is still necessary to improve the coverage of chief pharmacist appointments in the medical consortium, implement the homogenization of pharmaceutical management, and accelerate the homogenization process of pharmaceutical care.
8.Mechanism of Modified Erchentang on COPD Inflammation Based on TNF-α/TNFR1/RIPKs Pathway
Zhuang CHEN ; Gaoyang LIU ; Wenying XIE ; Lizhi SHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):40-47
ObjectiveBased on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)/tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1)/receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs) signaling pathway, this paper aims to study the effect of modified Erchentang on inflammation in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and explore its mechanism of action. MethodA total of 60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, high, medium, and low-dose groups (20, 10, 5 g·kg-1·d-1) of modified Erchentang, and Xiaokechuan group (3.5 mL·kg-1·d-1), with 10 rats in each group. The COPD rat model was established by cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The normal group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline for 21 days by gavage administration. The contents of TNF-α and TNFR1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of rats were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expressions of RIPK1, RIPK3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) in the lung tissue. The protein expressions of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL in the lung tissue were detected by Western blot. The pathological changes in lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultCompared with the normal group, the contents of TNF-α and TNFR1 in BALF of the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL in the lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the contents of TNF-α and TNFR1 in BALF of high, medium, and low-dose groups of modified Erchentang and Xiaokechuan group were decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression levels of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL in the lung tissue were decreased to different degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Erchentang can effectively improve the inflammatory response of lung tissue in COPD rats, and the mechanism may be by inhibiting the activation of the TNF-α/TNFR1/RIPKs signaling pathway.
9.Dynamic gut microbiome-metabolome in cationic bovine serum albumin induced experimental immune-complex glomerulonephritis and effect of losartan and mycophenolate mofetil on microbiota modulation
Shi WENYING ; Li ZHAOJUN ; Wang WEIDA ; Liu XIKUN ; Wu HAIJIE ; Chen XIAOGUANG ; Zhou XUNRONG ; Zhang SEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2024;14(4):562-577
Dynamic changes in gut dysbiosis and metabolomic dysregulation are associated with immune-complex glomerulonephritis(ICGN).However,an in-depth study on this topic is currently lacking.Herein,we report an ICGN model to address this gap.ICGN was induced via the intravenous injection of cationized bovine serum albumin(c-BSA)into Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats for two weeks,after which mycophenolate mofetil(MMF)and losartan were administered orally.Two and six weeks after ICGN establishment,fecal samples were collected and 16S ribosomal DNA(rDNA)sequencing and untargeted metabolomic were conducted.Fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)was conducted to determine whether gut normali-zation caused by MMF and losartan contributed to their renal protective effects.A gradual decline in microbial diversity and richness was accompanied by a loss of renal function.Approximately 18 genera were found to have significantly different relative abundances between the early and later stages,and Marvinbryantia and Allobaculum were markedly upregulated in both stages.Untargeted metabolomics indicated that the tryptophan metabolism was enhanced in ICGN,characterized by the overproduction of indole and kynurenic acid,while the serotonin pathway was reduced.Administration of losartan and MMF ameliorated microbial dysbiosis and reduced the accumulation of indoxyl conjugates in feces.FMT using feces from animals administered MMF and losartan improved gut dysbiosis by decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes(F/B)ratio but did not improve renal function.These findings indicate that ICGN induces serous gut dysbiosis,wherein an altered tryptophan metabolism may contribute to its pro-gression.MMF and losartan significantly reversed the gut microbial and metabolomic dysbiosis,which partially contributed to their renoprotective effects.
10.Establishment and Evaluation of A Training System for Hospital Information Pharmacists Based on A Competency Model
Luchuan ZHAN ; Jingcheng HE ; Wenying CHEN ; Yong WANG ; Zhihua ZHENG ; Weihua LAI
Herald of Medicine 2024;43(10):1694-1699
Objective To establish and evaluate a talent training system for hospital information pharmacists based on a competency model,thereby enhancing refined management of pharmaceutical affairs in hospitals and promoting high-quality development of pharmacy services.Methods The current development status of hospital information pharmacists at home and abroad was examined.A competency model for hospital information pharmacist positions was established using methods such as behavioral event interviews.In conjunction with this model,training course outlines addressing knowledge and capability requirements were developed.National skill training classes for hospital information pharmacists were conducted using innovative teaching methods like scenario simulation and case discussion.Training effectiveness was evaluated by tracking participants'work performance and scientific research achievements in the field of pharmaceutical information through questionnaire surveys before and after the training.Results The hospital information pharmacist positions competency model was constructed in four parts:knowledge,experience,skills,and personal traits.Based on this model,a training system for hospital information pharmacists was established,which included setting job responsibilities and performance indicators,establishing a pharmacy information department system,designing a series of training courses and publishing textbooks,founding national training classes,creating a specialized question bank,and developing a digital pharmacy network platform.The project team tracked the work performance and scientific research achievements of participants before and after training,using the national hospital information pharmacist training class hosted by the Guangdong Pharmaceutical Association as an example.From 2018 to 2024,a total of 465 information pharmacists from 298 hospitals across 28 provinces and cities were trained over seven sessions.Questionnaires were sent to participants who had completed at least one year since graduation,and 236 valid responses were received.Of these,169(71.6% )participants reported playing a major role in pharmacy informatization projects after the training,and 65(27.5% )participants published papers,applied for projects,or filed for patents after the training,with the majority related to pharmacy automation and informatization.Conclusion A competency model for hospital information pharmacist positions was constructed and applied nationwide,achieving favorable results.


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