1.Effect of sitravatinib on a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and its mechanism
Huan ZHANG ; Xiangyu WU ; Qianwen ZHAO ; Fajuan RUI ; Nan GENG ; Rui JIN ; Jie LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(3):600-607
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of sitravatinib on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. MethodsA total of 30 male C57BL/6J mice, aged 8 weeks, were randomly divided into control group, CCl4 model group, and low- (5 mg/kg), middle- (10 mg/kg), and high-dose (20 mg/kg) sitravatinib groups. All mice except those in the control group were given intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 for 4 consecutive weeks to induce liver fibrosis, and since the first day of modeling, the mice in the low-, middle-, and high-dose sitravatinib groups were given sitravatinib at the corresponding dose by gavage every day. The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured for the mice in each group; hepatic hydroxyproline content was measured; HE staining, Masson staining, and Sirius Red staining were used to observe liver histopathological changes; quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (Col1a1) in liver tissue. The therapeutic effect of sitravatinib was assessed based on the above results. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group had significant increases in the levels of TC, TG, and ALT (all P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in the levels of TC, TG, and ALT between the model group and the low-, middle-, and high-dose sitravatinib groups (all P>0.05). Hepatic hydroxyproline content decreased after sitravatinib intervention, with a significant difference between the middle-/high-dose sitravatinib groups and the CCl4 model group (both P<0.05). Histopathological staining showed that the sitravatinib treatment groups had a reduction in collagen deposition, along with thinning and fragmentation of fibrous septa, and in the high-dose sitravatinib group, 4 mice had a fibrosis stage of S0—S1 and 2 mice had a fibrosis stage of S2—S3, suggesting a certain degree of alleviation of liver fibrosis degree compared with the CCl4 model group (mainly S3—S4). The measurement of related molecules showed that sitravatinib downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of α-SMA and Col1a1 (all P<0.05). ConclusionSitravatinib can effectively alleviate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice, possibly by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and collagen synthesis.
2.Study on the safety and efficacy of micro-perfusion device for preserving isolated porcine limbs
Pengkai LI ; Zhaodi MI ; Shen LI ; Man YUAN ; Xiwei PENG ; Jia LÜ ; Sice WANG ; Zhibo JIA ; Xiangyu SONG ; Yixuan ZHU ; Chonghui LI ; Moling XIAO ; Wenjing XU ; Jiang PENG
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):422-431
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a self-developed micro-normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) system (micro-perfusion device) for preserving isolated porcine limbs. Methods Five healthy Landrace pigs were selected, and their left and right forelimbs were randomly divided into the NMP group and static cold storage (SCS) group. The NMP group was perfused with the self-developed micro-perfusion device and polymerized hemoglobin perfusate for 32 hours at normothermia, while the SCS group was preserved at 4 ℃. Hemodynamic parameters such as perfusion pressure and flow were monitored. The pH value, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), lactic acid (Lac), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the perfusate were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess the muscle tissue structure, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling was employed to evaluate muscle cell apoptosis, and immunohistochemistry staining was applied to detect the expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. A mixed-effects model was used to analyze the effects of time and treatment methods on tissue structure, cell apoptosis and inflammatory factors. Results The device could stably maintain a perfusion pressure of (69±15) mmHg and a flow rate of (117±42) mL/min. The pH value and electrolytes of the perfusate were generally stable, with PO2 maintained at a high level. Lac was maintained at 5.38(3.81, 6.45) mmol/L, while CK and LDH increased over time. After 32 hours of perfusion in the NMP group, both the myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate were better than those in the SCS group. Mixed-effects model analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on myocyte spacing and apoptosis rate per unit time (both P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in TNF-α and IL-6 between the two groups, and mixed-effects model analysis showed no statistically significant differences in the effects of NMP treatment and SCS treatment on TNF-α and IL-6 per unit time (both P > 0.05). Conclusions The micro-perfusion device used in this study may achieve 32-hour normothermic preservation in a porcine limb amputation model, maintain basic metabolism and ionic homeostasis, reduce muscle structural damage and cell apoptosis without inducing additional inflammatory responses. This technology is expected to significantly extend the time window for replantation of amputated limbs in disaster rescue and long-distance transportation, providing an important technical basis for clinical translation and subsequent replantation research.
3.CYP3A5 polymorphisms and individualized tacrolimus therapy after liver transplantation
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):157-163
Tacrolimus is the cornerstone immunosuppressant after liver transplantation, effectively reducing the risk of post-operative rejection. However, optimizing its clinical dosage remains a major challenge. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A5 is the principal enzyme governing tacrolimus metabolism and therefore dominates the metabolic process of the drug. CYP3A5 genetic polymorphisms are a key determinant of inter-patient variability of metabolic capacities and adverse clinical outcomes. In this article the population-specific distribution of CYP3A5 polymorphisms, the principal factors modulating early tacrolimus metabolism after liver transplantation and the clinical implementation of genotype-guided individualized dosing regimens were summarized. The aim is to provide a theoretical foundation for precise tacrolimus dosing strategies in liver transplantation, explore the feasibility of personalized medication approaches, and promote the practice of precision medicine in the field of organ transplantation.
4.Research on dynamic monitoring of drug consumption based on seasonal Mann-Kendall trend test
Ziheng YU ; Chen CHEN ; Xiangyu YANG ; Lulu LI ; Shaohui ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):377-382
OBJECTIVE To investigate a dynamic monitoring of drug consumption (DMDC) model based on the seasonal Mann-Kendall trend test, aiming to provide scientific evidence for the efficient and macroscopic monitoring of drug use. METHODS A monitoring list of key outpatient drugs was established based on the top 20% of drugs ranked by sales volume in the outpatient pharmacy in October 2024. A DMDC model based on the Mann-Kendall trend test was constructed using the monthly usage data of key outpatient drugs from November 2021 to October 2024, aiming to eliminate the impact of seasonal fluctuations and analyze the temporal trends in drug consumption. Taking mucolytic expectorants, triazole derivatives for dermatophytosis, and single-agent hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors as examples, the monitoring effectiveness of the DMDC model was demonstrated, and its performance was compared with that achieved by the traditional sequential growth rate ranking method. RESULTS A total of 215 drug varieties were included in the monitoring list, and DMDC models were successfully established for all of them. Among these, 119 showed a significant increasing trend (P<0.05, S′>0). The model successfully monitored the monthly consumption of mucolytic expectorants, triazole derivatives for dermatophytosis, and single- agent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The precision and recall rates of the DMDC model for identifying abnormal drug use were 60.7% and 85.0%, respectively, both significantly higher than those of the sequential growth rate ranking method (8.3% and 15.0%, respectively) (χ2=20.114, P<0.001; χ2=19.600, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS DMDC model based on the seasonal Mann-Kendall trend test can effectively identify long-term trends in drug consumption, eliminate seasonal interference, enhance monitoring accuracy and management efficiency, and is suitable for the dynamic monitoring of drug consumption.
5.Differentiation and Treatment of Impaired Glucose Regulation from the Perspective of "Internal Generation of Turbid Pathogen"
Xuan YANG ; Junlin LIU ; Jiayao QU ; Xiangyu LI ; Xinrong FAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1220-1224
Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) is an intermediate state between normal blood glucose and diabetes, falling under the category of splenic pure heat in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The core pathogenesis is believed to be the dysfunction of the zang-fu (脏腑) organs, leading to metabolic abnormalities of subtle essence and the generation of "turbid pathogen". Its accumulation can block qi movement, damage the vessel collaterals, and promote the disease progression toward diabetes. The concept of "turbid pulse" is proposed as an early sign of IGR, characterized by full and heavy sensation with stagnated and astringent circulation, which can serve as an effective supplement to clinical screening. The differentiation and treatment approach in clinical practice is summarized as follows. If the ascending and descending mechanisms of qi movement in the middle jiao (焦) are disrupted, with mutual interference between the clear and the turbid, treatment should focus on harmonizing the ascending and the descending, and transforming dampness with aromatic medicinals. For spleen-stomach qi deficiency due to long-term restriction of the spleen and stomach's function of transportation and transformation, it is suggested to fortify spleen and harmonize stomach, and transport turbid with sweet-warm medicinals. For spleen deficiency and liver constraint induced by internal generation of damp-heat in the middle jiao, the treatment should focus on soothing the liver and opening constraint, and directing the turbid downward with sour-sweat medicinals. For solid accumulation and stagnation caused by liver qi constraint, it is recommended to unblock intestine and remove stagnation, and discharge turbid with bitter-cold medicinals. When the disease is transmitted to the lower jiao, and the kidneys are affected, the treatment should be regulating spleen and kidney, and rectifying turbid with salty-sour medicinals. In conclusion, it is emphasized to promote the transformation of turbid pathogen to restore metabolic homeostasis, providing methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IGR.
6.Retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by attenuating inflammation and modulating macrophage polarization through MKP-1/MAPK signaling pathway
Mengyuan XIN ; Hangyu JIN ; Xiangyu GUO ; Liang ZHAO ; Xiangdan LI ; Dongyuan XU ; Long ZHENG ; Lan LIU
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):45-56
Macrophages are innate immune cells connected with the development of inflammation. Retinoic acid has previously been proved to have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. However, the exact mechanism through which retinoic acid modulates arthritis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether retinoic acid ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by modulating macrophage polarization. This study used retinoic acid to treat mice with adjuvant arthritis and evaluated anti-inflammatory effects by arthritis score, thermal nociceptive sensitization test, histopathologic examination and immunofluorescence assays. In addition, its specific anti-arthritic mechanism was investigated by flow cytometry, cell transfection and inflammatory signaling pathway assays in RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro. Retinoic acid significantly relieved joint pain and attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration in mice. Furthermore, this treatment modulated peritoneal macrophage polarization, increased levels of arginase 1, as well as decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression. In vitro, we verified that retinoic acid promotes macrophage transition from the M1 to M2 type by upregulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase 1 (MKP-1) expression and inhibiting P38, JNK and ERK phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Notably, the therapeutic effects of retinoic acid were inhibited by MKP-1 knockdown. Retinoic acid exerts a significant therapeutic effect on adjuvant arthritis in mice by regulating macrophage polarization through the MKP-1/MAPK pathway, and play an important role in the treatment of rheumatic diseases.
7.Predicting cardiotoxicity in drug development:A deep learning approach
Kaifeng LIU ; Huizi CUI ; Xiangyu YU ; Wannan LI ; Weiwei HAN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(8):1774-1786
Cardiotoxicity is a critical issue in drug development that poses serious health risks,including potentially fatal arrhythmias.The human ether-à-go-go related gene(hERG)potassium channel,as one of the pri-mary targets of cardiotoxicity,has garnered widespread attention.Traditional cardiotoxicity testing methods are expensive and time-consuming,making computational virtual screening a suitable alter-native.In this study,we employed machine learning techniques utilizing molecular fingerprints and descriptors to predict the cardiotoxicity of compounds,with the aim of improving prediction accuracy and efficiency.We used four types of molecular fingerprints and descriptors combined with machine learning and deep learning algorithms,including Gaussian naive Bayes(NB),random forest(RF),support vector machine(SVM),K-nearest neighbors(KNN),eXtreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),and Trans-former models,to build predictive models.Our models demonstrated advanced predictive performance.The best machine learning model,XGBoost Morgan,achieved an accuracy(ACC)value of 0.84,and the deep learning model,Transformer_Morgan,achieved the best ACC value of 0.85,showing a high ability to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic compounds.On an external independent validation set,it achieved the best area under the curve(AUC)value of 0.93,surpassing ADMETlab3.0,Cardpred,and CardioDPi.In addition,we explored the integration of molecular descriptors and fingerprints to enhance model performance and found that ensemble methods,such as voting and stacking,provided slight improvements in model stability.Furthermore,the SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)explanations revealed the relationship between benzene rings,fluorine-containing groups,NH groups,oxygen in ether groups,and cardiotoxicity,highlighting the importance of these features.This study not only improved the predictive accuracy of cardiotoxicity models but also promoted a more reliable and scientifically interpretable method for drug safety assessment.Using computational methods,this study facilitates a more efficient drug development process,reduces costs,and improves the safety of new drug candidates,ultimately benefiting medical and public health.
8.Buyang Huanwu Decoction delays vascular aging in rats through exosomal miR-590-5p signal-mediated macrophage polarization
Shuyu TU ; Xiangyu CHEN ; Chenghui LI ; Danping HUANG ; Li ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(6):1251-1259
Objective To investigate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD)on vascular aging.Methods Eighteen male SD rats were randomized into young group,intraperitoneal D-galactose injection-induced aging group,and BYHWD gavage group.The changes in pulse wave velocity(PWV),vascular SA-β-gal activity,and expressions of p16,p21 and SA-β-gal of the rats were examined.Serum exosomes were isolated from the rats,and after characterization using NTA and TEM and for surface markers and vascular cell markers,were examined for miR-590-5p expression using qRT-PCR.The M1/M2 macrophage ratio and cytokine levels were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR.Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried out to predict the potential target genes of miR-590-5p and validate its targeting relationship with SLC8A3,whose expressions were detected in the vascular tissues of the rats by Western blotting.Results Compared with the young rats,the aging rats exhibited significantly increased PWV in the abdominal aorta with elevated vascular expressions of p16,p21 and SA-β-gal,which were all reversed by BYHWD treatment.The isolated serum exosomes were positive for CD63,CD81,CD31 and SM-22,and the exosomes from aging rats showed significantly downregulated expression of miR-590-5p,which was upregulated after BYHWD treatment.The aging rat vessels showed an increased M1/M2 macrophage ratio with elevated M1-specific cytokines and reduced M2-specific cytokines,and BYHWD treatment effectively inhibited M1 polarization of the macrophages.Pearson analysis revealed a negative correlation between exosomal miR-590-5p upregulation and the M1/M2 ratio.Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-590-5p targets SLC8A3.Western blotting demonstrated increased SLC8A3 expression in aging rat vessels,which was downregulated after BYHWD treatment.Conclusion BYHWD attenuates vascular aging in rats by modulating macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing vascular inflammation via exosomal miR-590-5p-mediated downregulation of SLC8A3.
9.Discovery of E0199:A novel compound targeting both peripheral Nav and Kv7 channels to alleviate neuropathic pain
Boxuan ZHANG ; Xiaoxing SHI ; Xingang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Xuedong LI ; Qi WANG ; Dongyang HUANG ; Weidong ZHAO ; Junru CUI ; Yawen CAO ; Xu CHAI ; Jiahao WANG ; Yang ZHANG ; Xiangyu WANG ; Qingzhong JIA
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):244-261
This research study focuses on addressing the limitations of current neuropathic pain(NP)treatments by developing a novel dual-target modulator,E0199,targeting both Nav1.7,Nay1.8,and Nay1.9 and Kv7 channels,a crucial regulator in controlling NP symptoms.The objective of the study was to synthesize a compound capable of modulating these channels to alleviate NP.Through an experimental design involving both in vitro and in vivo methods,E0199 was tested for its efficacy on ion channels and its therapeutic potential in a chronic constriction injury(CCI)mouse model.The results demonstrated that E0199 significantly inhibited Nav1.7,Nav1.8,and Nav1.9 channels with a particularly low half maximal inhibitory concentration(ICs0)for Nay1.9 by promoting sodium channel inactivation,and also effectively increased Kv7.2/73,Kv7.2,and Kv7.5 channels,excluding Kv7.1 by promoting potassium channel acti-vation.This dual action significantly reduced the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and alle-viated pain hypersensitivity in mice at low doses,indicating a potent analgesic effect without affecting heart and skeletal muscle ion channels critically.The safety of E0199 was supported by neurobehavioral evaluations.Conclusively,E0199 represents a ground-breaking approach in NP treatment,showcasing the potential of dual-target small-molecule compounds in providing a more effective and safe thera-peutic option for NP.This study introduces a promising direction for the future development of NP therapeutics.
10.Analysis on the effect of design and application of the management system of IoT smart operation room based on business process reconstruction theory
Yan MA ; Xiangyu WANG ; Meina ZANG ; Haiying XING ; Conghui GUO ; Qingyin LI
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(2):109-115
Objective:To design a management system of internet of things(IoT)smart operation room based on business process reconstruction theory,and explore the application effect of that in improving management effectiveness for operation room.Methods:Aimed at the existing problems of key points in the management for operation room,the process was reconstructed on the basis of the original information system,relevant systems,workflows and standards of operation room of Fuwai Hospital of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College.Then,a management system of IoT smart operation room based on business process reconstruction theory was designed.The surgical data of 13159 patients who underwent relevant operation of cardiovascular surgery from January to December 2022 were selected,and they were divided into"before-application"group(6 483 cases)and"after-application"group(6 676 cases)according to the point before and after the system was applied.Some indicators'data,which included scheduling management situation of picking up and dropping off patients by medical auxiliaries,duration of preparing anesthesia,duration of preoperative waiting,interval duration of continuous surgery and usage amount of surgical gowns under same amount of surgery,between two groups were compared.Results:The transportation efficiency of patients who underwent surgery after system was applied was(1.38±0.09)surgeries/h,which was higher than(0.99±0.09)surgeries/h before it was applied,and the difference was statistically significant(t=6.604,P<0.001).The satisfaction score of medical auxiliaries increased from 3.83(3.33,4.5)before application to 4.50(4.33,4.83)after application,and the difference was significant(Z=2.02,P<0.05).The duration of preparing anesthesia and duration of preoperative waiting after the system was applied were respectively(62.04±2.29)and(8.09±2.46)min,both of which were less than those before the system was applied,and the differences of them between two groups were statistically significant(t=2.309,2.280,P<0.05).The usage amount of surgical gowns under same amount of surgery after the system was applied was(4.11±0.57)gowns/surgery,which was less than(5.81±0.29)gowns/surgery before the system was applied,and the difference was statistically significant(t=6.489,P<0.05).Conclusion:The application of the management system of IoT smart operation room based on business process reconstruction theory can provide more safely,high-qualitatively and efficiently medical services for patients,and improve work efficiency and management effectiveness for operation room,and reduce resource consumption and operating cost.

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