1.Pharmacodynamic Substances and Mechanisms of Xinglou Chengqi Tang in Treating Post-stroke Complications: A Review
Yujin ZHANG ; Xiangzhuo LIU ; Zhouyang CHEN ; Zihao SONG ; Xinyi LIU ; Yizhi YAN ; Chaoya LI ; Yingyan FANG ; Shasha YANG ; Xueqin CHENG ; Zhou XIE ; Sijie TAN ; Peng ZENG ; Yue ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):327-337
Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability among adults in China, and its common complications include digestive system abnormalities, cognitive impairment, depression, stroke-associated pneumonia, and hemiplegia. The combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine has great potential in treating post-stroke complications. Xinglou Chengqitang (XLCQT) is a representative prescription of alleviating the disease in the upper part by treating the lower part. It has definite therapeutic effect and high safety. Clinically, XLCQT is often used to treat stroke and its complications. However, the quantity and quality of clinical trials of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications need to be improved. Additionally, since the basic research is weak, the material basis and multi-target mechanism for the efficacy of this prescription are unknown. This article reviews XLCQT in terms of the pharmacodynamic basis, medicinal properties, safety evaluation, and progress in clinical research and mechanisms in treating post-stroke complications. This article summarizes 22 key active ingredients of XLCQT in treating acute stroke complicated with syndrome of phlegm heat and fu-organ excess. Among these key active ingredients, resveratrol, kaempferol, luteolin, chrysoeriol, apigenin, (+)-catechin, and adenosine have good pharmacokinetic properties and high bioavailability. The mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications are complex, including inflammatory response, brain-gut axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, intestinal flora, neurotrophic factors, autophagy, oxidative stress, and free radical damage. This review helps to deeply understand the pharmacodynamic basis and mechanisms of XLCQT in treating post-stroke complications and provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of XLCQT against post-stroke complications and the development of drugs.
2.Combined Therapy of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: A Review
Xuan WU ; Hui LI ; Jian HUANG ; Xikun YANG ; Yan ZENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):279-288
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the primary cause of viral hepatitis and represents a substantial disease burden in China. However, effective and safe agents capable of completely eliminating HBV DNA are still lacking. In modern medicine, anti-HBV strategies mainly target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), among other mechanisms, and multiple novel drugs are currently under clinical investigation. Traditional medicine has been shown to exert anti-HBV effects through direct pathways, such as blocking viral entry, as well as indirect pathways, including the regulation of programmed cell death. Studies have confirmed that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine in treating HBV infection and its related complications offers complementary advantages, particularly in enhancing HBV clearance rates, improving liver function, preventing various complications, and delaying the progression from hepatic fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on advances in anti-HBV research involving TCM, Western medicine, and their integrated application, aiming to provide a basis for integrated HBV therapy and new drug development.
3.Regulatory effect of Jiedu Huayu granules on liver injury in mice with acute liver failure and its mechanism
Chengyu YA ; Tingshuai WANG ; Huiping YAN ; Yi WANG ; Qingrui ZHAO ; Shenglan ZENG ; Weiyu CHEN ; Rongzhen ZHANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):143-150
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of Jiedu Huayu granules in improving liver injury in mice with acute liver failure (ALF) by observing its effect on a mouse model of ALF after prophylactic administration, and to provide a basis for clinical medication. MethodsA total of 60 specific pathogen-free male C57BL/6J mice were divided into normal group, model group, Jiedu Huayu granules group (JDHY group), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist (GW4064) group using a random number table, with 15 mice in each group. The model of ALF was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine combined with lipopolysaccharide. The mice in the JDHY group were given prophylactic administration of 0.3 g/mL drug solution of Jiedu Huayu granules by gavage for 3 days before modeling, those in the normal group and the model group were given 0.9% NaCl solution by gavage, and those in the GW4064 group were given intraperitoneal injection of GW4064 for 3 consecutive days before modeling. The mice were sacrificed after modeling, and serum and liver tissue samples were collected. A veterinary automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of total bilirubin (TBil), total bile acids (TBA), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in mice from each group; HE staining was used to observe liver pathological changes; RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of FXR, fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15), fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4), small heterodimer partner (SHP), and bile salt export pump (BSEP) in mice, and Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between groups, and the Dunett method was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of TBil, ALT, AST, TBA, and GGT (all P<0.01), and compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had significant reductions in the serum levels of TBil, ALT, AST, TBA, and GGT (all P <0.01). HE staining showed that compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had milder pathological injury, a reduction in the area of hepatocyte necrosis, and alleviation of cellular swelling and edema. Compared with the normal group, the model group had significant reductions in the mRNA and protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP in liver tissue (all P <0.01), and compared with the model group, the JDHY group and the GW4064 group had significant increases in the mRNA and protein expression levels of FXR, FGF15, FGFR4, SHP, and BSEP in liver tissue (all P <0.05). ConclusionJiedu Huayu granules may alleviate liver injury in mice with ALF through the FXR/SHP axis.
4.Effect of fatty liver on cardiac structure and function: a cross-sectional study based on health examination
Peiwen CHEN ; Xingxing REN ; Hongmei YAN ; Xinxia CHANG ; Jing ZHANG ; Hailuan ZENG ; Jingjing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(3):434-444
Objective To investigate the cross-sectional associations between different fatty liver classifications and cardiac structure and function in people undergo health examination. Methods A total of 6 545 adults who underwent health examinations at the Health Management Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between January 1 and December 31, 2017, were retrospectively included. Demographic characteristics and laboratory data were collected. The hepatic steatosis was graded by ultrasonography. And patients with fatty liver were further stratified according to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, as well as the degree of liver fibrosis. Cardiac morphology and function were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography, and left ventricular geometric patterns were classified accordingly. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between fatty liver classifications and cardiac abnormalities. Results There were 2 795 patients (42.7%) with fatty liver, of whom 832 (29.8%) had significant cardiac structural alterations and 1 500 (53.7%) had diastolic dysfunction. Severe fatty liver was risk factor for concentric remodeling and increased relative wall thickness (RWT), with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.27 (P=0.012) and 1.27 (P=0.009), respectively. Fatty liver accompanied by elevated ALT or AST was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR=1.45,1.56; P=0.001, 0.001), increased RWT (OR=1.48,1.57; P<0.001, <0.001), and diastolic dysfunction (OR=1.27, 1.32; P=0.035, 0.040), respectively. Fatty liver with liver fibrosis was risk factor for concentric remodeling (OR=1.83, P=0.046) and diastolic dysfunction (OR=2.64, P=0.034). Conclusions Advanced fatty liver, including severe hepatic steatosis, accompanied by elevated liver enzymes or liver fibrosis, could increase risks of cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, while systolic function is preserved. For patients with fatty liver, it is recommended to undergo regular ultrasonography examination.
5.Sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among young students in Guangdong Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(8):1102-1105
Objective:
To assess the status of sexual behaviors, HIV/AIDS knowledge awareness, and novel synthetic drug use among school attending young students in Guangdong Province, so as to provide evidence base for formulating targeted intervention strategies.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, a convenience sampling method was employed to conduct an anonymous online survey among 41 119 students from 20 higher education institutions and vocational colleges in Guangdong Province. Chi square test was utilized for rate comparisons and univariate analysis, and a multivariate Logistic regression model was applied to analyze factors associated with novel synthetic drug use.
Results:
The self reported rate of sexual behavior was 5.2%. Among sexually active students, the rates of unprotected sexual intercourse, having temporary sexual partners, and having commercial sexual partners were 32.4%, 34.5%, and 26.3%, respectively. The awareness rate of HIV related knowledge was 75.7%. The overall use rate of novel psychoactive substances(NPS) was 1.0%, and among sexually active students it was 6.5%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that students with sexual experience ( OR =4.15) and those with HIV testing history ( OR =9.38) had higher risks of NPS use; among sexually active students, those with unprotected sexual intercourse ( OR =6.83) and those with commercial sexual partners ( OR = 4.68 ) had higher risks of NPS use (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The HIV/AIDS knowledge level among surveyed students needs further improvement, and high risk sexual behaviors are cross linked with novel synthetic drug use. It is recommended to carry out integrated health education for all students and implement comprehensive targeted interventions for sexually active students.
6.Construction and application of a comprehensive evaluation system for oral Chinese patent medicines in children
Sichao YAN ; Jingtai CHEN ; Weixin ZENG ; Tao YANG ; Jianliang LI ; Ying CHEN ; Guofeng PAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(18):2357-2362
OBJECTIVE To construct a comprehensive evaluation system for oral Chinese patent medicines in children that is compatible with pediatric physiological characteristics and the features of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and provide a basis for the selection, pharmaceutical management, and medical insurance procurement of oral Chinese patent medicines in children.METHODS According to the Guidelines for the Management of Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation of Drugs ( 2021 Trial Edition ) and related policy documents and literatures, six first-level indicators were determined: safety, efficacy, suitability, economy, accessibility, and innovation. An initial indicator pool was constructed through literature retrieval, policy text analysis, and semi-structured expert interviews. A preliminary survey using a 5-point Likert scale was conducted to determine the primary indicator list. Two rounds of Delphi expert consultation were carried out. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to determine the weights and scores of indicators at all levels, and the methodological quality of the questionnaire and reliability were evaluated. Five oral Chinese patent medicines for pediatric respiratory diseases were selected for empirical evaluation. Two independent blinded reviewers scored the medicines, and the Kappa value was calculated to evaluate inter-rater consistency.RESULTS Both rounds of Delphi consulting had 21 experts, with a positive coefficient of 100% and an authoritative coefficient of 0.89. The Kendall’s W coefficients of concordance for the first and second rounds of Delphi expert consultation were 0.812 and 0.856, respectively ( P <0.01). The consistency ratios of all AHP judgment matrices ranged from 0.032 to 0.087 (all <0.10). The Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.847. A comprehensive evaluation system for oral Chinese patent medicines in children was established, comprising 6 first-level indicators, 25 second-level indicators, and 78 third-level indicators. The weights of the first-level indicators were 0.32, 0.24, 0.16, 0.13, 0.10 and 0.05, respectively, for safety, effectiveness, suitability, economy, accessibility and innovation. The empirical evaluation showed that Xiao’er chiqiao qingre granules obtained the highest comprehensive score (90.8 points), followed by Xiao’er feire kechuan oral liquid (86.3 points), Ertong qingfei oral liquid (82.8 points), Xiao’er xiaoji zhike oral liquid (82.0 points), and Jinzhen oral liquid (81.5 points). The inter-rater consistency Kappa value was 0.91.CONCLUSIONS The comprehensive evaluation system for oral Chinese patent medicines in children constructed in this study, includes 12 pediatric-specific third-level indicators and integrates key evaluation points of both traditional Chinese and Western medicine. It demonstrates good consistency and reliability, with good operability and reproducibility.
7.Differences in the Association between Marital/Living Status and Cognitive Domains among Rural and Urban Older Adults
Yuanyuan PENG ; Yan ZENG ; Zhaolan HUANG
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(2):293-305
ObjectiveTo explore the association between marital/living status and cognitive domains (memory, language, visuospatial, executive, and attention domains) in older adults, and to examine the influencing factors underlying urban-rural differences. MethodsBased on baseline data from the dynamic enrollment cohort (2016—2025) of the Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study, 10 825 older adults aged 60 years and above who met the study criteria were included, comprising 3 788 rural residents and 7 037 urban residents. The cohort collected information on marital and living status via questionnaires. Cognitive domains were assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests, with scores converted to z-scores [(raw score - mean score of the domain in the study population)/standard deviation of the domain in the study population]. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between marital/living status and cognitive domains, as well as global cognition. ResultsRural older adults scored significantly lower than their urban counterparts in terms of socioeconomic status, healthy lifestyle indicators, and multiple cognitive domains (all P<0.001). Living away from family was significantly associated with lower scores across cognitive domains [memory: b =-0.217, 95%CI (-0.276, -0.159); attention: b =-0.213, 95%CI (-0.262, -0.163), all P<0.001], with this association being stronger and involving a broader range of cognitive domains in the urban sample. Moreover, compared to married and living with family, married but living away from family was associated with poorer cognitive performance, an effect that was more pronounced in the urban sample [memory: b =-0.521, 95%CI (-0.621, -0.422); attention: b =-0.443, 95%CI (-0.533, -0.354), all P<0.001]. ConclusionUnmarried status and living away from family were each significantly associated with poorer performance in cognitive domains among older adults. The combined status of being married but living away from family was also associated with poorer cognitive performance, with these associations being more pronounced among urban-dwelling older adults.
8.The Association between Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat, Cardiometabolic Comorbidities and Cognitive Domain
Yu LUO ; Wen ZHOU ; Feifei HU ; Lang XU ; Yan ZENG ; Hongwei REN
Journal of Sun Yat-sen University(Medical Sciences) 2026;47(2):315-327
ObjectiveTo explore the association between metabolic score for visceral fat(METS-VF) and cardiometabolic multimorbidity(CMM) as well as cognitive function in the elderly population, revealing the role of METS-VF as an assessment tool in this population, and providing evidence and new perspectives for the early screening and intervention strategies of CMM and cognitive function. MethodsThis study is based on cross-sectional data from the Hubei memory and aging cohort study(HMACS), which includes elderly individuals aged 60 and above. The METS-VF index was calculated and divided into quartiles(Q1-Q4). CMM was assessed through a questionnaire, defining CMM as the coexistence of at least two of the following conditions: diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Standardized cognitive tests were used to evaluate overall cognition, memory, language, executive function, and attention. Logistic and Linear regression analysis was performed to explore the association between METS-VF and the risk of CMM as well as cognitive function. A restricted cubic spline was used to test the dose-response relationship, and subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the variation of METS-VF in different populations. Additionally, multinomial unordered logistic regression was used to evaluate the performance of METS-VF in predicting CMM morbidity patterns. ResultsA total of 3 790 elderly participants aged 60 and above were included. After adjusting for confounding factors, compared with the lowest quartile(Q1), the Q4 group of METS-VF was associated with a higher risk of CMM [OR=3.00,95%CI (2.18, 4.16)], and with lower scores in overall cognition [b=-0.12, 95%CI (-0.21,-0.04)], attention [b=-0.14, 95%CI (-0.24,-0.05)], and executive function [b=-0.10, 95%CI (-0.20,-0.00)]. Dose-response analysis did not show a nonlinear relationship between METS-VF and either CMM or cognitive function (P for nonlinear > 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that the male group with higher METS-VF had lower overall cognitive scores, while the female group showed lower executive function scores (P for interaction < 0.05 for both). Multinomial unordered logistic regression analysis indicated that the METS-VF index was associated with an increased risk of diabetes with coronary heart disease [OR=2.62,95%CI (1.66, 4.15)] or concomitant stroke [OR=2.66,95%CI (1.73, 4.09)], especially in the group with both diabetes and stroke and coronary heart disease, where the association between METS-VF and the risk was strongest. ConclusionsAn increased METS-VF is associated with a higher risk of CMM and lower scores in overall cognition, attention, and executive function in the elderly population. Diabetes may be a key driving factor in the multimorbidity model. The METS-VF index can serve as a dual-purpose tool for screening cardiovascular metabolic risks and assessing cognitive function.
9.Effects of increased secretory SERPINE1 expression by dexmedetomidine on the malignant biological behavior of thyroid carcinoma cells
Xueyan TONG ; Wenfeng JIANG ; Liangping ZENG ; Yan LIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(10):1179-1185
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) increasing serpin peptidase inhibitor clade E member 1 (SERPINE1) protein on the malignant biological behavior of thyroid carcinoma (THCA) cells. METHODS THCA cells (KTC-1, TPC-1) were treated with 1, 10 and 100 nmol/L DEX, and their viabilities, clone formation rates, migration rates and invasion number were examined. Potential biological functions of DEX in THCA cells were analyzed through whole genome sequencing and gene ontology enrichment analysis. The core targets of DEX were mined through a protein-protein interaction network. The expression characteristics of DEX core targets and their relationship with patient prognosis were evaluated. The effects of DEX on mRNA and protein expressions of core targets and protein secretion in 2 types of THCA cells were detected, and the effects of this target on DEX-related effects were validated preliminarily by knocking down the core target. RESULTS Compared with the control group (0 nmol/L DEX), DEX at 1, 10 and 100 nmol/L significantly increased the viabilities of 2 types of THCA cells (except for the KTC-1 cells in the 1 nmol/L DEX group at 24 h), concentration-dependently elevated the rates of clone formation, migration rates (except for 2 types of THCA cells in 1 nmol/L DEX group), and the number of invasion (P<0.05). A total of 287 differently expressed genes (75 up- tongxueyan180@163.com regulated and 212 down-regulated) were enriched in signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, Wnt, and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes in the 2 kinds of DEX-treated or non-treated THCA cells. SERPINE1 was a core target of DEX for THCA, and its mRNA and protein expression in THCA tissues/cells were significantly elevated and associated with poor prognosis of the patients (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, mRNA and protein expression of SERPINE1 was significantly up-regulated in 2 types of cells in the 1, 10 and 100 nmol/L DEX groups, while the secretion of this protein in conditioned medium was also significantly increased, all of which showed concentration-dependence (P<0.05). After knocking down SERPINE1, the promoting effects of DEX on the proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion abilities of two types of THCA cells were significantly inhibited (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS DEX can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of THCA cell, and the above effects may be associated with the expression of increased secretory SERPINE1 protein.
10.Investigation on the mechanisms of Colquhounia Root Tablets in reversing vascular endothelial cell dysfunction of rheumatoid arthritis via modulating NOD2/SMAD3/VEGFA signaling axis
Bing-bing CAI ; Ya-wen CHEN ; Tao LI ; Yuan ZENG ; Yan-qiong ZHANG ; Na LIN ; Xia MAO ; Ya LIN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):397-407
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and functional impairment. Angiogenesis plays a key role in the pathological progression of RA with dysfunction of endothelial cells to promote synovial inflammation, sustain pannus formation, subsequently leading to joint damage. Colquhounia Root Tablets (CRT), a Chinese patent drug, has shown a satisfying clinical efficacy in treating RA, while the underlying mechanism by which CRT inhibits RA-associated angiogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we applied a research approach combining transcriptomic data analysis, bio-network mapping, and


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