1.Discussion on Theory of "Gaozhuo" and Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment for Microcirculatory Disorders in Diabetic Retinopathy
Kai WU ; Yunfeng YU ; Xiangning HUANG ; Qianhong LIU ; Fangfang LI ; Rong YU ; Xiaolei YAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):245-252
Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo, while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR, encompassing two stages: Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis, thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo", microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction, deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation, and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically, treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, resolving turbidity, and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies, such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity, strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis, and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang, modified Buyang Huanwutang, modified Danggui Buxuetang, Zhuixue Mingmu decoction, Tangmuqing, Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription, Danhong Huayu decoction, and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.
2.Influence of Antigen Type on the Establishment of an Induced Sjögren Syndrome Mouse Model
Wenshuang RONG ; Yuanfei NIU ; Meiting LIU ; Mengyuan YANG ; Shuang CUI ; Lina MA ; Yao FU ; Lianmei WANG ; Junling CAO
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(2):178-190
ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the modeling effects of submaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen in the establishment of Sjögren syndrome (SS) mouse models, and to characterize the phenotypic and immunological features of these models in comparison with spontaneous SS-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD)/LtJ mice. MethodsAdult C57BL/6J mice (equal numbers of males and females) were immunized with submaxillary gland antigen or salivary gland antigen, respectively, combined with Freund's adjuvant to induce SS models. Mice immunized with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) combined with Freund's adjuvant served as the control group. Immunization was induced via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) on Days 1 and 7. A booster immunization was administered via multiple subcutaneous injections in the back with antigen combined with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) on Day 14. Female NOD/LtJ mice were used as the spontaneous SS model group, with ICR mice as the corresponding control strain for comparative analysis. Body weight, water intake, and salivary flow rate of mice were dynamically monitored for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, tissue and serum samples were collected, the weights of submaxillary glands, thymus, and spleen were measured, and organ indices (organ-to-body weight ratios) were calculated. Pathological morphological analysis of the submaxillary gland and spleen was performed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Serum interleukin-17 (IL-17) level was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of SS type A (SSA) and SS type B (SSB) in submaxillary gland tissues. ResultsFemale mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group exhibited significantly increased water intake (P<0.05) and reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.05) compared with the female control group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the submaxillary gland index, thymus index and spleen index (P>0.05). Focal lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic marginal zone was enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the female control group, female mice in the salivary gland antigen group showed no statistically significant differences in water intake, salivary flow rate, submaxillary gland index, and spleen index (P>0.05), whereas the thymus index was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Mild inflammatory cell infiltration and glandular atrophy were observed in the submaxillary glands, and the splenic white pulp and marginal zone were slightly enlarged. Serum IL-17 levels and submaxillary gland SSB mRNA expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas no significant change was observed in submaxillary gland SSA expression levels (P>0.05). Compared with the male control group, mild submaxillary gland atrophy was observed in male mice in the submaxillary gland antigen group, whereas no obvious changes were found in other modeling-related indicators (P>0.05). Compared with the ICR control group, NOD/LtJ model mice exhibited elevated water intake (P<0.05), significantly reduced salivary flow rate (P<0.01), no significant differences in the submaxillary gland index or spleen index (P>0.05), but a significantly increased thymus index (P<0.05). Marked focal infiltration was observed in the submaxillary glands, the splenic marginal zone was obviously enlarged, and serum IL-17 concentrations as well as submaxillary gland SSA/SSB expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionSubmaxillary gland antigen and salivary gland antigen can induce SS-related features in female C57BL/6J mice. The SS-related phenotype is more pronounced in the submaxillary gland antigen group than in the salivary gland antigen group, but weaker than that in spontaneously SS-prone female NOD/LtJ mice. Immunization of male C57BL/6J mice with submaxillary or salivary gland antigens fails to induce an obvious SS phenotype.
3.Mechanism of Huangqin decoction in improving ulcerative colitis based on the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-aryl hydrocarbon receptor axis
Ying CHEN ; Rong XU ; Yao HE ; Ying LI ; Zhiyu ZHANG ; Zhijiu WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1173-1179
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Huangqin decoction in improving ulcerative colitis (UC) through the gut microbiota-tryptophan metabolism-aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) axis. METHODS Mice were randomly divided into normal group (normal saline), model group (normal saline), microbiota depletion-model group (normal saline), microbiota depletion-Huangqin decoction group (9.1 g/kg, by crude drug, similarly hereinafter), Huangqin decoction group and mesalazine group (positive control group, 0.4 g/kg), with 6 mice in each group. Microbiota depletion was achieved by providing free access to a mixed antibiotics for 10 days. The UC model was induced by administering 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium solution for 7 days. After successful modeling, each treatment group received corresponding drugs or normal saline intragastrically once daily for 10 days. After the final administration, body weight change ratio, disease activity index (DAI) score, and colon length were evaluated; colon pathological changes were observed; serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-22, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured; the expressions of Occludin, zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1), and AhR in colon tissue were detected; fecal samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing to analyze targeted tryptophan metabolomics. RESULTS Compared with the model group, Huangqin decoction group showed reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colon tissue and restoration of the intestinal mucosal structure. Body weight change ratio, colon length, serum content of IL-10, the expressions of Occludin, ZO-1 and AhR in colon tissue and the contents of tryptophan metabolites indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), N -acetylserotonin (NAS) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were all significantly increased ( P <0.05); DAI score, serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-22 and the content of tryptophan metabolite indole-3-ethanol were significantly decreased ( P <0.05); gut microbiota structure was improved, with increased relative abundances of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus , and decreased relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia-Shigella . However, after antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion, although Huangqin decoction significantly increased the content of NAS in the feces of mice, the expression of AhR protein in colon tissue did not increase concurrently. CONCLUSIONS Huangqin decoction can repair the intestinal mucosal barrier in UC mice by regulating the gut microbiota and promoting the production of IPA and IAA, thereby activating AhR. This suggests that an intact gut microbiota is an important prerequisite for Huangqin decoction to exert its AhR-regulating effects.
4.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
5.Effect of Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) on Improving Autism by Promoting Myelination Through The METTL14/m⁶A/PTEN Axis Based on “Xuanfu-Suiqiao” Theory
Wei-Li DANG ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yu-Xin LI ; Zhi-Yao LI ; Sai-Dan LIU ; Jia-Lei CAO ; Rong-Ze MA ; Yun-Kai WANG ; Xiao-Qing YANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Bing-Xiang MA
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1165-1177
ObjectiveTo clarify whether METTL14 mediates the core role of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) in promoting myelination and improving behavior in young autistic rats through gene intervention technology. MethodsThe ASD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of valproic acid (VPA) in pregnant rats. Male offspring were intracerebroventricularly injected with adenovirus-packaged METTL14 shRNA (sh-METTL14) or its control (sh-NC) on postnatal day 1, with a model group set as well. Subsequently, the juvenile rats were divided into model group, acupuncture group, acupuncture+sh-NC group, and acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) from postnatal day 7, once daily for 21 consecutive days. Neurobehavioral changes were evaluated by behavioral tests; METTL14 knockdown efficiency and the expression of METTL14, METTL3, and PTEN were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB); PTEN m6A levels were measured by RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR); myelin ultrastructure, expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and neurofascin 155 (NF155), and dendritic spine density were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and primary neuron culture. ResultsBehaviorally, knockdown of METTL14 significantly counteracted the beneficial effects of acupuncture in improving self-grooming, open field exploration, three-chamber social interaction, and Morris water maze learning and memory (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the acupuncture+sh-NC group, the acupuncture+sh-METTL14 group showed significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression of hippocampal METTL14 (P<0.01), and the upregulating effects of acupuncture on METTL3 and PTEN expression were reversed (P<0.01). Meanwhile, knockdown of METTL14 significantly inhibited the acupuncture-induced increase in PTEN m6A levels (P<0.01). Morphologically, knockdown of METTL14 attenuated the improvement of myelin structure by acupuncture, reversed the downregulation of MBP and upregulation of NF155 induced by acupuncture, and blocked the increase in dendritic spine density (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionMETTL14 is a key molecule mediating the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neiguan. Acupuncture at Neiguan upregulates METTL14, thereby enhancing m6A methylation modification of PTEN mRNA to stabilize its expression, ultimately promoting myelin development and improving behavioral symptoms in ASD juvenile rats. This preliminarily reveals the modern biological connotation of “opening Xuanfu and dredging myelin”.
6.Emergency testing and analysis of a mixed poisoning incident involving methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate
Guanlin CHEN ; Yao GUO ; Jianyi LIANG ; Qiang TAN ; Jiaheng HE ; Wanxia CHEN ; Yingqing XIE ; Weifeng RONG ; Banghua WU
China Occupational Medicine 2026;53(1):116-120
Objective To analyze the emergency testing results of a mixed poisoning incident involving methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate in a composite fabric processing enterprise. Methods A mixed poisoning incident involving methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate occurred at a composite fabric processing enterprise in a city of Guangdong Province. On-site occupational health investigation data and laboratory testing results related to this incident were collected, and an integrated analysis was conducted. Results The on-site occupational health investigation revealed inadequate ventilation and non-standard use of personal protective equipment. Volatile organic component analysis of raw and auxiliary materials showed that methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate had relatively high percentages of peak area among all used volatile organic chemical agents in post-incident emergency testing, accounting for 65.10% and 38.25%, respectively. The exposure concentration of short term (CSTE) of methyl acetate in the production line air was 15.13 mg/m³. In the chemical storage area, CSTE of methyl acetate and methanol were 451.04 and <0.21 mg/m³, respectively, all below their respective occupational exposure limits (500.00 and 50.00 mg/m³). In the poisoned workers, blood methanol, blood formic acid, and urinary formic acid levels were 147, 414, and 4 389 mg/L, respectively. Conclusion Occupational exposure to methyl acetate and dimethyl carbonate may lead to acute occupational poisoning and cause health damage. Employers should fulfill their responsibilities for occupational disease prevention by ensuring proper operation of protective facilities, while workers should enhance awareness of occupational disease prevention and correctly use personal protective equipment.
7.Interpretation of the Standard Establishment Approach and Compilation Rationale for Metallic Pharmaceutical Packaging Standard Development in the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China
Fangfang ZHANG ; Rong CAI ; Wanling LAN ; Lei CHEN ; Lin YAO ; Hao DING ; Weiyi LU ; Yaju ZHOU ; Fenglan ZHANG ; Yuan LIU ; Kai XU ; Liang CHANG ; Yan LIU ; Feifei JIA ; Ying LI ; Yan JIANG ; Dandan WANG ; Shengli WU ; Yong SHEN ; Xiangwei XU ; Yanggege LYU
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(11):1745-1751
To analyze the standard establishment approach and compilation rationale for metallic pharmaceutical packaging standard development in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China.This article systematically explained the background and process of establishing the guiding principles for metallic materials and containers used in pharmaceutical packaging in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia through basic information,relevant domestic and international standards,the establishment of key quality attributes of metallic pharmaceutical packaging materials,and the construction of metallic pharmaceutical packaging material standards.The newly established guidelines,the Pharmacopeia of the People's Republic of China 9625,prioritized product critical quality attributes(CQAs)and real-world applicability.This dual emphasis on rigidity and adaptability enhances drug safety,meets the regulatory requirements,and promotes the globalization and scientific advancement of China's pharmaceutical packaging industry.
8.Evaluation of the Predictive Ability of Individualization Dosage Auxiliary Software for Vancomycin Trough Concentration in Surgical Patients with Infective Endocarditis
Zhengyue QIAN ; Yao FU ; Chaohui JING ; Xiaosong RONG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(2):314-319
Objective To evaluate the predictive efficacy of individualized dosage support software-Smart Dose,PharmVan and JPKD-on vancomycin plasma concentration in patients undergoing infective endocarditis(IE)surgery,and to analyze the influencing factors.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in IE patients who received intravenous vancomycin in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2022.The above softwares were used to predict the steady-state trough concentration of vancomycin,and the relative prediction error and absolute weight deviation(AWE)between the predicted and measured values were compared.According to the AWE value,the results were divided into accurate prediction group(AWE<30%)and the inaccurate prediction group(AWE≥30%).Univariate analysis and Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the influencing factors,and to evaluate the predictive value through the receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC).Results A total of 27 patients were enrolled,with 27 concentrations of initial regimen and 35 of adjustment regimen.When PharmVan predicted the adjusted concentration,the AWE was 24.84(11.54,39.78)%,with higher accuracy than other predicted results.The Univariate analysis of factors influencing the performance of PharmVan in predicting the adjusted concentration showed that patients in the accurate prediction group was significantly younger than that in the inaccurate prediction group(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age was an independent risk factor for the inaccurate prediction of PharmVan for adjustment concentration[OR=0.856,95%CI was(0.757,0.969),P=0.014].ROC curve analysis indicated that when patients were older than 48.5 years old,the risk of inaccurate prediction was increased with a sensitivity of 78.9%and a specificity of 93.7%.Conclusions Only the PharmVan software has a higher accuracy in predicting the adjusted concentration among the three softwares,but it is still need to be cautious in combination with the analysis results of ROC curve.Therefore,when using vancomycin in IE patients,attention should be paid to renal function and plasma concentration should be actively monitored.
9.Effects of key molecules in m6A methylation modification on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus
Zhi-rong CHENG ; Min YAO ; Xue-yun LI ; Chao-jie CHAI ; Pin-xiang DANG ; Si-yu WANG ; Fang-lin ZHANG ; Xin LYU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2025;41(2):150-157
This study was aimed at investigating the effects of demethylase fat mass and obesity-associated protein(FTO)and methyltransferase methyltransferase like protein 3(METTL3),key molecules in N6-methyladenosine(m6A)modification,on the replication and proliferation of Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV).Recombinant lentiviruses were generated by packaging the FTO and green fluorescent protein into lentiviral vectors.Neuro2a cells,a mouse neuroblastoma cell line,were infected with the lentivirus,and stable FTO-expressing cell lines were obtained through puromycin selection.Successful overexpression of FTO was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy,real-time quantitative PCR,and western blot analysis.When Neuro2a cells overexpressing FTO were infected with JEV,the overexpression of FTO decreased JEV replication in the cells,and increased the expression of interferon(IFN)and related molecules.Additionally,treatment of JEV-infected Neuro2a cells with the METTL3-specific inhibitor STM2457 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in JEV replication and viral protein expression.These findings suggested that lowering m6A methylation levels inhibits JEV replication,thus shedding light on the regulatory role of methylation modification in JEV replication.
10.Manage effects of prescription refill services for hypertension in China:a Meta-analysis
Rong XIANG ; Lining YANG ; Linqing YAO
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2025;34(6):657-665
Objective To systematically review the manage effects of prescription refill in hypertension management in our country,and to provide suggestions for chronic disease policies.Methods Web of Science,PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,SinoMed,CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trails(RCTs)of prescription refill services for hypertension management from inception to March 31,2024.Two reviewers independently screened the literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan 5.3 software.Results A total of 14 RCTs involving 1,386 patients were included.Meta-analysis results showed that systolic blood pressure[MD=-9.19,95%CI(-12.20,-6.17),P<0.001],diastolic blood pressure[MD=-4.98,95%CI(-6.71,-3.26),P<0.001]in experimental group was significantly lower than the control group.Patient compliance score[SMD=2.05,95%CI(0.44,3.66),P=0.01],compliance rate[RR=1.15,95%CI(1.08,1.23),P<0.001],patient satisfaction[RR=1.28,95%CI(1.16,1.42),P<0.001]in experimental group were significantly higher than the control group.Conclusion the prescription refill for chronic diseases is rapidly developing in our country,and has achieved remarkable results in the management of hypertension patients.In the future,it is necessary to further promote the safe,effective and standardized implementation of prescription refill services,and carry out high-quality service models with multi-disciplinary participation.

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