1.Active Ingredients of Bupleuri Radix in Treatment of Central Nervous System: A Review
Shuhuan YANG ; Xin JIANG ; Runda YUAN ; Fang LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):325-334
Diseases of the central nervous system have become a growing global health concern. At present, there are many adverse reactions in the treatment with Western medicine. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine has shown unique efficacy and rich clinical practice accumulation in diseases of the central nervous system. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Bupleuri Radix has played an important role in the treatment of neurological diseases through multi-target regulation, multi-pathway intervention, and multi-pathway mechanism of action. In recent years, with the in-depth study of the pharmacological effects of Bupleuri Radix, it has been found that the active ingredients such as saikosaponin, baicalin, quercetin, and kaempferol in Bupleuri Radix can be used as the main material basis for the treatment of neurological diseases. The results of this study showed that in neurodegenerative diseases, active ingredients of Bupleuri Radix can inhibit β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition and abnormal phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein (Tau protein) in Alzheimer's disease, regulate the nuclear factor-κB/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (NF-κB/Nrf2) pathway to play the anti-inflammatory role, and alleviate α-Synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation and mitochondrial damage in Parkinson's disease. In epilepsy, depression, and cerebral ischemia, they can improve symptoms by regulating neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, and apoptosis pathways, and inhibit brain glioma proliferation. However, the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, and the complexity of compound components and poor blood-brain barrier penetration limit their clinical application. In the future, it is necessary to integrate multi-omics, network pharmacology, and nano-delivery technologies, focus on the optimization of active ingredient group compounds and the precise guidance of biomarkers, accelerate the development of innovative therapies for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other diseases for laying a solid theoretical foundation for further development and application and inspiring new research ideas.
2.Clinical rapid evaluation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors for hypercholesterolemia
Xin YAO ; Fengjiao KANG ; Qinan YIN ; Lizhu HAN ; Yuan BIAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):149-154
OBJECTIVE To conduct a clinical rapid evaluation of the marketed proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in China, including evolocumab, tafolecimab, recaticimab, ebronucimab, ongericimab and inclisiran. METHODS Based on the Rapid Guide for Drug Evaluation and Selection in Chinese Medical Institutions (second edition), drug instructions, clinical diagnosis and treatment guidelines, and literature for six drugs were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and related official websites. The clinical rapid evaluation was conducted from five aspects: pharmaceutical characteristics, effectiveness, safety, economy, and other attributes. RESULTS The pharmaceutical characteristics, effectiveness, safety, economy, other attributes, and total score of evolocumab scored 24, 27, 15.7, 10, 5.3, and 82 points, respectively. Tafolecimab scored 23.5, 23, 11.5, 9.97, 4.6, and 72.57 points, respectively. Recaticimab scored 20.5, 22, 15.5, 6.37, 3.5, and 67.87 points. Ebronucimab scored 20, 23, 11, 6.48, 3.5, and 63.98 points. Ongericimab scored 20.5, 23, 8.5, 4.83, 3.5, and 60.33 points. Inclisiran scored 25.5, 24, 13, 6.48, 5, and 73.98 points. CONCLUSIONS Evolocumab is the optimal choice for treating hypercholesterolemia and is recommended as the first-line option. Tafolecimab is the second-line option, and recaticimab is suitable for patients who are sensitive to drug adverse reactions. Inclisiran is suitable for patients with poor compliance. Ebronucimab and ongericimab are weakly recommended due to their later market introduction. Clinicians should make individualized drug selections based on factors such as patient risk level and compliance requirements.
3.Research progress on the intervention of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell in neurodegenerative disease
Hongcai XU ; Yumin XU ; Shiyu LIU ; Huayu YAN ; Yuan LIU ; Xin YANG ; Yabo WU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):395-400
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) as a cell-based therapeutic strategy have demonstrated significant application potential in the field of intervention for neurodegenerative disease (NDD) due to their advantages such as self-renewal, multi-directional differentiation, and low immunogenicity. hUC-MSC effectively intervenes in the pathological features and neurological functions of various disease models such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis primarily through multiple mechanisms such as homing and differentiation, mediating paracrine actions and releasing exosomes, as well as immune regulation and anti-inflammation. Some clinical studies have also preliminarily verified their safety and effectiveness. Currently, its research still faces challenges such as immune rejection reactions requiring further observation, long-term safety needing evaluation, mechanisms of action not being fully elucidated, and slow progress in clinical trials. Future research needs to establish pharmaceutical standards for hUC-MSC, deepen their pharmacological mechanisms and clinical trials, ultimately providing new and effective drug treatment options for patients with NDD.
4.Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates oxidative stress injury in retinal pigment epithelial cells under high glucose via FGFR1/PI3K/Akt signal pathway
Ye TIAN ; Guoheng ZHANG ; Tianhao YUAN ; Xin WANG ; Tianfang CHANG ; Yuan CHEN ; Guorui DOU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):383-390
AIM:To investigate the effect of fibroblast growth factor 21(FGF21)on high glucose-induced oxidative stress in retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells and to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS:Single-cell sequencing data from the GEO database were analyzed to determine the expression profile of the FGF21 receptor FGFR1 in RPE cells. Human ARPE-19 cells were cultured and randomly assigned to control, high glucose(30 mmol/L), and high glucose+FGF21 analog treatment groups, with additional siFGFR1 and PI3K inhibitor groups. Cell viability in different treatment groups was assessed using CCK-8 assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were quantified using DCFH-DA fluorescent probing combined with immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on cells from the high glucose group and high glucose+FGF21 group to analyze the enrichment level of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Western blotting was performed to detect phosphorylation levels of PI3K/Akt pathway components.RESULTS:Single-cell sequencing revealed specific expression of FGFR1 in RPE cells of retinal tissues from diabetic model mice. Under In vitro experiments, high glucose(30 mmol/L)exposure reduced ARPE-19 cell viability by 49.7% and increased ROS levels by approximately 2-fold. Whereas treatment with the FGF21 analog(60 ng/mL)restored cell viability and attenuated high glucose-induced ROS accumulation. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that FGFR1 knockdown inhibited the antioxidative stress of FGF21. Further validation of the molecular mechanism revealed that high glucose significantly suppressed the PI3K/Akt pathway activation(the levels of p-Akt and p-PI3K were decreased by 33.9% and 36.6%, respectively), while FGF21 effectively reversed this inhibitory effect and restored the expression of p-Akt and p-PI3K. Treatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited the cytoprotective effect of FGF21 and significantly increased the ROS-positive cells, these findings confirm that PI3K/Akt signaling is indispensable downstream mechanism for FGF21 to exert its effects.CONCLUSION:FGF21 alleviates high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cellular injury in RPE cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through its receptor FGFR1.
5.Correlation of the interaction between uric acid and inflammatory factors and hyperuricemia in overweight/obese patients
Zengyun YUAN ; Yuan LIU ; Xin LIU ; Guangquan LI ; Pei ZHONG ; Yuanting YING ; Xuezhi YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):171-174
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the interaction of uric acid and inflammatory factors and hyperuricemia in overweight/obese patients. Methods The personnel with hyperuricemia who underwent physical examination in our hospital from September 2021 to September 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and they were divided into 100 cases of overweight group and 90 cases of obese group according to the BMI index; 120 cases of healthy and non-hyperuricemic personnel were randomly selected as the control group; venous blood of the three groups was collected in 5 mL after 8 h of fasting, and were tested respectively for serum uric acid, lipid indexes and inflammatory factors: IL-6, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10. Results Glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL were significantly higher in the obese group versus the overweight group (P<0.001), while HDL was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.001), and these changes were more pronounced in the obese group (P<0.001).The Pearson correlation coefficient pointed out that the levels of serum uric acid in patients with hyperuricosuric acid were significantly associated with the pro-inflammatory factors IL- 6, IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were significantly positively correlated (P<0.001), whereas they were significantly negatively correlated with the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10 (P<0.001). Conclusion High uric acid levels in overweight/obese patients can cause enhanced inflammatory responses and reduced expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors, and the interaction between uric acid and pro-inflammatory factors aggravates the condition of patients with hyperuricemia.
6.Bioinformatics Reveals Mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu Precription in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Autophagy
Xin KANG ; Chaodi SUN ; Jianping LIU ; Jie REN ; Mingmin DU ; Yuan ZHAO ; Xiaomeng LANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):166-173
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription in regulating autophagy in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by bioinformatics and animal experiments. MethodsThe differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and those overlapped with autophagy genes were obtained as the differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs). DEARGs were imported into Metascape and STRING, respectively, for gene ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (GO/KEGG) enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Finally, 15 key DEARGs were obtained. The core DEARGs were obtained by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. The CIBERSORT deconvolution algorithm was used to analyze the immunoinfiltration of UC patients and the correlations between core DEARGs and immune cells. C57BL/6J mice were assigned into a normal group and a modeling group. The mouse model of UC was established by free drinking of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium. The modeled mice were assigned into low-, medium-, and high-dose Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription and mesalazine groups according to the random number table method and administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 7 days. The colonic mucosal morphology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein and mRNA levels of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1), cathepsin B (CTSB), C-C motif chemokine-2 (CCL2), CXC motif receptor 4 (CXCR4), and hypoxia-inducing factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the colon tissue were determined by Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. ResultsThe dataset GSE87466 was screened from GEO and interlaced with autophagy genes. After PPI analysis, LASSO regression, and ROC analysis, the core DEARGs (Caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4) were obtained. The results of immunoinfiltration analysis showed that the counts of NK cells, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and dendritic cells in the colonic mucosal tissue of UC patients had significant differences, and core DEARGs had significant correlations with these immune cells. This result, combined with the prediction results of network pharmacology, suggested that the HIF-1α signaling pathway may play a key role in the regulation of UC by Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription. The animal experiments showed that Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription significantly alleviated colonic mucosal inflammation in UC mice. Compared with the normal group, the model group showed up-regulated protein and mRNA levels of caspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, CXCR4, and HIF-1α, which were down-regulated after treatment with Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription or mesalazine. ConclusionCaspase-1, CCL2, CTSB, and CXCR4 are autophagy genes that are closely related to the onset of UC. Xiezhuo Jiedu prescription can down-regulate the expression of core autophagy genes to alleviate the inflammation in the colonic mucosa of mice.
7.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.
8.Differential Analysis on Chemical Composition and Pharmacodynamic Effect Between Combined Decoction and Single Decoction of Famous Classical Formula Huaganjian
Yang WANG ; Gaoju ZHANG ; Ling LI ; Liping CHEN ; Li ZHANG ; Xiao LIU ; Yuyu ZHANG ; Yuan CUI ; Minglong LI ; Chaomei FU ; Xin YAN ; Yuxin HE ; Qin DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):199-207
ObjectiveThrough qualitatively and quantitatively analysis of the differences in chemical composition between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian and comparison of their core efficacy, to explore the rationality of the flexible clinical application of Huaganjian compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was used to qualitatively analyze the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and meanwhile, the contents of four index components(geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol) were quantitatively analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) rat model induced by high-fat diet was applied to compare the efficacy of combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian. A total of 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, lovastatin group(1.8 mg·kg-1), combined decoction group(1.26 g·kg-1) and single decoction group(1.18 g·kg-1). After successful modeling, lovastatin group, combined decoction group and single decoction group were given corresponding doses of drugs by intragastric administration every day, and the control group and model group were given equal amounts of normal saline by intragastric administration, after 4 weeks of administration, the serum and liver tissues were collected, and the contents of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) in serum of rats were detected, and the liver pathological examination was carried out by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining, so as to compare differences of their efficacy. ResultsSeventy chemical components were initially identified and attributed from the lyophilized powder of the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian, and there was no obvious difference in composition between the two. Further quantitative analysis showed that the contents of geniposide, paeoniflorin, hesperidin and paeonol in the combined decoction samples were significantly increased when compared with those of the single decoction samples(P<0.01). The pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the model group, both the combined and single decoction groups of Huaganjian could improve the liver index of NAFLD rats, reduce the serum levels of AST, ALT, TC, TG and LDL-C, increase the serum level of HDL-C, and ameliorate the pathological changes of liver cell steatosis and fat accumulation. However, there was no significant difference in pharmacodynamic effects between the combined decoction group and the single decoction group. ConclusionThere is no significant difference between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian in terms of chemical composition, but the contents of the four index components show significantly difference. Both of them can significantly improve the fat accumulation and liver function in NAFLD rats. This study provides a reference basis for the rational clinical application and evaluation of famous classical formula compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules.
9.Analysis on the operation effect of China’s drug complaints and reporting system
Yang LIU ; Haihong JIANG ; Xin YUAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(14):1697-1702
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the operation effect of the drug complaints and reporting system in China, and put forward the suggestions for improving the drug supervision system and enhancing the national drug scientific supervision capacity. METHODS The statistical data of drug supervision from 2012 to 2023 and the complaint data of various provinces and 7 third- party platforms of drug online sales from National 12315 Consumer Complaint Information Disclosure Platform from 2023 to 2024 were collected. The operation effect of drug complaints and reporting system was analyzed from the dimensions of public participation, public satisfaction, case handling efficiency and quality, social effect and risk early warning ability. RESULTS From 2012 to 2019, the acceptance of drug complaints and reporting fluctuated greatly, and the number of drug complaints and reporting cases showed a downward trend as a whole, but the public satisfaction was high and the closure rate continued to increase. From 2023 to 2024, the top five provinces in terms of the number of drug complaints were Guangdong, Henan, Zhejiang, Shandong and Shanghai. Drug complaints in the online platform mainly involved Chinese and Western medicines, traditional Chinese medicines and Chinese herbal medicines sold on the network platforms of Pinduoduo, Jingdong and Taobao. The complaints focused on quality and after-sales service, and there were significant differences in the proportion of mediation agreements in drug complaint cases. From 2021 to 2024, the drug regulatory authorities investigated and dealt with 11 typical cases of online sales violations through complaint and reporting clues. CONCLUSIONS The drug complaints and reporting system in China runs smoothly. It is suggested to further use the data of National 12315 Consumer Complaint Information Disclosure Platform to strengthen the monitoring of key areas and network platforms, and urge enterprises to implement the main responsibility, so as to improve the quality and safety of drugs and ensure the safety of public medication.
10.Discriminating Tumor Deposits From Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Rectal Cancer: A Pilot Study Utilizing Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI
Xue-han WU ; Yu-tao QUE ; Xin-yue YANG ; Zi-qiang WEN ; Yu-ru MA ; Zhi-wen ZHANG ; Quan-meng LIU ; Wen-jie FAN ; Li DING ; Yue-jiao LANG ; Yun-zhu WU ; Jian-peng YUAN ; Shen-ping YU ; Yi-yan LIU ; Yan CHEN
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):400-410
Objective:
To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) in differentiating tumor deposits (TDs) from metastatic lymph nodes (MLNs) in rectal cancer.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 70 patients with rectal cancer, including 168 lesions (70 TDs and 98 MLNs confirmed by histopathology), who underwent pretreatment MRI and subsequent surgery between March 2019 and December 2022. The morphological characteristics of TDs and MLNs, along with quantitative parameters derived from DCE-MRI (K trans , kep, and v e) and DWI (ADCmin, ADCmax, and ADCmean), were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Multivariable binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of significant individual quantitative parameters and combined parameters in distinguishing TDs from MLNs.
Results:
All morphological features, including size, shape, border, and signal intensity, as well as all DCE-MRI parameters showed significant differences between TDs and MLNs (all P < 0.05). However, ADC values did not demonstrate significant differences (all P > 0.05). Among the single quantitative parameters, v e had the highest diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.772 for distinguishing TDs from MLNs. A multivariable logistic regression model incorporating short axis, border, v e, and ADC mean improved diagnostic performance, achieving an AUC of 0.833 (P = 0.027).
Conclusion
The combination of morphological features, DCE-MRI parameters, and ADC values can effectively aid in the preoperative differentiation of TDs from MLNs in rectal cancer.


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