1.Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Chemical Constituents in Gualou Niubangtang by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and HPLC
Yiyi ZHANG ; Jing YANG ; Yuqing CHENG ; Huimin GAO ; Jin QIN ; Li YAO ; Xiyang DU ; Raorao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):179-187
ObjectiveThis paper aims to clarify the material basis of Gualou Niubangtang and establish a quantitative analysis method for its main constituents, providing a reference for the overall quality control of this preparation. MethodsThe constituents in the formula were systematically characterized based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Identification was performed by matching with the UNIFI 9.6 software and utilizing database platforms such as PubChem, ChemicalBook, and ChemSpider, combined with relevant literature reports. A quantitative analysis method for the seven main constituents in Gualou Niubangtang was established by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ResultsUPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 155 constituents, including 69 flavonoids, 36 terpenoids, 23 phenylpropanoids, 8 phenylethanoid glycosides, and 19 other types of constituents. In the established quantitative analysis method, the seven main constituents showed good linearity within their respective linear ranges. The precision, repeatability, stability, and spike recovery all met the required standards. The results showed that the content ranges of geniposide, liquiritin, hesperidin, arctiin, baicalin, oroxylin A-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, and wogonoside in 15 batches of Gualou Niubangtang were 13.67-21.25, 1.20-7.64, 5.45-7.45, 22.97-33.51, 29.95-39.07, 2.58-4.80, and 6.56-9.31 mg·g-1, respectively. ConclusionThis study successfully characterizes and attributes multi-category constituents in Gualou Niubangtang, clarifying that its material basis is primarily composed of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and phenylpropanoids. Furthermore, it enables the quantification of seven constituents within the formula. This work lays a foundation for research on the quality control, action mechanism, and clinical application of this formula.
2.Analysis of risk factors for cardiovascular events and construction of a nomogram prediction model in patients undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis
Xinyuan ZHOU ; Yuxin JIANG ; Xiaoxia WANG ; Xiangjie YANG ; Runzhe ZHOU ; Yuqing MENG ; Dingxin ZHANG ; Jin ZHANG ; Ying WANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):748-757
ObjectiveTo analyze the risk factors for long-term cardiovascular events in patients undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD), and to construct and validate a visual nomogram prediction model based on multiple parameters. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted, consecutively enrolling 248 maintenance PD patients (dialysis duration ≥ 3 months). Demographic characteristics, clinical indicators, laboratory parameters, and echocardiographic indices (including left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/e’), etc.) were collected. The composite endpoint was defined as the occurrence of cardiovascular events or cardiovascular death, with non-cardiovascular death as the competing risk and loss to follow-up or the end of follow-up as censoring events. Fine-Gray competing risks model was used to screen independent predictors, based on which a nomogram model was constructed. Internal validation was performed using the Bootstrap method (1 000 resamplings), and the concordance index (C-index) and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (time-dependent ROC) curve were calculated to evaluate the model performance. ResultsWith a median follow-up of 29 months (interquartile range: 24–35 months), 88 patients (35.48%) reached the composite endpoint, including 80 cases of cardiovascular events and 8 cases of cardiovascular death, and 4 patients died of non-cardiovascular causes. Multivariate Fine-Gray analysis revealed that age, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin (HGB) level and E/e' ratio were independent influencing factors of the composite endpoint. Specifically, each 1-year increase in age was associated with a 3.0% increase in the risk of the composite endpoint (HR=1.030, P=0.006); patients with diabetes mellitus had a 167.9% higher risk compared with non-diabetic patients (HR=2.679, P=0.007); each 1g/L increase in HGB level contributed to a 1.5% reduction in the risk (HR=0.985, P=0.003); and each 0.1 increase in E/e' ratio led to a 7.2% increase in the risk (HR=1.072, P=0.045). The nomogram model had a C-index of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.698–0.820), and the AUC of the time-dependent ROC curve reached 0.849 at 23 months of follow-up. ConclusionIncreased age, complicated with diabetes mellitus, decreased HGB, and elevated E/e' ratio are independent risk factors of long-term occurrence of cardiovascular events and cardiovascular death in patients undergoing long-term PD. The nomogram model constructed based on the above variables has good predictive value and clinical applicability, which can provide a reference for cardiovascular risk stratification and individualized intervention in long-term PD patients.
3.Application of master protocol design in the clinical evaluation of infectious disease vaccines
Wenqing LIU ; Yuqing LI ; Lairun JIN ; Pengfei JIN ; Fengcai ZHU ; Jingxin LI
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(4):724-729
The master protocol design encompasses a comprehensive clinical trial protocol containing multiple sub-protocols, which can be used to evaluate the clinical intervention effects of various drugs or vaccines on various diseases. Particularly, this design strategy represents an efficient and innovative approach to trial design in the context of precision medicine. The master protocol design can be used for emerging infectious diseases and urgent vaccine development in complex situations. This review aims to outline the types and concepts of master protocol design, analyze the key points and details, and discuss its application scenarios in vaccine clinical evaluations. Additionally, it will explore potential challenges that may arise during implementation to provide references for optimizing emergency clinical trial designs of infectious disease vaccines in China.
4.High-efficient discovering the potent anti-Notum agents from herbal medicines for combating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
Yuqing SONG ; Feng ZHANG ; Jia GUO ; Yufan FAN ; Hairong ZENG ; Mengru SUN ; Jun QIAN ; Shenglan QI ; Zihan CHEN ; Xudong JIN ; Yunqing SONG ; Tian TIAN ; Zhi QIAN ; Yao SUN ; Zhenhao TIAN ; Baoqing YU ; Guangbo GE
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4174-4192
Notum, a negative feedback regulator of the Wnt signaling, has emerged as a promising target for treating glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). This study showcases an efficient strategy for discovering the anti-Notum constituents from herbal medicines (HMs) as novel anti-GIOP agents. Firstly, a rapid-responding near-infrared fluorogenic substrate for Notum was rationally engineered for high-throughput identifying the anti-Notum HMs. The results showed that Bu-Gu-Zhi (BGZ), a known anti-osteoporosis herb, potently inhibited Notum in a competitive-inhibition manner. To uncover the key anti-Notum constituents in BGZ, an efficient strategy was adapted via integrating biochemical, phytochemical, computational, and pharmacological assays. Among all identified BGZ constituents, three furanocoumarins were validated as strong Notum inhibitors, while 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MP) showed the most potent anti-Notum activity and favorable safety profiles. Mechanistically, 5-MP acted as a competitive inhibitor of Notum via creating strong hydrophobic interactions with Trp128 and Phe268 in the catalytic cavity of Notum. Cellular assays showed that 5-MP remarkably promoted osteoblast differentiation and activated Wnt signaling in dexamethasone (DXMS)-challenged MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In dexamethasone-induced osteoporotic mice, 5-MP strongly elevated bone mineral density (BMD) and improved cancellous and cortical bone thickness. Collectively, this study constructs a high-efficient platform for discovering key anti-Notum constituents from HMs, while 5-MP emerges as a promising anti-GIOP agent.
5.Evidence that metformin promotes fibrosis resolution via activating alveolar epithelial stem cells and FGFR2b signaling.
Yuqing LV ; Yanxia ZHANG ; Xueli GUO ; Baiqi HE ; Haibo XU ; Ming XU ; Lihui ZOU ; Handeng LYU ; Jin WU ; Pingping ZENG ; Saverio BELLUSCI ; Xuru JIN ; Chengshui CHEN ; Young-Chang CHO ; Xiaokun LI ; Jin-San ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4711-4729
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive disease lacking effective therapy. Metformin, an antidiabetic medication, has shown promising therapeutic properties in preclinical fibrosis models; however, its precise cellular targets and associated mechanisms in fibrosis resolution remain incompletely defined. Most research on metformin's effects has focused on mesenchymal and inflammatory responses with limited attention to epithelial cells. In this study, we utilized Sftpc lineage-traced and Fgfr2b conditional knockout mice, along with BMP2/PPARγ and AMPK inhibitors, to explore metformin's impact on alveolar epithelial cells in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis model and cell culture. We found that metformin increased the proliferation and differentiation of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, particularly the recently identified injury-activated alveolar progenitors (IAAPs)-a subpopulation characterized by low SFTPC expression but enriched for PD-L1. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed a reduction in apoptosis among mature AT2 cells. Interestingly, metformin's therapeutic effects were not significantly affected by BMP2 or PPARγ inhibition, which blocked the lipogenic differentiation of myofibroblasts. However, Fgfr2b deletion in Sftpc lineage cells significantly impaired metformin's ability to promote fibrosis resolution, a process linked to AMPK signaling. In conclusion, metformin alleviates fibrosis by directly activating AT2 cells, especially the IAAPs, through a mechanism that involves AMPK and FGFR2b signaling, but is largely independent of BMP2/PPARγ pathways.
6.PARylation promotes acute kidney injury via RACK1 dimerization-mediated HIF-1α degradation.
Xiangyu LI ; Xiaoyu SHEN ; Xinfei MAO ; Yuqing WANG ; Yuhang DONG ; Shuai SUN ; Mengmeng ZHANG ; Jie WEI ; Jianan WANG ; Chao LI ; Minglu JI ; Xiaowei HU ; Xinyu CHEN ; Juan JIN ; Jiagen WEN ; Yujie LIU ; Mingfei WU ; Jutao YU ; Xiaoming MENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(9):4673-4691
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) is a specific form of post-translational modification (PTM) predominantly triggered by the activation of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase 1 (PARP1). However, the role and mechanism of PARylation in the advancement of acute kidney injury (AKI) remain undetermined. Here, we demonstrated the significant upregulation of PARP1 and its associated PARylation in murine models of AKI, consistent with renal biopsy findings in patients with AKI. This elevation in PARP1 expression might be attributed to trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3). Furthermore, a reduction in PARylation levels mitigated renal dysfunction in the AKI mouse models. Mechanistically, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated that PARylation mainly occurred in receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), thereby facilitating its subsequent phosphorylation. Moreover, the phosphorylation of RACK1 enhanced its dimerization and accelerated the ubiquitination-mediated hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) degradation, thereby exacerbating kidney injury. Additionally, we identified a PARP1 proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC), A19, as a PARP1 degrader that demonstrated superior protective effects against renal injury compared with PJ34, a previously identified PARP1 inhibitor. Collectively, both genetic and drug-based inhibition of PARylation mitigated kidney injury, indicating that the PARylated RACK1/HIF-1α axis could be a promising therapeutic target for AKI treatment.
7.Investigation on the current status of pharmaceutical care in medical institutions in China
Tingting ZHENG ; Yuqing ZHANG ; Sitong LIU ; Wei ZHANG ; Jin LU ; Qunhong SHEN ; Jiancun ZHEN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(9):1117-1122
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of pharmaceutical care in medical institutions in China, and provide experience and suggestions for better development of pharmaceutical care. METHODS Questionnaire survey was used to investigate the development of pharmaceutical care in medical institutions in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly) in March 2023, and descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression analysis on the influencing factors of pharmaceutical care were conducted. RESULTS A total of 1 368 questionnaires were sent out, and 1 304 valid questionnaires were collected with the effective recovery rate of 95.32%. Pharmaceutical care was carried out in 671 medical institutions (51.46%), and the rates of pharmaceutical care in tertiary, secondary, primary and other medical institutions were 74.79%, 27.97% and 7.35%, respectively. The average number of patients receiving pharmaceutical care was 2 638.96 per year, and there were 8.33 pharmacists in each medical institution to carry out pharmaceutical care, among which 93.68% were clinical pharmacists. The main departments covered by pharmaceutical care services included respiratory and critical care medicine, cardiology, intensive care unit, endocrinology, oncology, gastroenterology, obstetrics and gynecology and other departments. There were only 48 medical institutions (7.15%) with additional compensation for pharmaceutical care services. The main experiences of developing pharmaceutical care were to pay attention to talent cultivation and discipline construction, but the main difficulties were serious shortage of staff and qualified talents, low compensation level and low enthusiasm. Grade of medical institutions, the number of pharmacists engaged in clinical pharmacy, the number of qualified clinical pharmacists and the degree of information in the pharmacy department were the main influencing factors for carrying out pharmaceutical care (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS In recent years, pharmaceutical care in Chinese medical institutions has made certain progress, while that of primary medical institutions, secondary medical institutions and other medical institutions should be improved. In the future, it is still necessary to further enhance the implementation of pharmaceutical care, promote personnel training, and attach importance to demonstrating the value of pharmaceutical care, thereby promoting the sustainable and high- quality development of pharmaceutical care.
8.Progress in autophagy effect on the progression of SLE pathogenesis by regulating the immune system.
Tianzhen MA ; Honghui TANG ; Xuan CHEN ; Yuqing GUO ; Liping ZHANG ; Baiqing LI ; Jin XI ; Yuanyuan WANG
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(7):649-654
Autophagy is a fundamental biological metabolic process involved in immune defense, material metabolism, and homeostasis and closely linked to immune regulation. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a widespread connective tissue disorder primarily resulting from immune system imbalance. Due to the immune system's failure to recognize its own substances, it generates autoantibodies that can affect various tissues and organs, leading to diverse clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis and treatment of SLE are currently under extensive investigation. In normal metabolic processes, autophagy engages in both innate and adaptive immunity, regulates the immune response, and is crucial for maintaining normal immune function and the body's internal homeostasis. Research has indicated that SLE patients exhibit immune dysfunction and altered autophagy levels. Modulating autophagy expression can influence immune system functionality and alleviate SLE symptoms. Additionally, autophagy aids in the innate immune response and adaptive immunity by clearing metabolites and regulating the life cycle of immune cells. Studies suggest that drugs targeting autophagy can positively influence the progression of SLE. This article reviews advancements in research regarding the impact of autophagy on the pathogenesis of SLE through the regulation of immune system functions.
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/pathology*
;
Autophagy/immunology*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
Immunity, Innate
;
Adaptive Immunity
;
Disease Progression
;
Immune System/immunology*
9.Research progress in animal models of lung"inflammation-cancer"transformation
Yajuan CHEN ; Lanying CHEN ; Wenbin DUAN ; Yuqing HUANG ; Xuhui JIN
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(3):109-136
Lung cancer is a serious pulmonary tumor,with exacerbation of chronic lung inflammation being a precursor to the development of lung cancer.Relevant animal models are widely used in experimental research,to gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of lung cancer and to develop preventive treatment strategies.Induced lung cancer animal models are of particular importance for understanding the transition from chronic lung inflammation to lung cancer.Early intervention is crucial for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.Here we review the recent literature regarding the inducing factors for lung cancer,including carcinogens(e.g.nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone,benzopyrene,diethylnirtosamine atmospheric fine particulate matter(PM2.5),coal smoke,heavy metal ions,radiation,and biological infections).We also summarize animal models of lung inflammation and cancer transformation induced by these factors,discuss the mechanisms by which relevant carcinogens induce lung cancer,analyze the advantages and limitations of the animal models,and consider future development directions.This review aims is to provide a valuable reference for the future establishment of relevant models.
10.Exploring effect of grifola frondosa extract on intestinal inflammatory response in rats with ulcerative colitis based on SPHK1/S1P signaling pathway
Han DU ; Xue JIN ; Xiande MA ; Ping LEI ; Mosi DONG ; Jie CHEN ; Xinzhu XU ; Yuqing ZHANG ; Xiaowei HAN
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(4):847-853
Objective:To investigate the immunological mechanism by which grifola frondosa extract improves colonic tissue inflammation in rats with ulcerative colitis(UC)through the sphingosine kinase 1(SPHK1)/sphingosine-1-phosphate(S1P)signaling pathway.Methods:Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups:blank group,model group,sulfasalazine treatment group(SASP group),grifola frondosa extract treatment group(GF group),and sulfasalazine combined with grifola frondosa extract treatment group(SASP+GF group).UC model was established using a 3%dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)free drinking method.After one week,each treatment group received sulfasalazine 0.3 g/(kg·d),grifola frondosa extract 10 mg/(kg·d),and combination of both drugs by gavage.During the experiment,the general condition of the rats was observed,the disease activity index(DAI)score was re-corded and the protein content and positive expression levels of SPHK1,S1P,tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2(TRAF2)and TNF-α in rat colon tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.mRNA and protein expression levels of SPHK1,S1P,TRAF2 and TNF-α in rat colon tissue were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results:Compared with the blank group,the general condition of the model group rats were poor,the DAI score was significantly increased,and the protein positive expres-sion,mRNA and protein expression levels of SPHK1,S1P,TRAF2 and TNF-α in colon tissue were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the general condition of the rats in each treatment group improved significantly,the DAI score was decreased(P<0.01),and the positive expression of each target protein was significantly reduced(P<0.01),especially in the GF group and SASP+GF group;the mRNA and protein expression levels of SPHK1 and TRAF2 were reduced to varying degrees(P<0.01 or P<0.05),while the mRNA and protein expression levels of S1P and TNF-α only decreased significantly in the GF group and SASP+GF group(P<0.01).Compared with the SASP group,the GF group only showed a decrease in SPHK1 protein expression,TNF-α mRNA,and protein expression levels,while the SASP+GF group showed significant reductions in all targets(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Compared with the GF group,the SASP+GF group showed significant reductions in SPHK1 protein positive expression and content,S1P mRNA expression levels,and TNF-α protein content(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Grifola frondosa extract may alleviate co-lonic tissue inflammation in rats with UC by inhibiting the activation of the SPHK1/S1P pathway,restoring intestinal mucosal barrier function,and improving symptoms of UC.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail