1.Progress in the application of poloxamer in new preparation technology
Xue QI ; Yi CHENG ; Nan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Aiping ZHENG ; Dongzhou KANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):630-635
Poloxamer, as a non-ionic surfactant, exhibits a unique triblock [polyethylene oxide-poly (propylene oxide)-polyethylene oxide] structure, which endows it with broad application potential in various fields, including solid dispersion technology, nanotechnology, gel technology, biologics, gene engineering and 3D printing. As a carrier, it enhances the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. In the field of nanotechnology, it serves as a stabilizer etc., enriching preparation methods. In gel technology, its self-assembly behavior and thermosensitive properties facilitate controlled drug release. In biologics, it improves targeting efficiency and reduces side effects. In gene engineering, it enhances delivery efficiency and expression levels. In 3D printing, it provides novel strategies for precise drug release control and the production of high-quality biological products. As a versatile material, poloxamer holds promising prospects in the pharmaceutical field.
2.Fabrication and evaluation of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride microneedles based on 3D printing.
Yuanke YANG ; Xiaolu HAN ; Xianfu LI ; Xiaoxuan HONG ; Shanshan YANG ; Chunyan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Aiping ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3214-3227
Compared with conventional transdermal drug delivery systems, dissolving microneedles significantly enhance drug bioavailability by penetrating the stratum corneum barrier and achieving intradermal drug delivery. In order to improve the transdermal bioavailability of dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, in this study, a novel microneedle delivery system was developed for dexmedetomidine hydrochloride based on 3D printing combined with micro-molding. By systematically optimizing the microneedle geometrical parameters, array arrangement, and preparation process parameters, we determined the optimal ratio of drug-carrying matrix as 15% PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) K90. The microneedles exhibited significant drug loading gradients, with mean content of (209.99±27.56) μg/patch, (405.31±30.31) μg/patch, and (621.61±34.43) μg/patch. They showed a regular pyramidal structure under SEM and handheld electron microscopy, and their mechanical strength allowed effective penetration into the stratum corneum. The surface contact angles were all < 90°, indicating excellent hydrophilicity. The microneedles dissolved completely within 10 min after skin insertion, achieving a cumulative release rate of 90% (Higuchi model, r=0.996) during 2 hours of in vitro transdermal permeation. The cytotoxicity test and hemolysis test verified good biocompatibility. Pharmacodynamic evaluation showed that the microneedle group demonstrated pain-relieving effect within 15 min, with the pain threshold at the time point of 60 min being 3 times that in the transdermal cream group. The microneedle system developed in this study not only offers an efficient drug delivery option for patients but also establishes an innovative platform for rapid percutaneous delivery of hydrophilic drugs, demonstrating significant potential in perioperative pain management.
Dexmedetomidine/pharmacokinetics*
;
Printing, Three-Dimensional
;
Needles
;
Drug Delivery Systems/methods*
;
Administration, Cutaneous
;
Animals
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Microinjections/instrumentation*
;
Skin Absorption
;
Skin/metabolism*
3.Exploration and practice of teaching reform in Synthetic Biology.
Bo ZHANG ; Lianggang HUANG ; Aiping PANG ; Zheyan WU ; Junping ZHOU ; Xue CAI ; Lijuan WANG ; Kun NIU ; Liqun JIN ; Zhiqiang LIU ; Yuguo ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(8):3311-3317
Synthetic biology is a crucial tool for the development of the bio-industry and bio-economy, representing a significant aspect of new quality productive forces. As a core course for graduate students in bioengineering, Synthetic Biology plays a vital role in ensuring the supply of essential talents for the development of the bio-industry in the new era. To better serve regional economic development and provide high-level talents for China's progress in the bio-industry, we analyzed typical issues encountered in the past teaching activities, set up a multi-disciplinary teaching team, optimized the course contents, adjusted the teaching mode, and mobilized students' learning interest. With the application of scientific research project as the starting point, we guided students to think and discuss deeply through the simulation of application writing and project defense, which improved students' critical thinking and innovative thinking. With industrialization as a focus, we explored a new training model combining production, education, and research through the joint practice base of the university and enterprises introduced typical cases of biomanufacturing to encourage students to engage in scientific research. The teaching reform significantly enhances the comprehensive abilities and national sentiments of graduate students. This paper hopes to serve as a reference for colleagues engaged in teaching in this field.
Synthetic Biology/education*
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Teaching
;
China
;
Humans
4.Clinical and pathological features of patients with congenital hepatic fibrosis: An analysis of 26 cases
Shixuan LIU ; Yujiao ZHANG ; Ying ZHENG ; Aiping SONG ; Tailing WANG ; Xiuhong WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2317-2322
ObjectivesTo summarize the clinical and pathological features of patients with congenital liver fibrosis (CHF), and to investigate the differences in clinical and pathological features between patients in different age groups. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinicopathological data of 26 patients with pathologically confirmed CHF in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2005 to June 2023, and the patients were stratified by age to investigate the clinical and pathological features of patients in different age groups. ResultsAmong the 26 patients, there were 12 male patients and 14 female patients, with an age of onset of 4 — 61 years. There were 19 patients with portal hypertension type (73.08%), 2 patients with cholangitis type (7.69%), 4 patients with mixed type (15.38%), and 1 patient with occult type (3.85%). Of all 26 patients, 4 had unknown clinical symptoms, and among the 22 patients with clear clinical symptoms, 10 (45.45%) attended the hospital due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal hypertension. Pathological manifestations included roughly normal liver parenchyma separated by fibrous septa in the portal area, with the presence of abnormal reactive bile duct hyperplasia. Denser fibrous septa and a lack of portal veins with the corresponding caliber were observed in 4 pediatric patients with disease onset before the age of 10 years, with a significant reduction or even disappearance of compensatory thin-walled blood vessels. ConclusionPortal hypertension-type CHF is the most common type in clinical practice. Patients with an early age of onset have certain histopathological features of the liver, with the presence of serious complications associated with portal hypertension. Therefore, liver biopsy should be performed for patients suspected of CHF in clinical practice, and genetic testing should be performed when necessary. Early identification and diagnosis are of great importance for improving the prognosis of patients.
5.Orexin-A promotes motor function recovery of rats with spinal cord injury by regulating ionotropic glutamate receptors.
Guanglü HE ; Wanyu CHU ; Yan LI ; Xin SHENG ; Hao LUO ; Aiping XU ; Mingjie BIAN ; Huanhuan ZHANG ; Mengya WANG ; Chao ZHENG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(5):1023-1030
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effect of orexin-A-mediated regulation of ionotropic glutamate receptors for promoting motor function recovery in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).
METHODS:
Thirty-six newborn SD rats (aged 7-14 days) were randomized into 6 groups (n=6), including a normal control group, a sham-operated group, and 4 SCI groups with daily intrathecal injection of saline, DNQX, orexin-A, or orexin-A+DNQX for 3 consecutive days after PCI. Motor function of the rats were evaluated using blood-brain barrier (BBB) score and inclined plane test 1 day before and at 1, 3, and 7 days after SCI. For patch-clamp experiment, spinal cord slices from newborn rats in the control, sham-operated, SCI, and SCI+orexin groups were prepared, and ventral horn neurons were acutely isolated to determine the reversal potential and dynamic indicators of glutamate receptor-mediated currents under glutamate perfusion.
RESULTS:
At 3 and 7 days after SCI, the orexin-A-treated rats showed significantly higher BBB scores and grip tilt angles than those with other interventions. Compared with those treated with DNQX alone, the rats receiving the combined treatment with orexin and DNQX had significantly higher BBB scores and grip tilt angles on day 7 after PCI. In the patch-clamp experiment, the ventral horn neurons from SCI rat models exhibited obviously higher reversal potential and greater rise slope of glutamate current with shorter decay time than those from sham-operated and orexin-treated rats.
CONCLUSIONS
Orexin-A promotes motor function recovery in rats after SCI possibly by improving the function of the ionotropic glutamate receptors.
Animals
;
Spinal Cord Injuries/drug therapy*
;
Rats
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Receptors, Ionotropic Glutamate/metabolism*
;
Recovery of Function/drug effects*
;
Orexins/pharmacology*
;
Male
;
Female
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Animals, Newborn
;
Neuropeptides/pharmacology*
;
Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/pharmacology*
6.Research Progress on the Application of Hot Melt Extrusion Technology in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Bing YANG ; Peng ZHAO ; Siyi SHUAI ; Xiaoxuan HONG ; Conghui LI ; Hui ZHANG ; Nan LIU ; Zengming WANG ; Jia WEN ; Aiping ZHENG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(1):73-80
Hot melt extrusion(HME)technology employs thermodynamic and kinetic principles to mix pharmaceutical polymers with crystalline drugs at high temperatures and extrude them,embedding drug molecules within the polymer matrix to form solid dispersions.Due to its solvent-free nature,capability for one-step processing,and support for continuous operation,HME has garnered significant attention in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years.This article introduced the basic principles and development history of HME technology and its marketed drugs.It reviewed the research progress of HME technology in improving drug solubility,masking taste,controlled release,targeted release,oral dispersible films,implant formulations,semi-solid formulations,and 3D printed formulations.Additionally,the article summarized the advantages and limitations of HME technology and provided an outlook on its future development.
7.Establishment and Effectiveness of Drug Treatment Pathway for the Initial Treatment of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Under the DRG Payment System
Zheng ZENG ; Dawei WAN ; Wei CHEN ; Leyong FAN ; Tongtong CHEN ; Aiping DING ; Shengguang YUAN
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(7):1158-1164
Objective To develop and implement a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)and to provide a foundation for refined medication use and cost control management under the Diagnosis Related Groups(DRG)payment system.Methods Clinical pharmacists collaborated to develop a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of DLBCL,utilizing evidence-based medicine and evidence-based pharmacy principles.The PDCA(Plan-Do-Check-Act)cycle method was employed for administrative intervention.The hematology department served as a pilot unit to assess the impact on economic indicators,including inpatient costs,drug expenses,and DRG payment balance,as well as treatment efficacy and the incidence of adverse reactions.Results Compared to the control group,the RG13 intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in average total hospitalization costs and drug expenses,along with a decreased DRG payment balance deficits.All differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion The development and implementation of a drug treatment pathway for the initial treatment of DLBCL can effectively reduce treatment costs,prevent DRG overspending,and alleviate the economic burden on patients,while ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
8.Protective effects of 7,8-DHF on the retina of diabetic rats and its mechanism
Aiping YANG ; Xinbao ZHENG ; Chunfeng CHEN ; Jiayu CHEN ; Jing XIA ; Mingfang LI ; Luyun WU ; Yongwang ZHAO
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(1):5-9
Objective To explore the protective effect of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone(7,8-DHF)on the retina of diabetic rats and its mechanism.Methods A total of 18 SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were selected and randomly divided into three groups:the normal group,the model group,and the experimental group,with six rats in each group.Rats in the normal group were fed with a normal diet,while those in the remaining two groups were fed with a high-fat emulsion through oral gavage continuously for 2 weeks to establish a diabetes model.Rats in the experimental group were provided with 7,8-DHF(5 mg?kg-1)by continuous intraperitoneal injection,while those in the normal and model groups were provided with an equal volume of normal saline.The rats in all groups received intervention once a day for 2 weeks.The changes in the body mass and fasting blood glucose(FBG)were observed before and after modeling.Besides,the changes in the retina of rats in each group were observed by fundus fluorescence angiography(FFA)after 2 weeks.Moreo-ver,the changes and apoptosis of retinal neuronal cells were detected by hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining,CD31 im-munofluorescence,and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)assays.Results After 2 weeks of continuous intervention,compared with the normal group,the body mass of rats in the model and experimental groups decreased(both P<0.05),and the FBG increased significantly(both P<0.05);compared with the model group,the experimental group showed an increase in the body mass(P<0.05)and a decrease in the FBG(P<0.05).The fundus photography and FFA of rats in the three groups did not reveal any fundus features of diabetic retinopathy.The HE staining results showed that the retina of rats in the normal and experimental groups was structurally intact,with neatly arranged cells and uniform thickness;the retinal structure of rats in the model group remained clear.However,the thickness of the inner layers of the retina of rats in the model group was thinner compared with the normal and experimental groups,exhibi-ting significant differences(both P<0.05).The CD31 immunofluorescence assay results indicated that the CD31 immuno-fluorescence intensity values of rats in the three groups were roughly comparable,without significant differences(all P>0.05).The TUNEL assay results suggested that the apoptosis of retinal neurons increased in rats in the model group com-pared with the normal group,exhibiting significant differences(P<0.001);compared with the model group,the apoptosis of retinal neurons of rats in the experimental group decreased significantly,displaying significant differences(P<0.001).Conclusion The apoptosis of retinal neurons in diabetic rats may precede vascular endothelial cell injury.7,8-DHF can improve the body mass,decrease the blood glucose level,and protect the retinal neurons in diabetic rats.
9.Sedation effects and pharmacokinetics of dexmedetomidine at different sites of mucosal administration in beagle dogs
Shengyuan WANG ; Xianfu LI ; Yuanyuan LIU ; Ziming ZHAO ; Zengming WANG ; Aiping ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(6):419-424
OBJECTIVE To establish an ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS)method for determination of dexmedetomidine(DEX)in plasma of beagle dogs and evaluate the pharmacokinetics and sedation after nasal,buccal and sublingual mucosal admin-istration.METHODS A UPLC-MS/MS method was established and validated for dertermination of DEX in plasma of beagle dogs.DEX was administered to the nasal cavity,buccal and sublingual mucous membranes of beagle dogs,respectively.Blood samples were collected at different time points.The plasma concentration of DEX was measured by the established UPLC-MS/MS method.Pharmacokinetic parameters were fitted by Phoenix software and the sedative effect at different mucous membrane sites was evaluated in conjunction with behavioral and Ramsay scores.RESULTS The linearity of DEX was fine within the range of 0.05-100 μg·L-1(r>0.999),which was validated methodologically to meet the requirements of quantitative detection.The plasma concentration of the drug peaked the fastest with nasal administration.Tmax was 0.25 h,Cmax(4.43±1.19)μg·L-1,and the AUC0-6h was(8.92±2.07)μg·h·L-1,compared with 0.92 and 1 h,(2.87±0.69),(2.70±0.41)μg·L-1,and(7.99±1.77),(7.01±2.09)μg·h·L-1 with buccal and sublingual administration.Nasal administration had the fastest onset at 7 min,with a Ramsay score of 4,and sedation lasted for 36 min,compared with 33 and 35 min,and 38 and 37 min for buccal and sublingual administration.CONCLUSION The proposed method is sensitive,reliable and applicable to quantitative analysis of DEX in plasma of beagle dogs.Administration of DEX to the nasal cavity mucosa has a faster onset and a better sedative effect than to the buccal and sublingual mucosa.
10.Lamp2b modification enhances respiratory mucosal immunity of engineered exosome SARS-CoV-2 vaccine
Fan MENG ; Mengyang REN ; Haonan XING ; Xiuli GAO ; Aiping ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 2025;39(10):770-779
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of lysosomal associated membrane protein 2b(Lamp2b)modification on the mucosal immune efficacy of engineered exosome-based vaccines.METHODS In vitro experiments:The murine dendritic cell line DC2.4 was transfected with a plasmid encoding the Lamp2b-RBD fusion protein.Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were employed to assess Lamp2b-RBD expressions,flow cytometry was used to evaluate the proportion of Lamp2b-RBD-positive cells,and immunofluorescence staining was performed to determine their membrane localization.Exosomes were isolated via ultracentrifugation,and their morphology and particle size distribution were examined using transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis.Western blotting was applied to confirm exosomal marker proteins[cluster of differentiation 9(CD9),CD63,ALG-2-interacting protein X(Alix),and Golgi marker GM130]and Lamp2b-RBD expression.In vivo experiments:① Female BALB/c mice were divided into the Lamp2b-RBD-Exo group and the lipid nanoparticle(LNP)group,and administered intratracheally for mucosal immunization.Pulmonary reten-tion was assessed by immunofluorescence staining.② Female BALB/c mice were divided into three groups:placebo group(PBS group),Lamp2b-RBD-Exo intratracheal administration group,and Lamp2b-RBD-Exo intramuscular injection group(im).Immunizations were performed on days 0 and 14,and on days 7 and 21.The titers of RBD-specific immunoglobulin G(IgG)in serum and RBD-specific IgA and IgG antibodies in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay(ELISA).RESULTS In vitro experiments:Lamp2b-RBD-positive cells accounted for 71.16%.Lamp2b-RBD mRNA levels were upregulated 1 979-fold compared with controls,with Lamp2b-RBD proteins localized on the cell membrane.Purified engineered exosomes displayed regular morphology,expressed CD9,CD63,and Alix but not GM130,had an average diameter of approximately 124 nm,and carried 3 009 pg of RBD protein per 1×109 exosomes.In vivo experiments:At 4 h after administra-tion,fluorescence signals were observed in the lung tissues of both the Lamp2b-RBD-Exo and LNPs groups.At 24 h,the fluorescence signal in the LNPs group shifted to the liver,while in the Lamp2b-RBD-Exo group,the fluorescence expanded from the trachea to the bronchioles and lung tissue,showing significantly better distribution and retention capacity than the LNPs group.Seven days after immuniza-tion,both the Lamp2b-RBD-Exo and Lamp2b-RBD-Exo(im)groups induced RBD-specific IgG antibody titers.At 21 days after immunization,Lamp2b-RBD-Exo elicited a higher level of RBD-specific immune response,with serum IgG titers reaching 1∶8 100 and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)IgA titers reaching 1∶300.No RBD-specific IgA antibody titers were detected in the BALF of the Lamp2b-RBD-Exo(im)group.CONCLUSION Lamp2b-RBD modification enables efficient RBD protein loading and enhances pulmonary retention of engineered exosomes,thereby inducing potent antigen-specific mucosal immune responses.

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