1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Research on Mechanism
Junxiang LI ; Hong SHEN ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):103-110
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved significant progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 30, 2024, across Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The clinical applications and mechanistic studies of TCM in IBD were systematically reviewed. The current status of TCM research on the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD, innovative clinical practices, and multimodal therapeutic approaches, including Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs or active compounds, acupuncture, herbal retention enema, and acupoint application, were summarized, together with their synergistic effects when combined with western medical treatments. The development and application of Chinese patent medicines for IBD are undergoing a profound transition from efficacy validation to mechanistic exploration. Mechanistic studies on the effects of TCM in IBD mainly focus on regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and modulating intestinal immune balance. Furthermore, future research directions for TCM-based IBD management are proposed, including the establishment of TCM diagnostic and treatment models, expanding integrated applications of external and internal TCM therapies, innovating personalized treatment strategies, and advancing drug development. These efforts aim to provide insights for the standardized and precision-oriented development of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
3.Cost-utility analysis of rezivertinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Xiaowei ZHU ; Tongming ZHU ; Jia YI ; Wenqiang LI ; Piaopiao LU ; Aizong SHEN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):55-60
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rezivertinib versus gefitinib as first-line treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. METHODS A Markov model was constructed based on the REZOR trial data, with a cycle length of 3 weeks and a study duration of 5 years. Both costs and health outcomes were discounted at an annual rate of 5%. A cost-utility analysis was conducted using 3 times China’s 2024 per capita gross domestic product as the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. The economic differences between the rezivertinib regimen versus the gefitinib regimen were evaluated using the incremental cost- effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB). Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the model. RESULTS Compared to the gefitinib regimen, the rezivertinib regimen saved 225 310.47 yuan and gained an additional 0.57 quality- adjusted life years (QALYs), resulting in an ICER of -395 562.80 yuan/QALY, which was much lower than the WTP threshold of this study, indicating that rezivertinib had an absolute economic advantage. The INMB analysis (389 041.26 yuan) further validated this conclusion. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the model. Scenario analysis, incorporating a 15% reduction in drug prices and adjustments to the utility values for progression free survival and progression disease, yielded consistent results with the base case analysis. CONCLUSIONS Compared to gefitinib, rezivertinib as a first-line treatment for EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC has an absolute economic advantage.
4.Comorbidity of myopia, and overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Yanqing District
WANG Yun ; SHEN Yunkui ; LIU Bohao ; CHEN Jing ; ZHANG Kun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):85-88
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of comorbidity of myopia, and overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Yanqing District, Beijing Municipality, so as to provide the evidence for \prevention and control of comorbidity.
Methods:
In September from 2020 to 2024, a stratified cluster sampling method was adopted annually to select primary, junior high school, senior high school, and vocational high school students in Yanqing District as survey subjects. Myopia was screened based on Screening Protocol for Myopia in Children and Adolescents. Height an weight were measured, and overweight and obesity were determined using the Screening for overweight and Obesity in School-Age Children and Adolescents.
Results:
A total of 9 883 individuals were surveyed, including 5 219 primary school students (52.81%), 2 486 junior high school students (25.15%), and 2 178 senior high school / vocational high school students (22.04%). There were 5 154 boys (52.15%) and 4 729 girls (47.85%). From 2020 to 2024, the numbers of primary and middle school students in Yanqing District with myopia, overweight, and obesity were 4 426, 1 897, and 3 164, respectively, with detection rates of 44.78%, 19.19%, and 32.01%. The detection rates of myopia, overweight, and obesity showed an increasing trend with the elevation of school stage (all P<0.05). The detection rate of myopia was higher in girls than in boys, while the detection rate of obesity was lower in girls than in boys (all P<0.05). There were 2 588 individuals with both myopia and overweight/obesity, representing a detection rate of 26.19%, which showed an increasing trend (P<0.05), rising from 25.04% in 2020 to 34.41% in 2024. The detection rates of comorbidity of myopia, and overweight and obesity among primary school, junior high school, and senior high school / vocational high school students were 13.22%, 36.93%, and 45.00%, respectively, showing an increasing trend with the elevation of school stage (P<0.05). The difference between genders was not statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusions
The detection rates of comorbidity of myopia, and overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Yanqing District is relatively high and shows an upward trend, with students in higher school stage being the key target group for prevention and control. It is recommended to strengthen health education on the co-prevention of multiple health issues and implement differentiated interventions based on school stages.
5.Effect of elbow-wrist functional orthosis on plantar pressure and balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia
Cheng WU ; Yunfeng ZHANG ; Weining WANG ; Kewei YU ; Yanzheng ZHANG ; Jiarong SHEN ; Yi WU
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):30-39
ObjectiveTo explore the effect of elbow-wrist functional orthosis on plantar pressure distribution and balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia. MethodsFrom June, 2024 to April, 2025, 60 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia were recruited from Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, and Shanghai Hebin Rehabilitation Hospital. They were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and intervention group (n = 30). The control group received routine neurological rehabilitation, while the intervention group received additional training with an elbow-wrist functional orthosis on the affected side, for eight weeks. Before and after intervention, the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) of the elbow joint, plantar pressure symmetry index (SI), plantar contact area and mean plantar pressure were recorded, and balance and mobility were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up & Go Test (TUGT) and 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT). ResultsTwo cases dropped out in the control group. After treatment, MAS grades of the elbow joint, forefoot SI, affected side plantar pressure area, BBS scores, TUGT and 10MWT of both groups improved (|Z| > 3.969, |t| > 3.528, P < 0.01), while the hindfoot SI and average pressure of the affected foot improved in the intervention group (∣t∣ > 4.264, P < 0.001). Except for TUGT and 10MWT, the intervention group was superior to the control group (∣Z∣ > 2.030, ∣t∣ > 2.096, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe elbow-wrist functional orthosis can enhance balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia by reducing upper-limb spasticity, optimizing center-of-gravity distribution, and improving postural control.
6.Exploration of a new model for the construction of medical institution formulation platforms from the perspective of industry-university-research collaborative innovation theory
Kana LIN ; Anle SHEN ; Yejian WANG ; Yanqiong WANG ; Hao LI ; Yanfang GUO ; Youjun WANG ; Xinyan SUN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):137-141
OBJECTIVE To explore a model for constructing a platform for medical institution formulation and provide insights for promoting their development. METHODS By systematically reviewing the development status and challenges of medical institution preparations in China, and based on the theory of industry-university-research collaborative innovation, the organizational structure, collaborative processes, and safeguard mechanisms of the platform were designed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Medical institution formulations in China mainly faced challenges such as weak research and development (R&D) capacity, uneven quality standards, and blocked transformation pathways. This study established a full-chain, whole- industry collaborative innovation network covering the government, medical institutions, universities/research institutes, pharmaceutical enterprises, and the market, forming a new “government-industry-university-research-application” five-in-one platform model for medical institution formulations. By establishing mechanisms such as multi-entity collaborative cooperation, full- chain intellectual property management, contribution-based benefit distribution, staged risk-sharing, and third-party evaluation, the model clarified the responsibilities and collaborative pathways of all parties. The new model highlights the whole-process transformation of clinical experience-based prescriptions, enabling precise alignment between clinical needs and technological R&D, as well as between preparation achievements and industrial transformation. While breaking down the barriers of traditional platform construction, it effectively achieves optimal resource allocation and complementary advantages, addresses problems emerging in the development of medical institution preparations, and provides reference value for the formulation of relevant systems.
7.Evaluation of transdermal absorption of self-assembled nanoparticles of Huangqin decoction loaded with terbinafine
Chengying SHEN ; Yican HE ; Xiao CHENG ; Chaoying DU ; Hongyan MIN ; Baode SHEN ; Lingfei TONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):180-185
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Huangqin decoction (HQD)-based self-assembled nanoparticles (SAN) co-loaded with terbinafine (TBF) (TBF-HQD-SAN NPs) on the transdermal absorption of TBF. METHODS High-speed centrifugation combined with dialysis was used to separate HQD-SAN, and TBF-HQD-SAN NPs were obtained by loading TBF using the ultrasound magnetic stirring method; the particle size distribution, Zeta potential and polydispersity index (PDI) of the nanoparticle were characterized, and the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) of TBF were determined; using in vitro and in vivo transdermal experiments, the differences in transdermal performance between TBF-HQD-SAN NPs and TBF raw materials, as well as TBF and HQD-SAN physical mixture (TBF-HQD-SAN PM), were compared and analyzed. RESULTS TBF- HQD-SAN NPs were spherical with a particle size of (177.60±2.57) nm, a PDI of 0.197 4±0.007 9, and a Zeta potential of (-14.63±0.85) mV. The EE and DL of TBF were (99.49±0.71)% and (3.22±0.10)% , respectively. In vitro transdermal experiments, compared with TBF raw materials, the steady-state permeation rate (Jss) and skin retention of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs increased by 3.34 times and 27.56 times, respectively (P<0.05); compared with TBF-HQD-SAN PM, its Jss and skinretention were increased by 2.04 times and 7.44 times, respectively (P<0.05). In vivo transdermal experiments 69号) showed that, the area under the drug-time curve and the maximum concentration of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs increased by 2.13 times and 2.06 times respectively compared to TBF raw materials, and increased by 1.59 times and 1.65 times respectively compared to TBF-HQD-SAN PM (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS TBF-HQD-SAN NPs can significantly enhance the in vitro and in vivo transdermal absorption efficiency and skin retention of TBF.
8.Role of dynamin-related protein 1 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Haishan SHEN ; Shuo WANG ; Gong FENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(1):159-163
The morphological changes and functions of mitochondria are closely associated with the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) is one of the primary proteins determining mitochondrial fission, and its activity is strictly controlled to ensure the balance of mitochondrial dynamics according to cellular needs. Drp1 can enhance mitochondrial interactions and mitochondrial fission by promoting the formation of endoplasmic reticulum tubules, and the phosphorylation state and deacetylation of Drp1 can also affect the morphological changes of mitochondria, thereby affecting the status of NAFLD. This article elaborates on the role and mechanism of action of Drp1 in the progression of NAFLD, in order to provide ideas for targeted therapy for NAFLD.
9.Analysis of Major Syndromes and Their Typical Related Symptoms and Signs in 135 Patients with Metabolic Syndrome:A Clinical Study Based on Syndrome Element Differentiation and Latent Class Analysis
Tong WANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Lifen MI ; Shanyi SHEN ; Shujie XIA ; Candong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):376-381
ObjectiveTo explore the typical syndromes and their characteristic of symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). MethodsTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic information was collected from 135 MS patients. Syndrome element differentiation and latent class analysis (LCA) were applied to identify the major TCM syndromes in MS patients. Symptoms were analyzed based on the differentiated syndromes, and a binary logistic regression model was constructed to determine symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value. ResultsA total of 135 MS patients were included, involving 163 symptoms and signs with a total frequency of 1749; twenty-three syndrome elements were extracted, 367 times frequency in total, among which 8 syndrome elements occurred ≥10 times with 323 frequencies (88.01% of the total). These included location-related elements such as kidney (48 times), spleen (14 times), and stomach (14 times), and nature-related elements such as phlegm (71 times), yin deficiency (64 times), dampness (57 times), heat (42 times), and qi deficiency (13 times). Based on LCA, the 135 patients were categorized into two groups distinguished by the syndrome elements of dampness and phlegm, forming the "phlegm-dampness syndrome" as the major syndrome type. Nine high-frequency symptoms and signs associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome were identified,i.e. obesity (39 times), greasy coating (38 times), slippery pulse (33 times), white coating (31 times), preference for fatty and heavy foods (30 times), excessive urination (30 times), fatigue and lack of strength (29 times), wiry pulse (25 times), and dark red tongue (25 times). A binary logistic regression model was constructed combining these nine symptoms and signs with the LCA classification results, ultimately identifying obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating as independent factors associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients (P<0.05). ConclusionThe major TCM syndrome in MS patients is phlegm-dampness syndrome, and obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating are the typical symptoms and signs for diagnosing phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients.
10.Experience in Treating Ischemic Stroke with Triple-Medicinal Combinations
Xueru ZHANG ; Wei SHEN ; Xiao LIANG ; Xiansu CHI ; Yunfan ZHANG ; Liuding WANG ; Yunling ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):407-410
This paper summarized the clinical experience in treating ischemic stroke with jiao (角) medicine (triple-medicinal combinations). Clinically, the combination of Roucongrong (Cistanche deserticola)-Shanyurou (Cornus officinalis)-Guijia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) is used to nourish the kidneys and liver for disease mechanism of liver-kidney depletion, and foundation deficiency due to insufficient essence and blood; the combination of Xixiancao (Sigesbeckia orientalis)-Tianma (Gastrodia elata)-Gouteng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) is used to extinguish wind and eliminate dampness for treating numbness and swelling of limbs caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Shichangpu (Acorus Tatarinowii)-Yuanzhi (Polygala tenuifolia)-Yujin (Curcumae Radix) is used to improve intelligence, refresh the brain, and clear the mind for treating cognitive impairment, memory loss, or speech difficulties caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Banxia (Pinellia ternata)-Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)- Tianma (Gastrodiae rhizoma) is used to dissolve phlegm and extinguish wind, unblock meridians and relieve dizziness for treating dizziness or headache caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Danggui (Angelica sinensis radix)- Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong)-Guijianyu (Euonymus alatus) is used to nourish and activate blood circulation, remove blood stasis and unblock meridians for treating weak limbs and activiry difficulty caused by ischemic stroke; the combination of Chaihu (Bupleurum chinense)-Zhiziz (Gardenia jasminoides)-Guanye Jinsitao (Hypericum perforatum) is used to soothe the liver and resolve constraint, cool the blood and calm the mind for treating emotional complications.


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