1.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
2.Exploring Mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang Against High Altitude Pulmonary Edema Based on Integrative Pharmacology Model
Rongrong WANG ; Chuchu WANG ; Qi XU ; Qin JIAN ; Junzhi LIN ; Ruli LI ; Chuan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):137-148
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Xiaoqinglongtang(XQL) in the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema(HAPE) by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, and to verify it by in vivo animal model. MethodsIn this study, the active ingredients, drug targets, and HAPE-related targets of XQL were collected from BATMAN-TCM, GeneCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) databases. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was constructed by using intersection targets, and the core targets were screened and visualized by Cytoscape software. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of the intersection targets were performed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment. AutoDock and GROMACS were used to evaluate the binding ability of active ingredients to key targets. In the experimental verification part, a mouse model of HAPE induced by hypobaric hypoxia(simulated 6 000 m altitude for 48 h) was established. The control effect was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) detection of gene expression levels, and immunohistochemistry and Western blot detection of key protein expression. ResultsA total of 355 active ingredients of XQL, 2 142 targets, 716 HAPE-related targets, and 236 intersection targets were obtained by network pharmacology analysis. Key core targets such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were screened. The results of GO analysis of common targets involved 738 biological processes(BP), 72 cellular components(CC), and 135 molecular functions(MF). KEGG analysis effectively enriched two important signaling pathways: Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and HIF-1α. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation showed that the screened active ingredients had good binding ability with key targets. In the HAPE model induced by hypobaric hypoxia(6 000 m, 48 h), the lung tissue water content, lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio, and pathological injury score of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01), accompanied by exudation of a large number of red blood cells in the alveoli and alveolar interstitium, a significant increase in inflammatory cells, a significant widening of the alveolar septum, and mutual fusion between the alveoli. The XQL administration group significantly improved the above pathological changes(P<0.01). The results of inflammatory factor expression showed that compared with the control group, the model group showed significantly up-regulated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lung tissue(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group had significantly decreased expression of inflammatory factors(P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression of key pathway related genes PI3K, Akt1, mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), and HIF-1α was significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01), and decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after XQL administration(P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression levels of key proteins PI3K, phosphorylation(p)-PI3K, Akt1, p-Akt1, mTOR, p-mTOR, and HIF-1α in lung tissue were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the XQL administration group exhibited decreased expression of key proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXQL can reduce lung inflammation and improve HAPE. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and HIF-1α pathways. This study provides a new idea and a theoretical basis for the treatment of HAPE with XQL.
3.Synthesis and antitumor activity of novel RRx-001 derivatives
Ruonan WU ; Wenmin TANG ; Lin GAO ; Yuelin WU ; Chuan LUO ; Zhenyuan MIAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(8):400-403
Objective To study the antitumor activities of RRx-001 derivatives with novel covalent fragments. Methods Four targeted compounds were designed and synthesized. The structures were confirmed by 1H NMR and HRMS. A549 and HCT116 cancer cell lines were selected for antiproliferative activity assays. Results All the compounds revealed antitumor activities and compound ZM528 showed the best antitumor activity against these two cell lines with IC50 values of (5.1±4.8) μmol/L and (6.0±2.7) μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion The result indicated that bromoacetyl group of RRx-001 could be substituted with other covalent fragments.
4.Chemical constituents from salt-processed Litchi Semen and their antioxidant activities
Rui YIN ; Xing YANG ; Wei-mao DONG ; Xu-li DENG ; Yi-mou WANG ; Hong-chuan ZHANG ; Kui-lin ZHU ; Zhang-xian CHEN ; Hong-ping HE ; Fa-wu DONG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):480-486
AIM To study the chemical constituents from salt-processed Litchi Semen and their antioxidant activities.METHODS The 85%ethanol extract from salt-processed Litchi Semen was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,MCI,ODS and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.DPPH and ABTS+free radical scavenging method were used to evaluate their antioxidant activities.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as dehydrocostuslactone(1),ananosmoside A(2),funingensin A(3),(2S)-pinocembrin-7-O-(6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside)(4),liquiritienin(5),quercetin(6),rutin(7),isorhamnetin-3-O-β-rutinoside(8),procyanidin A2(9),procyanidin A1(10),ethyl protocatechuate(11),5-hydroxymethylfurfural(12),di(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate(13),nicotinamide(14),(10E,15Z)-9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadeca-10,15-dienoic acid(15).Compounds 6-7,9-10 exhibited scavenging activities against DPPH radicals with IC50 values of(12.929±1.232),(14.104±0.946),(10.417±1.736),(6.944±0.030)μmol/L,respectively.Compounds 6-10 exhibited scavenging activities against ABTS+radicals with IC50 values of(21.952±0.577),(25.683±0.625),(22.970±1.336),(20.210±1.435),(18.725±0.324)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,5,14-15 are isolated from Litchi genus for the first time.Compounds 6-7,9-10 have strong in vitro antioxidant activities.
5.The Technological Frontiers,Computational Paradigms and Emerging Challenges of Single-cell and Spatial Omics
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(11):1559-1565
Single-cell and spatial omics technologies are spearheading a profound paradigm shift in the life sciences,moving beyond'population averages'to'single-cell resolution'and reintegrating'cellu-lar constitution'with'tissue spatial architecture',thereby dramatically advancing our understanding of biological complexity.This review provides a brief comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the field.Technologically,the evolution has progressed from single-cell transcriptomics to integrated approa-ches capturing multiple molecular layers simultaneously,while the emergence of transcriptome-badsed spatial omics has successfully preserved the spatial positioning of cells or microscosystem within native tis-sues,and further enabling spatial epigenomics and spatial-multiomics.Computationally,artificial intelli-gence and machine learning have become central engines,powering tools for data integration,spatial de-convolution,cellular communication and other novel foundation models,which not only tackle the chal-lenges of massive datasets but also serve as instruments for novel biological discovery.These technological leaps have fostered significant theoretical innovations.In clinical translation,these technologies,particu-larly in precision oncology,demonstrate transformative potential by dissecting tumor heterogeneity,map-ping the spatial architecture of the tumor immune microenvironment,and enabling disease modeling through single-cell-guided deconvolution of bulk data,offering new avenues for diagnosis,prognosis,and personalized therapy.Despite ongoing challenges in technological throughput,computational scalability,and clinical integration,the continued convergence of single-cell and spatial omics with AI promises to propel basic research towards a more mechanistic and predictive era,ultimately reshaping the future of precision medicine.
6.Changes of cardiovascular function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure after medi-cal community homogenization management
Yan XU ; Lin XUE ; Yan-chuan WANG ; Yuan-yuan SHU ; Ya-mei WANG
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(2):241-246
Objective:To investigate the effect of medical community homogenization management(MCHM)on self-care ability,heart function,vascular endothelial function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:This randomized controlled study enrolled 110 CHF patients admitted in Panzhihua Central Hos-pital between April 2021 and April 2023.They were divided into intervention group(n=55)and routine group(n=55).The control group received routine management,while intervention group received additional MCHM,both groups were intervened for 3 months.Self-care ability,heart function,vascular endothelial function,quality of life and incidence of adverse events were compared between two groups.Results:Compared with patients in control group,those in intervention group had significant higher total score of self-care of heart failure index(SCHFI)[(82.30±2.98)points vs.(59.46±3.19)points],stroke volume(SV)[(73.30±2.31)ml vs.(54.66±1.96)ml],left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(58.25±2.90)% vs.(52.41±2.52)%],early diastolic peak flow velocity/late diastolic peak flow velocity(E/A)[(1.95±0.18)vs.(1.30±0.16)]and the level of nitric oxide(NO)[(106.70±4.44)μmol/L vs.(82.36±4.66)μmol/L](P<0.001 all),and significant lower left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDd)[(49.79±1.58)mm vs.(56.49±2.17)mm],endothelin-1(ET-1)[(36.66±2.65)ng/L vs.(46.88±2.66)ng/L],Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire(MLHFQ)total score[(36.12±3.23)points vs.(54.67±3.35)points](P<0.001 all).Patients in intervention group had significant lower incidence of adverse events comparing to those in control group(7.27% vs.25.45%,P=0.010).Conclu-sion:Medical community homogenization management could significantly improve self-care ability,heart func-tion,vascular endothelial function and quality of life with good safety in CHF patients.
7.Dosimetry effect of fluence smoothing in Monaco Treatment Planning System for short-course volumetric modulated arc therapy of preoperative rectal cancer
Yao XIAO ; De-li ZHOU ; Kun-pu SU ; Lin-shan LI ; Meng-yuan SI ; Yan-hai LIU ; Chuan CHEN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(5):48-53
Objective To investigate the dosimetric differences in preoperative short-course volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)for rectal cancer using different fluence smoothing(FS)levels in the Monaco Treatment Planning System(Monaco TPS).Methods Twenty rectal cancer patients who received preoperative neoadjuvant short-course VMAT at some hospital from September 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively selected.Four groups of radiotherapy plans were formulated using the Monaco TPS for each case,which were classified into an off group,a low group,a medium group and a high group based on the FS levels.Then the four groups were compared in terms of the dosimetric parameters,monitor unit and number of the segments in the planning target volume(PTV)and organ at risk(OAR).Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software.Results All the four groups had the doses to the target volume meeting clinical requirements,which had no significant differences in the doses to 5%(D5%)and 95%(D95%)to the target volume and the maximum dose(Dmax),minimum dose(Dmin),mean dose(Dmean)and conformity index(all P>0.05).Statistical differences were found between the homogeneity indexes of the four groups(P<0.05),with the medium group behaving the best.The number of the segments rose while the mornitor units decreased siginificantly with the increase of FS levels,with the differences being statistically significant(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the V25,V20,V15 and V10 of the small intestine,the V25 and V20 of the bladder and the V15 and V10 of the left and right femur(all P>0.05).Conclusion In preoperative short-course VMAT for rectal cancer,clinical requirements can be met with different FS levels in the Monaco TPS,and medium-level FS results in optimal overall dose distribution in terms of treatment planning.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(5):48-53]
8.Effect of transversus abdominis plane block with liposomal bupivacaine and general anesthesia on postoperative delirium in elderly patients with prior novel coronavirus pneumonia
Yuanlong WANG ; Dingwei LIU ; Wenjie KONG ; Shuhui HUA ; Shanling XU ; Jian KONG ; Hongyan GONG ; Rui DONG ; Yanan LIN ; Chuan LI ; Yanlin BI ; Bin WANG ; Xu LIN
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(7):812-817
Objective:To assess the effect of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) with liposomal bupivacaine and general anesthesia on postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients with prior novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19).Methods:In this randomized double-blind controlled study, 416 patients of either sex, aged 65-90 yr, weighing 50-90 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, diagnosed as having COVID-19 within 6 months prior to surgery, who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery under combination of elective TAPB and combined intravenous-inhalational general anaesthesia at Qingdao Municipal Hospital from June 2023 to December 2024, were selected. The patients were divided into liposomal bupivacaine group ( n=208) and bupivacaine hydrochloride group ( n=208) using the random number table method. After induction of anaesthesia, bilateral TAPB was performed with liposomal bupivacaine injectio 266 mg (40 ml) in liposomal bupivacaine group and with 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride 40 ml in bupivacaine hydrochloride group. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of POD within 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included severity of POD, pain scores at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation, the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia and consumption of morphine, duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay, and length of hospital stay. The occurrence of complications such as death, reoperation, atelectasis and pneumonia was recorded at 30 days after surgery. Results:Compared with bupivacaine hydrochloride group, the incidence of POD was significantly decreased (21.5% [43/200]versus 12.0% [24/200]), pain scores at 24, 48 and 72 h after operation were decreased, the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia and consumption of morphine were decreased, and the duration of post-anesthesia care unit stay and length of hospital stay were shortened in liposomal bupivacaine group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the severity of POD and the case fatality rate and related complications within 30 days after surgery between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Liposomal bupivacaine TAPB combined with general anesthesia can reduce the development of POD in elderly patients with prior COVID-19.
9.Relationship between preoperative concentrations of sTREM2 in cerebrospinal fluid and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty
Bin WANG ; Wansong ZHAO ; Shuhui HUA ; Jian KONG ; Shanling XU ; Jiahan WANG ; Chuan LI ; Yanan LIN ; Hongyan GONG ; Rui DONG ; Xu LIN ; Yanlin BI
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(5):546-552
Objective:To evaluate the relationship between preoperative concentrations of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (sTREM2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and postoperative delirium (POD) in patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty.Methods:Six hundred and twenty-five patients of either sex, aged 50-90 yr, weighing 50-80 kg, with American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰor Ⅱ, with the preoperative Mini-Mental State Examination score > 23, who underwent elective knee/hip arthroplasty under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia at Qingdao Municipal Hospital from January 2022 to December 2023, were selected. The CSF specimens 2 ml were withdrawn from the subarachnoid space after successful subarachnoid puncture for determination of the concentrations of sTREM2, Amyloid beta protein (Aβ 42), total tau protein (T-tau), and phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. POD was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method. Patients were divided into POD group and non-POD group based on whether POD occurred. Logistic regression was used to identify the risk and protective factors for POD. The performance of CSF sTREM2 concentration combined with CSF biomarker levels in predicting POD was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and clinical decision curve. The mediating effect of CSF biomarker concentrations in the relationship between CSF sTREM2 concentration and POD was analyzed. Results:Five hundred and nineteen patients were finally included, with 112 patients in POD group and 407 patients in non-POD group. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the elevated preoperative sTREM2 concentration in CSF was the risk factor for POD after adjusting for multiple confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, years of education, Mini-Mental State Examination score, history of smoking, history of drinking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. The area under the ROC curve of the preoperative sTREM2 concentration in CSF in predicting POD was 0.716, and the area under the ROC curve of the preoperative sTREM2 concentration in CSF combined with CSF biomarkers in predicting POD was 0.796. This model had high clinical application value and predictive efficacy. The relationship between the preoperative sTREM2 concentration in CSF and POD was partially mediated by the CSF p-tau concentration (proportion of mediated effect 24.67%) and t-tau protein concentration (proportion of mediated effect 17.33%).Conclusions:The elevated preoperative concentration of sTREM2 in CSF is a risk factor for POD in patients undergoing total knee/hip arthroplasty, and concentrations of t-tau and p-tau in CSF play a mediating role in the relationship between the preoperative CSF sTREM2 concentration and POD.
10.Relationship between postoperative delirium and preoperative frailty in elderly patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty
Yizhi LIANG ; Doudou WANG ; Jiahui ZHOU ; Jun ZHANG ; Wenjie KONG ; Kun WANG ; Shuhui HUA ; Yunchao YANG ; Jiahan WANG ; Chuan LI ; Yanan LIN ; Hongyan GONG ; Xu LIN ; Yanlin BI ; Bin WANG
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology 2025;45(8):942-947
Objective:To evaluate the association between postoperative delirium (POD) and preoperative frailty in elderly patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty.Methods:This nested case-control study utilized medical records from elderly patients who underwent knee or hip arthroplasty under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia at Qingdao Municipal Hospital between September 2021 and May 2023. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on clinically diagnosed POD: POD group ( n=53) and non-POD group ( n=256). Univariate analysis was conducted on suspected influencing factors, and logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the risk factors for POD. Receiver operating characteristic and clinical decision curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive performance of these risk factors for POD. Mediation analysis was performed, and a clinically applicable nomogram was constructed to achieve visual prediction of outcomes. Results:There were statistically significant differences in age, preoperative frailty, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification, Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale scores, and concentrations of Aβ 42, Aβ 40, phosphorylated tau protein (p-tau protein) and tau protein, Aβ 42/tau ratio and Aβ 42/p-tau ratio in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) between non-POD group and POD group ( P<0.05). Preoperative frailty was a risk factor for POD ( P<0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that the association between preoperative frailty and POD was mediated by CSF tau protein concentrations. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of preoperative frailty and CSF biomarker concentrations in predicting POD was 0.974 ( P<0.05). The clinical decision curve demonstrated that the model combining the preoperative frailty and CSF biomarker concentrations predicted a higher net benefit ( P<0.05). The clinical decision curve showed that the model combining preoperative frailty and CSF biomarker concentrations predicted a higher net benefit. Conclusions:Preoperative frailty is a risk factor for POD in elderly patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty, and its combination with CSF biomarker concentrations can effectively predict the occurrence of POD. CSF tau concentration mediates the association between preoperative frailty and development of POD.

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