1.Investigating Molecular Mechanisms of Qijia Rougan Prescription and Its Key Effect or Ingredients Against Hepatic Fibrosis Based on Macrophage M2 Polarization
Li WEN ; Quansheng FENG ; Cen JIANG ; Baixue LI ; Dong WANG ; Jike LI ; Xia LI ; Fei WAN ; Yanfeng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):155-165
ObjectiveBased on the regulation of macrophage M2 polarization, this study aims to explore the molecular mechanism and action targets of the Qijia Rougan prescription and its key effector ingredients in anti-fibrosis, thereby providing a basis and reference for the development of new drugs for hepatic fibrosis. MethodsA rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of 40%CCl4, followed by oral administration of Qijia Rougan granules. The volume of collagen fibers was detected using Masson staining, the fibrosis markers Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA were detected using immunohistochemistry, the proportion of M2 macrophages was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of M2 macrophage phenotype markers CD163 and CD206 were detected using immunofluorescence double staining. Western blot was used to detect the levels of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB), interleukin-10 (IL-10), phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 (p-JAK1), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (p-STAT6). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of JAK1, STAT6, Arginase 1(Arg1), and Fizz1. Based on the theory of serum pharmacology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and WENN analysis were used to obtain the active ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to analyze the effector ingredients and their targets. The identified effector ingredients were interfered with IL-4-induced M2 polarization of RAW264.7 macrophage in vitro to validate the targets. ResultsQijia Rougan prescription significantly reduced the content of fibrosis markers α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ, as well as collagen fiber content (P<0.05). It decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages and the levels of related cytokines IL-10, TGF-β and PDGFB, and up-regulated the levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 (P<0.05). A total of 1 214 compounds were identified from Qijia Rougan prescription, medicated serum and blank serum, and 29 ingredients were finalized by Venn analysis, including 15 blood-entry prototypes and 14 drug metabolites. Molecular docking showed that enoxolone and berberine bound more strongly to JAK1, with binding free energies of -9.6 kcal·mol-1(1 cal≈4.184 J) and -9.1 kcal·mol-1, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that JAK1-enoxolone and JAK1-berberine exhibited stable simulation trajectories within 100 ns, with essentially identical conformations and high protein overlap before and after simulation. Their binding free energies were -25.18 5.0.81 kcal·mol-1 and -27.39 7.0.85 kcal·mol-1, respectively. The number of hydrogen bonds formed between JAK1 and enoxolone ranges from 0 to 5, and most of the time can be maintained at 2-3. In vitro intervention with enoxolone or berberine significantly reduced p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionQijia Rougan prescription inhibits M2 macrophage polarization in hepatic fibrosis. Enoxolone and berberine are the key effector ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription to inhibit macrophage M2 polarization through targeting JAK1 and modulating the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating hepatic fibrosis. This study provides a basis for prescription optimization, clinical application and new drug development, as well as a reference for monolithic anti-hepatic fibrosis research.
2.Analysis of risk factors for sodium valproate-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients and construction of risk prediction model
Wan XU ; Jin WU ; Jiaojiao MAO ; Jingjing MA ; Yao FEI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1039-1044
OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors for sodium valproate (VPA)-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients, and to construct a risk prediction model. METHODS Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 172 neurocritical patients who received VPA treatment in the Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2022 to June 2025. Patients were divided into the hyperammonemia group (73 cases) and the normal group (99 cases) based on their blood ammonia levels. Univariate analysis and LASSO regression analysis were used to screen for predictive variables. Independent factors were identified through multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and a nomogram was constructed accordingly. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS Combination of univariate analysis and LASSO regression analysis screened out seven predictive variables: body mass index (BMI)≥24.0 kg/m 2 , concomitant use of benzodiazepines, VPA blood concentration, hemoglobin, serum urea, average daily VPA dose, and albumin. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that concomitant use of benzodiazepines, BMI≥24.0 kg/m 2 , VPA blood concentration, albumin and serum urea level (with odds ratios of 1.615, 1.538, 1.623, 1.942 and 0.637, respectively; 95% confidence intervals of 1.128-2.359, 1.059-2.251, 1.112-2.431, 1.106-3.598 and 0.402-0.980, respectively) were all significantly associated with VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients ( P <0.05). The nomogram prediction model constructed based on these variables was evaluated, showing that the area under the ROC curve was 0.810 for the test set and 0.844 for the validation set. The calibration curves closely approximated t he actual curves, and the application of this model could improve the clinical net benefit. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, BMI≥24.0 kg/m 2 , high VPA blood concentration and high albumin level are independent risk factors for VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients, while high serum urea level is an independent protective factor. The risk prediction model constructed based on these factors exhibits good discrimination, consistency, and clinical applicability, making it applicable for predicting the risk of VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients.
3.Genetic analysis and reproductive intervention for 46 Chinese pedigrees affected with Hereditary multiple exostoses.
Lilan SU ; Xiao HU ; Jing DAI ; Zhengxing WAN ; Duo YI ; Shuangfei LI ; Liang HU ; Yueqiu TAN ; Fei GONG ; Ge LIN ; Guangxiu LU ; Qianjun ZHANG ; Juan DU ; Wenbin HE
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2026;43(4):253-258
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the genetic etiology of 46 Chinese pedigrees affected with Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) and provide genetic counseling and reproductive intervention.
METHODS:
Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were carried out on 87 patients from the 46 pedigrees to analyze the variants of EXT1 and EXT2 genes. Pathogenicity of the variants was assessed based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP). Prenatal diagnosis and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) were provided for couples with identified pathogenic mutations. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: LL-SC-SG-2014-010).
RESULTS:
In total 17 and 22 pathogenic variants were respectively identified in the EXT1 and EXT2 genes, among which 5 EXT1 and 12 EXT2 variants were unreported previously. Three patients with no family history were found to harbor de novo variants of the EXT1 gene. Twenty nine couples had opted for PGT or underwent prenatal diagnosis following natural conception, and 17 healthy babies were born.
CONCLUSION
This study has clarified the genetic etiology of 45 HME pedigrees and identified 17 novel variants, which has enriched the mutational spectrum of the EXT1 and EXT2 genes. Reproductive intervention through PGT and prenatal diagnosis have prevented the recurrence of HME in these families.
Humans
;
Female
;
Male
;
Pedigree
;
Exostoses, Multiple Hereditary/diagnosis*
;
N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases/genetics*
;
Adult
;
Exostosin 1
;
Asian People/genetics*
;
Genetic Testing
;
Exostosin 2
;
Mutation
;
China
;
Prenatal Diagnosis
;
Pregnancy
;
Genetic Counseling
;
Preimplantation Diagnosis
;
Exome Sequencing
;
East Asian People
4.Analysis of ultrasound as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for eosinophilic fasciitis
Jinshui YANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Min LI ; Fei SUN ; Bo ZHOU ; Qianqian ZHAO ; Yuehua WAN ; Jian ZHU ; Jianglin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;64(4):333-338
Objective:This study investigates the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing eosinophilic fasciitis (EF).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and ultrasound data of 109 EF patients seen at the center between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2024. The diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for EF was evaluated by comparing forearm fascia ultrasound findings among EF patients, systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, and healthy controls (HC).Results:Among the 109 EF patients (male-to-female ratio 2.2︰1), the median age of onset was 36 (29, 48) years, with a median disease duration of 7 (3, 12) months. The study also included 20 SSc patients [median age 49 (35, 61) years] and 20 HC individuals [median age 48 (29, 54) years]. Ultrasound assessments of forearm fascia in EF patients revealed a median fascial thickness of 1.9 (1.4, 2.4) mm. The median fascial thickness was 0.8 (0.7, 0.9) mm in SSc patients and 0.7 (0.5, 0.9) mm in HC individuals. Fascial thickness in EF patients was greater than in SSc ( Z=-11.16, P<0.001) and HC groups ( Z=-11.87, P<0.001). There was a correlation between fascia thickness and C-reactive protein ( r=0.148, P=0.004), erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r=0.143, P=0.005), and immunoglobulin G ( r=0.120, P=0.020) in EF patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated a sensitivity of 84.0% and specificity of 95.9% for EF diagnosis, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.921 and a cut-off value of 1.005 mm. Conclusion:Ultrasound detection of forearm fascial thickening (>1 mm) aids in diagnosing eosinophilic fasciitis, indicating that ultrasound is a supplementary diagnostic tool for EF.
5.The reduction of reproductive function of male zebrafish caused by high-fat diet:A molecular basis study
Zhenghong DU ; Fei MAO ; Xue ZHAO ; Shuo WANG ; Yongjun WAN ; Chengyu ZHANG ; Peng DUAN ; Dahu ZHANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(11):963-971
Objective To investigate the effects and mechanisms of high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obesity on male ze-brafish reproductive function.Methods Adult male zebrafish were divided into normal diet(ND)group and HFD group.Growth and metabolic conditions were evaluated by measuring body weight,body length,BMI,organ index,and glucose/lipid lev-els.Reproductive capacity was assessed via sperm concentration,motility,fertilization rate,and testosterone levels.Testicular tissues from both of groups were subjected to transeriptomic sequencing(RNA-seq).And qRT-PCR was used to validate the expression of genes.Results Compared to male zebrafish in ND group,the ones in HFD group exhibited hepatic steatosis and glucose/lipid meta-bolic disorders(P<0.05).Testicular structural disorganization,along with reduced testosterone levels,decreased gonadosomatic in-dex,and impaired sperm concentration and motility occurred in HFD group(P<0.05).GO analysis revealed that differentially ex-pressed genes were enriched in spermatogenesis and ciliary system,while KEGG analysis highlighted metabolic related pathways(pu-rine metabolism,thyroid hormone synthesis,mTOR signaling)and cell adhesion molecules.Twenty key differentially expressed genes were validated by qRT-PCR,which confirmed the reliability of RNA-Seq results.Conclusion Impairment of reproductive function induced by HFD in zebrafish may be associated with three regulatory mechanisms including ciliary system,metabolic dysregulation,and aberrant cell adhesion molecule signaling.This study provides mechanistic insights and identifies potential therapeutic targets for clinical management of diet-associated infertility.
6.Analysis of toxic material basis of Dryopteris crassirhizoma by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS
Rong-hui ZHENG ; Cui-jie WEI ; Fei-fei XIE ; Xin-ya WAN ; Xiao-jie LIANG ; Zhi-wen DUAN ; Dong-mei SUN ; Xiang-dong CEHN
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3305-3314
AIM To establish a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for analyzing the toxic material basis of 95%ethanol cold soaked ultrasonic extract(EC),95%ethanol heated reflux extract(EH)and water decoction extract(WD)from Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 25 ℃ thermostatic agilent ZORBAX RRHD StableBond C18 column(2.1 mm×150 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of methanol-0.2%formic acid flowing at 0.30 mL/min,and heated electrospray ion source was adopted in positive and negative ion scanning.Compounds were identified by Compound Discover 3.3 software combined with the database and related literature,and the main differential components were screened by Heatmap cluster analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis.RESULTS 72 compounds were identified(22 phloroglucinols,19 flavonoids,8 phenylpropanoids,6 terpenoids and 17 other components).The main toxic differential components were phloroglucinols such as flavaspidic acid AB,didemethylpseudoaspidin AA and filixic acid PBP,flavonoids such as(-)-epicatechin,(-)-epigallocatechin,cianidanol,and other compounds such as indole-3-carboxaldehyde.CONCLUSION This method can rapidly,effectively and comprehensively characterize the main chemical composition of D.crassirhizoma,and provide a reference for the study of its pharmacological mechanism.
7.Construction of a nursing follow-up checklist for patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Ting WANG ; Jiating WANG ; Aiyun JIN ; Xiaming ZHU ; Yun FANG ; Jing WANG ; Fei TIAN ; Yiqin PU ; Ying WAN ; Jin HE ; Xia YAN
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(8):914-920
Objective To construct a nursing follow-up checklist for patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,providing a basis for postoperative follow-up care.Methods Using evidence-based methods,the literature from major guide websites and databases using Chinese and English search terms was retrieved,and their quality was evaluated.The relevant items were extracted,and a first draft was formed.15 experts were selected in relevant fields from 14 tertiary hospitals in 13 provinces,cities,and autonomous regions across the country for Delphi inquiry.The nursing follow-up checklist was revised again based on expert opinions and clinical practice.The nursing follow-up checklist was initially applied and then revised again to form the final draft.Results 15 experts include 12 undergraduate and 3 master's degree holders.The positivity coefficients of the 2 rounds of inquiry were 100%;the authority coefficients of the experts were 0.815;the Kendall coefficients were 0.119 and 0.144,respectively;the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).The final nursing follow-up checklist was formed,which includes 6 primary indicators,including physiological status,psychological status,social and family support,living conditions,disease knowledge,and laboratory tests.19 patients(95%)found the follow-up content to be comprehensive.The follow-up nurses's satisfaction rate exceeded 85%.There were 27 secondary indicators and 61 tertiary indicators,with coefficients of variation of all indicators less than 0.25.Conclusion The nursing follow-up checklist is scientific,reliable,and practical,which can provide a basis for clinical nursing staff to follow up and comprehensively manage patients after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
8.Quality evaluation of Rubi Fructus based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS,HPLC fingerprints and content determination
Shu-wan LI ; Yang-zhen LIAO ; Long-fei WANG ; Ya-qin ZHAO ; Jia-he FAN ; Yuan WEI ; Zhen OUYANG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(4):1077-1084
AIM To evaluate the quality of Rubi Fructus.METHODS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was adopted in the component identification,after which the HPLC fingerprints were established,cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were used for chemical pattern recognition.and the contents of chlorogenic acid,ferulic acid,ellagic acid,isoquercitrin,kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside,astragalin,tiliroside quercetin,kaempferol were determined.RESULTS Total 34 constituents were identified.There were 19 common peaks in the fingerprints for 31 batches of medicinal materials with the similarities of more than 0.8.Wild varieties and cultivated varieties,and medicinal materials from different producing areas could be distinguished;4 principal components demonstrated the accumulative variance contribution rate of 84.142%;8 differential components were screened,2 of which were ellagic acid and astragalin.Ellagic acid and astragalin displayed higher contents in the wild varieties than those in the cultivated varieties(P<0.05,P<0.01).CONCLUSION UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS,HPLC fingerprints combined with content determination can be used for the quality control of Rubi Fructus.
9.Effect and Safety of a New Conditioning Regimen with Chidamide and BEAM for Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Lymphoma
Sen LI ; Jin-Jie GAO ; Yan LI ; Fei DONG ; Qi-Hui LI ; Wei ZHAO ; Wei WAN ; Ping YANG ; Ji-Jun WANG ; Hong-Mei JING
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(1):121-126
Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of a new conditioning regimen with chidamide and BEAM for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(AHSCT)in patients with lymphoma.Methods:Medical records and further follow-up data from 85 patients with lymphoma from May 2015 to September 2020 in our hospital were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Results:Among 85 patients,52 cases accepted BEAM regimen and 33 cases accepted CBEAM followed by AHSCT.In CBEAM group,18 patients(54.5%)received AHSCT as salvage therapy,while only 26.9%(14 cases)for salvage in BEAM group(P<0.01).CBEAM conditioning resulted in shorter neutrophil engraftment of 2 days,while no significant difference was found in platelet engraftment.Although the incidence of liver impairment was higher in CBEAM group(12.1%),the grade of impairment was only Ⅰ to Ⅱ.The two conditioning regimens both achieved good complete remission rate of over 90%,and no transplant-related death occurred.The median follow-up time in the CBEAM group was 18(12,22)months,and 39(20,59)months in the BEAM group.There were no significantly differences in 2-year progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)rate between the two groups(P>0.05).In patients with refractory or relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma,the 2-year PFS rate after transplantation in BEAM group and CBEAM group was 74.1%and 92.9%,respectively(P>0.05),indicating that chidamide may have certain advantages in prolonging PFS.Conclusion:CBEAM conditioning regimen has a good efficacy and safety in lymphoma patients before AHSCT,especially in refractory and relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients,suggesting that it could serve as an alternative conditioning regimen prior to AHSCT for lymphoma.
10.Clinical efficacy and safety of CLAE regimen for refractory/relapsed T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma: a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study
Yan LI ; Xian ZHANG ; Xiuhua SUN ; Jia SONG ; Rong ZHANG ; Ping YANG ; Wei WAN ; Fei DONG ; Jijun WANG ; Hongmei JING
Chinese Journal of Hematology 2025;46(11):1005-1013
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the CLAE (cladribine + cytarabine + etoposide) regimen in refractory/relapsed T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (R/R T-ALL/LBL) .Methods:Patients with R/R T-ALL/LBL received the CLAE regimen in a prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical study or compassionate use. From March 2019 to August 2024, data from 25 patients (18 in the study across five centers and 7 receiving compassionate treatment in Peking University Third Hospital) were collected. Outcomes included objective response rate, complete response (CR) rate, partial response (PR) rate after 1–2 cycles, bridging to allo-HSCT, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse effects.Results:Median age was 29 years (range, 13–63) ; 17 were male. Among the 24 evaluable patients, CR rate was 33.3% overall and 41.2% among enrolled patients. Median OS and PFS time were 199 (46–1 310) and 49 (28–1 310) days, respectively. Cumulative OS rate at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years was (52.1±10.2) %, (29.7±9.3) %, and (27.1±9.1) %, respectively; cumulative PFS rate was (32.6±9.6) %, (24.9±8.9) %, and (23.8±8.7) %, respectively. Among patients achieving CR or PR (8 cases), median OS and PFS were not reached. Cumulative OS rate at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years was (86.8±12.0) %, (78.3±14.6) %, and (72.9±15.7) %, respectively, and the cumulative PFS rate was (86.4±12.1) %, (74.8±15.3) %, and (72.9±15.7) %, respectively. Adverse events were mainly hematologic; no treatment-related mortality occurred. Seven patients achieving CR were bridged to allo-HSCT, with 5 remaining in continuous remission.Conclusion:The CLAE regimen is safe and effective for R/R T-ALL/LBL, facilitating CR as a bridge to allo-HSCT and potentially improving patient prognosis.

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