1.The Role of Histone Lactylation in Diseases and Intervention by Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xin ZHANG ; Jie DU ; Zhao-Huan LI ; Feng GAO
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):887-904
Histone lactylation is a recently identified post-translational modification, wherein lactate mediates the enzymatic addition of lactyl groups to lysine residues on histones. Since its discovery, extensive research has demonstrated that histone lactylation is widely present in human tissues and plays a pivotal role in regulating the transcription of specific genes. Subsequent studies have further established this modification as a widespread epigenetic mark with significant physiological implications. With advancing research, accumulating evidence confirms that lactylation at distinct histone sites elicits diverse biological effects—such as promoting cell proliferation, driving inflammatory responses, and enhancing fibrosis—all of which profoundly influence disease progression and serve as key drivers of disease onset and development. Conversely, inhibiting histone lactylation can alter disease outcomes, positioning histone lactylation as a promising therapeutic target. Moreover, studies have revealed crosstalk between histone lactylation and other post-translational modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, which collectively regulate disease progression. Notably, lactylation occurs not only on histones but also on non-histone proteins. Histone lactylation activates specific gene transcription and reshapes metabolic epigenetics, while non-histone lactylation directly modulates enzyme activity, signal transduction, and protein stability. These two facets form a synergistic network through shared lactate pools, common modifying enzyme systems, and pathway crosstalk, thereby constructing a multi-dimensional regulatory framework—namely, the “histone lactylation-metabolism hub-non-histone lactylation” axis. This architecture bridges metabolism and epigenetics, and deciphering its topological structure may provide novel targets for precise intervention in diseases driven by lactate-mediated signaling hijacking. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in clinical practice, has been shown to regulate histone lactylation by modulating lactate metabolism and lactylation-related enzymes, thereby influencing disease progression. Moreover, certain TCM formulations exhibit potential as alternative therapies for drug-resistant diseases, underscoring the significance of further exploring TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation in future therapeutic strategies. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying histone lactylation, systematically delineate the associations between site-specific histone lactylation and various diseases, present a comprehensive landscape of the “lactate-histone lactylation and functional protein lactylation” axis, and summarize the mechanistic basis and research advances in TCM-mediated regulation of histone lactylation for disease treatment. Additionally, we discuss current challenges in histone lactylation research and propose future directions, ultimately aiming to deepen understanding and broaden perspectives on the roles and therapeutic potential of histone lactylation in disease.
2.Study on the role of oleuropein in enhancing muscle endurance
Huan LI ; Zhen ZHANG ; Jiayi FENG ; Weidong ZHANG ; Xia LIU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(3):126-131
Objective Orosomucoid1 (ORM1) is a novel target in the quest for anti-fatigue pharmacotherapy. Preliminary investigations have illuminated oleuropein (OLE) as a promising candidate molecule, poised to enhance ORM1 expression. To elucidate the influence of OLE on ORM1 protein expression and assess its ramifications on muscle endurance. Methods The impact of OLE on ORM1 protein expressions within hepatocytes and liver tissue was meticulously quantified through Western blotting; the effects of OLE on muscle endurance were evaluated via the rotarod and forced swimming tests; glycogen content within liver and muscle tissues was determined utilizing a specialized kit; and PAS staining was employed to visualize glycogen deposition in the gastrocnemius muscle. Results OLE demonstrated a capacity to elevate ORM1 protein expression in hepatocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner, concurrently prolonging the duration of swimming and rotarod performance in mice, also in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, OLE augmented ORM1 expression in liver tissue, elevated serum ORM1 levels, and enhanced glycogen reserves within the liver and muscle. Conclusion OLE may serve to amplify muscle endurance by elevating ORM1 levels in vivo and augmenting glycogen stores within skeletal muscle.
3.Reliability and Validity Evaluation of TCM Identification Scale of Five Human Qualities in Elderly People
Manman LU ; Rui YU ; Baozhao JU ; Feng GU ; Huan ZHANG ; Zengjin JIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):153-160
ObjectiveBased on the Huangdi Neijing,a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)identification scale of five human qualities was constructed and applied in elderly people to evaluate its reliability and validity. MethodsBased on the original text of the Huangdi Neijing and a review of relevant ancient and modern literature, an identification scale of five human qualities was developed through Delphi expert interviews. Offline surveys were conducted to evaluate the feasibility,reliability,and validity of its application in elderly people,and the scale was evaluated and revised. ResultsThe scale of five human qualities is divided into five subscales:wood,fire,earth,metal,and water. Each subscale is divided into four dimensions:morphological structure,psychological characteristics,tolerance,and physiological characteristics,with a total of 75 items. The survey results in elderly people show that:(1) The recovery rate and completion rate are 100%,and the average filling time is 23.3 min. 85.5% of the samples are completed within the preset time. (2) Reliability analysis results:The homogeneity reliability of each subscale,Chronbach's α,ranges from 0.702 to 0.793. The scores of each subscale in the split-half reliability range from 0.758 to 0.841, indicating that the internal consistency of the scale is good. (3) Validity analysis results. Content validity:During the development stage of the scale,the item pool,dimensions,and structure of the scale are designed reasonably, and the content is complete. The evaluation of content validity shows that the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) ranges from 0.83 to 1.00, and the scale-level content validity index for universal agreement (S-CVI/UA) is 0.92,indicating good content validity of the scale. Construct validity extracts 22 common factors based on an eigenvalue of 1,with a contribution rate of 62.333% to the overall system. The number of common factors in the five subscales is 4,5,4,5,and 4,respectively,with contribution rates of 52.64%,53.376%,51.445%,51.359%,and 50.714%,respectively,indicating the required structure for physical fitness measurement in elderly people. ConclusionThe scale constructed in this study has high reliability and validity,and it is suitable for evaluating the physical condition of elderly people in TCM.
4.Safety of teriflunomide in Chinese adult patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis: A phase IV, 24-week multicenter study.
Chao QUAN ; Hongyu ZHOU ; Huan YANG ; Zheng JIAO ; Meini ZHANG ; Baorong ZHANG ; Guojun TAN ; Bitao BU ; Tao JIN ; Chunyang LI ; Qun XUE ; Huiqing DONG ; Fudong SHI ; Xinyue QIN ; Xinghu ZHANG ; Feng GAO ; Hua ZHANG ; Jiawei WANG ; Xueqiang HU ; Yueting CHEN ; Jue LIU ; Wei QIU
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(4):452-458
BACKGROUND:
Disease-modifying therapies have been approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The present study aims to examine the safety of teriflunomide in Chinese patients with RMS.
METHODS:
This non-randomized, multi-center, 24-week, prospective study enrolled RMS patients with variant (c.421C>A) or wild type ABCG2 who received once-daily oral teriflunomide 14 mg. The primary endpoint was the relationship between ABCG2 polymorphisms and teriflunomide exposure over 24 weeks. Safety was assessed over the 24-week treatment with teriflunomide.
RESULTS:
Eighty-two patients were assigned to variant ( n = 42) and wild type groups ( n = 40), respectively. Geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (SD) of pre-dose concentration (variant, 54.9 [38.0] μg/mL; wild type, 49.1 [32.0] μg/mL) and area under plasma concentration-time curve over a dosing interval (AUC tau ) (variant, 1731.3 [769.0] μg∙h/mL; wild type, 1564.5 [1053.0] μg∙h/mL) values at steady state were approximately similar between the two groups. Safety profile was similar and well tolerated across variant and wild type groups in terms of rates of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE), treatment-related TEAE, grade ≥3 TEAE, and serious adverse events (AEs). No new specific safety concerns or deaths were reported in the study.
CONCLUSION:
ABCG2 polymorphisms did not affect the steady-state exposure of teriflunomide, suggesting a similar efficacy and safety profile between variant and wild type RMS patients.
REGISTRATION
NCT04410965, https://clinicaltrials.gov .
Humans
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Crotonates/adverse effects*
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Toluidines/adverse effects*
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Nitriles
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Hydroxybutyrates
;
Female
;
Male
;
Adult
;
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2/genetics*
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Middle Aged
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Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/genetics*
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Prospective Studies
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Young Adult
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Neoplasm Proteins/genetics*
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East Asian People
5.Mechanism of icariin in promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and improving bone metabolism disorders through caveolin-1/Hippo signaling pathway.
Yi-Dan HAN ; Hai-Feng ZHANG ; Yun-Teng XU ; Yu-Huan ZHONG ; Xiao-Ning WANG ; Yun YU ; Yuan-Li YAN ; Shan-Shan WANG ; Xi-Hai LI
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):600-608
Guided by the theory of "the kidney storing essence, governing the bones, and producing marrow", this study explored the mechanism of icariin(ICA) in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) through caveolin-1(Cav1) via in vitro and in vivo experiments, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Primary cells were obtained from 4-week-old female SD rats using the whole bone marrow adherent method. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of surface markers CD29, CD90, CD11b, and CD45. The potential for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was assessed. The effect of ICA on cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay, and the impact of ICA on the formation of mineralized nodules was verified by alizarin red staining. A stable Cav1-silenced cell line was constructed using lentivirus. The effect of Cav1 silencing on osteogenic differentiation was observed via alizarin red staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of Cav1, Hippo/TAZ, and osteogenic markers such as Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). The results showed that primary cells were successfully obtained using the whole bone marrow adherent method, positively expressing surface markers of rat BMSCs and possessing the potential for both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The CCK-8 assay and alizarin red staining results indicated that 1×10~(-7) mol·L~(-1) was the optimal concentration of ICA for intervention in this experiment(P<0.05). During osteogenic induction, ICA inhibited Cav1 expression(P<0.05) while promoting TAZ expression(P<0.05). Alizarin red staining demonstrated that Cav1 silencing significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. After ICA intervention, TAZ expression was activated, and the expression of osteogenic markers ALP and RUNX2 was increased. In conclusion, Cav1 silencing significantly promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and ICA promotes this differentiation by inhibiting Cav1 and regulating the Hippo/TAZ signaling pathway.
Animals
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism*
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Caveolin 1/genetics*
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Osteogenesis/drug effects*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Rats
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Cell Differentiation/drug effects*
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Female
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
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Flavonoids/administration & dosage*
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Cells, Cultured
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Humans
6.Potential mechanism of Yueju Pills in improving depressive symptoms of psychocardiac diseases based on metabolomics and network pharmacology.
Cheng-Yu DU ; Xue-Feng GUO ; Han-Wen ZHANG ; Jian LIANG ; Huan ZHANG ; Guo-Wei HUANG ; Ping NI ; Hai-Jun MA ; You YU ; Rui YU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(16):4564-4573
The therapeutic effects of Yueju Pills on depression and cardiovascular diseases have been widely recognized. Previous studies have shown that the drug can significantly improve depressive-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) combined with atherosclerosis(AS). Given the complex pathogenesis of psychocardiac diseases, this study integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to systematically elucidate the mechanism of Yueju Pills in alleviating depressive symptoms in psychocardiac diseases. The results demonstrate that, after Yueju Pill intervention, the levels of 9 abnormal metabolites in the hippocampus restore to normal ranges, primarily involving key pathways or signaling pathways, including the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), glycine/serine/threonine metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. In a high-fat diet-induced CUMS ApoE~(-/-) mouse model, Yueju Pills significantly increases adenosine monophosphate(AMP) levels and decreases L-alanine and D-glyceric acid levels in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Yueju Pills exert antidepressant effects by regulating multiple metabolic axes, including glycine/serine/threonine metabolism and the cAMP, mTOR signaling pathways. Network pharmacology predictions reveal that the treatment of CUMS combined with AS by its core active components may be realized through modulating pathways concerning neuroinflammation and synaptic plasticity, including serine/threonine-protein kinase 1(AKT1), mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2). This study provides a theoretical reference for the clinical application of Yueju Pills in alleviating the depressive symptoms of psychocardiac diseases.
Animals
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Network Pharmacology
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Mice
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Metabolomics
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Male
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Depression/genetics*
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Humans
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Hippocampus/drug effects*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Signal Transduction/drug effects*
7.Association of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor autoantibody and sperm motility in human semen.
Dao-Qin TU ; Yu-Huan YANG ; Gui-Fang YANG ; Yi-Nan ZHANG ; Yao CHEN ; Xue-Ming LI ; Yu-Hui SHI ; Xiao-Li YANG ; Feng WANG
National Journal of Andrology 2025;31(5):387-394
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the relationship between angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) and semen parameters. Methods: The semen samples of 820 male patients who were treated in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Taiyuan Central Hospital from August 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The levels of AT1-AA and Ang Ⅱ of semen were detected by ELISA, and the function of AT1-AA was detected by cardiomyocyte beating assay in suckling rats. The patients were divided into low group, median group and high group according to the OD values of AT1-AA. The differences in general data and semen parameters between different groups were analyzed. And the correlation between AT1-AA level and semen parameters in semen of all study subjects was analyzed by the method of Spearman analysis. And the relationships between AT1-AA OD value, Ang Ⅱ level and semen parameters in the AT1-AA high value group were analyzed as well.
RESULTS:
AT1-AA was present in semen with good function. There was no significant difference in the general data of patients in different AT1-AA levels (P>0.05). In the comparison of semen parameters among the groups with different levels of AT1-AA, there were differences in sperm concentration, PR concentration, NP%, and ALH among the three groups (P<0.05). And AT1-AA OD value was positively correlated with total sperm count, sperm concentration, PR concentration, and NP%, and negatively correlated with semen volume (P<0.05). In the AT1-AA high value group, the OD value of AT1-AA in semen was negatively correlated with inactive sperm, and positively correlated with total motility ([PR+NP]%), curve rate, mean path rate, and ALH. However, there was no correlation between the level of Ang Ⅱ in semen and semen parameters (P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
The presence of AT1-AA in semen may be associated with the promotion of sperm motility.
Male
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Humans
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Autoantibodies
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Sperm Motility
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Semen
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Retrospective Studies
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Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/immunology*
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Animals
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Rats
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Angiotensin II
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Adult
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Sperm Count
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Semen Analysis
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Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/immunology*
8.Setup Error and Its Influencing Factors in Radiotherapy for Spinal Metastasis
Wenhua QIN ; Xin FENG ; Zengzhou WANG ; Shangnan CHU ; Hong WANG ; Shiyu WU ; Cheng CHEN ; Fukui HUAN ; Bin LIANG ; Tao ZHANG
Cancer Research on Prevention and Treatment 2025;52(5):400-404
Objective To investigate the setup error in patients with spinal bone metastasis who underwent radiotherapy under the guidance of kilovoltage cone-beam CT (KV-CBCT). Methods A total of 118 patients with spinal metastasis who underwent radiotherapy, including 17 cases of cervical spine, 62 cases of thoracic spine, and 39 cases of lumbar spine, were collected. KV-CBCT scans were performed using the linear accelerators from Elekta and Varian’s EDGE system. CBCT images were registered with reference CT images in the bone window mode. A total of 973 data were collected, and 3D linear errors were recorded. Results The patients with spinal bone metastasis were grouped by site, height, weight, and BMI. The P value of the patients grouped only by site was P<0.05, which was statistically significant. Conclusion When grouped by site in the 3D direction, the positioning effect of cervical spine is better than that of thoracic and lumbar spine. The positioning effect of the thoracic spine is better in the head and foot direction but worse in the left and right direction compared with that of the lumbar spine. Instead of extending or narrowing the margin according to the BMI of patients with spinal metastasis, the margin must be changed according to the site of spinal bone metastasis.
9.Analysis on the current status and characteristic of clinical trials for oral diseases in China
Jia JU ; Yihuan LIU ; Hongxu YANG ; Shuibing LIU ; Huan ZHANG ; Zhiqiang SHI ; Yuanming SUN ; Bin FENG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(4):394-402
Objective:To understand the current status and characteristics of clinical trials for oral diseases in China, for the purpose of providing a reference for the research and development of oral diseases in China.Methods:Retrieving the information on clinical trials related to oral diseases registered on the "Platforms for drug clinical trial registration and information" of the National Medical Products Administration from the date of the database establishment to December 31, 2024. The number of clinical trials, type of drugs, trial phases, indication, trial scope, design types were statistically analyzed.Results:As of December 31, 2024, a total of 578 drug clinical trials for oral disease were registered, accounting for 2.1% (578/27 905) of the clinical trials disclosed on the platform during the same period. Bioequivalence clinical trials accounted for the highest proportion [73.9% (427/578)], followed by Phase Ⅰ [9.0% (52/578)], Phase Ⅱ [8.0% (46/578)], and Phase Ⅲ [4.5% (26/578)]. The 578 clinical trials involved 149 types of trial drugs, mainly chemical drugs, among which 127 were developed by domestic pharmaceutical enterprises and 27 by international pharmaceutical enterprises (the five investigational drugs have undergone clinical trials by both domestic and international pharmaceutical companies). The project leader units of the 578 drug clinical trials were distributed in 27 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Excluding 427 bioequivalence clinical trials, the project leader units of 151 new drug clinical trials showed a significant aggregation phenomenon, and only three specialized oral hospitals have served as project leader units for drug clinical trials.Conclusions:The number of drug clinical trials for oral disease in China has generally shown an increasing trend, but there are still problems such as small number of clinical trials, low proportion of investment in new drug development and international multicenter trials, concentrated indications of clinical trials and insufficient clinical trial experience in specialized oral medical institutions. Enhancing the enthusiasm and innovation capabilities of domestic pharmaceutical enterprises in the research and development of oral diseases drugs, exploring the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine/natural medicine resources for oral diseases, and establishing a clinical research system in specialized oral medical institutions are of great significance for the development of oral drugs.
10.Development status and thinking of drug clinical trials in northwest China: taking Shaanxi Province as an example
Jia JU ; Qi ZHANG ; Bin FENG ; Hongxu YANG ; Shuibing LIU ; Huan ZHANG ; Yihuan LIU ; Tian ZHANG ; Zhongying MA
Chinese Journal of Medical Science Research Management 2025;38(2):150-155
Objective:To review drug clinical trial development in Shaanxi province and to understand the effectiveness of the implementation of a record system in promoting drug clinical trial development.Methods:Based on the data of drug clinical trials in Shaanxi province released on the official website of the National Medical Products Administration, this study made a statistical analysis of the number of drug clinical trial institutions, regional distribution, registered majors and principal investigators, and the development of drug clinical trial projects.Results:After implementing drug clinical trial institution registration, the drug clinical trial institutions in Shaanxi Province developed rapidly, increasing from 20 in the qualification period to 46, with a growth rate of 130%. A total of 113 specialties were recorded, of which the highest number of professional records were for endocrinology and oncology. 46 institutions recorded 1, 094 principal investigators and participated in 3803 drug clinical trial projects. However, only 8 institutions had undertaken drug clinical trial projects as group leaders.Conclusions:The number of drug clinical trial institutions in Shaanxi province increased significantly, reflecting a good overall development status. However, issues still exist, such as unbalanced development of clinical trial resources within the region, insufficient researchers with the ability to conduct clinical trials, relatively concentrated drug clinical trial projects, and lack of experience in undertaking clinical trials as a group leader.

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