1.Mechanism of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste in Alleviating Bone Cancer Pain by Regulating Microglial Pyroptosis Based on PINK1/Parkin/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Lingyun WANG ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):80-90
ObjectiveThe paper aims to investigate the mechanism by which Xiaozheng Zhitong paste (XZP) alleviates bone cancer pain (BCP) through regulating the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy-NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway to suppress microglial pyroptosis. MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) and LPS-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were used to establish an inflammation and pyroptosis model in microglial cells. The cells were randomly divided into the following groups: control group, LPS group, LPS+low-dose XZP group, LPS+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP group, LPS-ATP+low-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+high-dose XZP group, LPS-ATP+XZP group, and LPS-ATP+XZP+CsA group. Techniques including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and confocal fluorescence staining were employed to assess the effects of XZP on microglial apoptosis, inflammatory cytokine release, inflammasome activation, pyroptosis, and mitophagy. ResultsIn vitro experiments showed that compared with the blank group, the LPS group exhibited significantly increased levels of microglial apoptosis and pro-inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)(P<0.01), along with significantly upregulated protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS group, the high-dose LPS-XZP group significantly reduced the level of apoptosis (P<0.01) and the content of the aforementioned pro-inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Both the low- and high-dose LPS-XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the protein expression of iNOS, COX-2, and p-NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly upregulated expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, including Caspase-1/pro-Caspase-1, N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-N)/full-length gasdermin D (GSDMD-F), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), IL-1β precursor (pro-IL-1β), and mature IL-1β (P<0.01). The levels of pyroptotic factors IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and membrane pore formation and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently downregulated the expression of the aforementioned pyroptosis-related proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01). The low-dose LPS-ATP+XZP group reduced IL-1β levels (P<0.01), while the high-dose group reduced both IL-1β and IL-18 levels (P<0.01) Both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reduced membrane pore formation and intracellular ROS production (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the LPS-ATP group showed significantly reduced expression of mitophagy-related proteins PINK1 and Parkin, and a decreased ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ(LC3Ⅱ) to LC3Ⅰ(P<0.01), while p62 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Mitochondrial ROS levels were significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the LPS-ATP group, both the low- and high-dose LPS-ATP+XZP groups dose-dependently reversed the expression of these proteins (P<0.05, P<0.01) and reduced mitochondrial ROS levels (P<0.01). After treatment with the mitophagy inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA), the beneficial effects of XZP on mitochondrial function and its inhibitory effects on pyroptosis-related protein expression were significantly reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXZP reduces ROS levels by activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, thereby inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and microglial pyroptosis, which provides new molecular evidence for the mechanism by which XZP alleviates BCP.
2.Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste Relieves Bone Cancer Pain in Mice by Alleviating Activation of Microglia in Spinal Cord and Damage to Neurons via Blocking PAR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway
Guangda ZHENG ; Linghan MENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Lingyun WANG ; Changlin LI ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):91-100
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Xiaozheng Zhitong Paste (XZP) on bone cancer pain (BCP). MethodsThirty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: a Sham group, a BCP group, a BCP+low-dose XZP group, a BCP+high-dose XZP group, and a BCP+high-dose XZP + protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) agonist GB-110 group. BCP mice model was constructed by injecting Lewis lung carcinoma cells into the femoral cavity of the right leg, which was followed by being treated with XZP for 21 d. After 21 d, the mice were sacrificed. Nissl staining was used to evaluate the survival of spinal cord neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to localize ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) in spinal cord tissue, thereby assessing microglial activation and neuronal survival. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spinal cord tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression levels associated with M1/M2 polarization of microglia. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the expression of proteins related to microglial polarization as well as those involved in the PAR2/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway in the spinal cord. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, the spinal cord neurons were damaged, the number of Nissl-positive spinal cord neurons in the spinal cord tissue was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the rate of NeuN-positive cells was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The spinal cord microglia were activated, the inflammatory level of the spinal cord tissue was enhanced, and Iba1 staining was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expression of PAR2, NLRP3, ASC and NF-κB p65 proteins in the spinal cord tissue of the BCP mice was significantly enhanced (P<0.01). Compared with the BCP group, high-dose XZP treatment significantly increased the number of Nissl-positive spinal cord neurons in the BCP mice (P<0.01), significantly enhanced the rate of NeuN-positive cells in the spinal cord tissue, and significantly weakened Iba1 staining (P<0.01). In addition, the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were significantly decreased, while the levels of TGF-β, IL-4, and IL-10 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS were decreased, whereas those of cluster of differentiation 206 (CD206), arginase-1 (Arg-1), and YM1/2 were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Low-dose and high-dose XZP treatment significantly decreased the expression of PAR2, NLRP3, ASC, and NF-κB p65 proteins in the spinal cord tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). These effects could all be significantly eliminated by the PAR2 agonist GB-110. ConclusionXZP can mitigate BCP in mice, which may be achieved through blocking the activated PAR2/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.
3.Traditional Chinese Medicine for Cancer Pain Management: A Review
Lingyun WANG ; Guangda ZHENG ; Lu SHANG ; Juanxia REN ; Changlin LI ; Dongtao LI ; Haixiao LIU ; Yaohua CHEN ; Guiping YANG ; Yanju BAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):114-123
Cancer pain is one of the most common complications in patients with malignant tumors, severely affecting their quality of life. Its pathogenesis involves complex interactions among the tumor microenvironment, peripheral sensitization, and central sensitization. The tumor microenvironment initiates peripheral pain sensitization by secreting algogenic mediators, activating ion channels and related receptor signaling pathways, driving abnormal osteoclast activation, and mediating neuro-immune crosstalk. Persistent nociceptive input further triggers increased excitability of central neurons, activation of glial cells, and neuroinflammatory cascade reactions, ultimately leading to central pain sensitization. Although traditional opioid drugs can alleviate pain to some extent, they still have many limitations, such as incomplete analgesia, drug tolerance, and adverse reactions. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds have made continuous progress in the treatment of cancer pain. Studies have shown that they can not only effectively relieve cancer pain and reduce the dosage of opioids but also significantly improve patients' quality of life. TCM treatment of cancer pain follows the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment. Based on this, targeted therapeutic principles have been proposed, including promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, regulating Qi, and unblocking collaterals; tonifying the kidney, replenishing essence, warming Yang, and dispersing cold, activating blood, resolving phlegm, detoxifying, and dispersing nodules, as well as strengthening the body, replenishing deficiency, and harmonizing Qi and blood. Modern research indicates that TCM compounds can exert synergistic effects through multiple pathways, inhibiting inflammatory responses, regulating nerve conduction, intervening in bone metabolism and related gene expression, thereby producing anti-inflammatory and bone-protective effects to achieve the goal of alleviating cancer pain. This article systematically elaborates on the pathogenesis of cancer pain, the clinical application of TCM in treating cancer pain, and its related mechanisms of action, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and new strategies for the integration of TCM into comprehensive cancer pain management.
4.UGT1A1 gene mutation spectrum with indirect hyperbilirubinemia in children
Ying SHEN ; Hongmei GUO ; Yucan ZHENG ; Bixia ZHENG ; Kunlong YAN ; Guiping KONG ; Qian LIN ; Yu JIN ; Zhifeng LIU ; Mei LI
Chinese Journal of Hepatology 2024;32(2):119-124
Objective:To explore the relevancy between the uridine diphosphate-glucuronylgly-cosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene mutation and the phenotype of indirect hyperbilirubinemia in children.Methods:Sixteen cases with indirect hyperbilirubinemia who visited the Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2013 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed and were divided into Gilbert syndrome (GS), Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II (CNS-II), and indirect hyperbilirubinemia groups unexplained by UGT1A1 gene mutations. The differences in gene mutation site information and general clinical data were compared. The association between gene mutation spectrum and bilirubin level was explored by t-test analysis.Results:Ten of the sixteen cases with indirect hyperbilirubinemia had GS, three had CNS-II, and three had indirect hyperbilirubinemia unexplained by UGT1A1 gene mutations. A total of six mutation types were detected, of which c.211G?>?A accounted for 37.5% (6/16), c.1456T?>?G accounted for 62.5% (10/16), and TATA accounted for 37.5% (6/16), respectively. Compared with the GS group, the CNS group had early disease onset incidence, high serum total bilirubin ( t ?=?5.539, P ?0.05), and indirect bilirubin ( t ?=?5.312, P ?0.05). However, there was no significant difference in direct bilirubin levels ( t ?=?1.223, P ?>?0.05) and age of onset ( t ?=?0.3611, P ?>?0.05) between the two groups. There was no significant correlation between the number of UGT1A1 gene mutations and serum bilirubin levels. Children with c.1456T?>?G homozygous mutations had the highest serum bilirubin levels. Conclusion:The common pathogenic variants of the UGT1A1 gene sequence are c.1456T?>?G, c.211G?>?A, and TATA, indicating that these site mutations are related to the occurrence of indirect hyperbilirubinemia and have important guiding significance for the etiological analysis of indirect hyperbilirubinemia in children.
5.Low-frequency whole-body resonance stimulation can improve the balance and walking of hemiplegic stroke survivors
Feixiang MA ; Wanlang LI ; Yingling ZHU ; Tingting LIU ; Rui WANG ; Guiping CAO ; Weifeng XU
Chinese Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2023;45(9):776-780
Objective:To observe any effect of low-frequency whole body resonant stimulation on the ba-lance and walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Sixty-six stroke survivors with hemiplegia were randomly divided into a low-frequency resonance training group, a high-frequency vibration training group and a control group, each of 22. All received routine exercise training at individualized intensities. All three groups underwent five 1-minute cycles of 7Hz, 15Hz or 1Hz stimulation twice a day, five days a week for eight weeks. Before and after the intervention, balance and walking ability were evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, the timed up and go test and a 10m walking test. Step length, step frequency and step speed were also measured.Results:There were no significant differences among the three groups before the training. Afterward, significant improvement was observed in all of the groups in terms of all of the measurements. The average results of the low-frequency resonance training group were at that point significantly better than the other two groups′ averages, while the high-frequency vibration training group′s results were superior to those of the control group.Conclusion:Resonance training at 7Hz is the most effective in improving the balance and walking ability of stroke survivors with hemiplegia.
6.Risk factors analysis of drug-induced kidney injury by intravenous polymyxin B
Hao WU ; Yuan LI ; Yu ZHOU ; Jinquan LI ; Wen LIU ; Ying ZHOU ; Guiping JIANG ; Lili JIANG ; Hao SUN
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2023;32(10):1385-1389
Objective:This study aims to explore the impact of various clinical factors on the risk of polymyxin B induced DKI in patients.Methods:This is a single-center retrospective case-control study. A total of 139 patients receiving polymyxin B intravenous treatment in our hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2020 were collected. Baseline variables between polymyxin B induced DKI group and non-DKI group were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and the T-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables, as appropriate. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate Logistic regression models, Logistic regression models, multivariate Logistic regression models, Kaplan Meier curve, as well as Log-Rank test.Results:Among a total of 139 patients receiving polymyxin B treatment, 49 cases have experienced DKI, 90 cases did not. The incidence of DKI was 35.25%. There was no statistical difference in general information of age, gender, and proportion of standard weight between the two groups. Among the related indexes of polycolistin B administration, the proportion of high daily dose [>25 000 U/(kg·d)] and the total dosage of medication in the DKI group were both significantly higher than that in the non-DKI group ( P< 0.05, respectively). Among the organ function indexes, there were significant differences in initial serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, urinary occult blood and urinary specific gravity between DKI group and non-DKI group 48 hours before polymyxin B administration ( P< 0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis suggested that daily dose and initial creatinine before medication were independent risk factors for DKI caused by polymyxin B ( P< 0.05). Kaplan-meier survival analysis showed that with the accumulation of Polymyxin B administration, the higher the daily dose of Polymyxin B was, the faster the DKI occurred (Log-Rank P= 0.0194). Conclusions:Using intravenous polymyxin B is associated with the risk of DKI, among which higher initial blood creatinine values and higher daily doses are independent risk factors for DKI.
7.Cost-utility analysis of denosumab and teriparatide in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Chinese women
Guiping DU ; Yukun LI ; Min LI ; Peng XUE ; Yan LIU ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2023;34(2):173-178
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of denosumab and teriparatide in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Chinese women, and provide reference for relevant decision-making. METHODS From the perspective of health system in China, Excel 2003 was used to establish Markov model, and cost-utility analysis was used to evaluate the cost- effectiveness of denosumab or teriparatide combined with Calcium carbonate D3 tablets in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Chinese women. Pharmacotherapy effects were obtained with network meta-analysis, and cost and health utility value data were obtained from published literature. The model cycle was 1 year, and the simulation time limit was the patient’s lifetime. Univariate sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the effects of model parameter changes on the robustness of the results. Through scenario analysis, the cost-effectiveness of domestic drug cost used as drug cost of terlipatide group was discussed; the influence of residual effects of teriparatide on the results and the cost-effectiveness of sequential use of desumamab after terlipatide withdrawal were also discussed. RESULTS The effect of denosumab regimen was better than that of terlipatide regimen [13.24 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) vs. 12.96 QALYs], with lower cost (51 224.64 yuan vs. 167 102.67 yuan), denosumab regimen was the absolutely superior regimen. The results of single factor sensitivity analysis showed that the cost and discount rate of Terlipatide injection had greater impact on the results. The results of probability sensitivity analysis showed that when three times of China’s per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 was used as the threshold of willingness to pay, the probability of cost-effectiveness of denosumab regimen was 93.5%. The results of scenario analysis showed that, whether the drug cost of terlipatide regimen which was replaced by domestic drugs, or the residual effect of terlipatide was considered, or desulmonab was used sequentially after two years of terlipide treatment, denosumab regimen was always the absolute advantage regimen. CONCLUSIONS Denosumab combined with Calcium carbonate D3 tablets is more cost-effective than teriparatide combined with Calcium carbonate D3 tablets in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Chinese women.
8.Effects of multidisciplinary team cooperation intervention model on the fear of falling of elderly inpatients in the early postoperative period
Peng WANG ; Limei WANG ; Guiping LI ; Yanhong ZHAO ; Qian ZHANG ; Huanhuan LIU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2023;29(7):935-939
Objective:To explore the effect of multidisciplinary team cooperation intervention model on the fear of falling (FOF) of postoperative elderly patients during hospitalization.Methods:From January to December 2021, 100 elderly patients with FOF after surgery in the Surgical Ward of the International Medical Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital were selected by convenient sampling. The patients were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group according to single and double numbers, with 50 cases each. The control group was given routine nursing, and the observation group was given multidisciplinary team cooperation intervention on the basis of routine nursing. The scores of the Modified Fall Efficacy Scale (MFES) were evaluated on the afternoon of the first day of the patient's getting out of bed (inclusion criteria) and the afternoon of the second day of the activity to compare the FOF of the two groups of elderly patients.Results:Before intervention, there was no statistical difference in MFES scores between the two groups ( P>0.05) . After intervention, the MFES score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01) . In the same Morse fall risk grade of low risk, medium high risk and high risk, the difference of MFES score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Multidisciplinary team cooperation intervention can effectively improve the FOF of elderly patients during hospitalization after surgery and promote postoperative rehabilitation.
9.Iron isomaltoside for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia:a rapid health technology assessment
Xuting LIU ; Shengnan GAO ; Ran QI ; Guiping DU ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2022;33(24):3040-3044
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness, safety and economy of iron isomaltoside in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia using a rapid health technology assessment (HTA) method, and provide an evidence-based basis for clinical decision-making. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang database and foreign HTA official websites were systematically searched, and the search time frame of the databases was from the establishment of the database to May 25th 2022. After data extraction and quality evaluation of the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a descriptive analysis of the effectiveness, safety and economy of iron isomaltoside in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia was performed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS A total of 1 HTA report, 3 systematic reviews/meta-analysis and 5 economic studies were included. In terms of effectiveness, compared with ferric carboxymaltose, the hemoglobin level of patients using iron isomaltoside increased more, but there was no significant difference in the proportion of responding patients; compared with iron sucrose, it had non- inferiority in increasing and maintaining hemoglobin level, and there was no difference in the quality of life. In terms of safety, the incidence of adverse events of ferric carboxymaltose, iron sucrose and iron isomaltoside were 12.0%, 15.3% and 17.0%, respectively. Iron isomaltoside had a lower incidence of hypophosphatemia, compared with ferric carboxymaltose. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of hypophosphatemia among iron isomaltoside, iron sucrose, iron-dextrin and nanocrystalline iron oxide. The conclusion of the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse event, the incidence of serious adverse events and the withdrawal rate of patients due to adverse events was not clear. In terms of economy, the economy of iron isomaltoside is better than that of iron sucrose, and the economy of iron isomaltoside versus that of ferric carboxymaltose had not been finalized.
10.Cost-utility analysis of denosumab and zoledronic acid in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis
Guiping DU ; Shengnan GAO ; Ran QI ; Xuting LIU ; Guoqiang LIU
China Pharmacy 2022;33(14):1742-1747
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of denosumab and zoledronic acid in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis ,and to provide reference for relevant decision-making. METHODS From the perspective of Chinese health system ,Excel 2003 software was used to establish Markov model ,and cost-utility analysis was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of denosumab or zoledronic acid combined with calcium carbonate D 3 in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Pharmacotherapy effects were obtained from the network Meta-analysis ,and cost and health-utility value data were obtained from the published literature or network ,etc. The model cycle was 1 year,and the simulation time limit was the patient ’s lifetime. One-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were used to evaluate the impact of model parameter changes on the robustness of the results ;and the cost-effectiveness of changing the medication cycle of zoledronic acid were explored through scenario analysis. RESULTS Denosumab regimen was more effective than zoledronic acid regimen (12.77 QALYs vs. 11.98 QALYs),and its cost was also higher than zoledronic acid regimen (51 224.56 yuan vs. 49 221.67 yuan), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 2 544.14 yuan/QALY. One-way sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of Zoledronic acid injection and that of Denosumab injection had great impact on the results. The results of probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that when using 3 times of per capita gross domestic product (GDP)in China in 2021 as the threshold of willingness to pay ,the probability of Denosumab regimen being cost-effective was 85.4%. The results of the scenario analysis showed that the Denosumab regimen was still more cost-effective when the dosing cycle of zoledronic acid was changed. CONCLUSIONS Under the threshold of 1-3 times of Chinese per capita GDP in 2021,denosumab combined with calcium carbonate D 3 is more cost-effective than zoledronic acid combined with calcium carbonate D 3 in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

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