1.Applications of Optical Technology in Non-invasive Hemoglobin Detection
Yao PENG ; Xian-Long WANG ; Bi-Tie LAN ; Jian-Hai YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(6):1561-1580
Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration is a key clinical biomarker for diagnosing and managing anemia, ischemic stroke, perioperative blood loss, and chronic diseases such as renal failure. Traditional venous blood sampling remains the gold standard due to its high accuracy, but its invasive nature limits frequent testing, real time monitoring, and large scale screening. This has driven growing interest in non-invasive Hb detection technologies over the past decade. Among these, optical methods are the most promising because of their safety, potential for continuous monitoring, and compatibility with portable or wearable devices. This paper systematically reviews major advances in optical non invasive Hb detection from the last ten years. We focus on near-infrared spectroscopy branches—photoplethysmography (PPG) and dynamic spectrum (DS)—and also cover color analysis/RGB imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and photoacoustic spectroscopy. For each technology, we explain its detection principles, analyze advantages and limitations, and summarize optimization strategies reported in recent literature. PPG, based on pulsatile blood volume changes, underpins many commercial continuous monitors. However, its accuracy is constrained by motion artifacts, individual physiological variations (e.g., skin tone, tissue thickness), and low AC signal to noise ratio. In contrast, DS—an advanced derivative of PPG—uses a differential principle to extract absorbance changes between systolic and diastolic peaks. This theoretically eliminates interference from static tissues (skin, bone, venous blood) and common mode noise (e.g., ambient light), positioning DS as a more robust framework for high precision Hb quantification. Beyond spectral methods, color analysis/RGB imaging offers a hardware minimalist approach. By analyzing images of vascular rich, thin tissues (e.g., conjunctiva, nail beds, palms), it enables Hb estimation using smartphone cameras. Recent advances have shifted from manual RGB feature extraction to deep learning models and spectral super resolution that reconstruct hyperspectral data from RGB inputs, significantly improving screening accuracy. Our academic perspective emphasizes critical and integrative analysis. We highlight persistent challenges that hinder clinical translation: profound individual biological variability (skin optics, microvascular architecture), sensitivity to measurement conditions (pressure, ambient light), and a lack of standardized validation protocols and multi center trials. A central thesis is that no single optical method is universally superior; each involves trade offs between accuracy, complexity, cost, and practicality. Looking forward, we posit that the next performance leap will come from multimodal information fusion—combining PPG, electrocardiogram (ECG), bioimpedance, or different optical modalities to compensate for individual differences and environmental noise. AI and deep learning are essential not only for image analysis but also for automated, end to end feature extraction from complex waveforms like PPG sequences. Advancing hardware (tunable lasers, quantum dot LEDs, novel sensor designs) is crucial to improve signal fidelity and portability. Finally, we advocate for clinical scenario specific optimization and rigorous standardized evaluation frameworks to gain regulatory approval (e.g., FDA, NMPA) and achieve widespread clinical acceptance. In conclusion, this review synthesizes a decade of progress. Optical non-invasive Hb detection has evolved from proof of concept studies to emerging products and validated screening tools, but the journey toward reliable, clinic ready quantitative devices continues. The convergence of smarter algorithms, fused sensing modalities, and focused clinical validation offers the most promising path to transform this potential into routine medical practice, ultimately enabling personalized, continuous, and accessible hematological management.
2.Preparation and In Vitro Degradation Characteristics Analysis of Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)Microspheres Based on Microfluidic Process
Bao-Cheng WANG ; Cong-Yu MA ; Ke WANG ; Si-Tong ZHENG ; Xiao-Yan ZHANG ; Yue-Mei ZHAO ; Xun ZHAO ; Jian-Bin PAN ; Zheng-Song GAO ; Hai-Wei SHI ; Yao-Zuo YUAN ; Hong-Yuan CHEN
Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2025;53(4):621-630
Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.
3.Exploring mechanism of action of hypericin in antidepressant effects based on single-cell sequencing
Hui-xin NI ; Hai-xin LIU ; Bing-can ZHOU ; Ming-heng CHEN ; Ping-yan LIN ; Zheng-tao GAO ; Xin-pei LIN ; Yao LIN ; Fang-zhen WU ; Qian XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):837-843
Aim To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of hyperforin via the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,depres-sion model group,and hyperforin intervention group.The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model was induced and drug interventions were administered for 28 d.Behavioral experiments were conducted to as-sess depressive symptoms,and hippocampal tissue was collected for single-cell RNA sequencing.Key cell populations and differentially expressed genes across groups were identified,followed by PPI network,GO,and KEGG enrichment analysis.Results Behavioral experiments indicated that CUMS successfully induced depressive symptoms in mice,while hyperforin im-proved depressive behavior.In the depression model group,the proportion of brain perivascular macrophages(PVM)increased,and this proportion decreased after hyperforin intervention,approaching the level seen in the control group.The top 20 common differentially ex-pressed genes in the PVM subpopulation were Saa3,Hbb-bs and Ccl24.PPI network analysis identified core targets,including Ccl2,Dhx9,C3,Msr1,Cxcl2 and Cx3cr1.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to chemokines,phagosome formation,and inosi-tol phosphate metabolism.Conclusion The antide-pressant mechanism of hyperforin may be related to the regulation of Ccl24 and its related chemokine signaling pathway by PVM.
4.Integrated Optical and Magnetic Navigation for Simplified Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: A Novel Approach
Xing-Chen YAO ; Jun-Peng LIU ; Xin-Ru DU ; Li GUAN ; Yong HAI ; Jincai YANG ; Aixing PAN
Neurospine 2025;22(1):297-307
Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the clinical benefits of the integrated optical and magnetic surgical navigation system in assisting transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy (TELD) for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent TELD for LDH at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University from November 2022 to December 2023. Patients treated with the integrated optical and magnetic surgical navigation system were defined as the navigation-guided TELD (Ng-TELD) group (30 cases), while those treated with the conventional x-ray fluoroscopy method were defined as the control group (31 cases). Record and compare baseline characteristics, surgical parameters, efficacy indicators, and adverse events between the 2 patient groups.
Results:
The average follow-up duration for the 61 patients was 11.8 months. Postoperatively, both groups exhibited significant relief from back and leg pain, which continued to improve over time. At the final follow-up, patients’ lumbar function and quality of life had significantly improved compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.05). The Ng-TELD group had significantly shorter total operation time (58.43 ± 12.37 minutes vs. 83.23 ± 25.90 minutes), catheter placement time (5.83 ± 1.09 minutes vs. 15.94 ± 3.00 minutes), decompression time (47.17 ± 11.98 minutes vs. 67.29 ± 24.23 minutes), and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopies (3.20 ± 1.45 vs. 16.58 ± 4.25) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of efficacy evaluation indicators and hospital stay. At the final follow-up, the excellent and good rate of surgical outcomes assessed by the MacNab criteria was 98.4%, and the overall adverse event rate was 8.2%, with no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the integrated optical and magnetic surgical navigation system can reduce the complexity of TELD, shorten operation time, and minimize radiation exposure for the surgeon, highlighting its promising clinical potential.
6.Exploring mechanism of action of hypericin in antidepressant effects based on single-cell sequencing
Hui-xin NI ; Hai-xin LIU ; Bing-can ZHOU ; Ming-heng CHEN ; Ping-yan LIN ; Zheng-tao GAO ; Xin-pei LIN ; Yao LIN ; Fang-zhen WU ; Qian XU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):837-843
Aim To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of hyperforin via the utilization of single-cell sequencing technology.Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,depres-sion model group,and hyperforin intervention group.The chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS)model was induced and drug interventions were administered for 28 d.Behavioral experiments were conducted to as-sess depressive symptoms,and hippocampal tissue was collected for single-cell RNA sequencing.Key cell populations and differentially expressed genes across groups were identified,followed by PPI network,GO,and KEGG enrichment analysis.Results Behavioral experiments indicated that CUMS successfully induced depressive symptoms in mice,while hyperforin im-proved depressive behavior.In the depression model group,the proportion of brain perivascular macrophages(PVM)increased,and this proportion decreased after hyperforin intervention,approaching the level seen in the control group.The top 20 common differentially ex-pressed genes in the PVM subpopulation were Saa3,Hbb-bs and Ccl24.PPI network analysis identified core targets,including Ccl2,Dhx9,C3,Msr1,Cxcl2 and Cx3cr1.KEGG enrichment analysis revealed pathways related to chemokines,phagosome formation,and inosi-tol phosphate metabolism.Conclusion The antide-pressant mechanism of hyperforin may be related to the regulation of Ccl24 and its related chemokine signaling pathway by PVM.
7.Trends and future predictions of the burden of tracheal,bronchus,and lung cancer at-tributed to secondhand smoke in China from 1990 to 2021
Li FU ; Hu SHOUCAI ; Long HAI ; Hu GAWEI ; Liu BIN ; Zhang YANAN ; Ma HAOTIAN ; Yao WEIQING ; Li QINGXIN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;52(16):834-842
Objective:To integrate and analyze the trend of the disease burden of tracheal,bronchus,and lung cancer(TBL)attributable to secondhand smoke in China from 1990 to 2021 and to analyze future projections,aiming to provide data support for the prevention and treatment of TBL in China.Methods:Based on the global burden of disease(GBD)2021 database,TBL with ICD-10 disease classification C33,C34-C34.92 was studied.Using secondhand smoke as a risk factor,the data on TBL mortality and disability-adjusted life year(DALY)due to secondhand smoke in China from 1990 to 2021 were further age-standardized.Using Joinpoint 4.7.1 regression analysis model to calculate annual percentage change(APC)and average annual percentage change(AAPC),Hiplot software was used to plot disease burden data for different ages and genders,and R 4.3.1 software was used to construct a grey model GM(1,1)to predict the predicted value and trend of TBL disease burden attributed to secondhand smoke in China from 2022 to 2031.Results:From 1990 to 2021,the TBL mortality rate,age-standardized mortality rate,and DALY rate attributed to secondhand smoke in China increased from 1.76/100 000,2.63/100 000,and 49.43/100 000 to 4.08/100 000,2.80/100 000,and 95.57/100 000,respectively;the growth was 131.18%,6.45%,and 93.34%;the age-standardized DALY rate decreased from 65.04/100 000 to 63.32/100 000 with the reduction of 2.65%.The results of the Joinpoint regres-sion showed that the AAPC(95%CI)of mortality,age-standardized mortality rate,and DALY rate for TBL were 2.75(2.58-2.93)%,0.16(0.11-0.21)%,and 2.15(2.11-2.18)%,respectively,with an overall increasing trend;the AAPC(95%CI)of age-standardized DALY rate was-0.14(-0.40-0.12)%,with an overall fluctuating and unchanged trend and it was higher in males than in females.In both 1990 and 2021,the TBL mortality rate attributable to secondhand smoke in China gradually increased with age,and the DALY rate first increased and then slowed down with age.The main groups of the burden of disease were the elderly and males.The grey prediction model GM(1,1)showed that the age-standardized mortality rate of TBL attributable to secondhand smoke from 2022 to 2031 showed a slow increasing trend,and the predicted value in 2031 would increase to 2.95/100 000.The age-standardized DALY showed a slow decreasing trend,and the predicted value in 2031 would decrease to 63.83/100 000.Conclusions:From 1990 to 2021,the TBL mortality,age-standardized mortality,and DALY rates attributable to secondhand smoke in China increased,and the age-standardized DALY rate decreased.Men and the elderly are the main groups affected by TBL.Appropriate measures should be formulated to reduce exposure to and contact with secondhand smoke,tak-ing into account gender and age differences.Additionally,efforts should be made to strengthen secondhand smoke prevention and public health education.
8.Mechanism of Congrong Shujing granules in treatment of Parkinson's disease based on network pharmacology,molecular docking and parallel reaction monitoring technology
Hai-xin LIU ; Hui-xin NI ; Mei ZHOU ; Zi-li FAN ; Zheng-tao GAO ; Fang-zhen WU ; Yao LIN ; Qian XU ; Jing CAI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(2):365-372
Aim To explore the mechanism of Con-grong Shujing granule(CSGs)in the treatment of Par-kinson's disease(PD)by network pharmacology,mo-lecular docking and parallel reaction monitoring(PRM)technology.Methods The active components of CSGs and the target genes of Parkinson's disease were obtained through the database.The intersection targets of drugs and diseases were selected to construct the"drug-active ingredient-target"and protein interac-tion network.The intersection target genes were impor-ted into David database for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis,and the main components were docked with key targets.27 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group(n=9),model group(n=9)and treat-ment group(n=9).On day 1,7 and 14 of treatment,PRM analysis was used to detect the changes in the specific peptides of key target proteins in the substantia nigra of rats.Results The main components of CSGs wereTanshialdehyde,Baicalein,Quercetin and Kaempferol.The most important targets for the treat-ment of PD were TP53,AKT1,EGFR,HSP90 AA1 and STAT3.KEGG analysis mainly enriched MAPK,PI3K-Akt and neurotrophic factor signaling pathway.The molecular docking between core components and core targets showed that the binding of drugs and targets had good activity.PRM analysis of key proteins found that the target peptide expression levels of ASK1,JNK1 and JNK3 were different among groups(P<0.05).Con-clusion CSGs can alleviate ERS,inhibit apoptosis and play a neural protective role through the ASK1-JNK pathway.
9.The RNA-binding protein KHSRP activates JAK1/STAT3 pathway to promote the growth and metastasis of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma
Xiao-long WANG ; Meng-yao WANG ; Hai-feng ZHANG ; Yang-yang LIU ; Li LI ; Hai-tao WEI
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(1):71-80
Aim To investigate the effect of KHSRP on the malignant biological behavior of gastric cardia ade-nocarcinoma by targeting JAK1/STAT3 signaling axis.Methods The expression levels of KHSRP in adeno-carcinoma tissues of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma and adjacent tissues were collected and compared.qRT-PCR experiment to detect transfection efficiency in gas-tric cardia adenocarcinoma cell lines(OE-19,TE-7,BIC-1,FLO-1,SK-GT-4,BE-3)and normal gastric mucosal epithelial cell line(GES-1).The knockdown and overexpression of KHSRP were treated by packa-ging lentiviral Vector,and the cells were divided into sh-NC group,sh-KHSRP group,vector group,and KH-SRP group.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)and Tran-swell assay were used to determine the effects of KH-SRP on the proliferation,migration and invasion of ade-nocarcinoma cells of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma.Xenograft tumor models were used to detect the effects of knockdown and overexpression of KHSRP in live an-imals.WB experiments confirmed that KHSRP targeted the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.Results KHSRP was overexpressed in GCA tissues and cell lines(P<0.05).Cell function assay analysis showed that KH-SRP overexpression significantly promoted GCA cell proliferation,migration and invasion in vitro(P<0.05).After KHSRP knockdown,the phosphorylation levels of JAK1 and STAT3 in JAK/STAT signaling pathway were significantly decreased,and the situation was opposite after KHSRP overexpression(P<0.05).Conclusion KHSRP regulates the malignant progres-sion of metastasis of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma by activating JAK1/STAT3 signaling axis.
10.Identification and Expression Analysis of The Glycyrrhiza SQE Gene Family Members under Abiotic Stress
Yue-Tao LI ; Lin-Yuan CHENG ; YAO-HUA ; Hai-Tao SHEN
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):716-729
Glycyrrhizic acid is one of the key bioactive components in licorice,known for its liver-protec-tive and antiviral effects.Squalene epoxidase(SQE)is a crucial enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of glycyrrhizic acid.However,there is limited research on the systematic analysis of the SQE gene family and its function in licorice.This study aims to explore the role of the SQE gene family in glycyrrhizic acid synthesis through bioinformatic analysis,expression specificity,and correlation with glycyrrhizic acid con-tent.The results showed that the three medicinal species of licorice contained a total of 11 SQE genes.Among them,both Glycyrrhiza glabra and Glycyrrhiza inflata had four SQE genes,while Glycyrrhiza ura-lensis had three.Highly homologous SQE genes exhibited similar expression patterns and were located at similar chromosomal positions.Different SQE genes displayed distinct expression characteristics.Specif-ically,GgSQE1,GiSQE1,GuSQE1,and GuSQE3 were primarily expressed in the roots,while GgSQE3 was highly expressed in the whole plant of licorice.Under 15%PEG6000 and 150 mmol/L NaCl treat-ments at different time points during seedling stages of different licorice species,the expression patterns of GgSQE1,GgSQE3,GiSQE1,GiSQE3,and GuSQE1 exhibited trends similar to the changes in glycyr-rhizic acid content.Further analysis revealed that the promoter regions of these genes contained multiple stress-responsive elements,suggesting that SQE1 and SQE3 may be involved in glycyrrhizic acid synthesis following abiotic stress in licorice.The findings of this study provide candidate genes for future breeding programs aimed at improving glycyrrhizic acid content and lay a foundation for further research into the molecular mechanisms by which abiotic stress enhances glycyrrhizic acid production.

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