1.Mechanisms of Renshentang in Treating AS via Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation Based on TRPV1
Ce CHU ; Yulu YUAN ; Zhen YANG ; Xuguang TAO ; Xiangyun CHEN ; Zhanzhan HE ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yongqi XU ; Wanping CHEN ; Peizhang ZHAO ; Wenlai WANG ; Hongxia ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):46-53
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Renshentang treats atherosclerosis (AS) in mice, focusing on the regulation of endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1). MethodsAn AS model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The mice were randomly divided into a simvastatin group (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) and low-, medium-, and high-dose Renshentang groups (1.77, 3.54, 7.08 g·kg-1·d-1), with 12 mice in each group. ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and treated simultaneously. C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet served as the normal group (n=9). After continuous administration for 12 weeks, mice were anesthetized and the aortas were collected. Oil Red O staining was used to observe lipid plaque formation in the aorta. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to examine pathological changes in the aortic root. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the levels of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as the expression of TRPV1, phosphorylated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K), and phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) in the aortic root. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA expression in the aorta, and Western blot was used to detect TRPV1 protein expression. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed a significant increase in aortic plaque formation (P<0.01) and significantly elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the aortic root (P<0.01). The expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, and p-Akt were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and eNOS mRNA expression was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all Renshentang groups significantly reduced aortic plaque formation (P<0.01), significantly decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels (P<0.01), and markedly increased the expression levels of TRPV1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and eNOS mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionRenshentang may inhibit endothelial inflammation and suppress the formation of AS by increasing TRPV1 protein expression and up-regulating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway, which may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect against AS.
2.Pharmaceutical care for a rare case of diffuse pulmonary microabscesses complicated with organizing pneumonia
Shuangshuang CAI ; Xuewen QIU ; Yue LIAO ; Hongxia ZHAO ; Hao JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1352-1356
OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the individualized treatment of a rare case of diffuse pulmonary microabscesses caused by Streptococcus constellatus complicated with organizing pneumonia (OP) in a non-immunocompromised patient. METHODS For a middle-aged, non-immunocompromised patient with a one-year disease course, whose imaging findings showed the coexistence of diffuse microabscesses and OP caused by S. constellatus pulmonary abscess, the clinical pharmacist, based on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics characteristics, assisted the physician in optimizing the previously ineffective anti-infective regimen to Ceftriaxone sodium for injection combined with Metronidazole and sodium chloride injection, so as to enhance coverage of mixed anaerobes and lesion penetration. After the patient’s hemoptysis ceased, the clinical pharmacist recommended timely initiation of low-dose Methylprednisolone sodium succinate for injection to manage OP. Upon discharge, sequential oral therapy with Linezolid tablets, Metronidazole tablets, Methylprednisolone tablets and Omeprazole enteric-coated tablets was prescribed. RESULTS After implementation of the individualized treatment regimen, the patient’s hemoptysis resolved, pulmonary lesions significantly regressed, and the patient was discharged in a stable condition. At the three-month follow-up, the patient remained stable. CONCLUSIONS For chronic persistent pulmonary infection complicated with OP in a non-immunocompromised host, clinical pharmacists assist clinicians in optimizing anti-infective regimens and recommend the timely initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy after infection control, thereby contributing to favorable clinical outcomes. Individualized treatment of such complex cases requires comprehensive consideration of pathogen coverage, pathological barriers, and the timing of anti-inflammatory intervention.
3.Design, synthesis, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of novel matrine derivatives
Yifei LU ; Jia SONG ; Hongxia SHEN ; Qingjie ZHAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(7):346-352
Objective The alkaloids contained in the Chinese herb Sophora flavescens have good anti-inflammatory activity. To investigate the structure-activity relationship between the novel matrine and the anti-inflammatory activity by modifying the structure of matrine. Methods Fourteen novel matrine derivatives were obtained by chemical modification using matrine as the lead compound with matrine and M19 as positive controls. The cytotoxicity of matrine derivatives against RAW264.7 cells was detected by the cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, and the relative amount of NO produced by matrine derivatives against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model of RAW264.7 cells was detected using an NO assay kit. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) was used to detect the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by matrine derivatives in LPS-induced inflammation model of RAW264.7 cells. Results The novel matrine derivatives all exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared with M19. The NO inhibition rates of the novel matrine derivatives were all higher than that of matrine, and some were higher than that of M19, with compound A12 having the highest NO inhibition rate. Compounds A11 and A12 showed higher IL-6 inhibition than the control M19. Additionally, compound A12 had higher TNF-α inhibition than M19. Conclusion Compound A12 inhibited the strongest inhibition of NO, IL-6 and TNF-α release and had the best anti-inflammatory activity, which provided an important lead compound for this subsequent in-depth study.
4.Clinical and echocardiographic manifestations of Williams syndrome:Report of 2 cases and review of literature
Hongxia SU ; Shunli WU ; Hao LI ; Weiwei LIU ; Bingdi ZHAO ; Jiancheng ZHANG ; Hongying WANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(5):332-335
Objective To observe the clinical and echocardiographic manifestations of Williams syndrome(WS).Methods Two children with WS were retrospectively enrolled,and 21 cases of WS in literature were reviewed,and clinical and echocardiographic manifestations of WS were observed.Results Clinical manifestations of 23 cases including 21 cases of"elf"face,8 cases of intellectual disability,7 cases of developmental delay,7 cases of inguinal hernia,6 cases of hypothyroidism,4 cases of hypercalcemia,3 cases of urinary system abnormalities(1 case of hydrocele,1 case of ureteral dilation and tortuosity,and 1 case of kidney stones),2 cases of behavioral abnormalities,2 cases of feeding difficulties,1 case of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis,1 case of binocular esotropia,1 case of hyperbilirubinemia,and 1 case of corpus callosum dysplasia.Echocardiography showed cardiovascular malformations in all 23 cases,including 20 cases of supravalvular aortic stenosis(SVAS),18 cases of pulmonary artery stenosis(PAS)and 10 cases of other cardiovascular malformations.Conclusion WS presented multiple system abnormalities in clinic,and cardiovascular malformations,especially SVAS and PAS could often be detected with echocardiography.
5.Multi-center Study on Specific IgE Antibodies to Alternaria Alternata and Aspergillus Fumigatus in Sera of Clinical Allergy Patients in Selected Provinces in China
Chao XU ; Xingyuan ZHU ; Caizhi HUANG ; Hong ZHU ; Shu WANG ; Hongxia YUAN ; Pengfei ZHAO ; Ji YAN ; Jianhua MA ; Chunlei KUANG ; Yanli XIE ; Rongcai WU ; Yu ZHANG ; Sheng LIANG ; Qunying WANG ; Yingsha DUAN ; Yiwu ZHENG
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(3):13-17
Objective To investigate the prevalence of specific IgE antibodies against Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus in serum samples from clinical allergy patients across selected provinces in China.Methods Data on specific IgE antibodies for Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.were collected from 20 hospital laboratories in 17 cities spanning 11 provinces.The study analyzed the levels of specific IgE and their variations across different provinces and seasons.Results A total of 27 471 cases of Alternaria A.and 32 843 cases of Aspergillus F.specific IgE data were included.The national average positive rate of Alternaria A.IgE was 10.40%,with the highest rate of 22.68%in Jiangsu and the lowest rate of 2.06%in Guangxi.For Aspergillus F.specific IgE,the average positive rate was 4.24%,with Hubei province having the highest rate(7.25%)and Hunan province the lowest(1.23%).The difference in IgE levels for both Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.among provinces were statistically significant(H=9 955,16 993,all P<0.0001).Among patients,5.85%had Alternaria A.specific IgE levels at grade 3 or above,while only 0.57%had Aspergillus F.specific IgE levels at this level.When examining seasonal variations using data from Liaoning,Hunan and Anhui provinces,significant seasonal changes were observed for both Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.IgE antibodies(HAlternaria A=347.6,338.0,401.3,HAspergillus F=196.6,133.7,231.7,all P<0.0001).Conclusion The sensitization to Alternaria A.and Aspergillus F.exhibits distinct geographical characteristics and vary significantly with seasons.Given the relatively high IgE levels associated with Alternaria A.,it should be given adequate clinical attention.
6.Accuracy of nine estimation methods for umbilical venous catheterization insertion depth in neonates
Guanchu CHEN ; Shuyan LI ; Yuan HUO ; Weiyang LI ; Yajuan YU ; Fangping ZHAO ; Jianming TANG ; Hongxia GAO
Chinese Journal of Perinatal Medicine 2025;28(10):883-888
Objective:To analyze the accuracy of nine estimation methods for umbilical venous catheterization (UVC) insertion depth in neonates.Methods:This prospective study enrolled neonates who underwent successful UVC placement in the Department of Neonatology at Gansu Provincial Women and Child Healthcare Hospital between September 2023 and October 2024. The standard catheter tip position was defined as the junction of the inferior vena cava and right atrium, with a deviation of ≤0.5 cm considered accurate. Patients were stratified by birth weight (BW) into three groups: <1 500 g, 1 500- 2 499 g, and ≥2 500 g. The actual UVC depth was compared with depths estimated using nine methods: Shukla formula, modified Shukla formula, JSS formula, BW formula, Tambasco formula, modified Tambasco formula, Dunn's nomogram, body surface measurement, and ultrasonographic measurement. Accuracy was evaluated using nonparametric tests and Bland-Altman agreement analysis.Results:The study included 111 neonates: 41 (36.9%) in the <1 500 g group, 55 (49.6%) in the 1 500-2 499 g group, and 15 (13.5%) in the ≥2 500 g group. In the <1 500 g group, accuracy rates ranged from 24% to 56%, with body surface measurement showing the highest accuracy (56%); the mean difference from actual depth was-0.073 cm, with 95% limits of agreement (LOA) of-1.764 to 1.618 cm. In the 1 500-2 499 g group, accuracy rate ranged from 15% to 51%, with the modified Tambasco formula being most accurate (51%); the mean difference was 0.113 cm (95%LOA:-1.558-1.783 cm). In the ≥2 500 g group, accuracy rate ranged from 0/15 to 10/15, with Dunn's nomogram being most accurate (10/15); the mean difference was-0.120 cm (95%LOA:-1.380-1.140 cm).Conclusions:The accuracy of the nine UVC depth estimation methods varied across different BW groups and among methods within the same group. Selection of an estimation method should be tailored to the neonate's birth weight.
7.Comparison of the prognostic value of 15 nutritional/inflammatory indicators in postoperative cancer patients
Xiaoqian LIU ; Kai SUN ; Xiaolin WANG ; Qianqian ZHAO ; Xiaoxiao WU ; Fangqi SHEN ; Xi CHEN ; Chenxu TIAN ; Di WU ; Chunhua SONG ; HongXia XU ; Minghua CONG ; Hanping SHI ; Pingping JIA
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(3):410-419
Objective To explore and identify the nutritional/inflammatory indicator with the highest predictive potential for overall survival(OS)in postoperative tumor patients so as to provide guidance for postoperative rehabilitation of tumor patients.Methods Data from 3 191 surgical patients were collected,including 15 nutritional/inflammatory indicators.The maximum selection rank statistic method was used to calculate the optimal cut-off values for continuous indicators.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess OS,and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the association between the aforementioned 15 indicators and survival.The predictive value of these 15 indicators was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves and C-index.Results Multivariate analysis showed that all 15 indicators were significantly associated with poorer OS in surgical patients(P<0.05 for all).Time-dependent area under the curve(AUC)and C-index analysis indicated that 3 indicators with the highest predictive potential in OS in postoperative tumor patients were the nutritional risk index(NRI)(C-index:0.597),C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio(CAR)(C-index:0.587),and C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio(CLR)(C-index:0.587).The optimal cut-off value for NRI was determined to be 104.31(i.e.,NRI<104.31 suggests malnutrition)with the maximum selection rank statistic method,the optimal cut-off value for CAR to be 0.05(i.e.,CAR≥0.05 suggests a strong inflammatory response,often accompanied by malnutrition),and the optimal cut-off value for CLR to be 1.18(i.e.,CLR≥1.18 suggests a strong inflammatory response).Subgroup analysis indicated that NRI,CAR,and CLR had good correlation with tumor staging,and there were significant differences between tumor node metastasis(TNM)Ⅲ/Ⅳ stage patients and TNM Ⅰ/Ⅱ stage patients when there was a strong inflammatory response or malnutrition.Conclusion In postoperative tumor patients,NRI,CLR,and CAR have high prognostic value.Combining these with the patient's clinical stage,it enables more precise guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.
8.Natural human leukocyte antigen antibodies and corresponding clinical response strategies
Junchao CAI ; Duqiang ZONG ; Lan ZHU ; Chenhong ZHAO ; Shengnan ZHANG ; Lei ZHANG ; Jun HE ; Hongxia DAI ; Gang CHEN
Chinese Journal of Organ Transplantation 2025;46(5):344-350
Natural human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies refer to preformed antibodies present in the body that are not induced by prior exposure to allogeneic HLA antigens. In healthy individuals without a sensitization history, the detection rate of natural HLA antibodies is approximately 20%-29% when using screening assays with low sensitivity, and can reach up to 63% when more sensitive HLA-specific detection methods are employed. It is therefore inferred that natural HLA antibodies may also be present in transplant candidates with a similar prevalence. This review comprehensively discusses the potential mechanisms of natural HLA antibody generation, the characteristics of the recognized epitopes, detection techniques, clinical relevance in transplantation, their potential to confound therapeutic decisions, and approaches to distinguish and mitigate their impact. The goal is to raise clinician awareness of the objective existence of natural HLA antibodies, provide guidance on evaluating their association with allograft rejection, and inform appropriate clinical management strategies when encountering natural HLA antibody-positive transplant candidates.
9.Construction and validation of a risk prediction model for secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients
Yuxuan ZHAO ; Ningli YANG ; Hui LIANG ; Hongxia HUA ; Ruiping LIU ; Kang ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(8):1044-1052
Objective:To investigate the influencing factors of secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients, and construct and validate a risk prediction model.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 847 young obesity patients who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2022 to July 2024 were collected. There were 382 males and 465 females, aged (29.4±3.8)years. Patients were randomly divided into a training set of 593 cases and a validation set of 254 cases based on a random number table method of 7∶3 ratio. The training set was used to construct the prediction model, and the validation set was used to validate prediction model. Observation indicators: (1) analysis of influencing factors of secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients; (2) construc-tion and validation of a prediction model for secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Comparison of measurement data with skewed distribution between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Univariate analysis was performed using the corresponding statistical methods based on data types. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Logistic regression model, and the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, the calibration curve and decision curve were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the model. Results:(1) Analysis of influencing factors of secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients. Of the 847 young obesity patients, there were 238 patients with secondary type 2 diabetes, including 161 cases in the training set and 77 cases in the validation set, 609 patients of simple obesity, including 432 cases in the training set and 177 cases in the validation set. Results of multivariate analysis showed that family history of diabetes, hypertension, high-sugar diet, exercise habits, triglyceride (TG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were independent factors influencing secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients [ odds ratio=9.476, 2.420, 3.219, 0.272, 2.137, 26.759, 41.535, 95% confidence interval ( CI) as 3.242-27.696, 1.159-5.052, 1.525-6.796, 0.117-0.632, 1.019-4.481, 12.907-55.476, 16.085-107.251, P<0.05]. (2) Construction and validation of a prediction model for secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients. A nomogram prediction model for secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients was constructed based on the results of multivariate analysis. Results of ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of prediction model for the training set was 0.963(95% CI as 0.946-0.980), with sensitivity of 89.6% and specificity of 93.2%, respectively, and the AUC of prediction model for the validation set was 0.966(95% CI as 0.944-0.988), with sensitivity of 92.7% and specificity of 88.3%, respectively. Results of Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the P-values for both the training set and validation set were >0.05, indicating good model fit. The calibration curves for both the training set and validation set closely matched the actual curve, demonstrating the prediction model with a good fit. The decision curve analysis showed high practical value of the model. Conclusions:Family history of diabetes, hypertension, high-sugar diet, exercise habits, TG, HOMA-IR and NLR are independent factors influencing secondary type 2 diabetes in young obesity patients. The prediction model constructed based on these factors demons-trates good predictive performance.
10.Clinical and echocardiographic manifestations of Williams syndrome:Report of 2 cases and review of literature
Hongxia SU ; Shunli WU ; Hao LI ; Weiwei LIU ; Bingdi ZHAO ; Jiancheng ZHANG ; Hongying WANG
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(5):332-335
Objective To observe the clinical and echocardiographic manifestations of Williams syndrome(WS).Methods Two children with WS were retrospectively enrolled,and 21 cases of WS in literature were reviewed,and clinical and echocardiographic manifestations of WS were observed.Results Clinical manifestations of 23 cases including 21 cases of"elf"face,8 cases of intellectual disability,7 cases of developmental delay,7 cases of inguinal hernia,6 cases of hypothyroidism,4 cases of hypercalcemia,3 cases of urinary system abnormalities(1 case of hydrocele,1 case of ureteral dilation and tortuosity,and 1 case of kidney stones),2 cases of behavioral abnormalities,2 cases of feeding difficulties,1 case of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis,1 case of binocular esotropia,1 case of hyperbilirubinemia,and 1 case of corpus callosum dysplasia.Echocardiography showed cardiovascular malformations in all 23 cases,including 20 cases of supravalvular aortic stenosis(SVAS),18 cases of pulmonary artery stenosis(PAS)and 10 cases of other cardiovascular malformations.Conclusion WS presented multiple system abnormalities in clinic,and cardiovascular malformations,especially SVAS and PAS could often be detected with echocardiography.

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