1.Therapeutic efficacy of ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormone in aGVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Yue HU ; Xupai ZHANG ; Sihan LAI ; Shan ZHANG ; Lei MA ; Xiao WANG ; Yan DENG ; Ying HAN ; Ying HE ; Guangcui HE ; Hai YI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(4):506-512
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormone for patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Thirty patients with aGVHD after allo-HSCT admitted to the Department of Hematology of the General Hospital of Western Theater Command from November 2021 to November 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with low-dose hormone (methylprednisolone 0.3-1 mg kg
-d
) combined with ruxolitinib 5-10 mg d
. The efficacy and adverse reactions were observed during the follow-up period to analyze the survival outcomes of the patients. Results: A total of 30 patients with aGVHD after allo-HSCT were included in this study, consisting of 15 (50%) males and 15 (50%) females with a median age of 34 year-old (ranging from 14 to 62). Classification by disease type: there were 18 cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 4 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 4 cases of aplastic anemia, and 4 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome. Classification by aGVHD severity: there were 27 cases (90%) of Ⅱ-Ⅳ degree aGVHD and 11 cases (36.7%) of Ⅲ-Ⅳ degree aGVHD. Ruxolitinib in combination with low-dose glucocorticoid treatment yield responses in 28 (93.3%) patients, of which 27 (90%) achieved complete remission (CR), while 1 (3.3%) showed partial remission (PR). One patient (3.3%) had no response (NR), and 1 patient (3.3%) exhibited progressed disease (PD). Overall survival (OS) at 1 year of transplantation was 73.9% (95%CI 49.5% to 87.7%), progression-free survival (PFS) was 93.3% (95%CI 75.9% to 98.3%), non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 20.6% (95%CI 7.9% to 47.4%), and median survival time was 27.6 months. Conclusion: Ruxolitinib combined with low-dose hormones is safe and effective in the treatment of aGVHD after allo-HSCT.
2.Current Status and Prospective of Research on Disease-Syndrome Integrated Animal Models of Spleen and Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jiaqi ZHANG ; Lihui FANG ; Yongtian WEN ; Shan LIU ; Zhuo SHI ; Xintong WANG ; Xinyi DAI ; Meiling SHE ; Lanshuo HU ; Yangxi FU ; Zheng WANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):510-516
Animal model research on spleen and stomach diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of great significance for elucidating the nature of diseases and syndromes and for revealing the mechanisms of action of Chinese herbal medicinals. At present, studies on classical TCM syndrome models of spleen and stomach diseases mainly focus on spleen deficiency syndrome, liver constraint syndrome, and damp-heat syndrome. Model construction is mostly based on the etiological and pathophysiological characteristics of syndrome, and model evaluation primarily involves macroscopic manifestations and physicochemical indicators. This paper summarizes the current research status of animal models integrating disease and syndrome for seven common spleen and stomach diseases, including chronic gastritis and gastric precancerous lesions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, and functional diarrhea. The modeling methods and characteristics of disease-syndrome combined animal models for each disease are analyzed. It is proposed that future research on disease-syndrome integration in spleen and stomach diseases should move toward syste-matic, precise, and integrative development, and that interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research approaches should be adopted to enhance the predictive value and application efficiency of disease-syndrome combined animal models.
3.Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2-mediated acetyl-coenzyme A accumulation promotes mitophagy and tumor growth via increased H3K27ac in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Shan LI ; Jie HU ; Yihan YAN ; Xinrui LIU ; Xiao DONG ; Huijun LIANG ; Xin TANG ; Junji TAO ; Rong ZHANG ; Yuan HU ; Ailong HUANG ; Kai WANG ; Ni TANG
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):661-682
Background/Aims:
Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is one of the most essential metabolites in cell metabolism but its function and concentration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive and controversial.
Methods:
A comprehensive analysis of acetyl-CoA levels and acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) expression across a range of samples, including patient specimens from both hepatitis B virus (HBV) positive and HBV negative HCC individuals, HBV-transgenic mouse HCC models, and multiple cell lines. Furthermore, to evaluate the functional significance of ACSS2 in HBV-related HCC, we implemented both genetic and pharmacological inhibition strategies targeting ACSS2. Molecular mechanism and mitophagy assessment were revealed by cleavage under target and tagmentation sequencing, RNA sequencing, bioinformatic analyses, transmission electron microscopy and JC-1 staining.
Results:
Our study revealed a distinct metabolic signature of HBV-related HCC, marked by elevated acetyl-CoA, which was driven by ACSS2. ACSS2 was upregulated by the carbohydrate response element-binding protein in HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, ACSS2 improved tumor cell proliferation, an effect that was dependent on its enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, ACSS2-induced acetyl-CoA accumulation activated voltage-dependent anion channels 1 transcription through increased H3K27ac occupancy, which subsequently promoted mitophagy and HBV-related HCC tumorigenesis. Notably, targeting ACSS2 by depletion or inhibition with a catalytic inhibitor significantly suppressed tumor growth.
Conclusions
These findings not only illustrate the interplay between metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modification, and tumorigenesis in the context of HBV infection, but also highlight ACSS2 as a novel metabolic vulnerability in HBV-related HCC. Therefore, targeting ACSS2 could be a novel strategy against HBV-related HCC.
4.Longitudinal study on sleep quality trajectories and influencing factors in patients with chronic multimorbidity
Guimin YUAN ; Haiyan QIN ; Wenwen DUAN ; Chen YU ; Wei HU ; Shan LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(3):255-262
BackgroundIndividuals with chronic multimorbidity exhibit a high prevalence of sleep disturbances, which impair their physical and psychological well-being and impede chronic disease management. Although sleep quality is closely influencing with psychological functioning, empirical evidence regarding the longitudinal trajectories of sleep quality and their influencing factors in this population remains insufficient. ObjectiveTo investigate the longitudinal trajectories of sleep quality and associated factors among patients with chronic multimorbidity from hospitalization through 6 months post-discharge, aiming to facilitate the early identification of high-risk individuals and the development of personalized sleep interventions. MethodsA total of 228 inpatients with chronic multimorbidity, primarily with cardiovascular and metabolic chronic conditions, were enrolled via random sampling at The Third People's Hospital of Fuyang from January 2023 to September 2024. Baseline assessments were conducted during hospitalization using the general socio-demographic questionnaire, the Sleep Dysfunction Rating Scale (SDRS), the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Sleep quality was further evaluated using the SDRS at 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-discharge. Latent class growth model was employed to delineate trajectories of sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was subsequently performed to identify influencing factors of sleep quality. ResultsA total of 201 patients with chronic diseases were included.Based on four predefined assessment time points (baseline, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months post-discharge), the latent class growth model identified three distinct trajectories of sleep quality: persistent high sleep disturbance (n=72, 35.82%), moderate sleep disturbance-progression (n=73, 36.32%), and low sleep disturbance (n=56, 27.86%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, compared with the low sleep disturbance group, multiple factors increased the odds of membership in the persistent high sleep disturbance group: per capita monthly household income of <3 000 yuan (β=13.131, P<0.01) or 3 000–5 000 yuan (β=5.913, P<0.05), aged 45–65 years (β=9.536, P<0.05), presence of 3 (β=7.792, P<0.05) or >3 comorbid chronic conditions (β=6.626, P<0.05), as well as higher RRS (β=0.334, P<0.01) and HADS score (β=1.628, P<0.01). Additionally, patients aged 45–65 years (β=2.777, P<0.05), with 3 (β=3.802, P<0.01) or >3 comorbid chronic conditions (β=2.463, P<0.01), and with higher RRS (β=0.111, P<0.01) and HDAS scores (β=0.350, P<0.05) also demonstrated significantly increased odds of belonging to the moderate sleep disturbance–progression group. ConclusionThere is significant population heterogeneity in sleep quality trajectories among patients with chronic multimorbidity, with age, per capita household monthly income, number of comorbidities, rumination, and anxiety/depression symptoms being identify as the primary influencing factors.
5.Spatial Distribution Patterns and Environmental Influencing Factors of Flavonoid Glycosides in Epimedium sagittatum
Mengxue LI ; Wenmin ZENG ; Yiting WEI ; Fengqin LI ; Shengfu HU ; Xinyi WANG ; Zhangjian SHAN ; Yanqin XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):217-226
ObjectiveTo explore the spatial distribution patterns of flavonoid glycosides in Epimedium sagittatum and the influences of environmental factors on the accumulation of these components. MethodsThe spatial statistical analysis and GeoDetector model were used to analyze the distribution patterns of epimedin A,epimedin B,epimedin C,icariin,and total flavonoid glycosides in E. sagittatum samples from 92 different production areas in 36 cities of 13 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions of China,as well as the effects of 28 environmental factors on the accumulation of each component. ResultsThe average content of flavonoid glycosides 64 (69.56%) producing areas and 30 (83.33%) cities met the quality standard of no less than 1.50% of total flavonoid glycosides in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.Epimedin A,epimedin B,epimedin C,icariin,and their sum showed significantly high accumulation.The hot spots regions of epimedin A and epimedin B were similar with each other,mainly located in western Hunan,eastern Hubei,eastern Guizhou,and northern Guangxi.The common hot spot areas of epimedin C and total flavonoid glycosides were in western and southwestern Hunan,southern Henan,northern Anhui,eastern Guizhou,and southern Chongqing.The hot spots areas of icariin were in southern Chongqing,western Hunan,and eastern and northeastern Guizhou.The interactions between environmental factors had stronger explanatory power for the accumulation of components than single factors.The strongest single factor and interactive factor affecting the accumulation of epimedin C were precipitation of wettest quarter (q=0.16) and its interaction with temperature seasonality (q=0.35),respectively.The strongest single factor influencing both the accumulation of icariin and total flavonoid glycosides was the precipitation of coldest quarter (q equals 0.15 and 0.22,respectively).The strongest interactions were observed between precipitation of coldest quarter and gravel content (q=0.34),as well as between precipitation of coldest quarter and aspect (q=0.35). ConclusionThirteen cities,including Zhumadian and Nanyang in Henan,Huaihua,Shaoyang,and Zhangjiajie in Hunan,and Zunyi,Qiandongnan,and Tongren in Guizhou,were hot spots of total flavonoid glycosides in E.sagittatum.Precipitation,gravel content,temperature seasonality,and aspect significantly influence the accumulation of flavonoid glycosides in E.sagittatum.This study provides reference for the utilization and production zoning of E.sagittatum.
6.The in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects of metformin on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Shan LIU ; Meng HU ; Zhuo ZHANG ; Fei XIONG ; Pingshang WU ; Xueman LI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(17):2113-2119
OBJECTIVE To explore the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects and mechanism of metformin on the malignant biological behavior of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells by the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/interleukin-8 (IL-8) signaling pathway. METHODS Human ESCC TE1 cells were assigned into blank group, metformin low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.5, 1, 2 mmol/L), IDF-11774 (HIF-1α inhibitor) group (20 μmol/L), and high-dose metformin+HIF-1α activator dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) group. After 24 h treatment, cell proliferation [measured by the positive rate of 5-ethynyl- 2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) and optical density at 450 nm (OD450 value)], apoptosis, invasion and migration as well as mRNA expressions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bcl-2 interacting mediator of cell death (Bim), migration and invasion enhancer 1 (MIEN1), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and protein expressions of HIF-1α and IL-8 in the cells were detected. The xenograft tumor model of nude mice was established. Thirty nude mice were randomly divided into blank group, metformin low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (i.g. administration of metformin 62.5, 125, 250 mg/kg+i.p. administration of equal volume of normal saline), IDF-11774 group (i.g. administration of 50 mg/kg IDF-11774+i.p. administration of equal volume of normal saline) and high-dose metformin+DMOG group (i.g. administration of metformin 250 mg/kg+i.p. administration of DMOG 250 mg/kg), with 5 mice in each group. They were given relevant medicine, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks; the mass and volume of the tumor and protein expressions of HIF-1α and IL-8 in the tumor tissue were determined. RESULTS The EdU positive rate, OD450 value, cell invasion number, scratch healing rate, mRNA expressions of PCNA, MIEN1 and MMP-9, protein expressions of HIF-1α and IL-8, as well as the mass and volume of transplanted tumors and protein expressions of HIF-1α and IL-8 in tumor tissues were decreased by metformin in concentration/dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Additionally,metformin increased the apoptosis rate and mRNA expression of Bim in cells (P<0.05). The trend of changes in corresponding indicators in the IDF-11774 group was consistent with that in the metformin groups, whereas DMOG could significantly attenuate the aforementioned effects of high-concentration/high-dose metformin (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Metformin can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, migration of TE1 cells, and tumor growth of nude mice, and induce cell apoptosis, the mechanism of which may be related to the inhibition of HIF-1α/IL-8 signaling pathway.
7.Association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13-18
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(9):1232-1236
Objective:
To explore the association between mental health and muscle strength among Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18, providing a theoretical foundation and intervention strategies for mental health promotion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2019 Chinese National Survey on Students Constitution and Health, including 98 631 Chinese adolescents aged 13- 18. Psychological distress was assessed by using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and mental well being was measured with the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well being Scale (WEMWBS). Based on the gender and age specific Z scores of various test items [grip strength, standing long jump, pull ups (for males), and sit ups (for females)], muscle strength index (MSI) was constructed to evaluate the comprehensive level of muscle strength in adolescents. According to the Dual factor Model (DFM) of mental health, participants were categorized into four groups:troubled, symptomatic but content, vulnerable, and complete mental health. Gender differences were analyzed by using Chi-square tests, trends were tested with Cochran-Armitage tests, and multinomial Logistic regression models were applied to assess associations between muscle strength and mental health among adolescents.
Results:
In 2019, 37.4% of Chinese adolescents aged 13-18 were reported of high mental distress, and 59.9% were reported of low mental well being. Boys had significantly lower rates of high mental distress (35.3%) and low mental well being (55.6%) compared to girls (39.4%, 64.3%), and the differences were of statistical significance ( χ 2=176.13, 780.42, both P <0.05). In 2019, the rate of complete mental health among adolescents showed a downward trend with increasing age ( χ 2 trend = 258.47) and a gradual upward trend with increasing muscle strength levels ( χ 2 trend =123.14),and both boys and girls exhibited similar trends ( χ 2 trend =103.83, 168.46; 57.00 , 67.34) (all P <0.05). The results of the unordered multiclass Logistic regression model showed that after controlling for confounding factors such as age and gender, when the completely pathological group as a reference, for every 1 unit increase in MSI in adolescents, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 29% ( OR = 1.29); for every unit increase in the Z-score for pull ups, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 6% ( OR =1.06) among boys; for every 1 unit increase in sit up Z score, the likelihood of being in a completely mental health state increased by 19% ( OR =1.19) among girls (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
The mental health status of Chinese adolescents is not good enough. Muscle strength is positively associated with mental health.
8.Prediction and verification of the mechanism of action of herb pair of Angelica sinensis-Poria cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis
Jingkai CHENG ; Shan ZHU ; Xinlei TIAN ; Wenjie HU ; Xingchan SHI ; Shunan QIAO
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2778-2782
OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of action of herb pair of Angelica sinensis-Poria cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis. METHODS The core targets of herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos in intervening in allergic rhinitis were predicted through network pharmacology. Allergic rhinitis model of rats was established by intraperitoneal injection of aluminum hydroxide and ovalbumin mixture, and the rats were randomly divided into model group, loratadine group (positive control group, 0.9 mg/kg), and low-, medium-, high-dose groups of herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos (3, 6 and 12 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 healthy rats were used as the normal group. Each group of rats was intragastrically administered the corresponding liquid or normal saline once a day for 30 consecutive days. After the last administration, the behavioral scores of each group of rats were calculated, the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine, interleukin-4 (IL-4) in serum, and the protein expression levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in nasal mucosa tissue were detected. The pathological morphology changes of nasal mucosa tissue were observed. RESULTS Network pharmacology analysis revealed that IL-6, TNF and PTGS2 might play a key role in the intervention of allergic rhinitis by herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos, and the IL-17 and TNF signaling pathways might be the typical inflammatory signaling pathways intervened by herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos in allergic rhinitis. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the behavioral score, the levels of IgE, histamine and IL-4, and the protein expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and PTGS2 in each administration group were decreased significantly (P<0.05), and there was a dose-dependent relationship with the herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The herb pair of A. sinensis-P. cocos can effectively alleviate the symptoms of rats with allergic rhinitis, the mechanism of which may be related to the inhibition of the expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and PTGS2.
9.Analysis of the demands for pharmaceutical clinic service and influential factors based on Kano model
Han SHAN ; Xuan YE ; Zihan GUO ; Jing WU ; Jinwei HU ; Xiaopei TONG ; Yufei BIN ; Jiyong LIU ; Qiong DU ; Mengmeng WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(22):2850-2855
OBJECTIVE To explore the characteristics and influential factors of pharmaceutical clinic service demands, providing evidence for optimizing pharmaceutical service models and facilitating pharmaceutical service models of pharmacist role transformation. METHODS A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and 410 outpatient participants were selected from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center through convenience sampling for questionnaire administration from February to May 2025. Kano model was applied to analyze the demand attributes of 25 pharmaceutical services, while questionnaires were used to assess patients’ awareness and demand status. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on key demographic variables such as gender, age, educational attainment, and economic burdens, to SACA- systematically examine the differences in Kano attribute classification among patients in each subgroup. RESULTS The awareness rate of pharmaceutical outpatient services among patients was only 14.63%, yet those who were aware demonstrated a significantly higher demand rate for such services compared to those who were unaware (P<0.001). The demand for pharmaceutical clinic services exhibited a hierarchical characteristic: twelve items were identified as attractive attributes (e. g., providing suggestions for more affordable treatment options, offering online consultation services, etc.), five items as expected attributes (e.g., having a good attitude and being able to patiently answer your questions, etc.), three items as must-have attributes (e.g., providing guidance on medication dosage and usage, providing guidance on medication precautions, etc.), five items as indifferent attributes (e.g., providing treatment plan recommendations based on the patient’s condition). There were zero items classified as reverse attribute. Subgroup analysis revealed that female patients showed greater concern for “neat and clean attire of medical staff” than male patients (P<0.001); patients under 60 years of age demonstrated stronger demand for “providing treatment plan recommendations based on patients’ conditions” compared to patients aged 60 or above (P=0.016); those with below high school education placed greater emphasis on “providing guidance on medication precautions” compared to those with a high school education or above (P=0.011); patients with lower economic burdens exhibited stronger preferences for “neat and clean attire of medical staff ” (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS The public awareness rate of pharmaceutical clinic services is considerably low; however, those who are aware of such services demonstrate significantly higher demand. The medication safety-related services and convenience-oriented demands should be prioritized in the development of pharmaceutical clinics. Moreover, the study also revealed that factors such as gender, age, educational level, and economic burdens exert significant influences on patients’ service demands.
10.Elevated expression of miR-423-5p in the plasma of patients with ischemic stroke
Haipeng LI ; Yifan LIU ; Shan LI ; Daohui CHEN ; Jinglin LEI ; Zheng HU
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(12):1572-1579
Objective To explore the clinical significance of miR-423-5p in ischemic stroke and its effects on SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis along with the underlying mechanisms.Methods Plasma samples were collected from three stroke-prone patients who subsequently developed acute ischemic stroke(AIS)within 24 hours.High-throughput sequencing was used to identify miR-423-5p as a key target.Venous blood samples were collected from 46 AIS pa-tients within 24 hours of onset and from 46 matched control cases.RT-qPCR was performed to measure the plasma expression of miR-423-5p in both groups.The diagnostic value of miR-423-5p for AIS was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.After overexpression and knockdown of miR-423-5p in SH-SY5Y cells,flow cytometry was performed to detect apoptosis in each group to analyze the potential relationship between miR-423-5p and SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis.Western blot was used to measure changes in the expression level of the ap-optotic protein cleaved caspase-3 and the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL.Results The expression of miR-423-5p in 3 AIS patients showed significant difference before and after onset.Plasma miR-423-5p expression was significantly elevated in AIS patients versus controls(P<0.001).ROC analysis indicated its strong diagnostic potential for AIS.Overexpression of miR-423-5p increased the apoptosis rate and cleaved caspase-3 ex-pression of SH-SY5Y cells after OGD/R,and decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL,while knocking down miR-423-5p had the opposite effect.Conclusions The expression of miR-423-5p is upregulated in the plasma of patients with ischemic stroke compared to healthy controls.Furthermore,miR-423-5p promotes OGD/R-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells by increasing the level of cleaved caspase-3 and suppressing the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL.


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