1.Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Parkinson's Disease Based on Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway: A Review
Liuping YUE ; Yongkang SUN ; Fangbiao XU ; Yanbo SONG ; Yijun WU ; Huan YU ; Xinzhi WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):307-317
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by motor dysfunction. The main pathological features include the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, abnormal aggregation of alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn), and the formation of Lewy bodies. However, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. In recent years, the PD incidence has gradually increased, while current treatment methods are limited to symptom alleviation, incapable of halting disease progression, and prone to adverse effects, thus making it urgent to search for medicines effective for PD. Modern research indicates that the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway is closely related to oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiological development of PD. A large number of studies have further confirmed that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate diseases through a holistic view of Syndrome differentiation and microscopic molecular pathways. With unique advantages, such as multiple targets, multiple pathways, and fewer adverse reactions, TCM provides a new strategy for PD treatment. This article elucidates the mechanism of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of PD, while summarizing the latest research on PD intervention by TCM monomers, active ingredients, and compounds, as well as acupuncture via the precise targeted regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, aiming to provide a reference for clinical medicine development to prevent and treat PD.
2.Neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B on Parkinson’s disease model mice by regulating the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway
Xiaoli WANG ; Hua RONG ; Siwen PAN ; Chunlei YU ; Tianjiao XU ; Yu SUN ; Huan CONG ; Yu PANG ; Gang CHEN ; Xiaoming LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):998-1002
OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of eleutheroside B (ELB) on Parkinson’s disease (PD) model mice by regulating the IκB kinase β (IKKβ)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, positive control group (selegiline hydrochloride, 10 mg/kg), and ELB low-dose and high-dose groups (80, 160 mg/kg), with 10 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant medicine or normal saline intragastrically for 14 consecutive days. Starting from the 10th day of administration, the model group and all administration groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) 30 mg/kg, for five consecutive days to establish the chronic PD model. After the last administration for 24 h, six mice were randomly selected from each group to test their behavioral abilities; detect the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in brain tissue and their mRNA expressions were measured, and positive expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), protein expressions of TH, α -synuclein ( α -syn), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in the brain tissue were detected. The ultrastructure of neurons in substantia nigra was observed. RESULTS Compared with the model group, rotarod endurance time and climbing score of each administration group (except for the ELB low-dose group) were increased significantly ( P <0.05), while the levels and mRNA expressions of IL-1β, TNF-α, α -syn, and Iba-1, as well as phosphorylation levels of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 proteins in brain tissue were decreased significantly (except for TNF-α in the ELB low-dose group). Conversely, the level and mRNA expression of IL-10 (except for the ELB low-dose group), TH positive expression and protein expressions were significantly increased ( P <0.05). Typical neurodegenerative pathological changes, such as neuronal karyopyknosis, mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization, and endoplasmic reticulum dilation, all showed varying degrees of improvement. CONCLUSIONS ELB may exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting the activation of the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway, alleviating inflammatory responses, reducing abnormal α -syn aggregation and neuronal loss, and further improving motor dysfunction in PD mice.
3.Treatment Approach for Diabetes with Coronary Heart Disease Based on the Heart-Spleen-Kidney Triad Holistic Perspective
Xitong SUN ; Xinbiao FAN ; Huan ZHOU ; Xiaofei GENG ; Aolin LI ; Wenyu SHANG ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):750-754
It is believed that diabetes complicated with coronary heart disease is closely related to the functional interplay of the heart, spleen, and kidneys. This paper proposed the concept of the heart-spleen-kidney as a unified system for understanding and treating the disease. At the early stage, spleen and kidney deficiency leads to the internal accumulation of phlegm, dampness, and turbid lipids, causing impaired blood circulation and vascular obstruction, so treatment should focus on tonify the kidneys and strengthening the spleen, activating blood circulation and resolving stasis, using the self-prescribed Tangxin Maiwen Formula (糖心脉温方). As the disease progresses, further decline of spleen and kidney function results in inadequate nourishment of the heart, leading to blood stasis and the accumulation of phlegm, dampness, and turbid lipids, which may transform into pathogenic heat and toxins, causing heart damage, then treatment should emphasize on boosting qi and nourishing yin, clearing heat, activating blood and resolving toxins, using the self-prescribed Tangxin Maiqing Formula (糖心脉清方). In advanced stages, three zang organs, the heart, spleen, and kidneys, become severely impaired, leading to mental activity fail to be nourished and abnormal cognitive functions, so treatment should focus on harmonizing the three zang organs simultaneously, using the self-prescribed Yunpi Tiaoxin Decoction (运脾调心汤). This approach aims to provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes with coronary heart disease.
4.Determination of radionuclide levels in food and assessment of effective dose in Beijing, China
Huan WANG ; Yaru SUN ; Meinan YAO ; Yongzhong MA ; Shuchang YAN ; Hui ZHANG ; Zhen WU ; Bin BAI
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2025;34(5):733-739
Objective To investigate the levels of radionuclides in food in Beijing, China, and assess the committed effective dose to local residents from food intake. Methods From 2021 to 2022, a total of 65 food samples across 7 categories were collected in Beijing. The activity concentrations of radionuclides, including 137Cs, 210Pb, 238U, 228Ra, 226Ra, 40K, 90Sr, 210Po, 3H and 14C, were measured using gamma spectrometry and radiochemical methods. By combining the monitoring results with dietary consumption data of Beijing residents and the internal dose coefficients for Chinese reference adult phantom, the committed effective dose was estimated. Results The levels of radionuclides in food in Beijing were within the normal background range, consistent with related surveys in China and abroad, with activity concentrations below national standard limits. No significant differences were found in the activity concentrations of 137Cs, 238U, 228Ra, 226Ra and 40K between food samples collected from key areas and those from control areas (P > 0.05). The committed effective doses calculated according to internal dose coefficients for Chinese reference adult male phantom and GB 18871-2002 were 0.26 mSv and 0.19 mSv, respectively. Based on the Chinese reference adult male phantom, the majority of the committed effective dose was attributed to 210Pb (45.1%), 228Ra (37.1%), 210Po (12.3%), and 226Ra (4.7%). Conclusion The levels of radionuclides in food in Beijing fluctuated within the background range, resulting in a low radiation dose burden to the population.
5.Clinical risk and monitoring essentials of tonifying Chinese patent medicine
Huan SUN ; Qiaoli ZHAI ; Jie XU ; Bing LOU ; Pijun GONG ; Beiwei XIN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(23):2974-2977
OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical risks and monitoring essentials associated with tonifying Chinese patent medicine. METHODS The varieties of tonifying Chinese patent medicines listed in the National Basic Drug List (2024 edition) were counted. Package inserts were collected using software such as “Dingxiangyuan” and then classified and organized according to criteria such as “drug name”“ingredients”“contraindications”“precautions”“drug interactions”. The names of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction pieces were standardized in accordance with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) and other relevant standards; literature was reviewed to compile information on TCM decoction pieces that required caution/were contraindicated in special populations, as well as tonifying Chinese patent medicines and their related clinical applications. Then, a database for tonifying Chinese patent medicines was ultimately established by relying on the hospital’s internal information system, so as to conduct an in-depth exploration of the clinical usage risks and key monitoring points of tonifying Chinese patent medicines. RESULTS A total of 222 tonifying traditional Chinese medicines were evaluated. Contraindications or requirements for cautious use were identified in 91 (40.99%) for hepatic or renal impairment, 9 (4.05%) for hypertension, and 8 (3.60%) for pediatric patients, and 109 (49.10%) were designated as contraindicated or requiring caution for athletes. CONCLUSIONS Although tonifying Chinese patent medicines are indicated for deficiency patterns, their use is accompanied by measurable clinical risk, especially in individuals with hepatic or renal compromise who are prone to adverse reactions.
6.The Role and Mechanism of Aerobic Exercise in Enhancing Insulin Sensitivity by Reducing Circulating Glutamate
Xiao-Rui XING ; Qin SUN ; Huan-Yu WANG ; Ruo-Bing FAN ; Ru WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(6):1373-1385
ObjectiveTo explore the role and potential mechanism of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity by aerobic exercise. This research may provide a novel strategy for preventing metabolic diseases through precise exercise interventions. MethodsTo investigate the effects of elevated circulating glutamate on insulin sensitivity and its potential mechanisms, 18 male C57BL/6 mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a group receiving 500 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (M), and a group receiving 1 000 mg/kg glutamate supplementation (H). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, with treatments administered 6 d per week. Following the intervention, an insulin tolerance test (ITT) and a glucose tolerance test (GTT) were conducted. Circulating glutamate levels were measured using a commercial kit, and the activity of the skeletal muscle InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed via Western blot. To further investigate the role of circulating glutamate in enhancing insulin sensitivity through aerobic exercise, 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (CS), an exercise intervention group (ES), and an exercise combined with glutamate supplementation group (EG). The ES group underwent treadmill-based aerobic exercise, while the EG group received glutamate supplementation at a dosage of 1 000 mg/kg in addition to aerobic exercise. The intervention lasted for 10 weeks, with sessions occurring 6 d per week, and the same procedures were followed afterward. To further elucidate the mechanism by which glutamate modulates the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, C2C12 myotubes were initially subjected to graded glutamate treatment (0, 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10 mmol/L) to determine the optimal concentration for cellular intervention. Subsequently, the cells were divided into 3 groups: a control group (C), a glutamate intervention group (G), and a glutamate combined with MK801 (an NMDA receptor antagonist) intervention group (GK). The G group was treated with 5 mmol/L glutamate, while the GK group received 50 μmol/L MK801 in addition to 5 mmol/L glutamate. After 24 h of intervention, the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was analyzed using Western blot. ResultsCompared to the mice in group C, the circulating glutamate levels, the area under curve (AUC) of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group H were significantly increased. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle were significantly downregulated. Compared to the mice in group CS, the circulating glutamate levels, the AUC of ITT, and the AUC of GTT in the mice of group ES were significantly reduced. Additionally, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, IRS1, p-AKT, and p-mTOR proteins in skeletal muscle of group ES mice were significantly upregulated. There were no significant changes observed in the mice of group EG. Compared to the cells in group 0 mmol/L, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in cells of group 5 mmol/L were significantly downregulated. Compared to the cells in group C, the expression levels of p-InsRβ, p-IRS1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT proteins in the cells of group G were significantly downregulated. No significant changes were observed in the cells of group GK. ConclusionLong-term aerobic exercise can improve insulin sensitivity by lowering circulating levels of glutamate. This effect may be associated with the upregulation of the InsR/IRS1/AKT signaling pathway activity in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, glutamate can weaken the activity of the InsR/IRS1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in skeletal muscle, potentially by binding to NMDAR expressed in skeletal muscle.
7.Determination method of clopidogrel and its metabolites in rat plasma and its pharmacokinetic study
Huan YI ; Lan MIAO ; Changying REN ; Li LIN ; Mingqian SUN ; Qing PENG ; Ying ZHANG ; Jianxun LIU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(13):1599-1603
OBJECTIVE To establish a method for determining the contents of clopidogrel (CLP), clopidogrel carboxylate (CLP-C), clopidogrel acyl-β-D-glucuronide (CLP-G) and contents of clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) in rat plasma, and to investigate their in vivo pharmacokinetic characteristics. METHODS The Shisedo CAPCELL ADME column was used with a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile (both containing 0.1% formic acid) in a gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.4 mL/min, and the column temperature was maintained at 20 ℃. The injection volume was 2 μL. The analysis was performed in positive ion mode using electrospray ionization with multiple reaction monitoring. The ion pairs for quantitative analysis were m/z 322.1→211.9 (for CLP), m/z 308.1→197.9 (for CLP-C), m/z 322.1→154.8 (for CLP-G), m/z 504.1→154.9 [for racemic CAM derivative (CAMD)]. Six rats were administered a single intragastric dose of CLP (10 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected before medication and at 0.08, 0.33, 0.66, 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 23 and 35 hours after medication. The established method was used to detect the serum contents of various components in rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were then calculated using WinNonlin 6.1 software. RESULTS The linear ranges for CLP, CLP-C and CAMD were 0.08-20.00, 205.00-8 000.00, and 0.04-25.00 ng/mL, respectively (r≥0.990). The relative standard deviations for both intra-day and inter-day precision tests were all less than 15%, and the relative errors for accuracy ranged from -11.68% to 14.40%. The coefficients of variation for the matrix factors were all less than 15%, meeting the requirements for bioanalytical method validation. The results of the pharmacokinetic study revealed that, following a single intagastric administration of CLP in rats, the exposure to the parent CLP in plasma was extremely low. Both the area under the drug concentration-time curve (AUC0-35 h) and the peak concentration of the parent CLP were lower than those of its metabolites. The AUC0-35 h of the active metabolite CAM was approximately 43 times that of CLP, though it had a shorter half-life (2.53 h). The inactive metabolite CLP-C exhibited the highest exposure level, but it reached its peak concentration the latest and was eliminated slowly. The AUC0-35 h of CLP-G was about four times that of CAM, and its half-life was similar to that of CLP-C. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully established an liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of CLP and its three metabolites, and revealed their pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats. Specifically, the parent drug CLP was rapidly eliminated, while the inactive metabolites CLP-C and CLP-G exhibited long half-lives, and active metabolite CAM displayed a transient exposure pattern.
8.Incremental effectiveness of two-dose of mumps-containing vaccine in chidren
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):883-887
Objective:
To evaluate the incremental vaccine effectiveness (VE) of two dose of the mumps containing vaccine (MuCV) in chidren, so as to provide a basis for optimizing mumps immunization strategies.
Methods:
A 1∶2 frequency matched case-control study was conducted by using reported mumps cases in childcare centers or schools from Lu an, Hefei, Ma anshan and Huainan cities of Anhui Province from September 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, as a case group(383 cases). And healthy children in the same classroom were selected as a control group(766 cases). The MuCV immunization histories of participants were collected to estimate the incremental VE of the second dose of MuCV against mumps. Group comparisons were performed using the Chi square test or t-test. For matched case-control pairs, the Cox regression model was employed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for two dose MuCV vaccination and to estimate the incremental vaccine effectiveness (VE).
Results:
There were no statistically significant differences between the case and control groups regarding gender, age, dosage of MuCV vaccination and the time interval since the last dose vaccination( χ 2/t=0.05, 0.20, 0.94, -0.02, P >0.05). The proportions of the case and control groups vaccinated with two doses of MuCV were 26.63% and 29.37%, respectively, and the overall incremental VE of the second dose of MuCV was 40.73% (95% CI=3.03%-63.77%, P <0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed that the incremental VE for children with a period of ≥1 year between the two doses of MuCV was 54.13% (95% CI=1.90%-78.56%, P <0.05), while for children with a period of <1 year, it was 30.63% (95% CI=-28.59%-62.58%, P >0.05). The incremental VE of the second dose of MuCV was 30.36% (95% CI=-25.95%-61.50%, P >0.05) in kindergarten children and 66.73% (95% CI=14.92%-86.99%, P <0.05) in elementary and secondary school students. The incremental VE was 28.78% (95% CI=-27.46%-60.21%, P >0.05) within five years of the last dose of MuCV vaccination and 66.07% (95% CI=-41.56%-91.87%, P >0.05) for vaccinations administered beyond five years.
Conclusions
The second dose of MuCV may offer additional protection for children; however, extending the interval between two dose of MuCV (<1 year) has shown limited incremental protective effects. Therefore, it is crucial to consider optimizing current immunization strategies for mumps.
9.Relationship between frailty and acute kidney injury after hip fracture surgery in the elderly
Shu-Jun YE ; Kai-Hong ZHANG ; Xiao-Man SUN ; Huan-Kai ZHANG ; Zhi-Liang HUANG ; Duo YANG ; Long-Sheng ZHANG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):831-838
Objective To analyze the relationship between frailty and acute kidney injury(AKI)after hip fracture surgery in the elderly.Methods A total of 405 elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in Jieyang People's Hospital from August 2021 to January 2023 were retrospectively analysed.According to the modified frailty index(mFI),they were divided into frail group(mFI≥0.27,n=112)and non-frail group(mFI<0.27,n=293).Postoperative AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease:Improving Global Outcomes(KDIGO)criteria.After 1:1 propensity score matching(PSM),100 cases in each group were successfully matched.Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models,propensity score adjustment,PSM,inverse probability of treatment weighting(IPTW),standardized mortality ratio weighting(SMRW),pairwise algorithm(PA)weighting,and overlap weighting(OW)methods were used to analyze the relationship between frailty and postoperative AKI.Stratified analyses were performed according to age(≥80 or<80 years),gender,whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱreceptor antagonists(ARB)were used,and whether intraoperative hypotension occurred.Results After PSM,there were no significant differences between the two groups in age,sex,surgical type,ACEI/ARB,blood urea nitrogen,serum creatinine,intraoperative blood loss,and intraoperative hypotension[standardized mean difference(SMD)<0.1].In both the original cohort and the matched cohort,the incidence of AKI was higher in frail group than in non-frail group(25.9%vs.8.9%,P<0.001;28.0%vs.11.0%,P=0.002).Analysis of the risk of postoperative AKI in elderly hip fracture patients in frail group found that compared with the non-frail group,in the univariate logistic regression model the odds ratio(OR)and a 95%confidence interval(CI)for the frail group was 3.59(2.00-6.43),P<0.001,and in the multivariable logistic regression model,the OR(95%CI)for frail group was 3.04(1.55-5.95),P=0.001.After adjustment for propensity score,the OR(95%CI)for frail group was 2.85(1.52-5.34),P=0.001,and the OR(95%CI)for frail group after PSM was 3.15(1.47-6.75),P=0.003.After IPTW,SMRW,PA weighting,and OW,the OR(95%CI)for frail group were 2.48(1.37-4.50),2.43(1.41-4.19),2.63(1.25-5.54),and 2.69(1.07-6.78),respectively,with P<0.05.The interaction tests were not statistically significant for age,sex,use of ACEI/ARB,and intraoperative hypotension(P>0.05).Conclusion In elderly patients with hip fractures,preoperative frailty may be a risk factor for postoperative AKI.
10.Anatomy of the localization and segmentation of the parapharyngeal segment of the internal carotid artery with an endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach
Lei WANG ; Kai XUE ; Huan-Kang ZHANG ; Quan LIU ; Xi-Cai SUN ; Hong-Meng YU
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(3):301-306
Objective To explore the anatomical landmarks and segmentation method for the intraoperative identification of the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery by studying cadaveric dissections with an endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach and to investigate its clinical significance.Methods The head specimens of five fresh frozen cadavers were dissected in the anatomical laboratory of the Surgical Treatment Technology Innovation Unit of Nasal Skull Base Tumor in Eye&ENT Hospital of Fudan University.The parapharyngeal space was dissected layer by layer through the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold approach,and the location marks of parapharyngeal internal carotid artery(ppICA)and adjacent structures of ppICA were anatomically studied.The anatomical landmarks associated with ppICA were observed and characterized,and the ppICA was segmented anatomically according to its adjacent structures.Then,the length of each ppICA segment was measured.Results Muscle structures were essential anatomical landmarks for an endoscopic transoral pterygoid medial approach that identifies mandibular folds.The first layer of muscles included the superior pharyngeal constrictor,tensor veli palatini,and medial pterygoid muscles.The second layer includes the stylopharyngeus,styloglossus,longus capitis,and levator veli palatini muscles.The stylopharyngeal and levator veli palatini muscles were close to the ppICA and were reliable landmarks for locating the ppICA.Furthermore,the ppICA was divided into three segments according to their positional relationship with the ppICA.The first segment of ppICA(P1 ICA)was located between the greater horn plane of the hyoid bone and the intersection plane between the upper margin of stylopharyngeal muscle and ppICA.The second segment of ppICA(P2 ICA)was between the plane where the upper edge of the stylopharyngeal muscle intersected with the ppICA and the plane where the projection of inferior edge of the levator veli palatini muscle intersected with the ppICA.The third segment of ppICA(P3 ICA)was between the intersection of the lower margin projection of the levator veli palatini muscle and ppICA and the external orifice of the carotid canal.The P2 ICA was within an anatomical region bounded by the levator veli palatini muscle,longus capitis muscle,and stylopharyngeus muscle.This region was termed"ICA window"in this paper measured under the cadaver head specimen,the lengths of P1 ICA,P2 ICA,and P3 ICA were(36.5±7.3)mm,(15.5±1.6)mm,(7.4±1.7)mm respectively.Conclusion The muscular structure refers to the relatively constant anatomical reference landmarks within the endoscopic transoral medial pterygomandibular fold.The stylopharyngeus and levator veli palatini muscles are reliable landmarks for precisely locating and segmenting the ppICA,thus having essential clinical implications.


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