1.Evidence-based research on the nutritional and health effects of functional components of tea
Zhijian HE ; Yuping LI ; Fan BU ; Jia CUI ; Xinwen BI ; Yuanjie CUI ; Zhiyuan GUO ; Ming LI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):190-198
As a traditional nutritional and healthy cash crop in China, tea has certain significance in promoting human health and preventing and controlling chronic diseases. Studies have shown that the nutritional health effect of tea is due to its rich functional components, mainly including tea polyphenols, tea pigments, tea polysaccharides, theanine, alkaloids and other bioactive substances. At present, researchers from the academic circles have continuously carried out animal and human experiments on the health effects of various functional components of tea, which has accumulated abundant research data and materials. Based on this, this article reviews the literature on the nutritional and health effects of the main functional components of tea, and adopts the method of evidence-based research to screen and extract relevant data for qualitative and quantitative meta-analysis. Subsequently, the nutritional health effects of the five functional components of tea, namely tea polyphenols, tea pigments, tea polysaccharides, theanine, and alkaloids, are summarized and outlined. Studies have shown that tea polyphenols, tea pigments, tea polysaccharides, theanine and alkaloids have different health effects and are expected to play their unique roles in promoting human health and preventing and controlling diseases.
2.Analysis of changes in visual function before and after small incision lenticule extraction in patients with different degrees of myopia
Meiluo ZHANG ; Chunyu TIAN ; Liexi JIA ; Qinghua YANG ; Hongtao ZHANG ; Hui CUI ; Mengyu PENG ; Ruihua WEI
International Eye Science 2025;25(6):980-985
AIM: To analyze the changes in binocular visual function before and after small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)in patients with different degrees of myopia.METHODS:A prospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. A total of 94 patients(188 eyes)who visited the refractive outpatient department of the ophthalmology department of the General Hospital of the PLA from June 2022 to June 2023 and voluntarily chose SMILE were consecutively included. They were grouped according to the degree of myopia, including 24 cases(48 eyes)in the low myopia group(-3.00 D
3.Study on population pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam in post-stroke epilepsy patients
Chenxi LIU ; Yin WU ; Caiyun JIA ; Sai CUI ; Huizhen WU ; Suxing WANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):594-599
OBJECTIVE To establish population pharmacokinetic model of levetiracetam (Lev) for Chinese patients with post- stroke epilepsy (PSE), and provide reference for formulating individualized dosing regimens for Lev therapy in this specific population. METHODS Blood concentration data and clinical diagnosis and treatment information of PSE patients meeting the inclusion criteria were retrospectively collected and divided into model group and validation group at an 8∶2 ratio using a random number method. Based on the model group data, a population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Internal evaluation was performed through goodness-of-fit tests and bootstrap analysis, while external validation was conducted using the validation group data. RESULTS A total of 75 blood concentration measurements from 70 PSE patients were collected, with 60 measurements from 55 patients used for model development and 15 measurements from 15 patients reserved for external validation. The final model estimated a population typical value of clearance at 2.98 L/h. Estimated glomerular filtration rate, daily dose, and homocysteine level significantly influenced clearance of Lev (P<0.01). The model demonstrated satisfactory predictive performance, as evidenced by goodness-of-fit tests, bootstrap analysis, and external validation results. CONCLUSIONS Daily dose, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and homocysteine level are identified as significant covariates influencing Lev clearance in Chinese PSE patients. When making clinical decisions, comprehensive consideration should be given to the patient’s treatment response, physiological and pathological conditions, and the occurrence of adverse reactions, etc. The dosage of Lev should be adjusted based on the results of population pharmacokinetic model.
4.Effect of Modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang on Hepatic Kupffer Cell Inflammation Mediated by Intestinal-derived LPS in Rats with Hyperlipidemia and Spleen Deficiency Syndrome
Mengzhu CHE ; Lianqun JIA ; Dongyu MIN ; Guoyuan SUI ; Qi ZHANG ; Guanlin YANG ; Yunhao CUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):77-86
ObjectiveThe study aims to investigate the intervention effect of modified Xiangsha Liujunzitang (M-XSLJZ) on intestinal-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated Kupffer cell inflammation in rats with hyperlipidemia spleen deficiency syndrome. MethodsSeventy male SD rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n=10): blank control (CON), high-fat diet without spleen deficiency (HFD), high-fat diet with spleen deficiency (SD-HFD), M-XSLJZ low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XS-L, XS-M, XS-H), and western medicine control (R). Spleen deficiency was induced in SD-HFD, XS-L, XS-M, XS-H, and R groups via irregular diet combined with exhaustive swimming for 15 days. The CON group received a standard diet, while other groups were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. After successful modeling, rats were treated for 8 weeks: M-XSLJZ was administered at 3.51, 7.02, 14.04 g·kg-1 in XS-L, XS-M, and XS-H groups, respectively. The R group received 9×10-4 g·kg-1 of a reference drug. D-xylose excretion rate was measured by the phloroglucinol method. Blood lipids were assessed using an automated biochemical analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the pathological conditions of the liver, and oil red O staining was used to observe the lipid deposition in the liver. The levels of LPS, portal vein serum LPS, LPS-binding protein (LBP), serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate CD86 expression and CD68/TLR4 co-localization in the liver. Protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 in Kupffer cells were analyzed via Western blot automated protein analysis. Hepatic IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA and protein levels were measured using Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the CON group, the SD-HFD group showed a decrease in D-xylose excretion (P<0.01). TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). A large number of hepatic lipid vacuoles and orange-red lipid droplet deposition appeared in the liver. Ileal LPS, portal LPS, and LBP increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased (P<0.01). The expression of CD86 was upregulated (P<0.01), and the co-expression of CD68 and TLR4 was enhanced. The protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and p-p65 in Kupffer cells increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the HFD group, the SD-HFD group exhibited decreased D-xylose excretion (P<0.01), higher HDL-C, LDL-C (P<0.05), increased portal LBP and LPS (P<0.05), increased serum IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.01), upregulated CD86 (P<0.01), enhanced CD68/TLR4 co-expression, and higher TNF-α mRNA/protein (P<0.05). Compared with the SD-HFD group, all M-XSLJZ treatment groups showed reduced TC, TG, and LDL-C (P<0.05, P<0.01). XS-H and R groups displayed improved hepatic lipid deposition. XS-H and R groups had lower ileal LPS, portal LPS, and LBP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). All M-XSLJZ treatment groups exhibited reduced serum IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α (P<0.01). The XS-H group showed downregulated CD86 (P<0.01) and weakened CD68/TLR4 co-expression. The XS-H group had reduced TLR4, MyD88, and p-NF-κB p65 in Kupffer cells (P<0.01). XS-H and R groups showed lower IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA/protein (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionM-XSLJZ may exert its lipid-lowering effects by inhibiting intestinal-derived LPS and alleviating Kupffer cell inflammation in the liver.
5.Study on the mechanism of Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids promoting decidualization and improving recurrent spontaneous abortion
Fang FANG ; Ying CUI ; Jialü HUANG ; Lili CHEN ; Jia XU ; Yunhui WAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(19):2379-2386
OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism by which Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids (CCF) promote decidualization and improve recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). METHODS HTR-8/SVneo cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into blank group, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, CCF group, SGK2 inhibitor (GSK650394, abbreviated as “GSK”) group and CCF+GSK group. Each group was treated with the corresponding agents accordingly. HTR-8/SVneo cells with SGK2 knockdown were randomly divided into small interfering RNA of SGK2 (siSGK2) group and siSGK2+CCF group; additionally, blank group and LPS group were established; each group was treated with the corresponding agents accordingly. The cell survival rate, expression levels of WNK signaling pathway- and decidualization-related proteins and mRNAs, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential levels, were assessed in each group before and after SGK2 knockdown. RSA mice model was constructed and randomly divided into model group, CCF low-dose group, CCF high-dose group, GSK group, and combined dosing group, with 4 mice in each group. Other 4 normal pregnant female mice were selected as the control group. The number of implanted embryos, viable fetuses, and lost embryos in mice was recorded. The morphological changes of endometrium and decidualization were observed, and WNK signaling pathway- and decidualization-related proteins and mRNAs expressing levels as well as mitochondrial membrane potential levels were all detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the cell survival rate, as well as the protein and mRNA expression levels of SGK2, WNK1, WNK4, prolactin, insulin-like growth factor- binding protein-1, oxidative stress responsive kinase 1, and Ste20-like proline-/alanine-rich kinase were significantly reduced in the LPS group (P<0.05); compared with the LPS group, the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above- mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly increased in the CCF group, while the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly decreased in the GSK group (P<0.05); compared with the CCF group, the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly reduced in the CCF+GSK group (P<0.05). After knocking down SGK2, compared with the LPS group, the cell survival rate, red/green fluorescence intensity ratio, and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly reduced in the siSGK2 group (P<0.05); compared with the siSGK2 group, the cell survival rate, red/green fluorescence intensity ratio, and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly increased in the siSGK2+CCF group (P<0.05). The in vivo experimental results showed that CCF treatment can significantly improve the number of implanted embryos and viable fetuses in RSA model mice and reduce lost embryos, the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs in endometrial tissue were significantly increased, and the red/green fluorescence intensity ratio was significantly increased (P< 0.05); the combined dosing group could reverse the effect of CCF (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS CCF can activate SGK2, up- regulate the WNK signaling pathway, promote endometrial decidualization, and improve RSA.
6.Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy with Shengmaisan-like Formulae: A Review
Yinan MA ; Fuyun JIA ; Rui ZHANG ; Zhengwei ZHANG ; Hanwen CUI ; Qiang XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):291-298
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a cardiovascular complication caused by diabetes mellitus, is a major cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death in diabetic patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) posits that the core pathogenesis of DCM lies in internal deficiency and superficial excess, characterized by deficiency of both Qi and Yin combined with phlegm and blood stasis. Modern medical treatments for DCM primarily focus on blood glucose control and symptom alleviation yet lack targeted therapeutic strategies. In contrast, TCM offers a wealth of practical experience and a complete theoretical system, demonstrating definite clinical efficacy and high medication safety in DCM management. As a classic formula for tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin, Shengmaisan comprises Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ophiopogonis Radix, and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. It contains multiple bioactive components, including ginsenosides, ophiopogonin, schisandrins, and homoisoflavonoids, which exhibit cardioprotective properties. The therapeutic mechanisms of Shengmaisan-like formulae for DCM involve enhancing myocardial contractility, attenuating myocardial fibrosis, modulating mitochondrial quality control, regulating glucose metabolism, mitigating oxidative stress, and suppressing inflammatory responses. Clinically, Shengmaisan-like formulae not only manage hyperglycemic status but also ameliorate cardiac structural and functional impairments and enhance exercise tolerance in DCM patients, playing a vital role in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of DCM. This paper analyzes the feasibility of Shengmaisan-like formulae in DCM management and synthesizes current research achievements regarding their chemical components, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications, aiming to provide a scientific foundation for the use of such formulae in the treatment of DCM.
7.Discussion on the application of sweet-natured herbs to the treatment of tumor immune-related adverse events based on the theory of "fire and primordial qi incompatibility"
Jia WU ; Muyao CUI ; Weidong LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):566-572
The theory of "fire and primordial qi incompatibility" was proposed by LI Gao in Clarifying Doubts about Damage from Internal and External Causes, which has important guiding significance for explaining the pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). "Fire" refers to yin fire, a type of deficient fire transformed from the deficiency of the spleen and stomach, reflecting the pathological state of coexisting deficiency and heat patterns in patients with tumor after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. "Primordial qi" is the most fundamental essence of human life activities and serves as the source of all bodily qi. Based on the theory of "fire and primordial qi incompatibility" and Western medicine research, we found that excessive use of ICIs can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to excessive yin fire. When yin fire becomes excessive, it consumes and injures the primordial qi; when the primordial qi is depleted, it leads to more excessive yin fire and further deficiency of the spleen and stomach, forming a syndrome in which deficiency and excess coexist. Starting from the theory of "fire and primordial qi incompatibility, "combined with our team′s clinical practice and modern pharmacological research, this study explores the application characteristics of sweet-natured herbs for irAEs during ICIs therapy and interval periods, and summarizes the treatment principles, aiming to provide new perspectives and approaches for the prevention and treatment of tumor-related irAEs with traditional Chinese medicine.
8.Establishment and application of drug use evaluation standards for lauromacrogol
Tian HU ; Li JIA ; Yanhua CUI ; Rui WU ; Jinhua ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pharmacoepidemiology 2024;33(5):500-507
Objective To establish the drug use evaluation(DUE)standard of lauromacrogol,evaluate its clinical use,and provide a reference for rational clinical application.Methods Based on the drug instructions,related relevant guidelines and literature of lauromacrogol,the DUE standard was formulated through the expert consultation method.A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the drug utilization of lauromacrogol in hospitalized patients in 3 201 Hospital of Xi'an Jiao tong University in Shaanxi province from January 2021 to August 2022.Results A total of 143 medical records were included,48(33.57%)of which fully met the evaluation criteria.Unreasonable use was mainly manifested as inappropriate indications(65.03%)and unsuitable usage and dosage(1.40%).The unreasonable indications are mainly due to the existence of off-label medication.Conclusion The established DUE standard of lauromacrogol has a certain reference effect on the rational use of lauromacrogol in clinical practice.Irrational usages still exists in the clinical application of lauromacrogol in the hospital,and interventions should be developed to optimize its clinical application and promote the rational drug use.
9.Dynamic characterization of neuronal injury in cortex and hippocampus of mice after acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
Tong LI ; Jia-Ming BAI ; Yi-Jun SHI ; Cai-Ming WEN ; Lin CUI ; Jing-Xian YANG ; Hong-He XIAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(9):1708-1718
Aim To dynamically characterize neuronal damage in the cortex and hippocampus of mice follow-ing acute cerebral ischemia/reperfusion(I/R).Meth-ods Male C57BL/6J mice weighing 25-28 g under-went middle cerebral artery occlusion using the fila-ment method,followed by 1 hour of reperfusion to es-tablish the acute cerebral I/R injury mouse model.The experiment comprised a sham surgery group,I/R-6 h group,I/R-24 h group,and I/R-72 h group.Longa neurological function score was used to assess the neu-rological function.Triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining was conducted to detect cerebral in-farct volume.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was utilized to observe brain tissue pathological dam-age.Nissl staining was performed to evaluate neuronal damage.Immunofluorescence histochemistry staining was employed to assess the activation of astrocytes and microglia,as well as neuronal loss.Transmission elec-tron microscopy was used to examine mitochondrial damage in hippocampal neurons.Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of mito-chondrial fission-fusion-related proteins p-Drp1/Drp1,Mff,Fis1,and OPA1.Results With prolonged cere-bral I/R time,neurological functional impairment,cerebral infarct volume,neuronal damage in the cortex and hippocampus,glial cell activation,neuronal loss,and mitochondrial damage gradually worsened in mice.The expression of mitochondrial fission-related proteins increased gradually,while the expression of mitochon-drial fusion-related proteins decreased gradually.Con-clusions Neuronal pathological damage,such as glial cell activation,neuronal loss,and mitochondrial dam-age,is gradually aggravated with prolonged cerebral I/R time,which may be associated with mitochondrial dynamics imbalance.
10.Knockdown of chemokine receptor 3 inhibits hepatoblastoma cell proliferation and migration by weakening Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Dao-Kui DING ; Yu-Hang YUAN ; Yan-An LI ; Xi-Chun CUI ; He-Ying YANG ; Jia DU ; Yang-Guang SU
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(12):2347-2354
Aim To investigate the role and mecha-nism of CXC chemokine receptor 3(CXCR3)in hepa-toblastoma(HB).Methods The expression of CX-CR3 was detected by immunohistochemical and West-ern blot in 16 cases of HB tissue and adjacent normal liver tissue.The HB cells(Huh-6 and HepT1)were transfected with Con-shRNA,CXCR3-shRNA1,and CXCR3-shRNA2,respectively,and then divided into the Con-shRNA group,CXCR3-shRNA1 group,and CXCR3-shRNA2 group.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and EdU staining.Cell migration and invasion were detected by scratch and Transwell as-says.The expressions of β-catenin,c-Myc,cyclin D1,MMP-7 and MMP-9 were detected by Western blot.The tumor formation and tumor volume in each group were assessed using nude mouse xenograft tumor model,while the expressions of MMP-9 and Ki67 in tumor tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry.Results The expression of CXCR3 was up-regulated in HB tissue(P<0.01).Compared to the Con-shR-NA group,the viability,proliferation,migration and invasion of Huh-6 and HepT1 cells in the CXCR3-shR-NA1 and CXCR3-shRNA2 groups were reduced(P<0.01),the expressions of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway related proteins were attenuated(P<0.01),the tumor grew slowly and the volume was significantly reduced(P<0.01),and the expressions of MMP-9 and Ki67 in tumor tissue decreased(P<0.01).Con-clusions Downregulation of CXCR3 hinders the pro-liferation and migration of HB cells,potentially as-cribed to the attenuation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulation.


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