1.Research progress in small molecule inhibitors of complement factor B
Shuai WEN ; Yao ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Xing LI ; Yi MOU ; Zheng-yu JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):37-47
The alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of several diseases including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 glomerular disease (C3G) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Complement factor B (CFB) is a trypsin-like serine protein that circulates in the human bloodstream in a latent form. As a key node of the alternative pathway, it is an important target for the treatment of diseases mediated by the complement system. With the successful launch of iptacopan, the CFB small molecule inhibitors has become a current research hotspot, a number of domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies are actively developing CFB small molecule inhibitors. In this paper, the research progress of CFB small molecule inhibitors in recent years is systematically summarized, the representative compounds and their activities are introduced according to structural types and design ideas, so as to provide reference and ideas for the subsequent research on CFB small molecule inhibitors.
2.A Case of One-stop Procedure for Cryoballoon Ablation and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion of Atrial Fibrillation Under Electroacupuncture Anesthesia
Rongren KUANG ; Shuai WANG ; Yulian JIANG ; Xianliang WANG ; Jianming YIN ; Jingyuan MAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):760-764
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of chronic cardiac arrhythmia. Catheter ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion are effective treatment methods for atrial fibrillation, but these procedures require anesthesia support. However, anesthetic drugs often cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, involuntary movements, and respiratory depression. This paper presents a case of a successful one-stop procedure for cryoballoon ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion of atrial fibrillation performed entirely under acupuncture anesthesia. Thirty minutes before the procedure, acupuncture needles were inserted perpendicularly at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), Lieque (LU 7), Ximen (PC 4) and (LU 6). After obtaining the deqi (得气) sensation, an electroacupuncture device was connected, and electroacupuncture anesthesia was used for pain control throughout the procedure. The patient exhibited good tolerance and cooperation, with electroacupuncture anesthesia completely replacing intravenous anesthetics, ensuring the smooth completion of the surgery. Postoperative follow-up showed favorable outcomes.
3.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
4.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
5.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
6.Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein-4 Inhibits Erythropoietin Production in Diabetic Mice with Kidney Disease by Degrading HIF2A
Junmei WANG ; Shuai HUANG ; Li ZHANG ; Yixian HE ; Xian SHAO ; A-Shan-Jiang A-NI-WAN ; Yan KONG ; Xuying MENG ; Pei YU ; Saijun ZHOU
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(3):421-435
Background:
In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes.
Methods:
The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments.
Results:
RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice.
Conclusion
RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.
7.Effects of shared decision-making oriented vocational training on the social function of patients with schizophrenia
Chunyan JIANG ; Jiuhong SHUAI ; Hongyuan DENG ; Junhua ZHENG ; Chunfeng GOU ; Xiaoli YANG ; Deying TONG ; Hao FENG ; Xia HUANG ; Ru GAO
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):229-234
BackgroundAs a high prevalence disorder, schizophrenia has caused significant burden to family and society due to the impairment of occupational and social function. Currently, the dominant vocational training model in China follows a paternalistic, clinician-led decision-making approach. Although it improves patients' social function to some extent, it undermines their autonomy and treatment adherence. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to explore a new intervention method to enhance treatment compliance and social function in patients. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of shared decision-making oriented vocational training on social function in hospitalized schizophrenia patients, so as to provide references for rehabilitation interventions. MethodsA total of 68 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) criteria were consecutively enrolled from January to June 2024 at The Third People's Hospital of Wenjiang Distric, Chengdu. Participants were randomly allocated into the research group (n=34) and the control group (n=34) using a random number table method. Both groups received routine rehabilitation training, while the research group received shared decision-making oriented vocational training for 12 weeks, 2 times a week for 2 hours each time. Before and at the 4th and 12th week of intervention, two groups were evaluated by General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Stigma Scale for Mental Illness (SSMI), Scale of Social function of Psychosis Inpatients (SSFPI) and Inpatient Psychiatric Rehabilitation Outcome Scale (IPROS). ResultsA total of 63 participants completed the study, with 30 cases in the research group and 33 cases in the control group. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed statistically significant time effects and interaction effects in both groups for GSES, SSMI, SSFPI and IPROS scores (F=20.451, 16.022; 26.193, 12.944; 23.957, 5.023; 11.776, 3.985, P<0.05 or 0.01), while no significant group effects were observed (F=0.188, 0.742, 1.878, 0.474, P>0.05). At the 12th week of intervention, there were statistically significant differences in GSES, SSMI, SSFPI and IPROS scores between the two groups. ConclusionShared decision-making oriented vocational training may help to improve social function in patients with schizophrenia. [Funded by 2023 Chengdu Medical Research Project (number, 2023468)]
8.A double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial of Shenling Baizhu Granules in treating low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer
Shuo FENG ; Hui YE ; Yingchao WU ; Guowei CHEN ; Tao WU ; Yong JIANG ; Tao LIU ; Shuai ZUO ; Xuezhi ZHANG ; Junling ZHANG ; Xin WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(7):953-960
Objective This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of Shenling Baizhu Granules in treating low anterior resection syndrome(LARS)in rectal cancer.Methods The study employed a randomized,double-blind,placebo-parallel controlled,single-center,validity-tested clinical trial design.December 2019 to June 2022,the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Peking University First Hospital recruited 110 patients who had undergone low anterior resection(LAR)for rectal cancer and subsequently developed LARS.These patients,meeting the enrollment criteria,were randomly assigned into the treatment group(55)and the control group(55)using the double-blind method principle.The randomization table was generated by SAS 9.2 software employing the double-blind method.The treatment group received oral Shenling Baizhu Granules,while the control group received oral placebo granules.Both groups commenced treatment on the 10th day after-surgery for 30 consecutive days.Patients were evaluated using LARS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptom grading,and XU Zhongfa score before treatment,on the 15th day of treatment,and on the 1st day after treatment cessation.Results Out of 110 patients,107 were included in the full analysis set for efficacy analysis:55 patients in the treatment group and 55 patients in the control group.One case in the treatment group was excluded(against protocol),and two cases in the control group were excluded(one lost to follow-up,one against protocol).Baseline data between the two groups were consistent,with no statistically significant difference.Before treatment,LARS scores for the treatment and control groups were 33.0(31.0,36.0)and 34.0(32.0,37.0)respectively.Patients with TCM symptom scores of grades 2 to 3 accounted for 92.73%and 90.57%in the treatment and control groups,respectively,with no statistically significant difference.After 30 days of treatment,LARS scores for the treatment and control groups were 21.0(19.8,23.0)and 26.0(22.0,28.0)respectively.The percentage of patients with TCM symptom scores of grades 2 to 3 decreased to 33.33%in the treatment group and 66.04%in the control group,with a statistically significant difference.Shenling Baizhu Granules showed rapid improvement in watery or loose stools in post-operative rectal cancer patients.After 30 days of treatment,Shenling Baizhu Granules significantly improved appetite,stool consistency,abdominal distension,abdominal pain,and eructation symptoms in postoperative rectal cancer patients.Before treatment,the XU Zhongfa scores for the treatment and control groups were 3.0(2.0,4.3)and 4.0(2.0,4.0)respectively,with no statistically significant difference.After 30 days of treatment,the XU Zhongfa scores for the treatment and control groups were 7.0(6.0,8.0)and 6.0(5.0,7.0)respectively,with the treatment group significantly higher than the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion Shenling Baizhu Granules can effectively improve LARS symptoms in patients following LAR of rectal cancer within a short period of time.
9.Analysis of Influencing Factors of Medical Service Price Dynamic Adjustment Based on the DEMATEL
Chinese Health Economics 2024;43(1):49-52,62
Objective:To provide suggestions for figuring out the price formation mechanism of medical services by studing the in-fluencing factors of the price dynamic adjustment and identify the relationship among the factors.Methods:The price policies and published literature were searched for preliminarily screening out the influencing factors of the prices dynamic adjustment.The influ-encing factors and their relationship were analyzed by decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory and expert consultation method.Results:A total of 9 cause factors and 6 result factors were selected.In the cause reasons,the change of service factor cost,the de-gree of leadership support and the price relationship of medical service were in the top three;among the outcome factors,the level of medical burden of the masses,patients'satisfaction with price and actual financial compensation ability were more susceptible to other factors.Conclusion:Promoting the reform of medical service prices dynamic adjustment by reasonably calculating the cost of medical service factors,increasing the price adjustment attention of leaders,straightening out the price relationship of medical services,paying full attention to the level of medical burden of the masses and patients'satisfaction with price and improving the substantial financial compensation capacity of institutions for policy losses.
10.Structure-activity Omics on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in Qizhiweitong Granules
Ying MENG ; Ying ZHENG ; Xinpeng QIN ; Sicong LIU ; Tianjiao LI ; Yongrui BAO ; Shuai WANG ; Liang WANG ; Honghong JIANG ; Xiansheng MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):161-168
ObjectiveTo reveal the pharmacodynamic substances for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma by structure-activity omics. MethodOn the basis of the previous study about the screening of active components in vitro, this study explored the effects of flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in vivo. The flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and their direct targets for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), PharmMapper, Swiss TargetPrediction, DisGeNET, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). STRING and Cytoscape 3.7.2 were employed to establish the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of key targets. Molecular docking was performed to simulate the binding of five targets with high degrees to flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, on the basis of which the key core targets were selected. The targets were used as a bridge to correlate the structures and effects of one or more classes of chemical components in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. According to the binding affinity between flavonoids with different structures in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and targets, the relationships between compound structures and core targets were discussed. ResultThe flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma reduced the content of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the rat model of pain induced by formalin, demonstrating definite anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Sixty active compounds (flavonoids) with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were obtained. With the total score as the standard, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) were selected as the key core targets of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Except that flavones showed selectivity of binding to MAPK3, the other flavonoids of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma showed strong binding to PTGS2 and MAPK3, and the structures containing glycoside fragments showed stronger binding affinity to the targets. The introduction of chain olefins in the ring of chalcones facilitated the binding to the targets. The isopentenyl fragment in flavonols may cause the difference in binding affinity. The parallel combination of a ring into pyran ring in flavanes was not conducive to the binding to the target. The electric charge, liposolubility, and steric hindrance of the substituent group on the B ring of isoflavones directly affected the binding affinity. ConclusionThis study adopts structure-activity omics to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Structure-activity omics provides new ideas and methods for predicting the pharmacodynamic substances of traditional Chinese medicine.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail