1.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
2.Research progress on stem cells in the treatment of sepsis
Ting CHEN ; Linlin CHEN ; Zhao CHEN ; Junping ZHANG ; Yan WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2026;44(2):59-64
At present, the treatment of sepsis depends largely on non-specific methods, highlighting an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Stem cells have garnered significant attention in the treatment of various diseases due to their unique biological properties. Stem cells enhance sepsis survival through mechanisms such as reducing bacterial burden, modulating inflammation, and ameliorating organ dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that stem cells can increase the survival rate of sepsis patients through multiple pathways such as reducing the bacterial load of the host, regulating inflammatory homeostasis, and improving multi-organ dysfunction. Their derivatives, exosomes, can also alleviate the imbalanced immune response in sepsis patients. Recent advances in stem cell-based therapies for sepsis were summarized in this paper.
3.Mechanism of Maimendong Yinzi in Alleviating Cough with Yin Deficiency and Lung Heat Syndrome by Modulating PAR1/Gαi/cAMP Signaling Pathway and TRPV1 Expression
Zihan ZHU ; Jiahui TANG ; Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Junping KOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):81-91
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Maimendong Yinzi (MMDYZ) on cough with Yin deficiency and lung heat syndrome and explore its potential mechanism of action. MethodsForty-eight Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a Baihe Gujin Tablet (BHGJP) group (1.36 g·kg-1), and low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose MMDYZ groups (5, 10, 20 g·kg-1·d-1, based on the weight of crude drug), with eight mice in each group. The mouse model of cough with Yin deficiency and lung heat syndrome was prepared by a combination of smoke exposure, nasal drip of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), intragastric gavage with thyroxine, and capsaicin atomization. After successful modeling, drug interventions were administered for seven days. During modeling, the mice were observed for changes in general status, anal temperature, fecal water content, and water intake. After medication, the above indicators were evaluated again, along with assessments of spontaneous activity, cough sensitivity, lung function, lung index, and tracheal phenol red secretion. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed for cell differential counts, and the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in serum was measured via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lung injury was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential mechanism of MMDYZ in alleviation cough with Yin deficiency and lung heat syndrome. Western blot (WB) was used to measure protease-activated receptor1 (PAR1) and GTPhase αi subunit (Gαi) protein expressions in lung tissue. ELISA was used to determine lung cAMP content, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to evaluate transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) expression. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly increased water intake and anal temperature and significantly decreased fecal water content (P<0.05). The total distance traveled in 5 min and the central zone duration were reduced, while standing frequency significantly increased (P<0.05). Cough sensitivity and enhanced pause (PenH) were elevated. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) significantly declined (P<0.05). BALF neutrophil (NEU) and white blood cell (WBC) counts rose. Serum cAMP and cAMP/cGMP ratio significantly increased, and cGMP significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05). The lung injury was obvious, and the lung index was significantly elevated (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the medium-dose and high-dose MMDYZ groups and the BHGJP group showed significantly improved indicators mentioned above. Additionally, network pharmacology suggested that MMDYZ might alleviate cough with Yin deficiency and lung heat syndrome via cAMP, hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), and TNF signaling pathways. WB, ELISA, and IHC revealed that, compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly upregulated PAR1, Gαi, and TRPV1 expressions and significantly downregulated cAMP in lung tissue (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, MMDYZ reduced PAR1 (P<0.01), Gαi (P<0.05), and TRPV1 (P<0.01) while increasing cAMP level (P<0.01). ConclusionMMDYZ may alleviate cough with Yin deficiency and lung heat syndrome by modulating the PAR1/Gαi/cAMP pathway and TRPV1 expression.
4.Construction and application of a system for rational drug use for prescriptions from internet hospitals and external prescriptions and medical insurance fund control based on a pre-review prescription system
Yi GE ; Xiaolan WANG ; Junping HAN ; Bo LYU ; Yu GUAN ; Feng XU ; Aiming SHI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):584-588
OBJECTIVE To ensure the safety of patients’ drug use and control the risk of medical insurance expenditure by upgrading the pre-prescription review system to conduct pre-review on prescriptions from internet hospitals and external prescriptions, as well as to review the payment methods of drugs (including in-hospital and external drug dispensing). METHODS The data interfaces of prescriptions from internet hospitals and external prescriptions were integrated to achieve real-time rational drug use intervention. Additionally, an intelligent review project for payment method was added to precisely intervene in the medical insurance payment methods of drugs. The effect of the system upgrade was evaluated by comparing the qualification rates of prescriptions from internet hospitals and external prescriptions and the suspected amounts of drug violations from January to April 2025 (before the system upgrade) and May to August 2025 (after the system upgrade). RESULTS After the upgrade of the pre-prescription review system, the qualification rates of prescriptions from internet hospitals and external prescriptions increased by 3.5% [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.3%-6.7%, P =0.037 ] ; the suspected amounts of drug violations decreased to 52.9% of the pre-upgrade level (95%CI=31.6%-88.5%, P =0.026), and the average monthly sequential decrease was 29.5% (95%CI=12.2%-43.4%, P =0.012). Moreover, the addition of the intelligent review project for payment methods promoted the management of off-label drug use in our hospital. After the upgrade, a total of 79 filling valid applications for off-label drug use were received and archived. CONCLUSIONS The upgrade of the pre-prescription review system effectively improves the review qualification rates of prescriptions from internet hospitals and external prescriptions and the accuracy of medical insurance payment for drugs, and strengthens the supervision of off-label drug use, achieving dual guarantees of clinical rationality and medical insurance compliance.
5.Clinical diagnostic value of 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography in epiretinal membrane
Jun ZHAO ; Ya'nan LI ; Hongqiang JIA ; Min LIU ; Junping BAI
International Eye Science 2025;25(1):144-147
AIM: To explore the diagnostic value of 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography for epiretinal membrane.METHODS: A total of 44 cases(80 eyes)of patients with proposed diagnosis of cataract and vitreous opacity by fundus examination in our hospital between January 2020 and January 2022 were collected, and the affected eyes were examined by optical coherence tomography(OCT)and 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography, and the differences in the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were compared between 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography and OCT for the diagnosis of epiretinal membrane.RESULTS: In the 80 eyes detected by 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography, 62 had epiretinal membrane and 18 had non epiretinal membrane. Totally 54 eyes were confirmed to have epiretinal membrane by OCT, 13 eyes were not diagnosed with epiretinal membrane, 5 eyes were missed diagnosis, and 8 eyes were misdiagnosed. The diagnostic consistency between 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography and OCT was high(Kappa=0.892, P<0.05); the 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography detection sensitivity of epiretinal membrane was 92%, specificity was 62%, missed diagnosis rate was 8%, misdiagnosis rate was 38%, and accuracy was 84%; compared with OCT detection, 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography detected a lower specificity, correct rate, positive prediction accuracy, negative prediction accuracy, and higher misdiagnosis rate(all P<0.05), and the difference in diagnostic sensitivity compared with leakage rate was not statistically significant(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: 18 MHz color Doppler ultrasonography has some value in identifying epiretinal membrane lesions and is consistent with OCT testing.
6.Research progress on ANXA3 gene and protein
Tingting FENG ; Jingxiang ZHANG ; Yan WANG ; Weiheng XU ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Practice and Service 2025;43(2):47-50
Annexin A3(ANXA3)is a member of the membrane associated protein family. It has two subtypes of 36 kDa and 33 kDa. Its gene is located on the fourth chromosome of human. ANXA3, widely expressed in human bone marrow, lung, placenta, prostate and thyroid, is closely related to several biological processes such as exoplasmosis, vascular production, fat cell maturity, and white blood cell migration. Studies have found that ANXA3 is abnormally expressed in various diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation. It can regulate multiple signaling pathways such as JNK, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and may become a potential drug target for treatment of related diseases. The structure, functions, the link with diseases and related mechanisms of ANXA3 were summarized in this paper, which could provide reference for ANXA3 related research.
7.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.
8.Interpretation of metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease: Position statement by an expert panel on alcohol-related liver disease (2024 edition)
Zhenyao JIANG ; Binbin ZHANG ; Jie LI ; Junping SHI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(3):442-445
In November 2024, the Expert Group on Alcohol-related Liver Disease released a position statement on metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD). MetALD is a new subtype of steatotic liver disease and refers to MASLD patients with a relatively large amount of alcohol consumption. The position statement points out the importance of accurate evaluation of alcohol consumption and recommends to quantify alcohol consumption using standard methods and alcohol biomarkers, and a comprehensive diagnosis should be made based on metabolic risk factors. In addition, the position statement analyzes the influence of drinking pattern on the diagnosis of MetALD and recommends to consider long-term drinking history during typing. The position statement also discusses the complex association between drinking and the diseases including metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it is pointed out that the hierarchical management of patients should be optimized based on liver histological models and noninvasive models. The position statement elaborates on the definition of MetALD, drinking assessment, the interaction between alcohol use and metabolic dysfunction, and the methods for comprehensive management of MetALD, in order to facilitate learning and provide guidance for clinicians and researchers in clinical practice.
9.Prediction of duloxetine blood concentration in patients with depression based on machine learning
Ming QIAO ; Lu JIN ; Yi ZHU ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(6):752-757
OBJECTIVE To provide medication reference for duloxetine use in clinical settings, particularly for patients with depression in primary medical institutions in Xinjiang that lack therapeutic drug monitoring conditions. METHODS The medical records of 281 depression inpatients taking duloxetine in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively collected. They were divided into training set (196 cases) and test set (85 cases) in the ratio of 7∶3. Feature selection was performed by encapsulating random forests (RF) with recursive feature elimination. Four machine learning algorithms, namely support vector machine, RF, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and artificial neural network, were used to construct duloxetine blood concentration prediction model. The prediction performance of the models was evaluated and compared by coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE). The feature of the selected optimal model was explained by Shapley additive explanation method, and the importance ranking of the features and the influence on the prediction results of duloxetine blood concentration were determined. RESULTS A total of 29 characteristic variables were selected, including age, ethnicity, body mass index(BMI), etc. XGBoost showed the highest R2 (0.808), and the lowest MAE (7.644) and RMSE (10.808). The ranking of feature importance for predicting the blood concentration of duloxetine was as follows: BMI>age>other 20 feature sets (including liver and kidney function and biochemical indicators)>daily dosage>comorbidities>combination therapy>ethnicity>white blood cell count>hemoglobin>height. CONCLUSIONS XGBoost model possesses the best prediction performance of duloxetine blood concentration; BMI and age have a greater impact on the prediction of duloxetine blood concentration.
10.Differentiation and Treatment of Non-Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Based on the Concept of Nourishing the Heart and Softening the Hardness
Xiaofei GENG ; Xinbiao FAN ; Xitong SUN ; Wenyu SHANG ; Wenxiu LI ; Chi ZHANG ; Junping ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(8):846-850
This article summarized clinical experience in differentiating and treating non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) based on the concept of nourishing the heart and softening the hardness. It is considered that HCM belongs to the category of "heart accumulation", with the fundamental cause being depletion of the spleen and kidney, and phlegm-stasis accumulation, as well as qi-yin exhaustion, serving as the manifestations. Spleen and kidney depletion leads to the transformation of phlegm and stasis, which accumulate in the heart; over time, this phlegm-stasis accumulation consumes heart qi and yin, resulting in the heart being deprived of nourishment, which eventually leads to the damage to both the function and structure of heart. Therefore, the method of nourishing the heart and softening the hardness is proposed for the treatment of non-obstructive HCM. Emphasis is placed on softening hardness and dissipating masses throughout the entire treatment process, often using Modified Siwei Ruanjian Formula (四味软坚方加减). During periods with prominent symptoms, the main treatment is boosting qi and nourishing yin to soften hardness and dissipate masses with self-made Yuxin Ruanjian Formula (自拟育心软坚方) in modifications; in stable periods, the main treatment is boosting kidney and fortifying spleen to soften hardness and dissipate masses with self-made Pishen Tongzhi Formula (脾肾同治方) in modifications.

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