1.Mechanism prediction and validation of Kaixinsan in ameliorating neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease
Dandan XU ; Yongchang ZENG ; Shaoyu LIANG ; Qi LIU ; Junhong WU ; Kang HE
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1476-1482
OBJECTIVE To predict and validate the potential mechanisms of Kaixinsan (KXS) in ameliorating neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify core anti- inflammatory components and key inflammatory targets of KXS for AD. Gene ontology (GO) functional annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and molecular docking were performed. Based on these findings, male SD rats were used to establish an AD model via chronic D-galactose induction. The effects of KXS on AD rats were evaluated, including quantitative behavioral score, learning and memory parameters (escape latency, platform crossings, platform quadrant distance and time), organ indexes (heart, liver, spleen, thymus), histopathological alterations in the hippocampus, and expressions of inflammation-related pathway proteins and their upstream/downstream regulators. RESULTS Core anti-inflammatory components of KXS for AD included gomisin B, panaxytriol, gomisin A, enhydrin, vulgarin and panaxydol, while key inflammatory targets involved nuclear factor-kappa B subunit 1( NFKB1), nuclear factor-κB p65( NF-κB p65), interleukin-1β( IL- 1β), IL-6, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), tumor necrosis factor, nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain- containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1 (CASP1). GO and KEGG pathway enrichment involved inflammatory response, phosphorylation and the NF-κB signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities between core components and key targets. Animal experiments demonstrated that, compared to the model group, KXS significantly alleviated histopathological damage (e.g., neuronal shrinkage, reduced Nissl bodies in hippocampal CA1, CA3, and DG regions), increased organ indexes (except for liver index) and Nissl-stained positive cells, improved learning and memory performance, and reduced behavioral scores (at the 8 and 12 weeks of the experiment) and protein expression of NF- κB p65, phosphorylated NF- κB p65, TLR4, NLRP3, CASP1 and IL-1β. CONCLUSIONS KXS effectively mitigates neuroinflammation, reduces hippocampal neuronal injury, and enhances learning and memory ability in AD rats, potentially through suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway and its upstream/ downstream regulators.
2.Investigation on an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis at a boarding middle school in Guangdong Province
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):878-882
Objective:
To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) in a boarding middle school in Guangdong Province, in order to provide a scientific evidence for effective prevention and control of campus AHC outbreaks.
Methods:
From September 1st to 28th 2023, case identification was conducted among 559 students and 60 faculty members using standardized definition. Descriptive analysis was conducted on the three distrubution patterns of the outbreak. Questionnaires were designed, and a case-control study was adopted to analyze the possible risk factors of the disease transmission. The propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to control the difference of baseline data.
Results:
A total of 269 cases of AHC were identified, with an attack rate of 43.46%. The pathogen was confirmed as Coxsackie virus A24 variant (CA24v). Among these, 264 cases were students (attack rate of 47.23%) and 5 were staff (attack rate of 8.33%). A total of 153 pairs of PSM were successfully matched. After PSM matching, there were no statistically significant differences in gender, grade and class between the case group and the control group ( χ 2=0.12, 5.41, 11.24, P >0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that middle school students whose towels contacted with others ( OR =1.81), and direct contact with other AHC cases recently ( OR =4.89) were more likely to have AHC; while wearing glasses ( OR =0.43) and frequent use of hand sanitizer ( OR = 0.37 ) were less likely to have AHC ( P <0.05).
Conclusion
The outbreak of AHC is caused by CA24v, demonstrating rapid spread and extensive impact within the school setting.
3.Comparison of the efficacy of heat and acid elution methods for IgG anti-M and anti-Ku
Qunjuan ZENG ; Huaiying KANG ; Dong XIANG ; Wei SHEN ; Chengrui QIAN ; Zhongying WANG ; Guoqin GONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):964-968
Objective: To compare the efficacy of heat and acid elution methods for IgG anti-M and anti-Ku. Methods: Ten samples with IgG anti-M and two samples with IgG anti-Ku were selected and standardized to a titer of 64. These antibodies underwent overnight absorption at 4℃ with O-type MM and kk-type erythrocytes, and then heat and acid elution methods were used on the absorbed sensitized erythrocytes respectively by detecting the titer of anti-M and anti-Ku in the eluate to compare the differences in the elution efficiency of IgG anti-M and anti-Ku between the two elution methods. Results: In heat elution tests, all 10 anti-M samples showed positive results with titers ranging from 8 to 64, while 2 anti-Ku samples yielded negative results. In acid elution tests, all 10 anti-M samples demonstrated negative results, whereas both anti-Ku (n=2) samples exhibited positive reactions with consistent titers of 32. Following acid elution with subsequent heat elution, 8 of 10 anti-M samples showed positive results with titers ranging from 8 to 32, while 2 remained negative. Both anti-Ku samples demonstrated positive with titers of 4. Conclusion: Heat elution demonstrated superior efficiency for IgG anti-M compared to acid elution, whereas acid elution showed greater efficacy for IgG anti-Ku than heat elution.
4.Study on the mechanism of berberine in improving diabetes mellitus type 2 combined with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Yi LI ; Shuyu KANG ; Qiwen WANG ; Manting HUANG ; Congyan ZENG ; Jun TONG ; Gengting DONG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):1975-1980
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism of berberine improving diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) combined with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) by regulating ceramide. METHODS Thirty-two db/db mice with blood glucose levels>11.1 mmol/L (T2DM model) were divided into four groups: model group, berberine low- and high-dose groups [100, 200 mg/(kg·d)] and metformin group [300 mg/(kg·d)], with 8 mice in each group. Additionally, 8 wt/wt mice were selected as the normal control group. Mice in each group were administered the corresponding drug solution or water by gavage once daily for a continuous period of 6 weeks. During the experiment, the body weight of the mice was monitored, and the differences in final body weight were analyzed. After the last administration, the body shape of the mice in each group was observed, and their fasting blood glucose (FBG) and the lipid indicators [total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] were measured. Fasting serum insulin (FINS) levels were also measured, and the insulin resistance index HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were calculated. Liver weight, liver index and serum liver function indicators [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST)] were assessed, and hepatic histopathological changes were observed. Additionally, the expression of fatty acid synthesis-related proteins [sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1)] in liver tissue was examined. Serum samples from the normal control group, model group, and berberine high-dose group were collected for non-targeted lipidomics analysis and validation. RESULTS Compared with the model group, the pathological changes, including disordered liver tissue cell arrangement and lipid vacuoles, were significantly improved in the berberine low- and high-dose groups. The significant decreases or down-regulations were observed in body weight in the last week, as well as FBG, TC, TG, and LDL-C levels, HOMA-IR (except for the berberine low-dose group), liver weight, liver index, AST and ALT levels, and protein expressions of SREBP1, FASN and ACC1. Additionally, HDL-C levels, FINS (except for the berberine high-dose group), and ISI (except for the berberine low-dose group) were significantly increased (P<0.05). A total of 21 potential differential metabolites, including multiple types of ceramides, were identified; these metabolites were primarily enriched in sphingolipid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. Verification experiments confirmed that high-dose berberine significantly reduced the serum content of ceramide in model mice (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Berberine reduces insulin resistance, improves liver damage and lipid accumulation in the T2DM combined with MAFLD mice, and these effects may be related to the reduction of ceramide content.
5.Comparison of the efficacy of heat and acid elution methods for IgG anti-M and anti-Ku
Qunjuan ZENG ; Huaiying KANG ; Dong XIANG ; Wei SHEN ; Chengrui QIAN ; Zhongying WANG ; Guoqin GONG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(7):964-968
Objective: To compare the efficacy of heat and acid elution methods for IgG anti-M and anti-Ku. Methods: Ten samples with IgG anti-M and two samples with IgG anti-Ku were selected and standardized to a titer of 64. These antibodies underwent overnight absorption at 4℃ with O-type MM and kk-type erythrocytes, and then heat and acid elution methods were used on the absorbed sensitized erythrocytes respectively by detecting the titer of anti-M and anti-Ku in the eluate to compare the differences in the elution efficiency of IgG anti-M and anti-Ku between the two elution methods. Results: In heat elution tests, all 10 anti-M samples showed positive results with titers ranging from 8 to 64, while 2 anti-Ku samples yielded negative results. In acid elution tests, all 10 anti-M samples demonstrated negative results, whereas both anti-Ku (n=2) samples exhibited positive reactions with consistent titers of 32. Following acid elution with subsequent heat elution, 8 of 10 anti-M samples showed positive results with titers ranging from 8 to 32, while 2 remained negative. Both anti-Ku samples demonstrated positive with titers of 4. Conclusion: Heat elution demonstrated superior efficiency for IgG anti-M compared to acid elution, whereas acid elution showed greater efficacy for IgG anti-Ku than heat elution.
6.Advances in crystal nucleation for amorphous drugs
Jie ZHANG ; Kang LI ; Zi-qing YANG ; Zi-han DING ; Sai-jun XIAO ; Zhi-ming YUE ; Li-mei CAI ; Jia-wen LI ; Ding KUANG ; Min-zhuo LIU ; Zhi-hong ZENG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(7):1962-1969
Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is one of the most effective formulation approaches to enhance the water solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. However, maintenance of physical stability of amorphous drug is one of the main challenges in the development of ASD. Crystallization is a process of nucleation and crystal growth. The nucleation is the key factor that influences the physical stability of the ASD. However, a theoretical framework to describe the way to inhibit the nucleation of amorphous drug is not yet available. We reviewed the methods and theories of nucleation for amorphous drug. Meanwhile, we also summarized the research progress on the mechanism of additives influence on nucleation and environmental factors on nucleation. This review aims to enhance the better understanding mechanism of nucleation of amorphous drug and controlling over the crystal nucleation during the ASD formulation development.
7.Visual Analysis on Research Hotspots and Trends of Wuzhuyu Decoction
Qingqing XIA ; Ouying CHEN ; Yong ZENG ; Jinxing WANG ; Yanhong KANG ; Fang FANG ; Yan CHEN ; Dongya LI ; Haili ZHU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(2):84-89
Objective To understand the research status,hotspots and trends of Wuzhuyu Decoction;To provide reference for relevant research.Methods The literature related to Wuzhuyu Decoction was retrieved from CNKI,VIP,Wanfang Data and CBM databases from the establishment to February 28,2023.NoteExpress 3.6 was used to merge and deduplicate,and the author,organization and keywords were mapped and interpreted by CiteSpace 6.1.R6 software.Results A total of 822 articles were included,and the number of publications showed a wave upward trend;the top journals were New Chinese Medicine,Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine and Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine;the main research institutions were Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine;a total of 566 authors were involved,and the authors with more publications included Wang Zhimin(12),Gong Muxin(9)and Bi Kaishun(5);high-frequency keywords included"headache","Shang Han Lun","TCM therapy"and so on.Conclusion Wuzhuyu Decoction is effective in treating chronic gastritis,hypertension and other primary diseases,which is a research hotspot in this field.It is a research trend in this field to explore its active components by high performance liquid chromatography and explain its action mechanism and target at the molecular level.
8.Visualization Analysis on Research Hotspots and Trends of Animal Medicinal Materials from 2000 to 2003
Qingqing XIA ; Ouying CHEN ; Yong ZENG ; Jinxing WANG ; Yanhong KANG ; Fang FANG ; Yan CHEN ; Dongya LI ; Haili ZHU
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;31(4):72-78
Objective To understand the research status,hotspots and trends of animal medicinal materials;To provide reference for future research.Methods The literature related to animal medicinal materials was retrieved from CNKI,VIP,Wanfang Data and CBM from January 1,2000 to April 30,2023.NoteExpress 3.6 was used to merge and deduplicate,and the author,institution and keywords were mapped and interpreted by CiteSpace 6.1.R6 software.Results A total of 1 169 articles were included,and the overall publication quantity in this field showed a stable fluctuation trend;the top journals were Lishizhen Medicine and Materia Medica Research,China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica and Modern Chinese Medicine;the main research institutions were China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,Changchun University of Chinese Medicine and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences;a total of 676 authors were involved,and the authors with more publications included Zhang Hui(22),Liu Rui(15),Lin Zhe and Ma Shuangcheng(14);high-frequency keywords included"identification","TCM resources","clinical application"and so on.Conclusion Resource survey of animal medicinal materials,standardized breeding of medicinal animals,development of alternatives to rare medicinal animal resources,and construction of quality standard system for animal medicinal materials are the research hotspots in this field.The basic research of pharmacodynamic substances of animal medicinal materials based on the integrated analysis strategies of proteomics,peptideomics and transcriptomics,and the revelation of the signaling pathways and targets of animal medicinal materials from the molecular biology level are the research trends in this field.
9.A case report and literature review of Antopol Goldman lesion
Hui SHAN ; Junhui ZHANG ; Ning KANG ; Yuguang JIANG ; Ning CHEN ; Yihang JIANG ; Xin ZHANG ; Song ZENG ; Guojiang ZHAO
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(12):1092-1094
[Objective] To summarize the diagnosis and treatment of Antopol Goldman lesion (AGL) in clinical practice. [Methods] Clinical data and diagnosis and treatment process of one AGL case treated in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literature was reviewed. [Results] The patient presented with painless gross hematuria and right-sided lower back pain.Imaging examination suggested swelling of the right kidney, blood accumulation in the right calyx, renal pelvis and lower ureter, blood clot in the bladder, and multiple small stones in the left kidney.After multidisciplinary consultation, close imaging follow-up, interventional and flexible ureterdscope examination, tumors of hematological diseases, renal hematuria, arteriovenous fistula and collection system were excluded.After conservative treatment, the patient gradually recovered.During the follow-up of 1 year, no hematuria or low back pain recurred. [Conclusion] There is no clear diagnostic standard for AGL.Diagnosis relies on imaging, interventional methods and ureteroscopy.It is necessary to exclude other diseases and adopt conservative treatment.
10.Investigation of the inhibitory potential of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on prion replication, amplification, and fibril formation in vitro
Zhiyue CHAO ; Xiaoxi JIA ; Jiafeng ZENG ; Yuezhang WU ; Kang XIAO ; Liping GAO ; Qi SHI ; Xiaoping DONG ; Cao CHEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;58(7):1011-1019
Objective:To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the replication, amplification, and fibre formation of prions (PrP Sc). Methods:The CCK8 assay was used to detect the cell viability of the prion-infected cell model SMB-S15 after CAPE treatment for 3 days and 7 days and the maximum safe concentration of CAPE for SMB-S15 was obtained. The cells were treated with a concentration within a safe range, and the content of PrP Sc in the cells before and after CAPE treatment was analyzed by western blot. Protein misfolding cycle amplification (PMCA) and western blot were used to assess changes in PrP Sc level in amplification products following CAPE treatment. Real-time-quaking induced conversion assay (RT-QuIC) technology was employed to explore the changes in fibril formation before and after CAPE treatment. The binding affinity between CAPE and murine recombinant full-length prion protein was determined using a molecular interaction assay. Results:CCK8 cell viability assay results demonstrated that treatment with 1 μmol/L CAPE for 3 and 7 days did not exhibit statistically significant differences in cell viability compared to the control group (all P<0.05). However, when the concentration of CAPE exceeded 1 μmol/L, a significant reduction in cell viability was observed in cells treated with CAPE for 3 and 7 days, compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Thus, 1 μmol/L was determined as the maximum safe concentration of CAPE treatment for SMB-S15 cells. The western blot results revealed that treatment with CAPE for both 3 and 7 days led to a detectable reduction in the levels of PrP Sc in SMB-S15 cells (all P<0.05). The products of PMCA experiments were assessed using western blot. The findings revealed a significant decrease in the levels of PrP Sc (relative grey value) in the PMCA amplification products of adapted-strains SMB-S15, 139A, and ME7 following treatment with CAPE, as compared to the control group (all P<0.05). The RT-QuIC experimental results demonstrated a reduction in fibril formation (as indicated by ThT peak values) in CAPE-treated mouse-adapted strains 139A, ME7, and SMB-S15, as well as in SMB-S15 cells infected with prions. Furthermore, CAPE exhibited varying degrees of inhibition towards different seed fibrils formation, with statistically significant differences observed (all P<0.05). Notably, CAPE exhibited a more pronounced inhibitory effect on ME7 seed fibrils. Molecular interaction analyses demonstrated significant binding between CAPE and murine recombinant prion protein, and the association constant was (2.92±0.41)×10 -6 mol/L. Conclusions:CAPE inhibits PrP Sc replication, amplification, and fibril formation in vitro possibly due to specific interactions with the prion protein at the molecular level.


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