1.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
2.A Systematic Strategy for Discovering First-in-class Anti-fibrotic Drugs from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wen HUANG ; Guang XIN ; Sanyin ZHANG ; Tao WANG ; Wei CHEN ; Zeliang WEI ; Qilong ZHOU ; Ke LI ; Dan SUN ; Kui YU ; Shilin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):296-307
Pulmonary fibrosis(PF) is a progressive and life-threatening disease with limited therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for innovative drug discovery strategies. To address this challenge, the authors propose the formula-originated rational intelligent screening&translation(FIRST), a systematic framework for developing anti-fibrotic monomers derived from classical traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The strategy integrates three key dimensions, including tissue-oriented intelligent screening of active compounds, structural optimization based on drug-target spatial interactions and plant biosynthetic pathways, and cross-scale validation of drug. We further highlight its applications in discovering tissue-oriented novel drugs from clinically validated TCM, the development and mechanistic elucidation of anti-fibrotic therapeutics, as well as the clinical translation and secondary development of candidate drugs. This strategy paves the way for first-in-class, formula-derived monomeric drugs with defined structures, clarified mechanisms, and proven safety, offering a transformative avenue to meet the urgent therapeutic needs of PF and setting a new paradigm for TCM-based drug innovation.
3.Correlation between coronary heart disease and hemoglobin levels in high-altitude regions, China
Chinese Journal of Primary Medicine and Pharmacy 2025;32(5):676-680
Objective:To investigate the correlation between coronary heart disease and hemoglobin levels in high-altitude regions, China.Methods:This study is a single-center retrospective study involving 298 patients who were hospitalized and underwent coronary angiography at the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region from January to December 2022. The patients were divided into a lesion group and a control group based on the presence of coronary artery lesions. Among them, 152 patients were diagnosed with coronary heart disease and were assigned to the lesion group, while 146 patients had normal coronary angiography results and were included in the control group. Hemoglobin levels, age, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and other relevant data were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, based on the status of the coronary artery lesions, the patients were categorized into single-vessel lesion, double-vessel lesion, and triple-vessel lesion groups to analyze the correlation between the Gensini score for coronary artery disease and hemoglobin levels in each group.Results:In the control group, hemoglobin, age, D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen were (182.52 ± 28.45) g/L, (59.84 ± 13.14) years, (0.62 ± 1.70) mg/L, (2.92 ± 7.41) mg/L, (6.20 ± 1.22)%, (8.46 ± 21.90) mg/L, and (3.59 ± 1.87) g/L, respectively. In the lesion group, these values were (156.53 ± 23.35) g/L, (56.72 ± 12.70) years, (1.42 ± 2.69) mg/L, (5.32 ± 9.93) mg/L, (6.85 ± 1.88)%, (44.56 ± 64.29) mg/L, and (4.48 ± 2.18) g/L, respectively. The lesion group had lower hemoglobin levels and younger age, while levels of D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen were significantly higher ( t = -5.58, -8.75, -2.59, -2.00, -2.82, -5.29, -3.21, all P < 0.05). A binary logistic regression analysis of these factors revealed that hemoglobin ( OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.08-0.78) is a protective factor for coronary heart disease ( P < 0.05). Both D-dimer ( OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.00-2.15) and glycated hemoglobin ( OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.00-1.60) were identified as independent risk factors for coronary heart disease (both P < 0.05). In the lesion group, hemoglobin levels were highest in the single-vessel lesion group [(161.22 ± 19.28) g/L], followed by the double-vessel lesion group [(154.84 ± 23.66) g/L], and lowest in the triple-vessel lesion group [(144.34 ± 26.57) g/L, all P < 0.05]. The Gensini scores were highest in the triple-vessel lesion group (89.96 ± 33.14), followed by the double-vessel lesion group (59.25 ± 17.28), and lowest in the single-vessel lesion subgroup (8.35 ± 4.56) (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Hemoglobin is a protective factor for coronary heart disease, with lower hemoglobin levels associated with more severe coronary artery lesions in coronary heart disease.
4.Abnormal T cell subsets of BTBR T+Itpr3tf autistic mice at different developmental stages
Chen SHEN ; Meng LI ; Zuqing NIE ; Zhiwei LI ; Jie WEN ; Juanjuan DU ; Xiuying KUI ; Jingrui YANG ; Xia CAO
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(3):30-39,47
Objective To investigate the expression of T cell subsets in the spleen of BTBR T+Itpr3tf autistic mouse at 4,8,and 12 weeks of age,and to determine the optimal age for studying the relationship between immune abnormalities and autism in BTBR autistic mice.Methods It randomly selected 5~6 male BTBR mouse at 4 weeks,8 weeks,and 12 weeks of age and C57BL/6J mouse of the same gender at corresponding ages for the three-box social interaction test,the self-grooming test,and the marble-burying test;Single cell suspensions were prepared from the spleens of mouse at 8 and 12 weeks of age,and flow cytometry was used to detect 8 subsets of T cells(TH 1,TH2,TH17,TC1,TC2,TC17,TFH,and Treg).Results Compared with C57BL/6J mouse of the same age,BTBR mouse at 4 weeks,8 weeks,and 12 weeks of age showed a decrease in social time(P<0.001),an increase in grooming time(P<0.01,P<0.001),and an increase in the number of marbles buried(P<0.01,P<0.001)in BTBR mouse at 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age.As well,the expression of TH 1(P<0.001),TH2(P<0.01),TC 1(P<0.05),TC2(P<0.001),and TFH(P<0.01)cells in 8-week-old BTBR mouse were significantly increased,while the expression of Treg(P<0.001)cells were significantly decreased;The expression of TH 1(P<0.01),TH2(P<0.01),TH 17(P<0.05),TC1(P<0.01),TC2(P<0.001),TC 17(P<0.01),and TFH(P<0.001)increased in 12-week-old BTBR mouse,while the expression of Treg(P<0.05)cells decreased.At different age stages(P<0.050)the ratio of TH 1/Treg and TC 1/Treg in 8-week-old BTBR mouse were significantly higher than those in 12 week old mouse,while the TC 17/Treg ratio decreased.Conclusions BTBR mouse at different developmental stages exhibit varying degrees of abnormal increase in Teff/Treg ratio.Based on result of behavioral test,it is recommended to use 8-week-old BTBR mice for research on autism and immune abnormalities.
5.Chemical constituents from ethyl acetate fraction of Balanophora harlandii and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity
Zhang-xian CHEN ; Hai-ming WANG ; Yun-tao ZHANG ; Mao-xin DENG ; Kui-lin ZHU ; Jin-lian ZOU ; Jian WANG ; Shan-shan WEI ; Hong-ping HE ; Fa-wu DONG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(10):3290-3297
AIM To study the chemical constituents from ethyl acetate fraction of Balanophora harlandii Hook.f.and their tyrosinase inhibitory activity.METHODS Separation and purification were performed using silica gel,MCI,ODS,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The monophenolase inhibitory activity was determined by the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of L-tyrosine.RESULTS Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as sesamin(1),methyl caffeate(2),quercetin(3),5,7-dihydroxychromanone(4),methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate(5),esculetin(6),kaempferol(7),naringenin(8),pyrogallic acid(9),pinosylvin(10),methyl propionate(11),caffeic acid(12),saccharinol(13),ferulic acid(14),trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid(15),cinnamic acid(16),vanillic acid(17),vanillin(18),4-hydroxyacetophenone(19),4-hydroxybenzaldehyde(20),apigenin(21),(-)-isolariciresinol(22),(-)-secoisolariciresinol(23)and meso-2,3-di(3′,4′-methylenedioxybenzyl)butane-1,4-diol(24).The IC50 values of compounds 3,5,7,8,19,and 20 ranged from(0.246 5±0.028 3)to(1.278 2±0.021 3)mmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 1-9、11、15、17-21、24 are isolated from this plant for the first time,and 1,6,9,17-19,24 are first isolated from genus Balanophora.Compounds 3、5、7、8、19 and 20 have tyrosinase inhibitory activity.
6.Abnormal T cell subsets of BTBR T+Itpr3tf autistic mice at different developmental stages
Chen SHEN ; Meng LI ; Zuqing NIE ; Zhiwei LI ; Jie WEN ; Juanjuan DU ; Xiuying KUI ; Jingrui YANG ; Xia CAO
Chinese Journal of Comparative Medicine 2025;35(3):30-39,47
Objective To investigate the expression of T cell subsets in the spleen of BTBR T+Itpr3tf autistic mouse at 4,8,and 12 weeks of age,and to determine the optimal age for studying the relationship between immune abnormalities and autism in BTBR autistic mice.Methods It randomly selected 5~6 male BTBR mouse at 4 weeks,8 weeks,and 12 weeks of age and C57BL/6J mouse of the same gender at corresponding ages for the three-box social interaction test,the self-grooming test,and the marble-burying test;Single cell suspensions were prepared from the spleens of mouse at 8 and 12 weeks of age,and flow cytometry was used to detect 8 subsets of T cells(TH 1,TH2,TH17,TC1,TC2,TC17,TFH,and Treg).Results Compared with C57BL/6J mouse of the same age,BTBR mouse at 4 weeks,8 weeks,and 12 weeks of age showed a decrease in social time(P<0.001),an increase in grooming time(P<0.01,P<0.001),and an increase in the number of marbles buried(P<0.01,P<0.001)in BTBR mouse at 8 weeks and 12 weeks of age.As well,the expression of TH 1(P<0.001),TH2(P<0.01),TC 1(P<0.05),TC2(P<0.001),and TFH(P<0.01)cells in 8-week-old BTBR mouse were significantly increased,while the expression of Treg(P<0.001)cells were significantly decreased;The expression of TH 1(P<0.01),TH2(P<0.01),TH 17(P<0.05),TC1(P<0.01),TC2(P<0.001),TC 17(P<0.01),and TFH(P<0.001)increased in 12-week-old BTBR mouse,while the expression of Treg(P<0.05)cells decreased.At different age stages(P<0.050)the ratio of TH 1/Treg and TC 1/Treg in 8-week-old BTBR mouse were significantly higher than those in 12 week old mouse,while the TC 17/Treg ratio decreased.Conclusions BTBR mouse at different developmental stages exhibit varying degrees of abnormal increase in Teff/Treg ratio.Based on result of behavioral test,it is recommended to use 8-week-old BTBR mice for research on autism and immune abnormalities.
7.Chemical constituents from salt-processed Litchi Semen and their antioxidant activities
Rui YIN ; Xing YANG ; Wei-mao DONG ; Xu-li DENG ; Yi-mou WANG ; Hong-chuan ZHANG ; Kui-lin ZHU ; Zhang-xian CHEN ; Hong-ping HE ; Fa-wu DONG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):480-486
AIM To study the chemical constituents from salt-processed Litchi Semen and their antioxidant activities.METHODS The 85%ethanol extract from salt-processed Litchi Semen was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,MCI,ODS and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.DPPH and ABTS+free radical scavenging method were used to evaluate their antioxidant activities.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as dehydrocostuslactone(1),ananosmoside A(2),funingensin A(3),(2S)-pinocembrin-7-O-(6-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside)(4),liquiritienin(5),quercetin(6),rutin(7),isorhamnetin-3-O-β-rutinoside(8),procyanidin A2(9),procyanidin A1(10),ethyl protocatechuate(11),5-hydroxymethylfurfural(12),di(2-ethyl-hexyl)phthalate(13),nicotinamide(14),(10E,15Z)-9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadeca-10,15-dienoic acid(15).Compounds 6-7,9-10 exhibited scavenging activities against DPPH radicals with IC50 values of(12.929±1.232),(14.104±0.946),(10.417±1.736),(6.944±0.030)μmol/L,respectively.Compounds 6-10 exhibited scavenging activities against ABTS+radicals with IC50 values of(21.952±0.577),(25.683±0.625),(22.970±1.336),(20.210±1.435),(18.725±0.324)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,5,14-15 are isolated from Litchi genus for the first time.Compounds 6-7,9-10 have strong in vitro antioxidant activities.
8.Analysis of prostate cancer screening results and exploration of screening model for elderly males in Songjiang Rural Areas of Shanghai City based on PSA preliminary screening under the community linkage mode
Daocheng FANG ; Lingfeng WU ; Lixin CHEN ; Chunhua TANG ; Yong WANG ; Hui LI ; Hui WANG ; Kui ZHANG ; Shuangquan SUN ; Qiang GAO ; Mingyuan DONG ; Chao WANG ; Yi YANG ; Zhiwei YANG ; Jing LIU ; Wendi DU ; Zhenbing SHI ; Shumei BI ; Hui WEN
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(2):230-234
This study aims to analyze the screening results and epidemiological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa) among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City, through the implementation of a preliminary prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening based on a community-linkage model, and to explore an effective screening approach. A retrospective observational study design was employed to collect data from residents who underwent PSA screening at Songjiang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, in collaboration with multiple community health service centers in Songjiang District, Shanghai City, between June 2022 and June 2024, through free clinics and annual health examinations. Prostate biopsy was recommended for individuals with total PSA (tPSA) levels >10 ng/ml and those with 4 ng/ml≤tPSA≤10 ng/ml and abnormal free-to-total PSA (f/tPSA) ratios. Clinical characteristics of detected PCa patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted through phone calls and home visits by family doctors, coupled with enhanced health education. The results indicated that a total of 17 198 residents participated in the screening, among which 2 234 (12.99%) had tPSA levels between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, and 257 (1.49%) had tPSA levels >10 ng/ml. Ultimately, 417 residents underwent prostate biopsy, with 171 being diagnosed with PCa, yielding a positive biopsy rate of 41.00% and a PCa detection rate of 0.99%. The predominant pathological subtype among PCa patients was adenocarcinoma (168 cases, 98.24%). Of the 146 PCa patients who received treatment, the majority were classified as intermediate or high-risk (124 cases, 84.93%). Furthermore, with the optimization of the screening model, there was a significant increase in the proportion of subsequent outpatient visits. In conclusion, the community-linkage-based PSA screening model demonstrated high effectiveness in screening for PCa among elderly males in the rural areas of Songjiang, Shanghai City. Epidemiological findings revealed that PCa patients in this region are primarily composed of intermediate and high-risk groups, highlighting the need for intensified early screening and health education.
9.Research on the application of the comprehensive quality control model based on the ICF concept and PDCA in the rehabilitation of stroke convalescence
Zhiqiang WANG ; Zhaoxiang MENG ; Xiaolin WANG ; Bin CAI ; Bo CHEN ; Jibing WANG ; Xibin ZHANG ; Kui WANG ; Xing JIN
Modern Hospital 2025;25(1):135-139
Objective To observe the rehabilitation treatment effect of using a comprehensive quality control model based on ICF concept and PDCA cycle management mode to intervene in stroke recovery patients.Methods The time segmenta-tion method was employed for grouping.A total of 114 stroke patients admitted to the hospital from June 1,2022 to February 28,2023 were selected as the control group,and 109 patients admitted from March 1,2023 to November 1,2023 were chosen as the study group.There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical data of the two groups of patients before treatment.The control group received conventional rehabilitation treatment,while the study group implemented the rehabilitation treatment based on the ICF concept and the PDCA"big loop with small loops"cyclic management mode on the basis of the control group.The basic information of the two groups of patients was compared,and the rehabilitation effects of the patients were comprehensively e-valuated by using the Fugl-Meyer assessment of upper and lower limb functions(with a total of 100 indicators),the Functional Independence Measure(FIM)score of daily activity ability(including 13 motor quality of life indicators and 5 cognitive quality of life indicators),and the satisfaction evaluation.Results After treatment,the scores of upper and lower limb function assess-ment and daily activity ability in both groups were significantly higher than those before treatment.Among them,all the scores of the study group were significantly better than those of the control group(P<0.01),and the satisfaction of the study group was also significantly improved compared with that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion The comprehensive quality control model based on the ICF concept and the PDCA cycle can significantly improve the rehabilitation effects and patient satisfaction of stroke patients in the recovery period.
10.Regulatory effects and mechanisms of exosomes derived from stem cells and macrophages on colitis
Yijia LIU ; Bin LIU ; Kui HU ; Yanfang CHEN ; De CAI
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(3):447-453
Colitis is a common inflammatory bowel disease whose pathogenesis is related to immune regula-tion and intestinal microbial homeostasis.Exosomes are membrane vesicles secreted by cells that contain proteins,lipids,and other substances.Stem cells and macrophages can participate in the regulation of related diseases by secreting exosomes.It has been found that exosomes of stem cell and macrophage origin are closely involved in the regulation of colitis,and exosomes derived from stem cells,especially mesenchymal stem cells,play an important role in anti-colitis.This article reviews the role and possible mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell-based and macrophage-derived exosomes in the regulation of colitis,aiming to provide ideas for in-depth study of colitis and new strategies for its treatment.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail