1.Mechanism of action of remifentanil in alleviating lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by modulating HIF-1α/NLRP3 pathway to inhibit cell pyroptosis
Lifang ZHAO ; Jiangong YANG ; Mingyong LI ; Kun SHAO ; Changli SHEN ; Jiajie LI ; Hong ZHU ; Liangchao QU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(3):395-401
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of action of remifentanil (RMZL) in alleviating lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis through modulating hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway. MethodsRats were stochastically assigned into Control group, LIRI group, RMZL low-dose group, RMZL medium-dose group, RMZL high-dose group, and RMZL high-dose+HIF-1α activator dimethyloxallyl glycine (DMOG) group, with 18 rats in each group. Rats in Control group only had their left pulmonary hilum free and did not undergo ischemia-reperfusion treatment. Except for the Control group, LIRI models were constructed in all other groups. Rats in LIRI group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of physiological saline 15 minutes before constructing LIRI model; rats in Control group were intraperitoneally injected with an equal amount of physiological saline 15 minutes before freeing left pulmonary hilum; rats in other groups were intraperitoneally injected with corresponding dose of drug 15 minutes before constructing LIRI model. The wet/dry weight ratio of lungs was calculated. HE staining was used to study lung tissue pathology. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the relative fluorescence intensity of gasdermin D (GSDMD) and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue. ELISA was used to detect interleukin-1β and IL-18 in lung tissue. Western blot was used to detect HIF-1α, NLRP3, cysteine-aspartic protease-1 (Cleaved caspase-1), and gasdermin D-N (GSDMD-N) proteins in lung tissue. ResultsCompared to the Control group, the LIRI group showed disordered alveolar structure, thickened alveolar septa, and abundant inflammatory cell infiltration in rats. The lung wet/dry weight ratio, relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue, IL-1β, IL-18 levels, and HIF-1α, NLRP3, Cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD-N proteins increased (P0.05). For the LIRI group, rats in the RMZL low, medium, and high-dose groups displayed attenuated alveolar septal thickening and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. The lung wet/dry weight ratio, relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue, IL-1β, IL-18 levels, and HIF-1α, NLRP3, Cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD-N proteins declined, and the RMZL high-dose group showed the most prominent trend (P0.05). Compared with the RMZL high-dose group, rats in the RMZL high-dose+DMOG group exhibited thickened alveolar septa and more inflammatory cell infiltration, along with increased lung wet/dry weight ratio, relative fluorescence intensity of GSDMD and NLRP3 double positive cells in lung tissue, levels of IL-1β and IL-18, and protein expression of HIF-1α, NLRP3, Cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD-N (P0.05). ConclusionRMZL may inhibit pyroptosis in LIRI rats by suppressing HIF-1α/NLRP3 pathway.
2.Carbon footprint accounting of traditional Chinese medicine extracts based on life cycle assessment: a case study of mulberry leaf extract from an enterprise.
Zhi-Min CI ; Jian-Xiang OU ; Qiang YU ; Chuan ZHENG ; Zhao-Qing PEI ; Li-Ping QU ; Ming YANG ; Li HAN ; Ding-Kun ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(1):120-129
Under the background of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, together with 15 national ministries and commissions, has formulated the Implementation Plan on Establishing a Carbon Footprint Management System, and it is urgent for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) pharmaceutical enterprises to carry out research on carbon footprint accounting methods of related products. Based on the life cycle assessment(LCA) theory, taking mulberry leaf extract produced by a certain enterprise as an example, this study analyzed the carbon footprint of TCM extracts during the life cycle. The results show that for every 1 kg of product produced, the carbon emissions from the stages of raw material acquisition, transportation, and extract production are-20.569, 1.205, and 173.577 kgCO_2eq(CO_2 equivalent), respectively. The carbon footprint of the product is 154.213 kgCO_2eq·kg~(-1). In addition, the carbon emission is the highest in the production stage, in which the consumption of ethanol solvents makes the greatest contribution to the carbon footprint, accounting for 25.71%, more than one-fourth of the total carbon footprint. The second contribution was from the treatment process of TCM residues, accounting for 19.67%, closely followed by wastewater treatment(17.71%), the consumption of hot steam(17.43%), and drinking water(16.90%). The consumption of electric power and packaging materials has a smaller carbon emission of 2.58%. In particular, the carbon emission caused by the consumption of packaging materials is only 0.04%, which is negligible. The results of the study are expected to provide a reference for TCM enterprises to carry out research on the carbon footprint of products, offer ideas for collaborative innovation in reducing pollution and carbon emissions throughout the entire industry chain of TCM, and develop new quality productivity of modern TCM industry based on green and low-carbon manufacturing.
Morus/chemistry*
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Plant Leaves/chemistry*
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Carbon Footprint
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*
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Plant Extracts/analysis*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
3.Current status and suggestions on regulation of traditional Chinese medicine raw materials and preparations under regulatory system of drugs.
Li-Ping QU ; Yong-Dan XU ; Wei-Jing HE ; Ding-Kun ZHANG ; Nan YANG ; Min-Xian SONG ; Zhi-Qiang MIN ; Ting-Mo ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):824-832
At present, the cause of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in China has entered a new period of high-quality development. How to strengthen the foundation for the TCM industry from the source is an important issue that deserves the attention of the authorities, industry, and academia. This study systematically analyzed the regulatory system of TCM raw materials and preparations. The study took the TCM industry chain and the product life cycle as a clue and focused on the dimensions of TCM resource protection and plant cultivation(farming), production and quality supervision of TCM raw materials and preparations, and their market access and distribution. It analyzed the current situation of the regulation of TCM raw materials and preparations under the regulatory system of drugs, discussed the main problems, and put forward corresponding suggestions. The results can provide an important reference value for the subsequent improvement of the regulatory system of drugs and the construction of a prominent regulatory system of drugs in accordance with TCM characteristics.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/economics*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*
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China
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Quality Control
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Humans
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Plants, Medicinal/chemistry*
4.Comparative analysis of the efficacy of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication for esophageal hiatal hernia
Sheng-Chang LIANG ; Jin-Lian WANG ; Yi-Bin GUO ; Qi ZHANG ; Yu-Peng ZHANG ; Ting-Bao CAO ; Kun-Peng QU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(9):1122-1128
Objective To investigate the postoperative efficacy of laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair(LHHR)combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication for the treatment of esophageal hiatal hernia(HH).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the case data of HH patients who underwent LHHR combined with Toupet(Toupet group,n=53)and Dor(Dor group,n=53)fundoplication between December 2018 and December 2022 in Department of General Surgery of Gansu Provincial Hospital.Intraoperative and postoperative recovery outcomes of both groups were observed.We analyzed and compared the incidence of dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire(GERD-Q)scores at preoperative and postoperative intervals of 1 month,6 months,and 1 year.The incidence of postoperative complications and the 1-year recurrence rate were compared between the two groups.Additionally,factors influencing postoperative dysphagia within the first month were examined.Results The differences between the two groups in operation time,intraoperative bleeding,postoperative ventilation time,postoperative extubation time and hospitalization time were not statistically significant(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of immediate postoperative dysphagia in two groups(P>0.05).Furthermore,the differences between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative complications,such as bloating,abdominal pain and diarrhea,were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The incidence of dysphagia in Toupet group was higher than that in Dor group at 1 month postoperatively,and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.017);but the difference in the incidence of dysphagia between the two groups at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively was not statistically significant(P=0.767,1.000).The results of binary logistic regression analysis showed that both surgical procedure(OR=2.613,95%CI 1.141-5.983,P=0.023)and esophageal contractile reserve function(OR=2.921,95%CI 1.203-7.095,P=0.018)were independent risk factors for the incidence of dysphagia in patients with HH at 1 month after surgery.Compared with the preoperative period,the GERD-Q symptom scores were lower in both groups at 1 month,6 months,and 1 year postoperatively,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the same time point(Fintergroup=0.334,P=0.565).The difference between the two groups in 1-year postoperative recurrence rates was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusions LHHR combined with Toupet or Dor fundoplication are both safe and effective surgical procedures for the treatment of HH,with excellent reflux control,fewer complications and lower recurrence rates,but Toupet fundoplication is more likely to have postoperative short-term dysphagia than Dor fundoplication.
5.Mechanism of electroacupuncture treating detrusor-bladder neck dyssynergia after suprasacral spinal cord injury by proteomics
Liya TANG ; Qirui QU ; Jincan LIU ; Ming XU ; Lu ZHOU ; Qiong LIU ; Kun AI
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(2):267-278
Objectives:
To elucidate the potential mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) in restoring detrusor-bladder neck dyssynergia (DBND) following suprasacral spinal cord injury (SSCI).
Methods:
A total of 52 specific pathogen-free (SPF) grade famale Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (10 – 12 weeks, 250 – 280 g) were randomly assigned to either a sham group (n = 12) or a spinal cord injury model group (n = 40). In the model group, DBND was induced through Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection at T10 level, with 24 rats meeting inclusion criteria and subsequently randomized into DBND group (n = 12) and EA intervention group (DBND + EA group, n = 12). After spinal shock recovery (day 19 after modeling), DBND + EA group received EA treatment at Ciliao (BL32), Zhongji (RN3), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints for 20 min per session at 10/50 Hz frequencies, once daily for 10 d. Sham and DBND groups received anesthesia only without EA intervention. On day 29 post-modeling, all rats underwent urodynamic assessments, followed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, tandem mass tag (TMT) proteomics, and Western blot (WB) analysis of detrusor and bladder neck tissues. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were defined as proteins with P < 0.05, unique peptides ≥ 2, and fold change > 1.2 or < 0.83. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was performed using KOBAS 3.0 (P < 0.01), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were analyzed using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) 11.5 and Cytoscape 3.9.1.
Results:
Compared with sham group, DBND group showed significantly elevated leak point pressure (LPP) and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) (both P < 0.01). EA treatment significantly reduced both LPP and MCC compared with DBND group (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). HE staining revealed that EA reduced detrusor fibrosis and improved bladder neck inflammation. TMT proteomics identified 30 overlapping DEPs in detrusor and 59 overlapping DEPs in bladder neck when comparing DBND + EA/DBND groups with sham group. In detrusor tissue, KEGG analysis revealed 10 significantly enriched pathways (P < 0.01), including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. PPI analysis showed 22 of 30 DEPs were interconnected. In bladder neck tissue, 14 pathways were significantly enriched (P < 0.01), including relaxin signaling pathway, with 51 of 59 DEPs showing interconnections. Both TMT and WB validations demonstrated that compared with sham controls, DBND rats exhibited upregulated collagen type IV alpha 2 chain (Col4a2) and downregulated guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(z) subunit alpha (Gnaz) in detrusor tissue, while EA treatment normalized both proteins (both P < 0.05). In bladder neck tissue, DBND rats showed decreased expression of smoothelin (Smtn) and calcium-activated potassium channel subunit beta-1 (Kcnmb1) compared with sham controls (both P < 0.01), which were both upregulated following EA treatment (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively).
Conclusion
EA restores detrusor-bladder neck coordination in DBND through dual-target mechanisms. In detrusor tissue, EA modulates contraction via extracellular matrix remodeling, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway regulation, and enhanced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosynthesis mediated by neurotransmitters. In bladder neck tissue, EA promotes relaxation by maintaining contractile phenotypes, reducing fibrosis, suppressing smooth muscle excitation, and regulating presynaptic neurotransmitter release. These findings provide mechanistic insights into EA's therapeutic role in managing DBND.
6.Application of Posterior Quadratus Lumborum Block in Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Liwei WANG ; Yuanli DUN ; Yao YAO ; Changyi WU ; Kun ZHANG ; Yinyin QU
Chinese Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery 2025;25(2):75-80
Objective To explore the safety and feasibility of posterior quadratus lumborum block(PQLB)in patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of 62 gynecological patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy from July 2021 to July 2024.The patients were divided into two groups based on the preoperative blocking method:the PQLB group and the transversus abdominis plane block(TAP)group,with 31 patients in each group.In the PQLB group,bilateral PQLB was performed under ultrasound guidance with 20 ml of 0.35%ropivacaine on each side.In the TAP group,bilateral transversus abdominis plane blocks were performed under ultrasound guidance with 20 ml of 0.4%or 0.5%ropivacaine on each side.The mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded before anesthesia(T0),at the time of the block(T1),at skin incision(T2),and during the recovery period(T3).The local anesthetic toxicity,nerve injury,intraoperative opioid consumption,postoperative remedial analgesic usage and dosage,as well as the incidence of nausea and vomiting,were monitored.Results The operations were successfully completed in all the 62 patients.No significant differences were observed between the two groups in mean arterial pressure(F=0.323,P=0.572)and heart rate(F=0.195,P=0.660)at 4 different time points.There were no significant differences in the dosage of anesthetic analgesics during surgery(Z=-0.458,P=0.647)and length of hospital stay(Z=-1.652,P=0.099)between the two groups.The postoperative remedial analgesic usage rate in the PQLB group was significantly lower than that in the TAP group(32.3%vs.74.2%,x2=10.949,P=0.000).Within 48 h after operation,the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs)dosage in the PQLB group was significantly lower than that in the TAP group[0(0,0)mg vs.400(0,1600)mg,Z=-4.849,P=0.000],and no significant difference was observed between the two groups in the use of opioid(tramadol)dosage(Z=-0.045,P=0.964).There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting(P>0.05).The scores of numeric rating scale for abdomial wall pain and visceral pain in the PQLB group at 12 and 24 h after surgery did not exceed 3 points.No local anesthetic toxicity or nerve injury was observed.Conclusion PQLB provides effective analgesia for patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy,offering better control of visceral pain,helping reduce intraoperative opioid consumption,and lowering the risk of postoperative adverse reactions.
7.Simultaneous residue determination and exposure risk assessment of eleven plant growth regulators in Renshen Guben preparations by HPLC-MS/MS
Wei-kun ZHU ; Jing WANG ; Guo-jing QU ; Yan-juan LIU ; Xi-bo DOU ; Dan-tong ZHAO
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(7):2255-2262
AIM To establish an HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous residue determination of 11 plant growth regulators(PGRs)in Renshen Guben preparations,and to conduct a risk assessment.METHODS The analysis was performed on a 40 ℃ thermostatic ACQUITY UPLC ? Waters HSS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.8 μm),with the mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1%formic acid(containing 5 mmol/L ammonium formate)flowing at 0.30 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and electro spray ionization was employed in both positive and negative ion scanning,with multiple reaction monitoring mode.The chronic and acute exposure risk values of the detected PGRs were calculated and assessed based on residue levels,health guidance values,and exposure estimates.RESULTS Eleven PGRs exhibited good linear relationships within their own ranges(R2 ≥ 0.990),whose average recoveries were 70.0%-120.0%,with RSDs all below 12.0%.In both oral liquid and pill forms,mepiquat chloride showed the highest average residue levels,while sodium 5-nitroguaiacolate exhibited the highest acute risk value(0.765 7,0.908 1)and chronic risk value(0.023 1,0.027 0).CONCLUSION Although PGRs residues are detected in Renshen Guben preparations,all levels remained within safe limits.
8.Moxibustion affects angiogenesis by regulating VEGF/Rho family proteins in knee joint synovial tissue of rats with adjuvant arthritis
Fang QI ; Qingze WU ; Yi CHEN ; Qirui QU ; Li LIU ; Xiaorong CHANG ; Kun AI ; Liang ZHANG ; Yanping YANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(4):287-295
Objective:To observe the effect of moxibustion on angiogenesis-related indicators in knee joint synovial tissue of adjuvant arthritis model rats,and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression in synovial tissue and further limiting the activation of Rho family proteins Rac1 and Cdc42,thereby inhibiting angiogenesis during rheumatoid arthritis(RA)treatment.Methods:Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into a normal group,a model group,a moxibustion group,and a moxibustion+VEGF agonist group according to the random principle.The complete Freund's adjuvant method was used for modeling.On the 12th day after modeling,the moxibustion group and the moxibustion+VEGF agonist group were subjected to suspended moxibustion at bilateral Zusanli(ST36),Guanyuan(CV4),and Ashi points for 20 min each time,once a day,for a total of 15 times.The moxibustion+VEGF agonist group received VEGF agonist(tirofiban hydrochloride hydrate)injection in the knee joint cavity at the same time.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the pathological changes of rat synovial tissue in each group.Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the CD31 expression level in rat synovial tissue.Western blotting was used to detect the levels of VEGF,Rac1,and Cdc42 protein in rat synovial tissue,and polymerase chain reaction(PCR)was used to detect the VEGF mRNA expression.Results:Compared to the normal group,the expression levels of CD31 protein and VEGF mRNA and protein in rat synovial tissue in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01),and the expression levels of phospho-Rac1 and phospho-Cdc42 proteins also increased significantly(P<0.01).After moxibustion intervention,the expression levels of CD31 protein and VEGF mRNA and protein in the moxibustion group were significantly lower than those in the model group(P<0.01),while the differences in each indicator between the moxibustion+VEGF agonist group and the model group were not statistically significant(P>0.05).Compared to the moxibustion group,the expression levels of CD31 protein,VEGF mRNA and protein,phospho-Cdc42,and phospho-Rac1 in the moxibustion+VEGF agonist group increased significantly(P<0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion improved synovial inflammation in RA by inhibiting angiogenesis.The mechanism may be to regulate angiogenesis-related VEGF,restrict the activation of Rac1 and Cdc42,and inhibit pseudopodia formation in vascular endothelial cells,thereby reducing angiogenesis.
9.Comparison of femoral neck system and inverted triangle cannulated screws in treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults
Zhichao WANG ; Ping GU ; Ji WANG ; Xinfei QU ; Beibei ZHANG ; Mingming ZHANG ; Kun ZANG ; Wei ZHANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(7):745-750
Objective To compare the effectiveness of femoral neck system(FNS)and inverted triangle cannulated screws(ITCS)in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 106 young and middle-aged patients who had been surgically treated for femoral neck fracture at our hospital from December 2020 to June 2022.The patients were assigned to FNS group(57 cases)or ITCS group(49 cases)according to the different internal fixations.The operation time,intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency,intraoperative blood loss,extra assisted reduction procedures(Kirschner wire prying reduction or open reduction),hospital stays,healing time,complications,postoperative recovery,and follow-up duration were compared between the two groups.Results The operation time,fluoroscopy frequency,and healing time in the FNS group were less than those in the ITCS group(P<0.001).The shortening degree and length of femoral neck in moderate and severe patients of the FNS group were lower than those of the ITCS group(P<0.001).The Harris score of the FNS group was higher than that of the ITCS group 12 months after surgery(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss,reduction assistance,Garden index,or hospital stays between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion FNS is a better choice for internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures than ITCS,with faster recovery and less postoperative complications.
10.Comparison of femoral neck system and inverted triangle cannulated screws in treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults
Zhichao WANG ; Ping GU ; Ji WANG ; Xinfei QU ; Beibei ZHANG ; Mingming ZHANG ; Kun ZANG ; Wei ZHANG
Journal of Navy Medicine 2025;46(7):745-750
Objective To compare the effectiveness of femoral neck system(FNS)and inverted triangle cannulated screws(ITCS)in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in young adults.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 106 young and middle-aged patients who had been surgically treated for femoral neck fracture at our hospital from December 2020 to June 2022.The patients were assigned to FNS group(57 cases)or ITCS group(49 cases)according to the different internal fixations.The operation time,intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency,intraoperative blood loss,extra assisted reduction procedures(Kirschner wire prying reduction or open reduction),hospital stays,healing time,complications,postoperative recovery,and follow-up duration were compared between the two groups.Results The operation time,fluoroscopy frequency,and healing time in the FNS group were less than those in the ITCS group(P<0.001).The shortening degree and length of femoral neck in moderate and severe patients of the FNS group were lower than those of the ITCS group(P<0.001).The Harris score of the FNS group was higher than that of the ITCS group 12 months after surgery(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss,reduction assistance,Garden index,or hospital stays between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion FNS is a better choice for internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures than ITCS,with faster recovery and less postoperative complications.

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